Chevening Scholar, Adnan Anjum Saeed Akhter from Pakistan, Pursues a Master’s in Development Studies at the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), University of Sussex

My name is Adnan Anjum Saeed Akhter, and I am from Islamabad, Pakistan. Over the past decade, I have worked extensively in the development sector, with a focus on democracy, governance, elections, civic participation, and human rights. I currently lead the Program Development, Advocacy, and Innovation team at the Trust for Democratic Education and Accountability (TDEA), which governs the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN), Pakistan’s first network of networks comprising over 500 civil society organizations. My work has taken me to all corners of the country, where my interaction with some of the poorest communities has often stood in stark contrast to my engagements with the political establishment and the international donor community. At times, the managerial jargon of development policy and the prevailing “good governance” agenda have seemed disconnected from the realities of ordinary citizens. This dissonance between theory and practice deeply influenced my decision to pursue a Master’s in Development Studies at the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), University of Sussex – a program consistently ranked number one in the world. IDS offered me the opportunity to critically examine these contradictions and explore ways of bridging them, particularly in relation to the governance doctrine and its application in countries like Pakistan.

In my professional journey, I have led large-scale, donor-funded initiatives aimed at strengthening democracy and citizen oversight. As Director of Programs for USAID’s Citizens’ Voice Project (USD 45 million), I oversaw more than 50 grants worth nearly USD 10 million, including the nationwide observation of Pakistan’s 2018 General Elections with over 20,000 observers. The resulting evidence informed reform recommendations later adopted by the Election Commission of Pakistan. I also pioneered Pakistan’s first independent legislative observation framework, developed the parliamentary information portal www.openparliament.pk, and introduced parliamentarians’ performance scorecards, now widely used to promote accountability. These experiences showed me the urgency of finding new governance modalities to respond to Pakistan’s challenges – rising extremism, chronic energy shortages, weak political will, and an increasingly passive citizenry. While these challenges are not unique to Pakistan and echo broader global shifts in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, they underscore the critical need for innovative approaches to governance. My decision to study at IDS was therefore not just about academic advancement, but about equipping myself with the intellectual tools, critical perspective, and practical strategies to bridge the gap between policy rhetoric and the lived realities of citizens.

Chevening Scholarship Details

I was awarded the highly prestigious Chevening Master’s Scholarship by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office. This is a fully funded scholarship that covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other allowances, allowing scholars to focus solely on their studies and professional development. I used this scholarship to pursue a Master’s degree in Development Studies at the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), University of Sussex. Being a Chevening scholar was not only a matter of financial support but also a recognition of my leadership potential and my commitment to contributing to positive change in Pakistan. The Chevening program is known globally for selecting individuals who can act as change agents in their societies, and for me, this was a validation of my journey and a responsibility to maximize the opportunity by developing knowledge, networks, and skills that I could bring back home.

Educational Background

My academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Development Studies from Iqra University, Islamabad, where I graduated with a CGPA of 3.5. The degree exposed me to a wide range of subjects, including development economics, social policy, and international development debates, and it sharpened my analytical and writing skills. More importantly, it gave me the intellectual curiosity to question how development policies are framed and why they succeed or fall short in practice. This academic grounding prepared me well to take on complex assignments early in my career, where I was tasked with designing, managing, and evaluating programs focused on democracy, governance, and citizen participation.

While my undergraduate studies gave me theoretical foundations, it was my professional journey that helped me realize the importance of linking lived experiences with academic inquiry. Working on a range of governance and democracy programs, I often saw gaps between development rhetoric and ground realities, which motivated me to explore these contradictions through further academic study. This led me to the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), University of Sussex, where I pursued a Master’s in Development Studies with a concentration in Governance, Democracy, and Development. My MA thesis, Voting Behaviour in Urban Pakistan, was directly inspired by my work on elections and citizen oversight. It allowed me to interrogate my practical experiences through rigorous research methods, demonstrating how my academic training and professional expertise reinforced one another. My academic background and career trajectory provided me with the ability to critically analyse governance challenges while designing evidence-based, context-specific solutions.

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

Preparing to apply to institutions required a careful combination of research, networking, and self-reflection. I began by identifying graduate programs that closely aligned with my professional focus on democracy, governance, and development. After extensive research, I applied to the London School of Economics (LSE), SOAS University of London, the University of East Anglia, and the University of Edinburgh, and I was fortunate to receive offers of admission from all of them. However, my first choice was always the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), University of Sussex, because of its unmatched global reputation in Development Studies and the rigor of its programs. IDS has consistently been ranked number one worldwide in the discipline, and what particularly appealed to me was its unique combination of academic excellence and practitioner-oriented research. I wanted an environment where I could critically interrogate the governance challenges I had experienced in Pakistan while also learning from a diverse cohort of international peers. IDS offered precisely that balance, and I felt it was the best platform to refine my analytical skills and broaden my perspective on development practice.

To prepare for these applications, I relied heavily on official sources such as the Chevening portal, university websites, and the IDS course pages to understand programmatic requirements. I also reached out to alumni, colleagues, and mentors who had studied abroad, and their insights were really helpful in understanding the academic culture in the UK as well as how to strengthen my applications. Since my earlier degrees were taught entirely in English, I had no difficulty with language requirements. I took the IELTS examination, where I achieved a score of 8.0. This further strengthened my applications and ensured I met the formal criteria across all the universities I applied to. With the institutional fit established, I focused my efforts on crafting personal statements and scholarship essays that were not only evidence-based and reflective but also clearly tied to my career ambitions of advancing democratic governance and citizen accountability in Pakistan.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Chevening Scholarship?

Preparing for the Chevening Scholarship required discipline, reflection, and a clear articulation of my career trajectory. I devoted significant time to understanding what Chevening values most: leadership, networking, and a credible post-study plan. I carefully structured my essays around concrete examples from my professional journey, such as my contributions to the largest citizen observation effort during Pakistan’s 2013 general elections with over 45,000 observers and spearheading the creation of openparliament.pk, the country’s first digital portal for parliamentary transparency. Rather than simply describing these achievements, I focused on the outcomes they produced – such as strengthening electoral reforms and improving citizens’ access to legislative data. I also worked on articulating how these experiences had shaped me as a leader and why advanced study in the UK was a necessary next step. To prepare for the interview stage, I practiced extensively, refining my ability to tell my story in a concise but compelling way and anticipating questions about my leadership, career goals, and the relevance of UK study to Pakistan’s democratic challenges.

A crucial part of my preparation was demonstrating my long-term commitment to Pakistan. From the very beginning, I emphasized in my essays and interviews that my plan was to return home and apply my learning to strengthen democratic institutions. Having traveled across Pakistan and witnessed the stark disparities between policymaking circles and the lived realities of marginalized communities, I wanted to bridge that gap. Even though I later received job offers in Europe after completing my degree, I chose to come back to Pakistan because I believed my country needed committed professionals to design and implement reforms from within. This clarity of purpose, combined with a demonstrable track record and a realistic post-study plan – such as institutionalizing parliamentary performance metrics and enhancing citizen engagement – gave my application a sense of authenticity and direction that aligned closely with Chevening’s vision.

How is (was) Your Experience at the University of Sussex?

My experience at the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), University of Sussex, was transformative academically and personally. IDS is unique in that it combines rigorous theoretical training with strong links to real-world policy and practice. I was surrounded by a diverse cohort of students from around the globe, which created a vibrant learning environment where classroom discussions were enriched by multiple perspectives. The faculty were world-renowned experts in their fields, and their mentorship helped me refine my thesis on urban voting behaviour in Pakistan. Beyond the classroom, I participated in workshops and seminars, which expanded my professional networks and exposed me to cutting-edge debates in governance and development. The institution’s culture of critical inquiry and its focus on applied research deeply influenced how I think about democracy and accountability today.

How Do You Rate the University of Sussex Academically and Why?

I rate IDS extremely highly in academic terms. It has consistently been ranked as the number one institution globally for Development Studies, and this is evident in the quality of its faculty, research output, and teaching methodologies. What makes IDS exceptional is its ability to blend theory with practice — research is never isolated from real-world application, and this approach resonated deeply with me as a practitioner-scholar. The institution also attracts a diverse body of students and faculty, creating a global environment of exchange and collaboration. For someone interested in governance, democracy, and citizen engagement, IDS provided unparalleled access to thought leaders, research opportunities, and networks.

How Does the University of Sussex Support International Students?

The IDS–University of Sussex provided outstanding support for international students, ensuring that we could adapt academically and socially. From the very beginning, orientation sessions and induction workshops helped us settle into academic life, while the institution’s advanced academic training, research guidance, and career development services strengthened our skills throughout the program. What made the support truly exceptional, however, was the mentorship of faculty. I was fortunate to have Shandana Khan Mohammad as my thesis supervisor, whose guidance was instrumental in shaping my dissertation on Voting Behaviour in Urban Pakistan. Beyond supervision, learning directly from renowned scholars such as Robert Chambers, Richard Jolly, Mick Moore, Miguel Loureiro, John Gaventa, Rosemary McGee, Mariz Tadros, Patta Scott-Villiers, Martin Greeley, and Hayley MacGregor was an extraordinary privilege. Their lectures and seminars not only broadened my perspective but also inspired me to engage critically with global debates on governance, democracy, and development.

Beyond academics, IDS cultivated a genuinely supportive environment for international students through cultural events and peer networks that eased the challenges of studying abroad. The Chevening community added another layer of support by connecting me with a global network of scholars and practitioners, offering mentorship, peer learning, and long-term professional connections. I would also like to acknowledge Louise Thompson, my focal point for Chevening, whose guidance and support were invaluable throughout my time there. This combination of academic rigor, faculty mentorship, and community support made my experience at IDS deeply enriching and allowed me to focus fully on my intellectual growth while feeling a strong sense of belonging.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because I was able to demonstrate significant leadership achievements early in my career, well before applying for the Chevening Scholarship. At the time of my application, I had already played a pivotal role in helping the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) establish itself as one of Pakistan’s leading civil society networks. I led the implementation of Pakistan’s first independent citizen-led observation of legislatures, which quickly became a flagship initiative of the organization. I also helped develop a methodology for monitoring legislative proceedings and standing committees, which was later acknowledged in a joint study by the World Bank and the National Democratic Institute. These experiences showed that even as a young professional, I was capable of designing innovative accountability mechanisms that had credibility and policy relevance.

In addition, my work at TDEA-FAFEN gave me extensive experience in program design and advocacy campaigns focused on governance, rights, and civic engagement. I had successfully managed advocacy and research projects on youth participation, transparency, and inclusion, coordinating with diverse stakeholders and ensuring measurable outcomes. These achievements were reinforced by my commitment to return to Pakistan and apply what I learned to strengthen democratic institutions. In my essays, I made a strong case for why IDS was my first choice: its unparalleled global reputation, its rigorous programs, and its faculty’s expertise in governance and development provided exactly the intellectual environment I needed to bridge the gap between development theory and the realities I had observed in Pakistan. By combining early leadership achievements, a strong academic background, and a clear post-study plan, I was able to present a competitive and compelling application that aligned closely with Chevening’s vision of nurturing future leaders who contribute meaningfully to their home countries.

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

Looking back, I feel that my journey through the Chevening application process unfolded in a way that prepared me well and allowed me to present a strong case. If I were to approach it again, I would probably place even greater emphasis on systematic planning – particularly in documenting my professional achievements with quantitative indicators and archiving evidence of impact as they happened. While my examples were compelling and relevant, presenting them with more data would have further strengthened the case I was making. Similarly, taking additional time to engage with potential supervisors before applying could have enriched my research focus and given me more academic perspective to draw upon.

At the same time, I see the process itself as a learning experience. The way I prepared, refined, and finalized my essays and interviews gave me clarity of purpose and confidence in my vision. If I had the chance to revisit it, I might add layers – such as publishing more academic or policy-oriented work or seeking structured feedback from Chevening alumni during interview preparation – not because I felt unprepared, but because these would have further sharpened an already solid application.

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

My advice to prospective applicants is to begin by reflecting deeply on your own journey, achievements, and future goals. The Chevening Scholarship is not just about academic merit; it is about leadership, networking, and impact. Focus on specific stories from your career where you made a difference, quantify the results, and reflect on what you learned from those experiences. Show clearly why the program you are applying to is the best fit for you, and how it connects to your short- and long-term plans. Take time to craft and refine your essays, as they form the backbone of your application. Engage with alumni and peers to review your drafts and offer feedback. During interviews, be confident, authentic, and evidence-based – always link your answers back to your experiences and vision. Most importantly, remember that the scholarship is looking for people who will contribute meaningfully after their studies, so your commitment to return and make an impact should be evident throughout your application.