How a Moroccan Biotechnology Graduate Landed the Fully Funded Chevening Scholarship for an MSc in Environment and Global Development at UEA

My name is Hinda, and I am originally from Morocco. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology from Malaysia, a multidisciplinary field that gave me a broad academic foundation. However, after completing my degree, I realized that I did not want to pursue a career in biotechnology. I decided to take a gap year to explore other options and began volunteering, which is when I discovered my passion for environmental protection. Through working with several organizations focused on sustainability and climate action,

I became deeply committed to this field. This led me to pursue a Master's degree in Environment and Global Development, which I am currently undertaking at the University of East Anglia.

Chevening Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Chevening Scholarship, a prestigious and fully funded international scholarship program offered by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Chevening supports outstanding emerging leaders from around the world to pursue one-year Master's degrees in the United Kingdom. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, round-trip economy class airfare to the UK, and additional grants to cover essential costs such as visa fees, arrival and departure allowances, and travel to Chevening events across the UK. The total value of the scholarship varies depending on the university and location, but it typically amounts to over £30,000. As a Chevening Scholar, I am currently pursuing an MSc in Environment and Global Development at the University of East Anglia (UEA). The program not only supports my academic and professional development but also connects me with a global network of over 50,000 Chevening alumni committed to driving positive change in their communities and fields.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

Yes, I was offered other scholarships. Out of the seven scholarship programs I applied to, I was accepted into three: the Chevening Scholarship (UK), the Italian MAECI Scholarship, and a fully funded scholarship to study at a prestigious university in Morocco. After careful consideration, I decided to accept the Chevening Scholarship, as it best aligned with my academic goals and provided a unique opportunity to study in the UK and join a global network of emerging leaders.

Educational Background

I hold a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology with a GPA of 2.89/4.00. Biotechnology is a multidisciplinary field that combines biology, chemistry, and technology, and it provides me with a strong foundation in scientific research, critical thinking, and problem-solving. While my undergraduate studies were rooted in the sciences, the program also helped me develop transferable skills such as data analysis, project management, and collaborative teamwork. Although I eventually decided not to pursue a career directly in biotechnology, my academic background helped me build a solid analytical and research skill set, which is highly valuable in the environmental field. It also gave me the flexibility and discipline needed to transition into new areas of study. This foundation supported my decision to pursue a Master's in Environment and Global Development, where I could align my education with my passion for environmental protection and sustainable development.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of East Anglia?

I was certain that I wanted to pursue a Master’s degree in Environment, so I began my search using the official Chevening course finder: https://www.chevening.org/scholarships/find-a-course/. This platform lists all eligible UK universities and courses under the Chevening Scholarship. I explored the university rankings, course content, and specializations, and after careful research and comparison, I selected three universities and courses to include in my Chevening application, as required. Although I initially thought the Chevening Scholarship would be too competitive for me, I applied out of curiosity after seeing people I knew even distantly receive the award. Their success inspired me to take the chance as well.

Yes, I took the IELTS, as it was required for university admission. During my gap year, I took the test for the first time but didn’t achieve the score I needed. I realized that a strong English proficiency score was essential for securing admission to universities, so I decided to take the test again. This time, I prepared on my own over three weeks using free resources, including YouTube videos, sample exams, and online courses. I focused especially on improving my listening and writing skills. With consistent daily practice and better time management, I was able to significantly improve my score.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Chevening Scholarship?

Yes, I was offered other scholarships. Out of the seven scholarship programs I applied to, I was accepted into three: the Chevening Scholarship (UK), the Italian MAECI Scholarship, and a fully funded scholarship to study at a prestigious university in Morocco. After careful consideration, I decided to accept the Chevening Scholarship, as it best aligned with my academic goals and provided a unique opportunity to study in the UK and join a global network of emerging leaders

How Is (was) Your Experience at the University of East Anglia?

My experience at the University of East Anglia (UEA) has been very positive so far. From the beginning, I felt welcomed and supported, both academically and personally. The teaching style encourages critical thinking and independent learning, which has helped me grow in confidence, especially as this is my first time studying in the UK. My professors are approachable and genuinely invested in our success, and I’ve had access to excellent academic resources and support services. I’ve also had the opportunity to meet and collaborate with students from around the world, which has enriched my perspective and broadened my understanding of global environmental challenges. UEA’s vibrant campus life and its strong focus on sustainability align well with my values and long-term goals.

How Do You Rate the University of East Anglia Academically and Why? 

I would rate the University of East Anglia 8.5 out of 10 academically. The course provided a strong foundation in environmental and global development theories, and I particularly appreciated the interactive seminars where we often had guest experts speak on relevant issues. These sessions also allowed us to hear diverse perspectives from students coming from different parts of the world, which enriched the learning experience.

Another highlight was the number of presentations we delivered throughout the year. These helped me significantly improve my public speaking, confidence, and communication skills. However, I was expecting a more practical and field-oriented approach, especially for a master’s program in this field. We only had two field visits throughout the entire academic year, and I believe more hands-on experiences and technical practices would have added real value to academic learning. Overall, the institution provides a high standard of education with strong academic support, but a more practice-based component would make the experience even more impactful.

How Does the University of East Anglia Support International Students? 

My university provides excellent support for international students in every aspect—from wellbeing to academic guidance. The staff are approachable, friendly, and always willing to help. Whether it’s adjusting to a new academic system, accessing mental health support, or navigating visa and accommodation matters, the university has dedicated services in place to assist us. What I appreciate most is how responsive they are; whenever I reached out with a question or concern, I received clear and timely support. This made the transition to studying in the UK much smoother and helped me feel welcomed and valued as part of the university community.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe what made my application stand out was my strong leadership experience, which aligns closely with Chevening’s core values as a leadership-focused scholarship. I demonstrated a clear commitment to driving positive change in my community, backed by real examples of initiatives I had led or contributed to. Additionally, I presented a clear vision for my future and how my studies in the UK would help me achieve long-term goals. My ambition, combined with a genuine passion for creating impact particularly in the areas of climate action and youth empowerment, helped show that I was not only prepared to benefit from the scholarship, but also to give back meaningfully afterward.

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

If I were going through the process again, I would have connected earlier with students who were already studying at the University of East Anglia (UEA) to ask more detailed questions about life in Norwich, the university experience, and what to expect both academically and socially. I also would have started exploring accommodation options much earlier. Securing the right place to live is a big part of settling in smoothly, and having advice from current students would have helped me make a more informed decision and reduce stress during the transition.

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

My advice is simple: be brave and apply. Even if you think you’re not the “perfect” candidate, you never know what can happen unless you try. Reach out to Chevening alumni; they can offer invaluable advice and guidance. Most of them are happy to help, so don’t hesitate to ask questions and learn from their experiences.

Put in your maximum effort, because the time and energy you invest can positively change your life. There are plenty of free resources online; use them to understand the application process, improve your essays, and build confidence.

Most importantly, trust yourself. Be clear about your vision, and use strong leadership language to tell your story. Show how you are committed to making a difference and how you can be a positive, ambitious leader, because the world needs more of those.