How a Cuban Industrial Engineer Won the Fully Funded Chevening Scholarship to Pursue an MSc in Management at Queen Mary University of London

My name is Dayne Perdomo, and I'm from Cuba. I hold a degree in Industrial Engineering from the Jose Antonio Echeverria Higher Polytechnic Institute (ISPJAE/CUJAE) and, most recently, I completed a Master’s in Management at Queen Mary University of London as a Chevening Scholar.

Coming from a background where international opportunities often seem out of reach, I’ve always felt a strong drive to challenge limitations - not just for myself, but to create a path others like me could follow. Pursuing further education abroad was more than just an academic goal; it was part of a larger vision I had for my future and the impact I wanted to make in my community.

In Cuba, we have an abundance of talent, but many people lack access to the proper guidance and resources to achieve their professional goals. That reality deeply motivated me. A Master’s in Management seemed like the perfect opportunity to gain world-class knowledge and the practical tools needed to support and guide future Cuban entrepreneurs on their own paths to success.

Chevening Scholarship Details

I was awarded a Chevening Scholarship from the British government, which gave me the opportunity to apply to three different courses at any UK university. This increased my chances of being accepted into a program that aligned with my goals. In the end, I was accepted into the MSc in Management at Queen Mary University of London – the program I chose to pursue.

The Chevening scholarship covered not only the tuition fees, but also a monthly stipend for living expenses (accommodation, food, transport, etc.), Economy travel to and from your country of residence, an arrival allowance, the cost of an entry clearance (visa) application, a departure allowance, among some other benefits.

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering with a GPA of 4.12. Throughout this program, I took several modules related to the field of Management, which sparked my interest in pursuing further studies in this area. In addition, I actively participated in Scientific Research Projects, which helped me develop strong research skills and an academic foundation that prepared me well for the demands of the Master’s-level program I chose.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Queen Mary University of London?

When preparing to apply to institutions, I made it a priority to thoroughly research each option I was considering. I looked into the specific requirements for the programs, as well as success stories from previous students, to guide my approach. For the MSc in Management program I was interested in, I focused on understanding what the university valued in its postgraduate candidates - both in general and for that specific course. And always remember: what will truly make your application stand out is your uniqueness and authenticity - never lose sight of that.

I also dedicated time to crafting a strong personal statement. My goal was not just to meet the formal criteria, but to make sure my story and motivation came through clearly. I wanted the statement to reflect who I am, why I chose that particular master’s degree, and how it aligned directly with my professional goals and the project I envisioned to contribute to the Cuban society.

Additionally, I researched what made that university the right fit for me - its diverse, cosmopolitan student community and the opportunity to connect with people from around the world. Networking and international collaboration were key elements I was looking for.

Lastly, I reached out to someone within the university who could become a point of contact throughout the process. That person proved to be incredibly valuable - especially when the admissions office delayed in responding. Having that internal connection made a big difference, particularly as a Chevening applicant, where meeting deadlines is crucial. I can’t highlight enough how helpful that contact was during my journey: pure gold!

Please check this post I made specifically for this stage:

👉 UK University Application Process

In my case, I took the IELTS test. Although I had a background in English studies, I felt the need to properly prepare through focused practice. The IELTS exam goes beyond simply knowing the language - it has its own structure and specific techniques that require training across all four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

To prepare, I worked with a local teacher in my town who specialized in this type of exam, and we trained together for two months. I believe the amount of preparation time really depends on your current level of English and how much focused time you can dedicate to the training. My biggest advice would be: the earlier you start, the better! Consistent practice and understanding the format of the test can make a significant difference in your performance.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Chevening Scholarship?

As with my university applications, I approached the Chevening Scholarship with a strong focus on research and planning. I started by thoroughly exploring the official Chevening website, especially the section dedicated to my country, to understand what they were looking for in a candidate - and how my profile aligned with that.

Once again, I also looked for successful candidates to learn from their stories and understand how they approached the process. I found one person in particular whose journey resonated with me, and I reached out to them with many questions throughout my application. Their insights were incredibly helpful.

After gaining a clear understanding of the expectations, I created a personal timeline to stay on track through each stage of the process. I gave special attention to the four essays required by Chevening, as they are the heart of the application. I spent time reflecting deeply on my story, my goals, and how the scholarship could amplify the impact I wanted to make.

In fact, I actually documented my entire process on my blog, My Chevening Journey, where I share a step-by-step guide based on my personal experience. If you're interested in the Chevening Scholarship, you can start with this post:

👉 The Chevening Research and Preparation Stage

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I truly believe that your biggest leverage when applying to a programme like Chevening is your essence - your story, your consistency, your ideas, your vision. That’s what makes you stand out from the crowd. In my case, I made sure that my application reflected a clear career plan focused on improving something specific in my society. I wanted them to see that I wasn’t just asking for a scholarship - I had a purpose, and I had both the academic background and the work experience to follow through.

When writing the essays, I took my time. I focused on one at a time, making sure that each one connected to the bigger picture of who I am and what I want to achieve. I wanted the committee to feel that this Master’s program wasn’t just a wish, it was a strategic step aligned with everything I had done before and everything I planned to do after.

Being fully aligned with my purpose and confident in my potential was key—when that clarity is real, it shows in every word and speaks directly to your readers.

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

If I were to go through the process again, I would have started reaching out to all three universities earlier, not just Queen Mary University of London, which I was ultimately accepted into and deeply value for its academic strength and alignment with my goals. I did thorough research on all three programs before including them in my Chevening application, but I could have taken one step further by actively engaging with each institution to confirm specific details about my fit as a candidate. With Queen Mary, I managed to build that relationship, which proved very helpful later. Doing the same with the other two would have given me extra peace of mind and a stronger position overall.

Also, I would have started preparing for the IELTS test sooner. I ended up scoring just 0.5 below the university requirement in one skill, which delayed the university's unconditional offer, something Chevening needed by a fixed deadline. At that point, I was already conditionally accepted by both the university and Chevening. Thankfully, I had built this relationship with a contact at the university who supported my case, and after I expressed my willingness to take an interview with them or extra classes during my course with them (which I later did), they finally issued the unconditional offer just in time. That experience taught me how important it is to prepare early, especially for standardized tests that might need to be retaken.

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

Start by researching the scholarship program and understanding how you’re a good fit for it. Planning ahead is key - set up a timeline with all the important deadlines so you can stay on track and give your best at each stage. When it comes to tasks that require creativity, like writing essays, try to focus on one at a time. For example, with the Chevening application, I found it really helpful to work through each essay individually to truly reflect my ideas and voice.

And above all, be yourself. There’s no such thing as a “Chevening model.” Every candidate brings a different story and vision for change. You don’t need to fit into a mold - you just need to show clearly how your background, goals, and ideas can create impact. You are unique. Own it!