How an Indian Computer Science Graduate Won the Chevening Scholarship to Pursue a Fully Funded Master’s in Data Analytics at the University of Leeds

My name is Amiya Kumar Sur, and I come from a small town, “Bhadreswar,” in India. Growing up along the Hugli River, I developed a deep-rooted connection with water, not just as a resource, but as a force that sustains life and shapes communities. Over time, this personal connection evolved into a professional calling. As I grew older, rising concerns over climate change and global water stress made it clear that this vital resource is under serious threat. Addressing it demanded “urgent & innovative” solutions. With an undergraduate degree in computer science and a strong foundation in mathematics, I realized that data-driven approaches could offer computationally feasible solutions to tackle environmental challenges. Motivated by this vision, I pursued a Master’s Degree from the University of Leeds. My academic interests lie at the intersection of artificial intelligence, climate science, and hydrology, with a clear focus on SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.

This journey has not only deepened my scientific curiosity but also reinforced my commitment to using technology to create a sustainable impact.

Chevening Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Chevening Scholarship in 2022, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), to pursue an MSc in Advanced Computer Science (Data Analytics). This prestigious and fully funded award covered everything from tuition fees, living expenses, visa, and flight tickets. With a highly competitive selection process, Chevening recognizes brilliant minds with leadership potential and a commitment to creating meaningful impact across the globe. In addition to Chevening, I was also offered the partly funded Stirling Postgraduate Scholarship and merit-based partial scholarships from Dublin City University. While I chose Chevening, these offers validated my academic profile and global aspirations.

During my master’s, I was also awarded the UNESCO Chair in Hydro-politics Grant, which funded my participation in a prestigious summer school at the University of Geneva. This grant covered tuition fees and accommodation, allowing me to learn water governance issues, policy frameworks, and attend a workshop on “UN Water Conventions” at the United Nations Headquarters.

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science and Engineering from Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology (formerly WBUT), graduating with First Class honors. My undergraduate studies provided a solid foundation in programming, algorithms, and applied mathematics, skills that later became crucial in my transition into the field of data science.

Following this, I pursued my master’s degree, which deepened my expertise in machine learning and statistical analysis. The rigorous academic environment at Leeds exposed me to interdisciplinary applications of data science, especially in the environmental domain, resulting in studying AI-based groundwater forecasting as part of my master’s thesis. This course introduced me to the UK’s research-driven environment that fosters intellectual curiosity with a strong work-life balance. Currently, I am pursuing a Joint Award PhD between the University of Manchester and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore, where I’m working to develop Physics-Informed AI models to emulate global climate systems (GCMs), making the latter more accessible in decision-making for water management.

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

My primary interest was in the UK due to its world-class universities and strong emphasis on inter-disciplinary studies. I found the official university websites in both the UK and Ireland to be quite user-friendly, making it easier to navigate. To understand the student experience better, I actively watched YouTube videos shared by alumni.

While global rankings like QS World Rankings were important indicators, my focus was more on researching the ongoing projects and departmental facilities I could potentially collaborate. For instance, the University of Leeds stood out to me not just for its reputation, but also for its research clusters like LIDA (Leeds Institute for Data Analytics) and its Water Research Group, which aligned perfectly with my future interests.

Application requirements across the UK typically include academic transcripts, degree certificates, Recommendation Letters, and a Statement of Purpose. Most institutions also require standardized tests like IELTS, TOEFL. In my case, I took the former and scored 7.5 on my first attempt. My success stemmed from a consistent habit of reading English novels, following papers like the BBC and The Guardian, and watching English shows. I also practiced speaking in front of a mirror to build confidence, which helped me perform well in person.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Chevening Scholarship?

Coming from a lower-middle-income family, with limited cultural capital and no prior exposure to international education, I had to take up a 9-to-5 job immediately after graduation. But the lack of direct impact my work had on grassroots development left me unsatisfied. As I once wrote on LinkedIn, “Higher education abroad felt like a distant dream  and scholarships were the only bridge to that.”

After shortlisting a few scholarships based in the UK and Ireland, I dedicated the initial weeks to thoroughly understanding their eligibility criteria and selection processes. Among them, Chevening stood out, not just as a scholarship, but as a platform to join a lifelong network of future leaders. The Chevening application required four essays—on Leadership, Networking, Why the UK, and Career Plans. I spent days reading real stories on their official website (chevening.org), listening to former scholars, and reaching out over social media to seek guidance. It was during this period that I connected with inspiring past scholars like Akashdeep Dey and Raju Kendre, whose advice was instrumental in shaping my application. After being shortlisted for the interview, Raju Kendre introduced me to Eklavya India Foundation, whose mock interview sessions helped me approach the process with clarity and confidence. I invested the majority of my time in drafting essays and conducting self-assessments through mock interviews, which helped me secure the Chevening Scholarship on my very 1^st  attempt.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Chevening is more than a fully funded scholarship—it stands on three pillars: ideas, action, and change. For me, the idea was clear: water is the foundation of life, and its management holds the key to our future. With Chevening’s commitment to nurturing change-makers, the programme provides a platform to collaborate, co-create, and scale solutions to global challenges.

What made my application stand out was a clear articulation of how my academic background, practical application of knowledge, grassroots volunteering experiences, and career ambitions converge toward solving a real-world crisis. My ability to influence and mobilize people toward a shared goal, backed by measurable community impact, gave my application the edge. Perhaps what resonated most was the voice of a young boy from a small town, who dares to harness AI for global water justice.

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

It is natural for me, and I believe for many others reading this, to feel a sense of dissatisfaction over written drafts that once felt like our best efforts. If I were to go through the process again, I would focus more on filling those subtle gaps, bringing greater clarity to my essays.

Chevening gave me the opportunity to redefine my career goals and align my work with my passion for water management. Therefore, while I would not wish to change the essence of my journey, I would have invested more in fine-tuning my actions, sharpening my narratives, and ensuring that every piece of my application reflected a deeply thought-out vision.

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

Start early, scholarships like Chevening require time and clarity. Understanding their eligibility, values, and what they truly seek in applicants is key. As a mentor with Eklavya India Foundation, I’ve observed a common pitfall: many applicants try to write everything, but the strength of an application lies not in how much you say, but in what you choose to highlight. Focus on aligning your previous experiences with your future goals. Leadership, networking, and influence are core themes, but avoid overselling. Scholarship panels value authenticity and specificity over generalized statements.

Allocate time to study how your country’s development priorities intersect with those of the UK and the FCDO. Referencing bilateral agreements or shared goals, especially in your field of interest, adds relevance to your essays.

And finally, remember: If you have an idea, then an idea exists for you too — a belief Chevening holds at its core. Believe in your story, stay consistent, and trust the process.