How a Mauritanian Student Earned the Fully Funded Chevening Scholarship to Pursue a Master’s in Global Healthcare Management at Coventry University, United Kingdom

My name is Fatimetou Mintu Sidahmed Khdeim, and I proudly come from Mauritania. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Sierra Leone, Fourah Bay College, majoring in Chemistry and minoring in Statistics. My academic journey, grounded in scientific inquiry and data interpretation, has fueled my passion for evidence-based policy in healthcare. Currently, I am pursuing a Master’s in Global Healthcare Management at Coventry University in the United Kingdom, supported by the prestigious Chevening Scholarship. My decision to pursue this degree stems from my deep passion for global health systems and leadership, especially in improving healthcare equity and outcomes in low-resource settings like mine.

I chose this field because I believe that healthcare is the heartbeat of development, and strong leadership in global health can change lives. This program perfectly aligns with my mission to be a change-maker in public health systems, especially across Africa.

Coventry stood out not only for its excellent academic structure but also for its welcoming Islamic community, a personal, spiritual layer that made it feel like home even before I arrived.

Chevening Scholarship Details

I am a recipient of the prestigious Chevening Scholarship, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). It is a fully funded award covering tuition fees, travel costs, visa fees, and a generous monthly stipend.

Prior to Chevening, I had the honour of being awarded the Sierra Leone Granting Aid (SLG) during my second year of undergraduate studies, in recognition of my outstanding academic performance. I was also selected for the Fulbright Program and the Korea Development Institute of Public Policy and Management (KDIS) Scholarship, which speaks to the global appeal of my profile.

However, I chose Chevening for its one-year duration, immense leadership focus, and its incredible global alumni network. Because of my exceptional performance during the Chevening interview, British Petroleum (BP) Mauritania graciously offered to sponsor my Chevening journey. I am beyond grateful for their trust and support.

Educational Background

I graduated with a BSc in Chemistry with a minor in Statistics, which enabled me to bridge the gap between science and data. My academic experience was deeply analytical, and that naturally made me an excellent data analyst, a skill I continue to use in parallel with my healthcare work.

This strong scientific foundation helped me understand public health challenges through a quantitative lens, giving me the right tools to thrive in the Global Healthcare Management program. I consistently maintained a strong academic standing, which helped me stand out during competitive application processes.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Coventry University?

I started by researching programs that blend leadership, policy, and health. Coventry University stood out for its practical curriculum, international diversity, and its strong Islamic student network, which gave me peace of mind.

I made a shortlist of universities and tailored my personal statements for each one, making sure to highlight not only my academic background, but also how my community impact and leadership in public health aligned with their institutional goals.

Since Chevening doesn’t require the GRE/GMAT, I focused on the IELTS. Because I did my BSc in English, I felt quite confident in my language skills. I initially sat for the TOEFL and scored 70/120, which honestly disappointed me. I knew I could do better. So, I went ahead and took the IELTS, where I scored an 8.0 out of 9.0 band, exactly the result I knew I was capable of.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Chevening Scholarship?

Applying for Chevening was my little secret. I didn’t tell my family, not even my brother, because I wanted to surprise them if I made it. So, everything was on me: from researching the scholarship, understanding its core values, checking eligibility, to writing and reviewing my essays.

I binge-watched videos from past scholars, joined webinars, and studied sample essays, but made sure my writing had my personal story and my voice. I focused on clearly linking who I am, what I’ve done, and where I’m going.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe what truly made my application stand out was the clarity of my vision, the way I seamlessly connected my past experiences, present contributions, and future goals. I wasn’t trying to sound perfect; instead, I focused on being genuine and honest about my journey, values, and impact. I highlighted how I’ve led and contributed to society through public health initiatives, youth advocacy, and gender empowerment.

Being the CEO and Founder of YPEN (Young People Empowerment Network) not only demonstrated my leadership abilities but also my passion for empowering others. Coupled with my data analytics skills, it showed I have both the technical and strategic capabilities to drive change. Most importantly, I clearly articulated how the Chevening experience would elevate my impact and allow me to contribute more meaningfully to global health and development.

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

Honestly, I started the process early, and I was intentional about every step, especially choosing Coventry University for its academic strength and vibrant Islamic community. However, if there’s one thing I would have done differently, it would be documenting my journey in real-time from writing essays to preparing for the interview. That would not only have helped others who want to apply but also served as a personal record of my growth.

I also would have trusted myself more and avoided second-guessing during moments of self-doubt. The process taught me that clarity and consistency matter more than perfection. So, if I had a chance to do it again, I’d simply be kinder to myself during the process.

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

Start early, research deeply, and apply with intention. Make sure your essays align with the scholarship’s core values. Be authentic, your story doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful. Showcase your leadership, resilience, and future goals with clarity. Believe in your journey, even if you apply in secret like I did. You have something unique to offer, own it and go for it.