Master’s Stem Cells Student Benjamin from Ghana Shares His Journey of Studying at University of Chester, United Kingdom

I’m Benjamin from Ghana. I have completed a bachelor's in Biological Sciences at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana. Upon completing my BSc, I worked in a clinical laboratory as a lab assistant for a year, after which I decided to pursue a master’s. I started with a master’s in Neuroscience at the University of Pisa, Italy. I later transitioned to a Master's in Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine at the University of Chester, after winning the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship. My goal is to pursue a research career, focusing on metabolic diseases and cancer. I completed my master’s last year, and I have received several PhD offers, including a PhD in Medical Science at the University of Cambridge, a PhD in Cancer Research at University of Edinburgh and a PhD in Biological Sciences at University of East Anglia.

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Details

I have won multiple scholarships over the past few years, but the most prestigious is the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship. This award of approximately £35,000 enabled me to complete a master’s at the University of Chester. Prior to taking this award, I was on a full master’s scholarship, the UNIPI Merit Scholarship, at the University of Pisa, Italy, worth over £12,000.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

After my master’s, I received fully funded PhD studentships from the prestigious Cancer Research UK worth over £150,000 and the BBSRC funded DTP studentship worth over £135,000 including support for visa costs, for a 4-year PhD program.

Educational Background

I completed a bachelors in Biological Sciences with first class and a masters in Stem Cells with a distinction. My BSc gave me fundamental knowledge and skills in various branches of biology, including biochemistry, immunology, microbiology, etc. My master’s provided specialist knowledge and technical skills in stem cell research. I completed a research project studying how an enzyme called sphingosine kinases regulates adipocyte differentiation and lipid accumulation. This project proved instrumental in securing me PhD offers from top-tier universities including Cambridge and Edinburgh. I also have a background in Neuroscience, which will be relevant for my PhD project on exploring lipid metabolism for glioblastoma (brain cancer) treatment.

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

I found out about my master’s programs and scholarships after an intensive Google-search for fully funded master’s opportunities in Italy and the United Kingdom. I won the UNIPI Merit Scholarship first, followed by the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship the following year.

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

Fortunately, I didn’t have to take any of these exams. Since I completed my bachelor’s entirely in English, my certificates and a letter from my institution confirming my English Language proficiency were enough to meet the language requirements. For applicants requiring these, I recommend early planning and making use of the resources available to you.

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

For the UNIPI merit scholarship, I had to submit a strong academic CV, transcripts, certificates, and English language certificates. I was invited for an interview, which was basically an oral test of my knowledge in relevant Neuroscience and general biology concepts. I prepared for the interview by studying a set of topics recommended by the department. This preparation was extremely helpful during the interview stage, as many of the questions asked were things I had to review in preparation for the interview. Close to 100 candidates were interviewed for admission and one scholarship slot, revealing how fierce the competition was. I was awarded admission first and later got the scholarship, thanks to a strong application and thorough interview preparation.

For the Commonwealth Scholarship, funded by the UK government, I first made an application to the University of Chester for the master’s program. Then I completed the scholarship application to the Commonwealth Commission. The scholarship application was the most grueling part of the process, as I had to write about 12 short essays that detail my development and career plans. I made use of various online resources, including YouTube videos from past scholars, to write truly exceptional essays that eventually got me the scholarship.

How Is (was) Your Experience at University of Chester?

My experience in both institutions has been nothing but memorable. I have met people from different countries and backgrounds that became close friends. During my master’s in the UK, I had the opportunity to attend various conferences and workshops, including a networking event at Queen Elizabeth II Centre in London and a development workshop at Cumberland Lodge in Windsor. I also attended two Stem Cell conferences at Keele University and the University of Manchester.

How Does the University of Chester Support International Students?

Both institutions have dedicated international offices that provide support to international students. They provide advice and assistance regarding funding, accommodation, academics, etc.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Italian?

The University of Pisa has several programs that are conducted entirely in English. Candidates do not need to show proficiency in Italian, unless the program is conducted in Italian. English is the medium of instruction in the UK.

What Did You Pursue After Commonwealth Shared Scholarship? (work, Further Study, Research, or Something Else?)

Starting from the summer of 2026, I will commence a PhD in Cancer Research, where I will continue researching lipid metabolism and its implications for glioblastoma treatment. This PhD represents the culmination of my strategic focus on metabolic diseases and cancer research.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically Not Knowing Italian?

Absolutely not! Academic struggle due to limited proficiency in Italian would not be a problem at the University of Pisa, provided your program is conducted in English. However, it is advisable to take a free Italian course provided by the state. This will make communication with the locals easy and enhance your integration into the society.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Several factors are considered in a scholarship application. While I had a strong academic record, including a first-class and high academic ranking from my previous degree, scholarship committees review applications with equally strong academic records.  To stand out, it is vital to tell a unique story. In my case, I told a unique story using my background and personal experiences that shaped my interests and chosen career path. In an age of AI, it is common for candidates to fall into the trap of submitting mediocre AI-generated essays. However, it is absolutely essential to showcase your unique personality and skills using tangible examples. For example, instead of saying, “I have leadership skills”, give a strong example of an instance where you demonstrated strong leadership abilities.

Using specific examples ensures that the review committee sees you beyond the grades and academic records. For instance, rather than writing “I’m passionate about research,” I described a specific incident that occurred during my role as a lab assistant, and how that drove me to pursue a career in research. I also wrote about an instance where I had to arrange for a free typhoid screening for a group of individuals in my community. These examples showcased my problem-solving, innovation, leadership, communication, among other skills, which are highly valued by many prestigious scholarship schemes including the Commonwealth and Chevening scholarships in the UK.

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

It goes without saying that a scholarship application requires adequate planning. Looking back, I would have started putting together the necessary documents very early. This is not only regarding academic documents like transcripts and certificates; travel documents are also highly important, especially if you require these documents to study abroad. Having a valid passport at the time of application, for instance, could help prevent delays in taking up the offers or even securing a visa.

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

Scholarship application is a long and laborious process that requires strong planning and time-management. Start early and start by making a list of programs and scholarships that match your interests, indicating the deadlines and specific requirements. Also, find and contact your referees very early to give them time to draft a strong and detailed recommendation for you. And if possible, find someone, like past scholar who can offer insights and hopefully assist you in making a strong application. Finally, my biggest tip for international students, looking for a career in research, is to focus on your research proposal and interest early; it was the bridge that took me from a Master's in Italy to a fully funded PhD in the UK. Thus, the clearer your vision, the easier it is to execute.

I hope my experience encourages future scholars from underrepresented regions to pursue their academic ambitions.