How Bonart Osmani, a Kosovan Scholar, Secured a Fully Funded Master’s in Advanced Architectural Design at Newcastle University, United Kingdom Through the Chevening Scholarship

My name is Bonart Osmani, an architect from Prishtina, Kosovo. I completed my Master of Science (MSc) in Advanced Architectural Design at Newcastle University in the UK. After years of practical experience in architecture, BIM coordination, and real estate valuation in Kosovo, I wanted to pursue advanced studies to bridge technical design with critical urban theory, focusing on post-industrial regeneration, spatial memory, and how architecture responds to complex political contexts.

Chevening Scholarship Details

Chevening Scholarship (funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office)
Institution: Newcastle University, UK.
Amount: Fully funded (covers 100% of university tuition fees, monthly living allowance, travel costs, and visa fees).

Educational Background

BSc in Architecture: UBT (University for Business and Technology), Prishtina | GPA: 9.68 / 10.00 (Awarded Best Student of the Year 2018 and Excellence Scholar). MSc in Advanced Architectural Design: Newcastle University, UK | Result: Pass with Distinction (Equivalent to 10.0; Winner of the PGT Design Thesis Prize 2022/23 for the master's thesis Tracing Boundaries). My undergraduate education at UBT gave me a strong technical foundation in design modeling and project execution. That practical baseline allowed me to hit the ground running at Newcastle when addressing complex theoretical urban frameworks and large-scale masterplanning.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Newcastle University?

Finding Information

I researched UK Russell Group universities through university portals, QS World Rankings, and British Council resources, while speaking directly with Chevening alumni to understand their studio environments.

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

I took the TOEFL iBT and scored 109/120. I prepared through targeted self-study, focusing on academic writing and analytical reading to ensure I could engage smoothly in high-level seminar discussions. I also worked with an English-speaking studio beforehand, so I had a lot of exposure to English before applying for Chevening.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Chevening Scholarship?

I structured my Chevening essays around real-world impact rather than just listing qualifications. I highlighted my professional project work, student leadership, and pro bono urban framework initiatives in Kosovo. I revised my essays multiple times to clearly articulate how studying in the UK would enable me to return and contribute meaningfully to Kosovo’s architectural landscape.

How is Your Experience at Newcastle University?

My time at Newcastle was transformative. Beyond the studio, I served as the Course Representative for the MSc program, representing student interests on academic boards. Pushing my thesis Tracing Boundaries to win the department thesis prize and having my work published in the school’s annual Design Yearbook were major highlights.

How Do You Rate Newcastle University Academically?

10/10. Newcastle’s School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape pairs rigorous theory with hands-on studio design. Mentors like Prof. Jianfei Zhu, Dr. Matthew Ozga-Lawn and Dr. James Craig encouraged deep critical inquiry into urban identity and post-conflict spatial memory.

How Does Newcastle University Support International Students?

The support was outstanding, offering dedicated international student services, academic writing support, smooth onboarding, and Chevening networking events across the region.

What Did You Pursue After the Chevening Scholarship?

After completing my degree, I returned to Kosovo and founded my firm, Bonart Architects, in Prishtina. Today, we lead high-impact commercial, hospitality, and residential projects locally and internationally, such as the Radisson Hotel in Prishtina and international mixed-use masterplans, while continuing to develop pro bono urban regeneration frameworks for local municipalities.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

A clear balance between technical competence, academic consistency, and civic initiative. Demonstrating leadership through actual projects, like pro bono urban mobility concepts for Kosovar cities and mentoring younger students, showed the committee that I was committed to driving real spatial change back home.

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

I would have submitted university applications even earlier in the cycle to give myself extra room to audit cross-departmental modules in urban planning and architecture, expanding my interdisciplinary network further.

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

• Define your vision clearly: Explicitly connect what you learn in the UK to specific problems you plan to solve when you return home.
• Prove leadership through action: Share concrete examples of projects you led, initiatives you started, or teams you guided.
• Write in your authentic voice: Be direct and genuine rather than trying to fit a rigid, generic formula.