Chevening Scholarship Recipient, Laura Uribe Cruz, Shares the Story of How She Applied for the Fully Funded Award to Pursue Her Master’s Degree in Film, Television, and Moving Image at the University of Westminster

Hello! My name is Laura Uribe Cruz. I’m originally from Veracruz, Mexico, and I earned my Bachelor's degree in Communication and Media Production from the University of the Americas Puebla (UDLAP). I’ve always been passionate about storytelling—especially through audiovisual media, with cinema being my favorite form of expression.

After graduating, I began working in the editorial industry in Mexico City, writing for various magazines and digital outlets. This experience later allowed me to work with different streaming platforms and media companies such as HBO, Netflix, and Paramount+, coordinating content at a regional level.

In 2024, I was awarded the Chevening Scholarship to pursue postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom, and I am currently completing a Master of Arts in Film, Television, and Moving Image at the University of Westminster.

Chevening Scholarship Details

The Chevening Scholarship is awarded by the UK government through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. It is a fully funded scholarship that covers tuition fees, a monthly stipend, travel expenses, and visa processing. In my case, I am currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Film, Television and Moving Image at the University of Westminster in London.

Educational Background

I hold a Bachelor's degree in Communication and Media Production from the University of the Americas Puebla (UDLAP), and I have completed various diploma programs in Digital Narratives, Screenwriting, Film Studies, and Marketing.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Westminster?

I took the time to carefully research the specific requirements of each university to ensure that my statements of purpose were well-targeted and compelling. I also reached out to professors and course leaders to better understand the programs and assess whether they were the right fit for me—insights that ultimately guided my final decision. For English preparation, I relied on the free resources provided by the TOEFL website, which proved to be an effective and accessible tool in the process.

How Did You Find Information About the Chevening Scholarship and the University of Westminster?

I did a deep research about what opportunities were available in my field on different websites from the embassy and also through other scholars.

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

Yes, I took the TOEFL IBT Test, and I prepared myself using the free resources they have online.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Chevening Scholarship?

I have done deep research about what the scholarship is about, what they are looking for in scholars, and also talked to several Cheveners from past cohorts. For the first stage, which is to write four essays, I looked for people who weren’t necessarily in my field of study to read them and give me feedback, and for the last stage, that is the interview, I did many mock interviews to practice fluently and how to present my project.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe one of the factors that helped me the most was that my project focuses on culture and the arts—an area that is still relatively uncommon among Chevening Scholars, though it is gaining more presence each year—and that it addresses current challenges within the media and entertainment industries in Latin America. I was also very intentional in outlining what I hope to achieve through the scholarship, and I made a point of conveying my passion and love not only for my professional work, but for the arts as a whole.

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

I think I would try to relax a bit more and enjoy the process! This scholarship has a long and demanding selection process, and the truth is I was quite stressed throughout the entire application. Looking back, I believe it’s more about trusting yourself and allowing things to flow naturally.

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

I would strongly recommend trusting yourself and letting your work and experience speak for you, while also being persistent. In my case, I didn’t win the scholarship on my first attempt, and although it was frustrating, the lessons I learned from that experience were invaluable when I tried again. So, if it doesn’t happen the first time, keep trying. I also believe it’s important to reach out to previous scholars, as they can help answer your questions and give you a clearer understanding of the process.