How a Kenyan Scholar Won the Chevening Scholarship to Earn an MA in Gender Studies at SOAS, University of London

My name is Linda, and I’m from Nairobi, Kenya. I’m currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Gender Studies at SOAS, University of London, as a proud 2024/2025 Chevening Scholar. With over eight years of professional experience in refugee protection, global logistics, and Gender, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (GEDI) work, and a background in law, I’ve always worked at the intersection of advocacy, strategy, and care. My academic path reflects my commitment to fighting for human dignity, particularly for those at the margins.

When applying for scholarships, I didn’t fixate on prestige or rankings. I focused instead on whether I met the eligibility criteria, without self-disqualifying. It’s easy to feel disheartened by the competitive nature of such programs, but I made a deliberate decision to apply widely to any scholarship or fellowship whose requirements I met. I knew that second-guessing myself would only lead to self-sabotage.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to SOAS, University of London?

As an African queer woman, my top priorities were safety, freedom, and access to quality education. So, alongside academic fit, I paid close attention to the country in which each opportunity was based, especially regarding legal protections and lived realities for queer individuals. Ultimately, I was accepted to several university programs and offered different scholarships. However, Chevening stood out because it was the only fully funded option at the time, covering tuition fees, living expenses through a monthly stipend (which includes accommodation), a return air ticket, visa fees, and a relocation allowance. It removed financial barriers and allowed me to focus entirely on my studies and advocacy work.

Educational Background

My academic foundation, an LLB from Mount Kenya University and additional training in Statistics, Data Science, and Python through NawiriTech, prepared me well for postgraduate study. I also met the language requirements with an IELTS (Academic) score of 8.0.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Chevening Scholarship?

Preparing for the Chevening application was a process of deep self-reflection. I crafted essays that linked my professional achievements with leadership, impact, and alignment with the UK's global values. I believe my commitment to intersectional justice, combined with a record of strategic leadership in humanitarian spaces, made my application stand out.

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

If I could do anything differently, it would be starting my personal statement earlier—it deserves time and honesty. To future applicants: apply boldly, without self-censorship. Focus on alignment, not comparison. Your story matters—tell it with clarity and courage.