Chevening Scholar Faryal Ghaznawi from Afghanistan Shares Her Journey of Securing a Fully Funded Master's at the Bangor University, United Kingdom

My name is Faryal Ghaznawi, and I am from Afghanistan. I am currently pursuing an MSc in Clinical and Health Psychology at Bangor University in the United Kingdom as a Chevening Scholar.

Before coming to the UK, I spent over six years working in Afghanistan in mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), child protection, gender-based violence, and safeguarding, supervising and training staff across multiple provinces, often in very remote and underserved areas.

Working and living as a woman in Afghanistan has never been easy, as women are restricted from many basic rights. Yet, what I witnessed during those years made it impossible for me to stop. I saw the realities of Afghan women and children including forced marriages, violence, child labour, and lack of access to basic rights. For me, helping them was not just a job; it became a personal mission.

I am here to enhance my expertise in clinical psychology so that I can contribute more effectively to the development and strengthening of the healthcare system, particularly in improving mental health services for vulnerable populations.

(I worked with several international organisations in different roles, including:

• Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (PMEL) Officer – Cordaid
• MHPSS Technical Officer – HealthNet TPO
• Case Manager and Psychologist – Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe
• MHPSS Counsellor & PSEA Focal Point – Terre des hommes)

Chevening Scholarship Details

I was awarded the prestigious Chevening Scholarship to study in the UK.

The Chevening Scholarship is one of the UK government’s most prestigious and competitive global scholarship programmes, designed to support outstanding individuals with strong leadership potential. It provides fully funded opportunities to pursue a one-year master’s degree in the United Kingdom, covering tuition, living expenses, and travel.

More than just financial support, Chevening is a platform for future leaders to develop academically and professionally, build strong international networks, and gain the knowledge and skills needed to create meaningful and lasting impact in their home countries and beyond.

More than 6,500 applicants applied from Afghanistan, and only 10 candidates were selected in 2025. I am proud to be one of them.

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Counseling at Herat University, which provided me with a strong academic foundation in psychology and mental health.

Alongside my academic studies, I gained extensive field experience working with four international organisations and local associations, universities, and schools. This enabled me to work directly with clients and gain real, first-hand insight into diverse and challenging contexts.

In addition, I have completed a range of specialised professional trainings, many of which were delivered by UNFPA and designed by specialised international experts. These trainings equipped me with practical, field-based approaches that I was able to apply directly in my work.

They included training in psychosocial support case management, child-focused psychosocial care, self-care, group facilitation, and psychological first aid, Gender-based violence (GBV) in emergencies, protection from sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA), accountability to affected populations (AAP), and disability inclusion.

Overall, my educational background, combined with my professional experience and specialised training, played a significant role in strengthening my profile and increasing my chances of being selected for this highly competitive scholarship.

How Did You Find Information About Chevening Scholarship and Bangor University?

I found information mainly through the official Chevening Scholarship website. In addition, fellow Afghan Chevening scholars conducted guidance sessions, which were very helpful in understanding the application process and requirements.

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

Yes, I took the TOEFL exam. I prepared by studying independently and using online resources to improve my skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

How is Your Experience at Bangor University?

Studying at Bangor University has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. The peaceful environment, surrounded by nature and the sea, creates a very positive space for studying and personal growth. What makes this experience even more special is the kindness of the lecturers and the genuinely supportive academic environment, which motivates me every day to continue my studies with passion, purpose, and dedication.

How Does Bangor University Support International Students?

Bangor University provides a welcoming and supportive environment for international students. From academic guidance to overall well-being support, the university ensures that students feel comfortable and able to adapt to a new environment, while also making sure they feel valued and encouraged throughout their studies.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application was strong because I had the key qualifications the scholarship looks for, including my academic background and over six years of professional experience working with international organisations, where I led teams of psychologists and managed complex cases. These experiences helped demonstrate my leadership, impact, and commitment to my field, and they certainly increased my chances of being selected.

However, I believe what truly made the difference was the interview stage. Many applicants have strong profiles on paper, with excellent experience and achievements, but the interview is where you must prove that you are genuinely the person behind what you have written. It is not only about your qualifications, but also about how you present yourself, your confidence, your energy, your clarity, and the way you communicate your ideas and goals.

From my experience, this stage is where final decisions are made. For example, many candidates were invited to the interview stage, but only a limited number were ultimately selected. I have also seen people with even more extensive experience and leadership backgrounds who applied multiple times over several years but were not successful. In many cases, the difference was not their qualifications, but how effectively they presented themselves during the interview.

For me, I focused on being confident, authentic, and fully present. I made sure to communicate clearly, show my passion, and demonstrate that my experiences, goals, and values were aligned.

I believe this ability to confidently and genuinely present myself, alongside my experience and qualifications, is what ultimately made my application stand out.

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

If you want to apply for scholarships like Chevening, the first thing you need is patience. It is not a simple or fast process, and it often takes time, effort, and persistence. You may feel discouraged at times, but it is important to stay focused on your goal and keep going.

Secondly, work on building yourself throughout the journey. It is not only about applying, but it is also about developing your skills, gaining experience, and understanding your purpose. Try to improve both academically and professionally, and always look for opportunities to grow.

Another key point is to be authentic. Do not try to write what you think the selection panel wants to hear. Instead, share your real story, your challenges, and your motivations. Authenticity makes your application stronger and more convincing.

Finally, do not underestimate the interview stage. This is where you must show your confidence, your energy, and your passion. The way you communicate, present yourself, and connect your experiences to your future goals can make a real difference.

Overall, stay patient, believe in yourself, and use every step of the process as an opportunity to grow and become stronger.