Chevening Scholar Dr. Yemisrach Abera Ayele from Ethiopia Shares Her Journey of Securing a Fully Funded Master's at the Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom

My name is Dr. Yemisrach Abera Ayele, a medical doctor from Ethiopia, with a strong interest in maternal and global health. I have worked in both military hospitals and conflict-affected areas, where I saw how limited access to maternal care affects women and children in vulnerable communities. These experiences led me to start Trinity Antenatal Consultancy, where I focus on providing basic antenatal education to pregnant mothers. Through my journey, I realised that improving maternal health requires more than clinical care, which motivated me to pursue a Master’s degree in Global Public Health and Policy to better understand and contribute to strengthening health systems and policy.

Chevening Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Chevening Scholarship to pursue my master’s degree at Queen Mary University of London, a fully funded UK government scholarship that supports students by covering tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and health insurance.

Educational Background

I hold a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from Haramaya University in Ethiopia.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Chevening Scholarship?

I first learned about the Chevening Scholarship through multiple sources, including the official website, previous scholars, and YouTube videos, which helped me understand the application process and expectations. I then carefully prepared and submitted my application, focusing on clearly presenting my leadership experience, networking skills, career plan, and motivation for studying in the UK. After being shortlisted, I began interview preparation by participating in multiple mock interviews with friends to strengthen my confidence and refine my responses. This preparation process ultimately led to my successful selection as a Chevening Scholar.

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

I carefully selected my universities by reviewing course modules and ensuring they aligned with my career goals in maternal and global health. I then proceeded with the application process early. After receiving my offer, I began preparing for the IELTS exam, dedicating approximately three weeks to focused study. I used a combination of official preparation materials, online resources, and YouTube tutorials, and practiced regularly through exercises and mock tests to strengthen my skills and meet the required score for admission.

How is Your Experience at Queen Mary University of London?

My experience at the institution has been excellent so far. It has provided a supportive academic environment, high-quality teaching, and opportunities to engage with diverse perspectives from students and faculty.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because I took the time to deeply understand the scholarship before applying, which allowed me to clearly align my experiences, leadership journey, and long-term career goals with its core values. My strong leadership experience and hands-on professional background in challenging settings demonstrated my capacity for real impact and commitment to change, particularly through translating ideas into practical solutions in maternal health. In addition, receiving guidance from previous scholars, especially during the interview stage, helped me significantly refine my responses, strengthen my communication, and present my story with greater clarity and confidence.

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

My advice to anyone applying for a similar scholarship is to take time to deeply understand the scholarship’s values and priorities so you can clearly align your experiences, leadership journey, and long-term goals. Be confident and authentic in telling your story, and start your preparation early to give yourself enough time to refine your application without pressure. Engage actively with previous scholars, as their mentorship and feedback can significantly strengthen both your written application and interview performance. Most importantly, clearly demonstrate your leadership and networking abilities through real examples, and present a well-defined career path and vision that shows purpose, direction, and long-term impact.