Chevening Scholarship Scholar Bruno Adrián Caballero Cardozo from Paraguay Shares His Journey of Securing a Fully Funded Master's at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom

My name is Bruno Adrián Caballero Cardozo, and I am a lawyer and certified public translator from Asunción, Paraguay. Currently, I serve as a supervisor in the legal department of one of the country’s largest consulting firms, teach at the university level, and represent my firm before the United Nations Global Compact’s Anti-Corruption Working Group.

I pursued a master’s degree in law to deepen my understanding of corporate compliance and governance. Additionally, I wanted to explore other areas that I had not previously studied, such as human rights, general regulation, the intersection between law and technology, and sociology. My goal was always to return home and share this knowledge with others, not only as a scholar but also as an influencer and university lecturer. I hope to eventually move into policy-making in the future!

Chevening Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Chevening Scholarship, which is the UK government’s global scholarship program funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. The Chevening Scholarship is a fully funded award that covers my entire tuition, provides a monthly living stipend, pays for my return airfare, and includes additional grants for arrival and academic costs (Around 65k pounds). Additionally, I understand that the University of Oxford, in accordance with its agreement with Chevening, also contributed to covering a portion of my tuition.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

During my undergraduate law studies at the Catholic University Nuestra Señora de la Asunción in Paraguay, I received two full merit scholarships for academic excellence in 2019 and 2021, which covered my tuition fees for those periods.

Educational Background

I hold three undergrad degrees: a law degree and a civil law notary degree from the Catholic University Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, as well as a public translation degree from the National University of Asunción.

At the graduate level, I have two specialist degrees: university teaching and money laundering prevention, and I recently completed the Magister Juris (MJur) program at Oxford, where I was awarded a Merit.

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

I started early. As soon as I obtained my public translation degree, I knew I wanted to attend Oxford. I focused on building a strong application by refining my CV, securing meaningful references, and drafting a personal statement that connected my background, my goals, and the MJur program. I also reached out to alumni to gain insight into what Oxford was truly looking for.

How Did You Find Information About Chevening Scholarship and University of Oxford?

I used a combination of official sources, the Chevening website, university admissions pages, word of mouth, and, believe it or not, Reddit! Reddit is a fantastic source, and I encourage everyone to check it out. I would also recommend the LLM Guide for lawyers looking to apply to competitive LLMs. I’m quite active there, so if anyone needs advice or guidance, feel free to reach out to me through LinkedIn or on the platform!

Speaking with people who have gone through the process provided me with the most valuable source of practical, honest information.

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

I took the IELTS and scored an impressive 8.5, which is at the C2 level. To prepare, I practiced using official IELTS materials, completed timed mock tests under exam conditions, and focused on the specific sections where I wasn't consistently achieving the required marks. For my target universities like Oxford, I needed to score at least 7.5 overall and a minimum of 7 in each component.

One helpful strategy was practicing with people who had experience administering the exam and understood the rules. Although I was quite familiar with the TOEFL, as I used to teach for it, I chose the IELTS because it seemed like a more controlled and straightforward experience. I even traveled to Argentina to take the test, which turned out to be the perfect decision. From my perspective, TOEFL scoring can be quite tricky, so I would recommend that anyone considering these exams try the IELTS first.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Chevening Scholarship?

For Chevening specifically, I treated the essays as the core of my application. I gave myself plenty of time to write, rewrite, and seek feedback on the leadership, networking, study choice, and career plan questions, ensuring that each answer was concrete and backed by real examples. I employed the STAR method effectively.

To prepare thoroughly for the interview, I practiced with other Cheveners. I requested time off work and dedicated myself to practicing at least once a day, even avoiding social media a couple of days prior to the interview. I knew I needed to be remarkable and memorable, so I fully committed to the process.

One piece of advice I can offer is to strive to be memorable. Discuss topics that others don’t usually cover. My background is somewhat unique; I was a firefighter and had diverse experiences during my undergraduate studies, which helped my profile stand out to the panel. I shared my desire to visit lesser-known museums, like the Firefighting Museum in Essex (which made them laugh quite a bit, and I guess that ended up being great!)

Additionally, I researched the UK’s interests and policies regarding my country, aligning my responses with those topics to my advantage. Finally, try to connect with the interviewers; they are people too! If you can establish a rapport with them, your interview will likely go more smoothly. Make the experience enjoyable for everyone involved!

How is Your Experience at the University of Oxford?

My experience at Oxford was the most demanding academic challenge I've ever faced, but it was also deeply rewarding. The tutorial-style teaching, access to world-class faculty, and interaction with an international cohort pushed me to sharpen my thinking and broaden my perspective.

What stood out to me the most were the convenors. As the terms progressed, I grew close to them. Oxford truly is a magical place. The people there are always at the top of their game, engaging in debates and discussing fascinating topics. I was particularly impressed by how laid-back the staff was; they were always helpful and accommodating. I still keep in touch with many people from my time there.

I believe that the combination of academic pressure, the amazing friends I made and the feeling of belonging to something greater, something transcendent like Oxford, made my experience remarkably wonderful. The one thing you never tire of at Oxford is the people. I miss wandering around the city and the quads and encountering individuals who are not only incredibly talented but also genuinely amazing human beings. This experience has significantly marked my life and shaped my perspective for the better.

Moreover, it gave me a great deal of confidence. I’m currently finishing a book on the topics I covered at Oxford, something I wouldn’t have even considered without the encouragement I received from those around me.

How Do You Rate the University of Oxford Academically?

11/10. The academic rigor, quality of faculty, and peers are exceptional; the small-group teaching format makes learning particularly intense and personal.

How Does the University of Oxford Support International Students?

Oxford offers strong support for international students through its colleges, dedicated student services, and active student societies, which make settling in and finding community much easier.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or the Country's Native Language?

All classes were conducted in English.

What Did You Pursue After the Chevening Scholarship?

After completing my MJur, I returned to legal practice and teaching, focusing on corporate compliance, governance, and anti-corruption. I recently started my journey as a legal influencer while finishing my first book. Additionally, I am one of the founders and the first trustee of the Club de Londres, a Paraguayan hub in the UK. I’m also collaborating with other remarkable individuals to formalize initiatives like Paraguay Speaks, which aims to highlight Paraguayan issues on a global stage in a format similar to TED Talks, specifically for Paraguayan academics. Lastly, I am in the process of establishing the Oxbridge Society of Asunción, working alongside other exceptional Oxonians and Cantabrigians.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing the Native Language?

Not applicable.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

It is important to differentiate the scopes of my applications to Oxford and Chevening.

For my application to Oxford, I believe my strong academic record (1^st class honors) and genuine sense of purpose and goals have significantly strengthened my candidacy. This helped create a cohesive narrative: a motivated young man eager to deepen his understanding of the law, both practically and philosophically. Oxford is a place for those who seek to think critically and confront challenging questions; some of the hardest questions! Therefore, it was essential for me to demonstrate that commitment in both my SoP and my admission essay.

In the case of Chevening, my leadership potential and the hybrid nature of my profile were key factors. I have accomplished a great deal and ensured that my application highlighted how each of my experiences aimed at a single goal: creating networks, helping others, and, ultimately, striving to make the world a better place.

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

To be honest, I believe I did everything I could to the best of my ability. I wish the process wasn't so anxiety-inducing, but that's part of the experience. One decision I still stand by is taking the IELTS before applying to Chevening and Oxford. I've seen many people lose their scholarships because they didn't achieve the minimum scores needed on their English proficiency exams. Don't let that happen to you! It should be your top priority.

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

Start early, be authentic, and be specific. Don’t try to sound like the “ideal” candidate; tell your real story and connect it to a clear plan for the future. Invest serious time in your essays, get feedback from people you trust, and prepare properly for the interview. And don’t self-reject: apply even when you doubt yourself, because someone has to receive the scholarship, and it might as well be you.