How a Mauritanian Scholar Secured the Fully Funded Chevening Scholarship for a Master's in Health Care Policy and Management at the University of Birmingham

My name is Jiyda Zahaf, and I’m from Mauritania. With a background in health economics, I’ve spent the past few years working in health financing at the World Health Organization (WHO) in Mauritania. My work has focused on improving health equity, strengthening healthcare policies, and mobilizing resources for the health sector. Currently, I’m pursuing a Master’s in Health Care Policy and Management at the University of Birmingham in the UK. My passion for making healthcare more accessible and financially sustainable in developing countries led me to this field of study.

Chevening Scholarship Details

I was awarded the fully funded Chevening Scholarship, supported by the UK government. This incredible opportunity covers my tuition, travel, and living expenses, allowing me to fully concentrate on my studies and professional development.

Educational Background

I hold a Master’s degree in Health Economics and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Management, both from the University of Paris 12 in France. My academic background, combined with my professional experience in health financing, gave me a strong foundation in economic analysis, resource allocation, and health data analysis. This solid preparation made my transition to studying healthcare policy and management a natural next step.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the University of Birmingham?

I carefully researched universities offering specialized courses in health policy and management, prioritizing institutions with strong reputations, experienced faculty, and diverse student networks. I attended virtual webinars and reviewed course curricula to ensure they aligned with my career goals.

For English proficiency, I took the IELTS exam and prepared using online resources and practice tests. I scored 7.0, which met the requirements of my chosen universities.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Chevening Scholarship?

Applying for Chevening was a demanding but rewarding process. I spent a lot of time crafting my essays, making sure they reflected my leadership experiences, professional achievements, and future aspirations. I sought feedback from friends and colleagues to refine my responses.

I also reached out to past Chevening scholars from my country, who provided invaluable insights into the selection process. Their advice helped me structure my essays and prepare effectively for the interview stage.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

What made my application stand out was a combination of strong leadership experience, a clear career vision, and a genuine passion for healthcare equity. My role at WHO allowed me to lead major health financing projects and influence policy decisions, demonstrating my ability to drive meaningful change. Additionally, I presented a well-defined career plan, outlining how the Chevening Scholarship would equip me with the necessary skills to contribute to the reform of my country’s healthcare system. My application was also authentic, reflecting my personal journey, challenges, and aspirations in a sincere way. Furthermore, I emphasized my networking skills, showcasing how I had built professional relationships with global health experts and leveraged shared learning opportunities to enhance my work. This combination of leadership, clarity, authenticity, and commitment to positive impact made my application stand out.

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

If I were to go through the process again, I would start my application much earlier to allow more time for refining my essays and seeking feedback from mentors and past scholars. I would also take my IELTS test sooner to avoid unnecessary stress. Preparing for the test while also working on my application was overwhelming, and an early IELTS exam would have allowed me to fully focus on refining my essays and preparing for the interview.

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

For anyone looking to apply for a similar scholarship, my biggest advice is to start early and approach the application strategically. Take time to research the scholarship’s values and tailor your essays to highlight your leadership skills, networking abilities, and commitment to creating a positive impact. Authenticity is key, tell your story in a compelling and sincere way, showcasing your achievements, challenges, and aspirations. Seek feedback from mentors, colleagues, or past scholars to refine your essays and strengthen your application. Preparing for the interview is just as important, practice expressing your motivations, experiences, and career plans with confidence and clarity. Finally, believe in yourself and stay persistent.