How a Mexican Aerospace Scholar Secured the Fully Funded Chevening Scholarship for an MSc in Advanced Mechanical Engineering with Aerospace at the University of Strathclyde

My name is Luis Ayil, I am originally from Yucatan, Mexico, a region known for its beautiful landscapes, warm and hardworking people as well as a great Mayan cultural legacy.

I am currently pursuing the MSc in Advanced Mechanical Engineering with Aerospace at the University of Strathclyde, Scotland. Since my first flight in an airplane, I was fascinated by the engineering behind aircraft and the impact that aerospace technology has on exploration, transportation and global connectivity. This passion, combined with my background in Mechatronic Engineering, motivated me to delve deeper into this field, seeking not only to expand my knowledge, but also to contribute to the advancement of the industry and the development of innovative solutions that generate a positive impact.

Likewise, my experience as a lecturer in my previous job reinforced in me the desire to share knowledge and actively contribute to education. The university I worked at recently opened a specialty in aeronautics, an area directly related to my master's studies. One of my goals is to take advantage of this opportunity to contribute from my experience and knowledge, helping to strengthen and improve the curriculum, ensuring that future generations have access to quality training aligned with the needs of the aerospace sector.

Chevening Scholarship Details

The Chevening Scholarship is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations. Its most recent statistics mention that show that there have been over 60,000 applicants from over 144 countries, with an acceptance rate of less than 2.5%.

This scholarship is fully funded (flights, accommodation and course fees are included), to focus on achieving your professional goals and making the most of your life experience by studying in the UK for a year.

Chevening Scholarships are an investment in the future, training leaders who return with knowledge, connections and a global vision to drive the development of each country. This award not only transforms individual lives, but strengthens international cooperation and promotes innovative solutions to local challenges through a network of influential professionals. Chevening creates an impact beyond studies, generating positive changes in each community.

Educational Background

I am a mechatronics engineer with experience in industrial maintenance and teaching.

My background has provided me with an interdisciplinary foundation in mechanics, electronics, automation and programming, essential skills in aerospace engineering. Through the design and simulation of mechanical systems and structural analysis, I acquired basic skills to learn about aircraft and aerospace materials.

Moreover, during my undergraduate degree, I developed strong research and analysis skills, perfecting the management of academic databases and the writing of rigorous technical documents. Through presentations, team projects and leadership in academic activities, I strengthened my communication, teamwork and expression of ideas skills, essential in multidisciplinary environments, among other things.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the  University of Strathclyde?

For the university application process, I relied on Study Across the Pond, an agency that offers free advice on applying to postgraduate programs in the United Kingdom. Its guidance was key to understanding the requirements, preparing the necessary documents, and navigating the admission process in a structured way. In addition, they provided me with valuable information about funding sources, among which was the Chevening Scholarship.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was meeting the English language requirement. Universities in the United Kingdom set high standards because, it is essential to be able to understand and communicate ideas accurately in an academic and professional environment. My path to achieving the certification was demanding: in total, I took 11 English certification tests (5 IELTS, 1 TOEFL IBT, and 5 Oxford ELLT), finally achieving the required score with the last one.

My preparation was comprehensive and constant. Not only did I take exam-specific courses and study with support materials, but I also incorporated the language into my daily life, using online tools to improve my reading, writing, and listening skills. Additionally, I worked with a tutor to strengthen my speaking, making sure to practice every day with discipline and determination. It was a challenging process, but I never lost sight of my goal. Every attempt, every effort, and every moment of practice reminded me that it was worth it to keep going. More than a test, this experience taught me the value of perseverance, resilience, and trust in the learning process.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Chevening Scholarship?

It was a long road, but one with a lot of learning. I believe that, essentially, it is necessary to first be aware and know the objectives and values ​​that Chevening promotes. Reading the requirements of the call carefully is the first step, that was my start.

Then, you must write 4 essays in relation to your leadership skills, networking, your selected universities and your future plans. It is essential to do an introspection, to know your virtues and areas of opportunity for growth, besides having a clear life plan since with this, your ideas will be best expressed in the essays. For this, in addition to doing extensive research on my own, it was also very useful for me to talk to friends, family and people close to me to share different points of view and increase my vision on these topics.

Subsequently, if you are selected at this stage, the second phase consists of attending an interview at the British embassy where a panel of experts will evaluate you to see if you are the candidate they are looking for. For this, after receiving the email inviting me to the interview, I did a bit of introspection again, and did more research on the topics of my essays since that is where the questions would come from. It is not an easy stage, but It's important to remember that if you end up being selected it was because the evaluators observed something in you, aligned with the Chevening objectives, they just need to confirm that you are the candidate they are looking for.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

For me, it has been a great fortune to be selected from a large number of applicants with great ideas and projects to continue contributing to positive development in the country, I attained this award on my second application. That is why I feel committed to giving my best in this adventure and returning to my country to contribute through this experience.

I believe that what made my application stand out was the honesty and coherence with which I presented my story, my project, my aspirations and my commitment to the development of my community. I tried to express a solid and genuine purpose, aligning my project with the values ​​and objectives of Chevening.

One of the most important aspects was to show that I had a defined life plan, with concrete and achievable goals, and that I clearly understood how my training in the United Kingdom would allow me to make a real impact in my country. Evaluators look for candidates with vision and determination, people who not only dream of change, but have taken tangible steps to achieve it.

I also believe that authenticity was key. It's not about writing what you think people want to read, it's about being true to your story and your purpose.

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

If I had the opportunity to go through the process again, I would take even more advantage of each stage to reinforce my self-knowledge and my ability to communicate my vision for impact more clearly and effectively. I would reflect more deeply on my previous experiences, highlighting not only my achievements but also the lessons learned from the challenges I faced. In addition, I would spend more time connecting with former fellows and other mentors to gain different perspectives and enrich my preparation.

Although the process was challenging, each step allowed me to grow personally and professionally. Rather than changing anything drastically, I would see it as an opportunity to fine-tune details, strengthen my confidence, and better structure my story to inspire others. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity, and if I had to do it again, I would take it as a challenge to improve and learn even more.

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

For those looking to apply for a scholarship like Chevening, my main advice is to start with a thorough self-assessment, to know yourself very well. It's not just about meeting the requirements, but understanding how your background, aspirations, and values ​​align with the mission of the scholarship. Knowing Chevening's goals and principles thoroughly will allow you to craft an authentic and compelling application.

In addition, it is important to know about the culture of the country as well as it's critical to thoroughly research universities and programs in the UK, making sure you choose an option that not only meets your academic and professional interests, but also has a significant impact on your future plans. A well-chosen program will demonstrate clarity of purpose and strategic vision.

I would also recommend working on your English proficiency early on, not only to meet the admission requirements, but to make the most of the academic experience and fully integrate into an international environment.

Furthermore, remember that this process is more than an application; it's an opportunity for personal and professional growth. Build a genuine narrative, trust in your potential, and don't be afraid to highlight your achievements with humility. Every story is unique, and the most important thing is to demonstrate impact, leadership and commitment to positive change.

And finally, I can share something with you: the path to any goal has obstacles, moments of doubt, and trials that will test your determination. There will be days when hopelessness will weigh on your shoulders, when you will wonder if all this effort is really worth it. But it is precisely in those moments when you must continue forward the most.

Difficult paths lead to extraordinary destinations. Sometimes, the goal will seem far away, but every effort counts, every small step counts, and everything that today seems uncertain will one day make sense.

Every sacrifice will have its reward, every effort will somehow leave a mark, because in the end, when you reach your goal, you will know that this entire path had a purpose. Don't stop now. The best is yet to come.

You can find more information about the scholarship here: https://www.chevening.org/scholarships/who-can-apply/

Thank you for reading my story, I wish you success in your life plans and, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me,

Luis.