Chevening Scholar, Christel Bamfield from Guyana, Pursues a Master’s in Environment and Global Development at the University of East Anglia

I am Christel Bamfield, hailing from the small South American country of Guyana.

As a development professional, I’ve been able to generate positive impact working with organisations such as the United Nations and Conservation International to ensure sustainable development in over 250 communities in Guyana, the Caribbean, and Latin America.

To understand why I chose to pursue my chosen master's, it’s important to understand a bit about my country. Guyana is a net-zero Small Island Developing State (SIDS), with over 80% of our land covered in the carbon-dense Amazon biome and mangrove forests. However, like many post-colonial countries, much of our economy is reliant on the export of raw materials and extractive industries – oil and gas, gold and diamonds being principal.

Even with these dynamics, we’re committed to maintaining our net-zero status while ensuring continued development. My vision is to build a future where humans and nature can thrive together. Recognising the nuance and the need to establish a carefully maintained balance, I was driven to pursue my Master's in Environment and Global Development at a university that was renowned in the arenas of environmental studies and development – the University of East Anglia (UEA).

Chevening Scholarship Details

In 2024, I was awarded the prestigious Chevening scholarship from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to pursue my chosen master's.

The Chevening scholarship is a fully funded scholarship that provides recipients the opportunity to study a one-year master's degree at ANY UK university of their choice. It covers full tuition for their chosen one-year course and provides them with a monthly living stipend, allowing students to focus entirely on their studies.

Educational Background

There are many questions regarding how your GPA impacts whether you receive the Chevening scholarship. However, for Chevening, there isn’t a required GPA. What matters is that first, you have completed a bachelor’s degree and have a certain number of hours of work experience, whether professional

or volunteering – both count towards this. It’s fine if all of your experience is through volunteering.

Aside from this, what is important is to Chevening is to show that you have been able to generate a positive impact and drive meaningful change through your work.

While your GPA does not count against you for Chevening, it is still important for the universities you apply to, so pay attention to those requirements for the universities you decide to apply to.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of East Anglia?

I found it was very easy to find information on different university websites. Most also had contact numbers listed and were very responsive via call and email. If they weren’t, I ruled them out as I felt like the way they engaged prospective students would be how I could expect to be engaged as an actual student.

As far as language testing, I didn’t have to do a language test. What I found was that many universities – many, but not all – gave applicants exemptions from language testing if English is their native language or if their previous Bachelor’s degree was taught primarily in English. However, depending on your course and your university, these requirements may vary, so it’s always good to contact the university directly to find out if language testing is a requirement for your programme and what their pass grade is.

Apply to as many universities as you’d like. This will give you options for you to decide from and can act as a backup if you’re rejected from your first-choice university. If you fail to be accepted into a university, but are awarded the Chevening scholarship, you will forfeit your scholarship and have to reapply. So, ensure to start your university applications early!

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Chevening Scholarship?

I did so much research and I started my preparation very early. I spent weeks on my essays to ensure everything I wanted to say came across in the way I told my story. I researched everything I could about Chevening to see what made a successful applicant and truly get the essence of Chevening.

It’s great if you can have family and friends act as critics for your essays. Leverage your network as best as you can to help you prepare. Reach out to current and past scholars for their tips and guidance as well.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

The application round is really an opportunity for you to tell your story and make a lasting impression. With a scholarship like Chevening, it’s important to ensure that you allow your personality and authentic self to show in your essays and your interview. There will be so many leaders and changemakers vying for a scholarship, so it’s important you stand out; be your best self.

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

I don’t know if there’s anything I would change.

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

Be thorough in your research.

Leverage your network and support group.

Start early. It’s not something I think can or should be done in one night, if you’d like to do yourself justice.