Chevening Scholarship Scholar Lediona Lame from Albania Shares Her Journey of Securing a Fully Funded Master's at Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom

My name is Lediona Lame, and I am from Albania. I am a lifelong learner, lecturer, tech professional, and startup founder with a decade of experience spanning software development, academia, and entrepreneurship. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Business Informatics from the University of Tirana and two Master’s degrees, one in Business Informatics and one in Governance and Public Policy. I am currently pursuing an MSc in Artificial Intelligence at Queen Mary University of London, made possible by the prestigious Chevening Scholarship.

I decided to pursue further education in Artificial Intelligence because I believe that AI is not just a technological trend; it is a fundamental shift that is reshaping every industry. As someone who has worked as a full-stack developer, founded an online healthcare startup (Përkujdesja), and lectured in computer science, I saw firsthand how AI is challenging traditional roles and creating new opportunities. Rather than watching this revolution from the sidelines, I wanted to be at the forefront of it, equipped with the expertise to lead change in Albania’s tech and academic ecosystem.

Chevening Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Chevening Scholarship by the UK Government (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) to pursue an MSc in Artificial Intelligence at Queen Mary University of London (September 2025 – September 2026). The Chevening Scholarship is one of the UK’s most prestigious international scholarship programmes, and it covers full tuition fees, a living allowance, travel costs, and other study-related expenses, making it a fully-funded opportunity. The scholarship is awarded to outstanding individuals with demonstrated leadership potential who are committed to making a lasting impact in their home countries.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

The Chevening Scholarship was the only scholarship I was awarded.

Educational Background

My academic journey has been broad and multidisciplinary, which has uniquely prepared me for advanced study in AI. I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Business Informatics at the University of Tirana (2013–2016), followed by a Master’s in Business Informatics at the European University of Tirana (2016–2018), where I developed a strong foundation in computing, information systems, and data analysis. I later completed a Master’s in Governance and Public Policy at the University of Tirana (2024–2025), which broadened my understanding of policy, leadership, and societal impact, skills that are increasingly essential as AI governance becomes a global priority.

In parallel with my formal education, I continuously upskilled throughout my career, working in the industry and after that also in academia. This combination of academic credentials and hands-on self-directed learning gave me the confidence and preparation to apply for a competitive MSc in AI. My technical background as a Full Stack Developer, combined with 3 years of lecturing in computer science, meant I already had practical exposure to many of the tools and concepts underpinning modern AI systems.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Queen Mary University of London?

My preparation to apply to UK institutions was both strategic and research-led. I began by identifying universities with strong AI programmes that aligned with my professional and academic goals. I shortlisted Queen Mary University of London for its focus on equipping graduates with skills for both academia and industry; City, University of London, for its high-quality AI labs and partnership with London’s Tech City; and Brunel University of London for its strong computer science rankings. I carefully reviewed each programme’s curriculum, entry requirements, and research focus areas to ensure a strong alignment with my background and aspirations.

I prepared a compelling personal statement that clearly articulated my technical background, leadership journey, and vision for using AI to drive change in Albania. I also reached out to current students and alumni of these programmes through LinkedIn to better understand the learning environment, workload, and culture at each institution. This helped me write more informed, authentic applications that reflected a genuine understanding of each university’s strengths.

How Did You Find Information About Chevening Scholarship and Queen Mary University of London?

I first became aware of the Chevening Scholarship through my professional network and online communities. I followed the official Chevening website (chevening.org) closely, which provided all the essential details about eligibility, deadlines, and the application process. I also connected with former Chevening Scholars from Albania through LinkedIn, which gave me invaluable first-hand insight into the selection process and what the programme committee values in candidates.

For finding information about UK universities and AI programmes, I relied on official university websites, UCAS, and the Times Higher Education World Rankings. I also used YouTube to watch video testimonials from students studying at my target institutions, which helped me get a realistic sense of campus life, teaching style, and research culture. My advice to future applicants: start your research early, use multiple sources, and always verify information directly from official channels.

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

As an Albanian national applying to a UK university, I was required to demonstrate English language proficiency. I took the IELTS examination and achieved a score that met the entry requirements for my chosen programme. Since English has been an integral part of my academic and professional life throughout my career, lecturing, writing technical documentation, and working with international clients, I was already comfortable with the language. To prepare specifically for the IELTS, I practised with official Cambridge IELTS preparation books, focused on the Academic Writing and Speaking components, and took several timed mock tests to build confidence. My advice: do not underestimate the IELTS because even if you are a strong English speaker, the specific format and timing of the exam require dedicated practice.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Chevening Scholarship?

Preparing my Chevening application was a months-long process that required deep self-reflection, research, and multiple rounds of revision. The first step of the application consists of four core essays: Leadership and Influence, Relationship Building, Studying in the UK, and Career Plan. Each essay has a strict word limit and must clearly demonstrate that you embody the Chevening values. I started by understanding what Chevening was truly looking for, not just academic excellence, but future leaders who will return home and create impact.

Then the second phase, the interview, required me to be ready to discuss my leadership experiences in detail and to think critically about Albania’s development challenges.

How is Your Experience at Queen Mary University of London?

My experience at Queen Mary University of London has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. The MSc AI programme is academically rigorous, covering modules including Neural Networks and NLP, Information Retrieval, Ethics and AI, and Computer-Aided Data Science. What I appreciate most is the balance between theoretical depth and applied, project-based learning, which aligns perfectly with my professional background. The university’s diverse, international environment has also enriched my perspective, and being part of the Chevening community in London has opened doors to extraordinary networking opportunities I could never have imagined from Tirana.

How Do You Rate Queen Mary University of London Academically?

I would rate Queen Mary University of London very highly. Besides being part of the prestigious Russell Group, the academic staff members are leading researchers in their fields, the teaching is engaging and practically oriented, and the resources available to students are excellent. QMUL’s strong focus on research-driven education means you are always learning from people who are actively shaping the field. The university also has a strong support network for international students, which I found invaluable as someone relocating from Albania. The only area for improvement, in my view, would be more structured industry placement and networking events within the AI programme itself.

How Does Queen Mary University of London Support International Students?

QMUL has a dedicated international student support team and a comprehensive onboarding process that helps new arrivals settle into London life. The university offers orientation sessions, academic writing workshops, mental health and wellbeing services, and a student union with a wide range of cultural societies and events. As a Chevening Scholar, I also benefited from the Chevening network’s own support structures, including events, mentoring, and community activities in London. The international community at QMUL is vibrant and welcoming; I never felt isolated or out of place.

What Did You Pursue After the Chevening Scholarship?

My MSc programme at Queen Mary University of London is scheduled to conclude in September 2026. Upon completing the degree, I plan to return to Albania with a clear mission: to use my AI expertise to reform academic curricula, contribute to the AI ecosystem, and, why not in the AI implementation in the Albanian government. My path after the scholarship is not just about career advancement; it is a commitment to community impact and the development of Albania’s tech ecosystem.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe several factors made my application stand out. First, the breadth and authenticity of my leadership story, I did not just describe leadership in abstract terms, but presented concrete, measurable achievements: founding Albania’s first online healthcare platform with over 130 healthcare providers listed and 1.2k monthly users; winning the Best Business Idea award at the Balkans Entrepreneurship Summer School; increasing company revenues by 40% through professional networking; and mentoring students who have gone on to employment in the tech industry.

Second, my Career Plan was specific and community-focused. I did not simply describe personal ambitions; I articulated a detailed plan to address a real challenge in Albania: the need to integrate AI education into universities and create economic opportunities through technology. Third, my unique profile, combining a decade of technical development experience, entrepreneurship, academic lecturing, and policy-level awareness, demonstrated the kind of multidimensional leadership that Chevening seeks in its scholars.

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

If I were going through the process again, I would start even earlier, at least six months before the deadline. While I felt well-prepared, I would have benefited from more time to connect with Chevening Scholars from previous years and seek their feedback on my drafts during the very early stages. I would also have documented my achievements and impact metrics more systematically throughout my career (specific numbers, testimonials, and records of mentoring outcomes), as these details are critically important for a strong application narrative.

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

My biggest piece of advice is: be authentic, be specific, and be impact-driven. Chevening is not looking for people who sound impressive; it is looking for people who genuinely are making a difference in their communities. Do not try to write what you think they want to hear. Write about your real experiences, your real challenges, and your real vision for the future. Use concrete numbers and examples wherever possible.

Start your application process well in advance of the deadline. Give yourself enough time to reflect deeply, write multiple drafts, and seek feedback from trusted mentors or former Chevening Scholars. Connect with alumni from your country; they understand the local context and can offer invaluable guidance. For the interview, practise speaking confidently about your leadership experiences and your post-study career plan. Finally, do not be discouraged if you are not successful on your first attempt. I also failed on my first attempt. Many Chevening Scholars applied more than once before being awarded the scholarship. Persistence, self-belief, and a genuine commitment to contributing to your country’s development are what ultimately make the difference.