MSc Sustainable Chemical Engineering Student Adetoro Adetayo from Nigeria Shares His Journey of Studying at the University of Bath, United Kingdom

My name is Adetoro Adetayo, and I am originally from Nigeria. I hold a Master’s degree in Sustainable Chemical Engineering from the University of Bath in the United Kingdom.

My academic journey has always been guided by a strong interest in engineering solutions that address environmental and sustainability challenges. During my undergraduate studies in Chemical Engineering, I became increasingly interested in how engineering systems could be redesigned to reduce environmental impact and improve resource efficiency. This interest motivated me to pursue postgraduate studies in sustainable engineering.

I eventually enrolled in the MSc Sustainable Chemical Engineering program at the University of Bath in 2019. The program stood out to me because of its strong integration of engineering, environmental systems, and sustainability thinking. It provided the opportunity to explore practical solutions in areas such as water treatment, resource efficiency, and circular economy systems.

Today, my work sits at the intersection of sustainability, research, and strategic advisory services, where I collaborate with organizations and institutions to develop knowledge-driven solutions that advance environmental and social impact.

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship in the science and technology for development category, funded by the UK government in partnership with UK universities, to study for an MSc in Sustainable Chemical Engineering at the University of Bath. The scholarship is a fully funded award designed for students from developing Commonwealth countries who demonstrate strong academic potential and a commitment to contributing to development in their home countries.

The scholarship covered: full tuition fees at the University of Bath, a monthly living stipend,  study-related allowances, and travel costs to and from the UK. This financial support made it possible for me to pursue my master’s degree in the UK without financial constraints while focusing fully on my academic and research work.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

Yes. I Was Also Awarded the Petroleum Technology Development Fund Overseas Scholarship for the MSc Advanced Chemical Engineering program at Cranfield University.

The scholarship covered: full tuition fees for the 2019/2020 academic year and a monthly living stipend.

Receiving two fully funded scholarships at the same time was an incredible moment, but it also required making a difficult decision. After careful consideration, I decided to accept the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship to study at the University of Bath and declined the PTDF scholarship.

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Chemical Engineering at Covenant University in Nigeria, graduating with First Class Honors and a CGPA of 4.91/5.00.

During my undergraduate studies, I focused strongly on research and technical problem-solving. My thesis explored the development of printing ink and shoe polish using locally sourced Nigerian carbon black derived from waste tire pyrolysis. This research allowed me to investigate how local resources and circular economy principles could be used to create sustainable industrial products. I was also recognized as the Best Graduating Student in the Chemical Engineering Department at Covenant University.

My academic training exposed me to several important areas of chemical engineering, including process design, environmental systems, and industrial manufacturing. This strong foundation made it easier to transition into the interdisciplinary field of sustainable chemical engineering, which combines engineering principles with environmental and sustainability considerations.

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

Preparing for international university applications required a combination of research, organization, and early preparation.

First, I identified the regions where I wanted to study, initially focusing on the United States and Canada. However, after exploring various options, I began looking at programs in the UK as well. I carefully reviewed university websites to understand program structures and curricula, research focus areas, entry and English language requirements, and scholarship opportunities linked to the programs.

Once I identified suitable programs, I began preparing the core documents required for applications, including: Academic CV, Statement of Purpose, Academic transcripts, Degree certificates, Reference letters, and English test scores. I also created a checklist to track deadlines and document requirements for each application. This helped me stay organized throughout the process.

How Did You Find Information About Commonwealth Shared Scholarship and University of Bath?

Finding scholarships required extensive research and persistence. I relied on several sources: university websites, scholarship databases, professional networks, scholarship search platforms, and LinkedIn discussions.

One particularly memorable moment was when my mum sent me a link to the

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship shortly after the new year. At the time, the application window had already opened, so I had to move quickly to complete my application before the deadline.

While exploring the scholarship website, I realized that applicants could apply to more than one eligible university under the program. This led me to apply to a second university shortly before the deadline, and that institution ultimately nominated me for the scholarship.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

Yes, I took the TOEFL iBT exam as part of the application requirements. I achieved a score of 95. To prepare for the test, I focused on improving my performance across the four sections: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. My preparation involved practicing with online sample tests, reviewing common question formats, and improving my time management during mock exams.

Because English had already been the primary language of instruction during my undergraduate studies, the preparation process was mainly about familiarizing myself with the exam format and refining my responses.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship?

Preparing for the scholarship application required careful attention to detail. I started by thoroughly reviewing the scholarship guidelines and eligibility requirements. Understanding the scholarship’s goals helped me tailor my essays and application materials to reflect the program’s priorities.

One of the most important parts of the application was writing strong essays. I ensured that my essays clearly addressed: my academic journey, my motivation for studying sustainable engineering, the relevance of my chosen program, and how my work could contribute to development in Nigeria. I also asked trusted mentors to review my essays and provide feedback before submission. This helped refine my ideas and ensure clarity.

Another important step was preparing my referees early. I contacted professors who knew my academic work well and gave them sufficient time to submit their recommendation letters before the deadline.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Several factors likely contributed to the strength of my application. My academic performance demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence: I graduated with a first-class degree and a very high GPA, providing a solid foundation for further study.

Beyond grades, my application emphasized the connection between my academic interests and real-world challenges. I focused on how sustainable engineering can help address environmental and development issues, particularly in developing economies like Nigeria, where resource efficiency and environmental protection are increasingly critical.

I also paid close attention to the quality of every component of my application. My essays were carefully written and tailored to the scholarship's mission, clearly explaining my motivations, goals, and the impact I hoped to have through my studies. I made sure all documents were well-organized, complete, and aligned with the scholarship requirements. In addition, my research experience and long-standing interest in sustainability align closely with the program's focus, which strengthens the overall narrative of my application.

My journey was also guided by faith. Throughout the process, I trusted God to direct my path and remained hopeful even when outcomes were uncertain, which helped me approach the application process with perseverance and confidence.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

If I were going through the process again, I would probably start my preparation even earlier. Although my applications were successful, the process involved some last-minute submissions due to tight deadlines. Beginning the process earlier would have allowed more time to refine essays, explore additional programs, and prepare supporting documents.

I would also spend more time identifying a broader range of scholarships across regions to increase the number of available opportunities.

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

My biggest advice is to start early and approach the process strategically. Conduct thorough research. Understand the requirements and goals of each scholarship before applying. This helps ensure your application aligns with the scholarship committee's criteria.

Prepare your core documents in advance. These typically include: CV, academic transcripts, degree certificates, English test scores, an international passport, and reference letters. Having these ready makes it much easier to complete applications efficiently.

Take essay writing seriously. Scholarship essays often play a major role in selection decisions. Ensure that your essays sell your unique story.

Stay organized. Create a spreadsheet or tracking system to manage deadlines, requirements, and submission status for each application.

Applying for scholarships can be challenging, but with persistence, preparation, and careful planning, it is absolutely possible to succeed.