How I Secured a Fully Funded Master's at the University of East London, United Kingdom Through the Chevening Scholarship

My name is Katarina Vukadinović, from Budva, Montenegro. I volunteered for years when I was younger, and that led me to discover non-formal education. Alongside pursuing my BA in Psychology, I developed my soft skills through activism. I started working in the Municipal Youth Office in 2013, where I used my skills and network to launch the Youth Club from scratch. Running it successfully led to my recommendation for the Chevening Scholarship and the completion of an MA in Youth and Community Work at the University of East London in London, UK.

Chevening Scholarship Details

I received the Chevening Scholarship (FCDO) for an MA in Youth and Community Work at the University of East London, funded at around £ 35,000.

Educational Background

In addition to my BA in Psychology, I attended many seminars and training sessions across different fields, which helped me understand the application process and the cultural backgrounds of the people I lived and worked with in the UK.

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

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

I heard about the Chevening Scholarship from an alumnus, and I did my research on web platforms. YouTube channels sharing lived experiences from fellow scholars helped me a lot, both in preparing for Chevening and for the TOEFL.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Chevening Scholarship?

I think it’s important to emphasise that I made 3 attempts to apply for Chevening. That experience helped shape my essays and interview preparation, and it also built my resilience. I consulted people from the Chevening network, and they were quite helpful in sharing their experiences.

What Did You Pursue After the Chevening Scholarship?

Although I stayed in the same field of Youth Work in Montenegro, this experience helped me gain a broader perspective on the situation in Montenegro. Furthermore, I became more visible and recognised within the sector and Youth Work (which is still not recognised as a profession in MNE), and I gained more respect after completing an academic degree in the field.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I think it’s my clear vision for the common good, backed by proven experience in both my city and my country.

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

I would skip the nerve-wracking part and all the disappointments along the way, since everything happens at the right time.

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

They should definitely try, no matter how many times. This year in the UK is definitely worth it.