How I Secured a Fully Funded MSc at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom Through the Chevening Scholarship

My name is Lana Ameer Hawezi, and I am from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. I hold a bachelor’s degree in medical microbiology, and over the years I have built my career in monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL), research, and data-related roles within humanitarian and development organizations.

After graduating, I found myself drawn to the humanitarian sector there was something deeply meaningful about using data not just as numbers on a spreadsheet, but as a tool that could genuinely improve people's lives in some of the most challenging contexts. That pull never left me. Over time, I became increasingly passionate about how data could strengthen health systems and support evidence-based decision-making, which eventually led me to pursue an MSc in Health Data Science at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) in the United Kingdom.

I chose Health Data Science because it sits at the intersection of public health, statistics, and technology and to me, that combination felt like the most powerful way to address real healthcare challenges. With my background in health sciences and hands-on experience working with data in the field, I knew this was the direction I wanted to go.

Chevening Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Chevening Scholarship to pursue an MSc in Health Data Science at LSHTM, one of the world's leading institutions for public health research and education.

Chevening is the UK Government's global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and partner organizations. It fully covered my tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other study-related expenses, which made it possible for me to fully focus on my studies without financial worry.

But Chevening is so much more than funding. What makes it truly special is the network and the prestige that comes with it. As a Chevening Scholar, you become part of a global community of over 50,000 alumni spanning more than 160 countries, leaders across government, academia, business, civil society, and beyond. That network opens doors in ways that are hard to quantify but impossible to ignore.

There is also something deeply meaningful about carrying the Chevening name. It signals not just academic ability, but leadership potential and a commitment to creating positive change, and that recognition follows you throughout your career.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

I applied exclusively to Chevening. It wasn't just a funding opportunity for me; it aligned deeply with my values and my vision for what I wanted to achieve. Chevening looks for future leaders who are committed to making a difference in their communities, and that resonated with who I am and what I want to do. It felt like the right fit from the start.

Educational Background

I completed my bachelor’s degree in medical microbiology in 2017 with a score of 84/100.

After graduating, I stepped into the humanitarian and development sectors, where I worked in monitoring, evaluation, research, and data-focused roles. Those years were incredibly formative. I developed strong analytical and problem-solving skills, but more than that, I learned how to translate data into meaningful insights that could inform real decisions affecting real communities.

That blend of academic grounding in health sciences and practical field experience became the foundation on which I built everything else on. When I eventually pursued my MSc at LSHTM, I achieved a perfect score of 5/5 on my research project, an experience that pushed me to apply everything I had learned in a meaningful, real-world context.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)?

I approached the search for the right institution thoughtfully and deliberately. I researched universities with strong reputations in public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, and health data science, looking closely at course structures, faculty expertise, research opportunities, and where graduates ended up in their careers.

What I was really looking for was a place that didn't just teach theory but pushed students to apply knowledge to real-world problems. LSHTM stood out immediately and became my top choice.

How Did You Find Information About the Chevening Scholarship and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)?

I relied on a mix of official university and scholarship websites, LinkedIn, and perhaps most valuably, the stories of people who had been through the process before me.

Reading about other scholars' experiences was genuinely eye-opening. It gave me a realistic picture of what the application process looked like, what strong essays sounded like, and what to expect from interviews. That human element made a real difference, which is part of why I'm happy to share my own story now.

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

Yes, I took the IELTS exam as part of the application process. I prepared using official IELTS materials, worked through practice tests regularly, and paid particular attention to academic writing and speaking, the two areas I knew would matter most. Consistent, focused preparation over several months helped me achieve the score I needed.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Chevening Scholarship?

Preparing for Chevening was a deeply reflective process far beyond anything purely academic.

I spent a lot of time sitting with questions that aren't always easy to answer: What have I led? What impact have I made? Where do I want to go, and why does it matter? Writing the essays forced me to be honest with myself about my journey and articulate a vision I genuinely believed in.

I revised my essays many times and was fortunate to have mentors and colleagues who gave me honest, constructive feedback. For the interview, I went back through my entire application, practiced answering common questions out loud, and made sure I could speak confidently and naturally about my goals, not just recite rehearsed lines.

How is Your Experience at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)?

Studying at LSHTM was, without question, one of the most transformative experiences of my life.

The academic rigour was real; it challenged me in ways I didn't always expect, but so was the sense of community. Being surrounded by researchers, public health professionals, and students from all over the world created an environment where every conversation felt like an opportunity to learn something new.

The highlight of my programme was conducting research using national NHS England cancer waiting-times data to evaluate how healthcare policy changes affected cancer diagnostic and treatment services. It was the kind of project that reminded me exactly why I chose this field it connected everything I care about: data, health systems, and policy that affects people's lives.

How Do You Rate the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) Academically?

Exceptionally highly. LSHTM is academically rigorous in the best possible way; it doesn't just ask you to absorb information; it asks you to think critically, question assumptions, and apply what you're learning to complex, real-world health challenges.

The faculty are internationally recognized experts who are genuinely invested in their students' growth. I left not just with a degree, but with a way of thinking that I carry into everything I do professionally.

How Does the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) Support International Students?

LSHTM does a thoughtful job of supporting international students. From orientation programmes and academic guidance to career services, wellbeing support, and student societies, there are structures in place to help you settle in and thrive.

But honestly, what made me feel most supported was the culture of the institution itself. The multicultural environment meant that being an international student wasn't an exception; it was the norm. That made a real difference.

What Did You Pursue After the Chevening Scholarship?

Since completing my MSc, I have continued to focus on research, monitoring and evaluation, and data science, with an emphasis on evidence-based approaches in humanitarian and development contexts.

My long-term goal is to contribute to strengthening healthcare systems in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq using data science and health policy research to support better decisions, better programmes, and ultimately better outcomes for people. The MSc gave me both the skills and the confidence to pursue that more ambitiously.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Honestly, I think it was the coherence of my story.

I didn't try to present a perfect profile. Instead, I tried to show a clear thread from Medical Microbiology to humanitarian data work, to Health Data Science, and explain why each step made sense and where it was all leading. I focused on demonstrated leadership, a genuine commitment to impact, and a specific vision for how I intended to use the opportunity.

I think Chevening responded to that clarity and authenticity more than anything else.

Looking Back, Would You Have Done Anything Differently During Your Time in the Program?

I would have started earlier. Not because I was unprepared, but because the more time you give yourself, the more deeply you can reflect, and reflection is really what makes a Chevening application strong.

I would also have connected with more former scholars earlier in the process. Their insights are invaluable, and most people are genuinely happy to share their experiences if you reach out.

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

Focus on your story and your purpose that is my biggest piece of advice.

Chevening receives thousands of applications from highly qualified candidates. What often sets the successful ones apart isn't the most impressive CV it's a clear sense of direction, genuine leadership, and a real commitment to making a positive impact.

Be authentic. Start early. Seek feedback. And don't underestimate the power of reflecting honestly on your journey the challenges, the turning points, the moments that shaped your goals.

Most importantly, believe that your background and your experiences matter. You don't need a perfect profile. You need a compelling story, a clear vision, and the determination to see it through.

So take that first step, even if it feels uncertain. Apply, put your story forward, and trust that you are more ready than you think.