Chevening Success Story: Pakistani Lawyer Amna Feroz on Studying Law at SOAS

I'm Amna Feroz, an in-house lawyer from Pakistan—born and bred. Growing up in Pakistan, I witnessed firsthand the importance of law in shaping societies and ensuring justice. That deep-rooted exposure motivated me to pursue a legal career and with a strong legal foundation built locally, I took my passion for law to the global stage by earning an LLM from SOAS, University of London.

Chevening Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Chevening Scholarship, a prestigious and fully funded scholarship offered by the UK government. It covered all my tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs for the duration of my LLM program at SOAS, University of London. In the year I applied, more than 45,000 people applied globally, with approximately 45 scholarships awarded to Pakistani candidates.

Educational Background

I completed my LLB with a 2:2 division from the University of London External Programmes back in 2017. While the grade for me did not fully reflect my dedication, I now look back at my journey with a sense of accomplishment and growth. My LLB experience played a pivotal role in shaping my legal understanding and skills which further prepared me to pursue an LLM. It helped me build a solid foundation in core areas like contract, criminal, and international law and taught me the value of research, and analytical thinking. My LLB degree was also from the University of London and therefore, in a way prepared me well for the challenges of the LLM.

How Did you prepare for the Law Schools in the UK and the US?

To apply to UK law schools, I researched each university's requirements through their official websites. Since UK law schools don't require a specific law exam, I focused on my personal statement and general application. As my entire education, from primary to undergraduate, was in English, I requested IELTS exemptions, which were granted by all the universities I had applied to, based on my University of London External degree and English language qualifications from my CIEs. I made sure to review application guidelines carefully and reached out to admissions teams when I had any questions, ensuring I was well-prepared throughout the process.

I also secured an admission to Harvard Law School in the US with a full tuition waiver based on financial need. The preparation for that was also not entirely different than UK law schools as you can easily get exempted from English language tests for admissions. Aside from that, again no other exam was required to be taken for the LLM course and you could apply directly to the school.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Chevening Scholarship?

I carefully reviewed the eligibility criteria and application process outlined on the official Chevening website. I spent considerable time crafting strong answers to the four essay questions, as they required me to demonstrate specific qualities like leadership, networking, and future career goals. For eg., I revisited key experiences where I took the lead or formed impactful connections, ensuring my examples were both clear and relevant. I also reflected on why studying in the UK was essential for my academic and career growth, aligning this with my long-term aspirations.

I further sought feedback and guidance from Chevening alumni, who provided valuable insights, especially on how to better frame my experiences to align with the scholarship’s requirements. By incorporating their feedback, I was able to present a more cohesive and compelling narrative.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because it clearly demonstrated how my goals align with the UK government’s ongoing priorities in Pakistan—such as governance, legal reform, and social development. I showcased real examples from my work that directly contribute to these areas, presenting a clear vision of how an LLM from the UK would help me scale that impact. I also ensured that my career plans were not just aspirational but practically aligned with existing UK-funded initiatives in Pakistan, which added depth and relevance to my application.

To strengthen my application further, I made sure my referees were fully informed about my work, goals, and key achievements so their references would meaningfully reinforce my narrative. When I was shortlisted, I took my interview preparation seriously. I practiced answering potential questions. I focused on being authentic, concise, and confident and ensured to practice mock questions and mock interview settings.

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

To be honest, I wouldn’t do anything differently. What I did worked as I was awarded the scholarship on my first attempt. Looking back, I believe that confidence and clarity made the difference and so if I were to go through it again, I’d approach it the same way.

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

My advice would be to start early and give yourself enough time. Don’t rush through the essays and really think about your answers and examples. Be specific and honest, and share impactful answers as generic answers won’t stand out. Really delve into how your journey and future aspirations align with the work of the UK government in your country. Also, don’t underestimate the power of feedback. Share your drafts with people you trust who can offer worthwhile feedback. Lastly, remember that it’s not just about writing strong essays, your interview should genuinely reflect the same content you've described and the panel should feel that the candidate in front of them is the same voice behind the application.