How a Tanzanian Civil Engineer Earned the Fully Funded Chevening Scholarship to Study Road Management and Engineering at the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom

Laurent is a professional civil engineer accredited by the Engineers Registration Board (ERB) of Tanzania, and Road Safety Auditor certified by the International Road Federation (IRF) under the TEN STEP PLAN PROJECT, with over ten years of experience in the transport sector. He is passionate about road safety, resilient infrastructure development, and sustainable road financing.

His dedication and leadership in the field have earned him several prestigious recognitions, including the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) Emerging Professional Award, the Chevening Scholarship Award, and a Diversity Scholarship to study the Global Transport Challenges course at the University of Oxford in 2025.

Laurent currently serves as Road Safety Manager at NORPLAN, where he oversees World Bank-funded strategic road network projects in Tanzania and across the East African region. He holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology and an M.Sc. in Road Management and Engineering from the University of Birmingham.

Chevening Scholarship Details

In June 2023, I was honored to be awarded the Chevening Scholarship—a prestigious, fully funded award by the UK Government through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). This scholarship enabled me to pursue a Master’s degree in Road Management and Engineering at the University of Birmingham.

The award covers all key expenses, including tuition fees, flight tickets, and accommodation, giving me the opportunity to fully focus on my academic journey and professional development in the UK.

Educational Background

My first degree was in civil engineering, graduated with an upper class from Dar es Salam Institute of Technology (DIT). My first degree was a good foundation to pursue the M.Sc. in Road Management and Engineering, as I initially met the requirements of the master’s programme, English requirements, and the years of experience I had in the transport sector.

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

My application journey involved two main stages. The first step was selecting a master’s course that aligned with my ambitions: the M.Sc. in Road Management and Engineering at the University of Birmingham. The second step was applying for funding through the Chevening Scholarship Awards.

These two processes were independent of each other. Fortunately, since the medium of instruction for my undergraduate studies over four years was English, the University of Birmingham waived the English language requirement. This exemption removed a potential barrier and allowed me to focus more on preparing a strong application for both the university and the Chevening scholarship.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Chevening Scholarship?

My Chevening application journey was far from straightforward. I didn’t succeed on my first attempt in 2022, but that wasn’t the end of my dream. I chose to rise again. The disappointment was real, but it didn’t stop me from dreaming BIG.

I became more resilient, thanks to the unwavering support of my colleague Winnie Aranya Itaeli Kweka, who encouraged and guided me throughout the process. Then, in June 2023, after my second attempt, I received the life-changing email; I had been awarded the Chevening Scholarship. It was a moment I will never forget. That single message marked a turning point in my life and career. It was the beginning of a dream I had held onto for more than ten years: studying in the UK, in a course I had always aspired to pursue.

Preparing for Chevening required deep self-reflection and dedication. I invested time in understanding the scholarship’s core values and requirements, refining my essay writing skills, and practicing mock interviews almost weekly with peers who had already reached the interview stage. This helped me build confidence, remain calm under pressure, and clearly define my ambitions and goals during the actual interview.

And guess what? Today, I’m proud to call myself a global Chevening Alumnus—part of a vibrant network of over 60,000 Cheveners worldwide. I’m now in a position to inspire and support the next generation of dreamers, just as I was once supported.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe what set my Chevening application apart was staying true to myself—clearly defining my goals, ambitions, and unwavering passion to contribute to my country, Tanzania. My mission is to support the development of safer road infrastructures, with a focus on reducing road accidents that tragically claim thousands of lives each year.

My broader vision aligns with the United Nations' 2020–2030 goals, particularly the target to reduce road traffic deaths and serious injuries by 50%. With 1.35 million lives lost annually—and 90% of those deaths occurring in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs)—I was motivated to be part of the solution. I’m especially driven to protect vulnerable road users, who are often the most affected.

Through this journey, I was deeply inspired by Eur Ing Miguel-Angel Serrano Santos, IRF Lead Trainer in Road Safety, who mentored me during his first training course in Tanzania in 2021 under the Ten Step Plan Project. His guidance ignited my passion for road safety and encouraged me to dream BIG— envisioning a career that extends beyond national borders to a global scale. In the long term, I aspire to become a Regional Director for Road Safety in Africa, where the need for transformative leadership is most needed.

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

Every Chevening journey forms a unique story, and for me, I’ve learned to embrace rejection as part of the process.

If I were to go through it again, I would start my application earlier, take more time to refine my essays, and engage in more mock interviews with my colleagues. Most importantly, I would ensure my career path is clearly defined and closely aligned with the master’s course I choose.

These steps would elevate my application and bring me even closer to achieving my dreams.

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

My advice would be to stay resilient throughout the process. Take time for genuine self-reflection and focus on fulfilling your dreams. It’s important to truly understand what you need in your career path and carefully choose the right course and university that align with your goals.

I also encourage prospective applicants to explore the Chevening website thoroughly, listen to experiences from past Cheveners, and actively engage in interactive discussions. Connecting with those who have gone through the process can provide valuable insights into how to improve your application, especially when it comes to essay writing and mock interviews.

Above all, be natural and true to yourself. Authenticity shines through more than anything else.