Chevening Scholar Dr. Tumim Getachew Alemayehu from Ethiopia Shares Her Journey of Studying Public Health and Health Promotion at Brunel University London, UK

My name is Dr. Tumim Getachew Alemayehu, a medical doctor, holistic child development expert, full-stack website developer, and Master of Public Health (MPH) candidate. I am also the founder of Holistic Kids Media and Consultancy. My professional journey has been shaped by a deep passion for child health, development, and advocacy, combining clinical medicine, public health, leadership, and digital innovation to create sustainable impact for children and families.

Chevening Scholarship Details

I am currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Health and Health Promotion as a Chevening Scholar at Brunel University London. The Chevening Scholarship is a fully funded award that covers tuition fees, accommodation, living allowance, flights, and health insurance. Being selected as a Chevening Scholar is both an honor and a responsibility, as it recognizes leadership potential and commitment to driving positive change.

Degree Program and Academic Motivation

I completed my first degree in Medicine, a lifelong passion that naturally led me toward pediatrics, where I discovered my strongest professional calling. During my clinical practice, I realized that addressing child health effectively requires looking beyond clinical treatment alone.

This realization motivated me to pursue a Master’s degree in Holistic Child Development, which transformed my perspective by integrating developmental, psychosocial, and public health dimensions of child wellbeing. This journey shifted my mindset from purely clinical care to prevention, advocacy, and health promotion at the population level.

As a result, I founded Holistic Kids Media and Consultancy, an initiative dedicated to supporting parents and children through evidence-based education, advocacy, and innovative digital solutions. These experiences ultimately led me to pursue my current MPH in Public Health and Health Promotion, where I aim to address systemic gaps in pediatric health promotion and policy.

Other Scholarships and Programs

In addition to Chevening, I have been awarded two fully funded online scholarships:

• The YALI Civic Leadership Program is a one-month intensive leadership training focused on civic engagement and social impact
• A six-month Full-Stack Web Development Bootcamp by Evangadi Tech, which equipped me with technical skills to design and scale digital health solutions

These programs strengthened my leadership capacity and allowed me to integrate technology into health advocacy and service delivery.

Educational Background

• Bachelor of Medicine (MD)
• Master’s Degree in Holistic Child Development

My academic background provided a strong foundation in clinical medicine, child development, leadership, and systems thinking, which prepared me exceptionally well for advanced studies in public health and health promotion.

How I Prepared to Apply to Brunel University

I strategically aligned my clinical experience, academic training, and professional goals with the public health focus of my chosen institution. I carefully reviewed program curricula and faculty strengths to ensure my interests in pediatric health promotion, advocacy, and prevention matched the university’s mission and academic offerings.

How I Found Information About Scholarships and Institutions

I obtained detailed information about the Chevening Scholarship directly from the official website and by actively connecting with Chevening alumni, whose insights were invaluable in understanding the application process and expectations.

Standardized Tests

I took the IELTS examination. With three weeks of intensive, focused preparation, I was able to achieve the required score for admission and the scholarship.

How I Prepared to Apply for the Chevening Scholarship

I leveraged my background as a medical doctor, my leadership experience, and my role as a founder. I structured my application using the STAR method to clearly present my achievements, impact, and leadership journey. I also highlighted my experience as a YALI alumna and clearly articulated how my long-term vision in health advocacy and leadership aligned with the Chevening mission.

Experience at Brunel University

My experience at Brunel University has been extraordinary. It is a comprehensive and supportive institution that genuinely helps students achieve their goals through academic excellence, mentorship, and holistic student support.

Support for International Students

One of Brunel’s greatest strengths is its exceptional support for international students, starting from registration and orientation and continuing throughout the academic journey. The university is also recognized for its strong international student diversity, impactful research culture, and commitment to sustainability.

What Made My Application Stand Out

My application stood out because it demonstrated a unique intersection of skills and experiences:

• Medical and pediatric expertise
• Proven leadership experience (YALI)
• A proactive and innovative approach to problem-solving through technology and digital health platforms

I believe my clear vision, strong leadership narrative, networking ability, and well-articulated goals in both my essays and interviews distinguished my application.

Advice for Future Applicants

Be intentional and authentic. Clearly understand your why and communicate it with confidence. Align your academic goals, leadership experience, and future vision with the mission of the scholarship. Use real examples, quantify your impact, and structure your achievements clearly. Most importantly, start early, seek feedback from alumni, and believe in the value of your story.