How María Paz Rodríguez, a Paraguayan Scholar, Secured a Fully Funded Master’s in Social Development at University of Sussex Through the Chevening Scholarship

Hello, my name is Paz, and I am from Asunción, Paraguay. My interest in education started when I was very young, inspired by my grandmother, who was a public school teacher. Over the years, that curiosity grew into both a passion and a calling.

I studied International Relations and later worked on several capacity development projects for young people across Latin America and the Caribbean. Those experiences made me realise the transformative power of education and lifelong learning.

In 2025, I completed a Master's in Social Development at the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom. Today, I put that knowledge into practice by designing and coordinating global learning and capacity development programmes for United Nations Volunteers around the world.

Chevening Scholarship Details

The scholarship I received was Chevening, the UK Government's global scholarship programme. It is one of the most comprehensive and competitive scholarships available.

Chevening covers tuition fees, visa costs, return flights, and a monthly stipend for a one-year Master's degree in the UK.

Applications are submitted directly through the Chevening website, and the selection process takes around eight months, including written applications and interviews. The programme is managed through British Embassies and High Commissions in participating countries.

Educational Background

I hold a Bachelor's degree in International Relations. After graduating, I decided to specialise in Higher Education Teaching because I wanted to develop stronger teaching and learning skills for working with young adults.

Through my work on capacity development and soft skills programmes for young people, I began to understand that Paraguay's educational needs extend beyond technical knowledge. Developing leadership, critical thinking and interpersonal skills is equally important.

That experience also aligned closely with Chevening's mission. The scholarship looks for future leaders who will return home and use the knowledge and networks gained in the UK to make a meaningful contribution to their communities.

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

My journey to Chevening was not a straight line. I first considered applying in 2019, about a year after graduating from university. However, the pandemic arrived, and at that point my professional experience was still developing. I realised I needed to gain more experience in the field I truly wanted to pursue. Instead of rushing into an application, I continued volunteering and sought opportunities that aligned with my interests in education and capacity development.

In January 2023, I started researching Chevening and universities again. I reached out to alumni through LinkedIn to learn about their experiences, read everything I could about the scholarship, and spent a lot of time reflecting on what I genuinely wanted to achieve. By October that year, I felt ready and submitted my application.

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

Yes. One piece of advice I would give is to understand which English language test best suits both you and your chosen universities.

Chevening itself did not require an English language test when I applied, but the universities did, and each institution had its own requirements.

I took the IELTS Academic test. Fortunately, I had studied at a British English institute where I had completed several mock IELTS exams over the years, so I already felt familiar with the format, which made the preparation process much less stressful.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Chevening Scholarship?

I first learnt about Chevening around four years before I actually applied through the UK Embassy's social media channels.

From that moment, I started watching videos from Chevening Scholars, reading their stories and trying to understand what the scholarship really represented.

Curiosity is a great advantage throughout this process. It is also important to recognise that not every scholarship is the right fit for every person. The values of the scholarship should genuinely resonate with your own story and purpose.

I began preparing seriously around nine months before submitting my application. Time is incredibly valuable because it allows you to gain clarity about your experiences and the story you want to tell.

When I applied, Chevening required four essays covering leadership, networking, studying in the UK, and career goals. Although they were separate essays, together they formed one coherent story about who I was, what I had done, and where I wanted to make an impact.

How Is Your Experience at University of Sussex?

Studying at Sussex was one of the most valuable experiences of my life.

It was not only about the academic quality or the UK's constructivist approach to education. It was also about learning alongside people from every corner of the world, each bringing different perspectives and lived experiences.

I can honestly say that I grew not only academically, but also as a person.

How Do You Rate University of Sussex Academically?

I would give it a 5 out of 5.

The University of Sussex is ranked first in the world for Development Studies in the QS rankings, but what stood out to me most was the learning environment.

There is a strong culture of critical thinking, social engagement, and open discussion, where students from very different backgrounds challenge and enrich one another's perspectives every day.

What Did You Pursue After the Chevening Scholarship?

After completing my Master's, I returned to Paraguay and continued working in capacity development, this time from United Nations Volunteers Headquarters. Today, I continue working in capacity development by creating learning opportunities for United Nations Volunteers around the world through online programmes and coaching initiatives. I believe learning matters at every stage of a career, whether someone is just starting out, finishing an assignment, or moving into a new field. My role is to help bring the right support, tools and opportunities together in a space that people can access and use to move forward with confidence.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe it was the preparation, but not only the preparation for the application itself.

It was the preparation to truly understand myself.

There is a big difference between listing achievements and telling a story that allows someone to see the person behind those achievements.

I first wanted to apply for Chevening in 2019, but I also recognised that I was not ready. Looking back, I do not see those years as lost time. Instead, they gave me the opportunity to keep growing, explore different opportunities, and better understand why I had chosen a career centred on creating learning opportunities for others.

By the time I applied in 2023, I knew my story much better. Eight months later, after completing the selection process, I received the scholarship and, in 2024, moved abroad for the first time.

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

Honestly, I do not think I would change anything.

Every stage of the journey, including the uncertainty and setbacks, helped shape who I am today.

If I could relive the process, I would probably experience it with a little less anxiety and a little more confidence. Sometimes it is easy to focus on what you still lack instead of recognising everything you have already achieved.

Looking back, I feel incredibly grateful for the journey and proud of the person I became along the way.

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

Be kind to yourself. I could tell you to create a Google Drive to organise your goals and deadlines, set aside time to prepare for your English test, follow people who share scholarship advice, use the STAR method for your essays, practise mock interviews with colleagues, friends or former scholars, and research your universities. Those are all useful things to do. But at the end of the day, whatever path you choose to follow, be kind to yourself throughout the process.