How Abdulsalam Aderibigbe from Nigeria Secured a Chevening Scholarship to Pursue an MSc in International Business Management at the University of Surrey

My name is Abdulsalam Aderibigbe, and I am from Nigeria. I have over five years of experience in the field of business and entrepreneurship development, with professional experience that spans Nigeria, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Bangladesh. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, and a Master of Science in International Business Management from the University of Surrey, United Kingdom, where I graduated with distinction and received the Surrey Business School Prize for achieving the highest overall average in my programme.

I am a proud alumnus of both the prestigious Mandela Washington Fellowship, where I studied Business and Entrepreneurship Leadership at the University of Notre Dame, and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s Chevening Scholarship. I also participated in the Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Enrichment Institute at Dartmouth College in 2022. Most recently, I served as a Social Enterprise Development Advisor with Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO), where I supported over 500 women- and youth-led businesses in Bangladesh. My interest in business and entrepreneurship development stems from a strong desire to contribute to inclusive economic growth and create opportunities in underserved communities.

This also informed my interest in the MSc. International Business Management programme and has continued to shape my current research focus on SME internationalisation, particularly how small and medium enterprises in developing economies can leverage diaspora networks in developed countries to facilitate market entry and growth.

Chevening Scholarship Details

In 2022, I was awarded the prestigious Chevening Scholarship. The scholarship is a fully funded award that covers full tuition fees, living expenses, return airfare to and from the UK, as well as costs associated with visa applications and health insurance. It is a highly competitive scholarship designed to support future leaders, influencers, and decision-makers from around the world. At the time, I was also exploring other funding opportunities but chose to commit fully to the Chevening Scholarship due to its global reputation, opportunities, and access to a lifelong alumni network.

Educational Background

As earlier mentioned, I hold a Bachelor's degree in Linguistics from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, where I graduated with a 2:2. Although my undergraduate studies were in the humanities, the analytical skills I developed during that time have proven highly transferable and valuable in the field of business and entrepreneurship. By the time I applied for the Chevening Scholarship and the MSc in International Business Management at the University of Surrey, I had already accumulated over three years of hands-on professional experience in business and entrepreneurship development. This included running my own business (S.A. LeatherWorks) and my participation in the Mandela Washington Fellowship under the Business and Entrepreneurship Leadership track at the University of Notre Dame. These practical experiences make up for the lack of a directly related academic background, strengthen my application, and prepare me well for postgraduate studies in international business.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Surrey?

The Chevening Scholarship application process is straightforward but highly competitive. It requires applicants to demonstrate leadership potential, professional experience, and a strong vision for the future. To prepare, I dedicated time to reflecting on my professional journey and identifying specific examples that aligned with Chevening’s selection criteria, particularly in areas such as leadership, networking, career goals, and the impact I hoped to make in my home country. For the academic component of the application, I researched UK universities offering master’s programmes aligned with my interests in international business and entrepreneurship. I ultimately applied to three institutions:

1. University of Sussex – Received an unconditional offer
2. University of Surrey – Received an unconditional offer (final choice)
3. University of Dundee – Received a conditional offer

Regarding language proficiency, I met the English language requirements based on my academic and professional background and was therefore exempted from taking additional standardised tests such as IELTS or TOEFL, as allowed by the universities I applied to. In preparing my applications, I relied mainly on official university websites, Chevening’s official platform, YouTube videos, and resources from past scholars. I also joined relevant WhatsApp groups and attended webinars, which helped me better understand how to position my profile and tailor my personal statements. Peer reviews and feedback from previous Chevening Scholars were especially helpful in refining my essays and ensuring clarity of purpose in my submissions.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

Having successfully gone through the Chevening Scholarship application process, my advice to prospective applicants is to start early and plan strategically. The Chevening Scholarship is highly competitive and only about less than 2-3% of applicants are selected annually. In my experience, it takes about 2 years to build the kind of professional and leadership profile that aligns with Chevening’s selection criteria. While the application itself opens annually around August and closes in early November, crafting a compelling and competitive submission requires months of reflection, revision, and feedback.

• Start building your profile early—take up leadership roles, engage in community or professional impact work, and clarify your career goals.
• Utilise available resources online, including Chevening’s official website, webinars, alumni videos, and sample essays.
• Connect with past and current Chevening Scholars who, at their convenience, are often happy to provide guidance and review your essays.
• Tailor your application essays to reflect your authentic journey, clearly showing how the scholarship fits into your career plans and how you intend to contribute to your home country after your studies.

Lastly, do not be discouraged if you don’t get selected. Not being awarded the scholarship does not invalidate the good work you are doing or your potential. Rejections are part of the journey, and perseverance often pays off. Keep learning, growing, and applying (even beyond Chevening), you only need one “yes” to move forward.