Chevening Scholarship Recipient, Afshan Ameer, Shares the Story of How She Applied for the Fully Funded Award to Pursue Her Master’s Degree in Sustainable Energy at the University of Glasgow

Hi, I am Afshan Ameer, a Chevening Scholar from India. I am a Mechanical Engineer turned Sustainable Energy Engineer, currently working in the area of ESG and Corporate Sustainability. I completed my undergraduate studies at Jamia Millia Islamia University in India.

Before starting my studies in the UK, I worked in the Indian Offshore Oil & Gas and Automobile sectors - experiences that exposed me to the energy demands and environmental challenges of traditional industries. Witnessing this firsthand, and driven by a deep commitment to climate action, I decided to pursue a postgraduate degree in Sustainable Energy from the James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom.

Industrial Chevening Scholarship Details

I was awarded the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s (UK FCDO) Industrial Chevening Scholarship, where TVS Motors was my Industrial Chevening partner. I went to the University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK.

Educational Background

For my undergraduate degree, I studied Mechanical Engineering at Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi, India. I graduated at the top of my class in Mechanical Engineering, earning a GPA of 9.93/10 and receiving the university’s prestigious Gold Medal for academic excellence.

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

I began by shortlisting UK universities with strong QS rankings and a solid reputation in Sustainable Energy. Beyond rankings, I also explored the specific research facilities, faculty expertise, and industry linkages each institution offered to ensure they aligned with my academic and career goals.

In parallel, I dedicated a month to preparing for the IELTS exam and was able to secure a strong score, which strengthened my overall application profile.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Chevening Scholarship?

I started drafting my Chevening essays a month before the deadline to give myself ample time for reflection and revision. I focused on keeping my responses authentic and made sure each of my essays told a cohesive and compelling story of impact, purpose, and potential. I structured each essay using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to clearly highlight my leadership, networking, and career goals.

Alongside the essays, I carefully selected recommenders who had closely worked with me and could speak of my personal and professional growth over the years. I also reached out to former Chevening Scholars to gain insights into what made their applications successful. Their feedback helped me sharpen my narrative and ensure my essays aligned with Chevening’s core values.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe what made my application stand out was the clarity of purpose and the authenticity of my narrative. I drew a strong connection between my hands-on experience in India’s energy-intensive sectors and my passion for sustainable energy and climate action. My story reflected a clear and consistent progression toward my long-term goal of driving systemic change at the intersection of policy, technology, and finance in the clean energy space.

Each essay reflected not just what I had done, but why it mattered, using real examples of leadership, influence, and collaboration. I also made sure my application stayed aligned with Chevening’s core values, highlighting my commitment to public service, global networking, and contributing back to my home country.

Above all, I think it was the consistency across my academic background, work experience, essays, and recommendations that helped present a cohesive and compelling story of impact and potential.

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

If I were to go through the process again, I would definitely apply to universities before receiving the Chevening award. In my case, I waited until after I got the scholarship offer to start applying, which limited my options as many universities had already closed their application windows or filled their spots. Applying earlier would have given me a wider range of choices, more time to secure an offer, and less pressure during the final stages of the Chevening process.

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

My biggest advice is to start early and be intentional. Take time to deeply reflect on your journey, not just what you have done, but why it matters and how it connects to your future goals. Authenticity goes a long way in standing out.

Be strategic with your essays: structure them clearly (using frameworks like STAR), align them with the scholarship’s values, and ensure each one tells a part of a larger story. Do not hesitate to seek feedback; fresh eyes can help you refine your message.

Lastly, connect with past scholars; their insights are invaluable and often help you avoid common pitfalls. Stay confident, stay focused, and let your purpose shine through!