How an Indian Scholar Won the Fully Funded Chevening Scholarship to Pursue His MSc in Environment, Politics, and Development at SOAS, University of London

My name is Abhishek Kumar, and I come from the tribal state of Jharkhand in eastern India. Raised in a coal-mining district, I grew up witnessing firsthand the long-lasting impact of extractive industries on both the environment and the lives of marginalized communities. These early experiences inspired me to pursue a career in public service, one focused on addressing systemic inequalities in livelihood/skilling opportunities, environmental justice, and development. Over the past eight years, I have worked across several Indian states in diverse roles involving policy implementation, CSR advisory, skill development, and social sector innovation. I hold a Master’s in Social Work from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, and have completed the Urban Fellowship at the Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS), Bengaluru. In 2023, I moved to the United Kingdom to pursue an MSc in Environment, Politics, and Development at SOAS, University of London, a decision shaped by my commitment to deepening my engagement with the politics of development and the global discourse on Just Transition. I currently work with GIZ, an international development agency, as a Private Sector Advisor for the GIZ project “Application of Just Transition Principles in the Closure and Repurposing of Coal Mines in India” based out of Delhi, and my intervention area is central India.

Chevening Scholarship Details

In 2023, I was honoured to be selected for the prestigious Chevening Scholarship, awarded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. I was selected among the top 2% of the total 64000 applicants across the globe. This scholarship covered my full tuition fees at SOAS, along with a monthly living stipend, visa costs, international travel, and additional allowances. The total support helped me in enabling me to fully dedicate myself to my academic and professional development in the UK. It would not have been possible to pursue my Degree from the UK if the FCDO had not funded my journey, and I am grateful to them for providing me with this opportunity.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

In addition to the Chevening Scholarship, I received a 100% tuition waiver to attend the Urban Fellowship Programme at the Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS), Bengaluru, in 2018. I was also offered admission to similar postgraduate programs in Environment and Development at the University of Sussex and the University of Leeds, although these did not come with full funding. Ultimately, Chevening was the most comprehensive in its support and closely aligned with my long-term goals.

Educational Background

I pursued my MSc in Environment, Politics, and Development at SOAS, London (2023-24), where I focused on global political ecology, environmental governance, and energy transitions. Before that, I was part of the Urban Fellowship Programme at the Indian Institute for Human Settlements (2019-20), Bengaluru, India, which provided interdisciplinary training in urban development, planning, sanitation, and municipal finance. My academic journey began with an M.A. in Social Work, Dalit and Tribal Studies and Action from Tata Institute of Social Sciences (2013-15), Mumbai, where I gained a strong foundation in sociology, development economics, policy analysis, and qualitative research. These academic experiences, coupled with my field-based work, enabled me to develop an interdisciplinary perspective essential for tackling complex issues around sustainable development and governance.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to SOAS, University of London?

I began preparing nearly half a year in advance. I conducted in-depth research into universities and courses that matched my thematic interests, particularly those addressing the political economy of development, coal mining, environmental justice, and indigenous rights. I reviewed course modules, studied faculty profiles, and explored the work of alumni to understand how each program could contribute to my growth. I relied heavily on university websites, Chevening.org, webinars hosted by the British Council, and platforms like LinkedIn to connect with past scholars and current students. Since most UK institutions and Chevening do not require GRE or GMAT, I instead focused on building strong personal essays and a coherent CV.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Chevening Scholarship?

For the Chevening application, I began preparing my essays three to four months in advance to allow sufficient time for deep reflection and multiple rounds of revision. I structured my responses around Chevening’s core themes: leadership, relationship-building, academic rationale, and long-term career goals using personal narratives that highlighted tangible impact and lived experiences. To ensure clarity and coherence, I sought feedback from Chevening alumni and mentors, whose insights were invaluable in strengthening the flow and focus of each essay. I was meticulous in aligning every answer with Chevening’s broader vision of nurturing global leaders committed to collaborative, long-term change. An essential resource in this process was the official Chevening website (https://www.chevening.org/), which provided detailed guidance and essay-writing strategies. One particularly helpful framework recommended was the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, and Result, which enabled me to articulate my journey with precision, depth, and authenticity. Additionally, I dedicated time to carefully selecting my referees, ensuring that those who had closely witnessed my professional and leadership evolution could speak meaningfully to my potential.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because of the diversity and depth of my professional experience. My work designing the “Ghadda Khodo Abhiyan” in Simdega and the “Rani Mistry” programme with women masons demonstrated both grassroots leadership and policy-level innovation. I had also led a multi-stakeholder skill development initiative in Godda district and a district-wide job fair in Delhi that connected over a thousand school students to job opportunities. My consistent focus on community-led development, especially in tribal and mining-affected areas, resonated with Chevening’s emphasis on leadership, influence, and lasting impact. Additionally, my academic and professional alignment with environmental governance and Just Transition themes contributed to a compelling narrative.

What Would You Have Done Differently?

If I were to go through the process again, I would begin my preparation even earlier, ideally six months before the deadline. This would give me more time for thoughtful introspection, multiple essay drafts, and careful proofreading. I would also proactively reach out to Chevening alumni and mentors at the outset to gain early insights and feedback. Their perspectives are invaluable, particularly when preparing for the interview stage, which demands clarity of thought, confidence, and an authentic articulation of one’s vision and values.

One suggestion I would humbly offer to the UK government and the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) is to consider waiving application fees for universities such as LSE, Cambridge, Oxford, and other top institutions. While the Chevening award itself is incredibly generous, the high cost of university application fees often discourages talented candidates from developing nations, especially those from underrepresented geographies like tribal-dominated, mining-affected regions such as Jharkhand. Removing these financial barriers would make the process more inclusive and empower more students from Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns to aim for world-class institutions, thereby strengthening the very vision of equitable global leadership that Chevening aspires to build.

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

Start early and take the application seriously. Spend time reflecting on your journey and craft essays that tell an authentic, genuine, story-driven narrative. Highlight impact and your role rather than mere responsibilities. Reach out to past scholars via LinkedIn or alumni networks; they are usually generous with their guidance. Be specific about your goals and show how your future plans align with the values of the scholarship. Most importantly, do not self-reject. Apply even if you feel your story isn’t perfect. Passion, purpose, and clarity of vision often matter more than titles or degrees.

How Is (Was) Your Experience at SOAS, University of London?

My experience at SOAS was intellectually enriching and deeply transformative. The university offers a distinctive lens through which to understand development, particularly through its emphasis on political ecology and the political economy of development. The programme goes beyond conventional approaches to development economics by encouraging students to critically engage with historical and structural factors such as imperialism, colonialism, and global capitalism. This theoretical grounding enables a more nuanced understanding of contemporary global inequalities, economic, political, and social.

What I particularly valued was the way the curriculum integrates both qualitative and critical perspectives, allowing students to explore the causes and consequences of global power imbalances and to question dominant narratives that shape international development discourse. Rather than focusing solely on data-driven debates, SOAS fosters a deeper exploration of how systems operate and for whom they work, which in turn helps explain persistent disparities and systemic challenges in countries like India and across the Global South.

Equally important to the academic rigor is the openness and accessibility of the faculty. Professors like Christopher Cramer, Jonathan, Lisa Tilley, Andrew, Tim, and others are not only highly knowledgeable in their respective fields but are also approachable and receptive to questions, dialogue, and critique. Their willingness to engage with students both inside and outside the classroom created a supportive learning environment that encouraged critical thinking and open discussion, something I found especially valuable as an international student navigating complex global issues.

One area that could be further strengthened is the integration of hard, market-ready skills within the core curriculum, particularly in areas such as data analysis, data visualization tools, or other digital research methods. While these are not typically the central focus of global institutions like SOAS, and can certainly be pursued through separate certifications, incorporating even basic exposure to such tools within the academic framework could better equip students for the increasingly data-driven demands of the development sector. Nonetheless, the critical thinking and analytical depth cultivated at SOAS form a strong foundation that allows graduates to adapt and thrive across varied professional contexts.

How Do You Rate SOAS, University of London, Academically and Why?

I would rate SOAS as one of the top institutions globally for the study of development, primarily because of its outstanding faculty and the strength of its Department of Development Studies and Economics. What sets SOAS apart is not only its critical academic orientation but also the flexibility of the British education system, which allows students to explore subjects across departments, making the learning experience truly interdisciplinary. The pedagogy and carefully curated reading lists are intellectually rigorous and designed to challenge conventional thinking, encouraging students to engage deeply with complex global issues.

One of the most empowering aspects of studying at SOAS is the academic culture that fosters the confidence to question and critique established systems, but to do so in a structured, well-reasoned, and data-informed manner. The programme trains students to develop strong analytical skills and to communicate their arguments effectively. Its central London location offers a significant advantage; being situated among other leading institutions such as UCL and LSE creates a dynamic academic environment filled with seminars, events, and opportunities for collaboration. Additionally, the libraries in and around SOAS, including Senate House and the British Library, are a paradise for avid readers and researchers, providing access to world-class academic resources.

An unexpected but heartwarming aspect of student life is the daily food service provided just outside the SOAS campus by the Hare Krishna charitable initiative. Every afternoon, free vegetarian meals including fresh fruits are served to more than 150 students, without fail. This gesture of kindness not only reflects the spirit of community in the area but also goes a long way in easing the cost of living for students. It’s a small but meaningful comfort that many international students deeply appreciate, a cherry on top of the rich academic and cultural experience SOAS offers.