How an Afghan Public Health Researcher Secured the Fully Funded Chevening Scholarship for an MSc in Global Health at the University of Southampton

My name is Mohammad Haris Taheri, and I am from Logar Province, Afghanistan. I worked with the Kabul University of Medical Sciences as a dentist, clinical lecturer, and public health researcher for almost a decade. My profound interest in community health advancement, which could benefit a more significant portion of the population, persuaded me to take a step beyond dentistry. I earned my first master’s degree as a Master of Public Health (MPH) from KUMS in 2019. This adds to my extreme motivation to contribute to the ongoing battle for some of the worst public health indicators, such as maternal and neonatal mortalities, and a broader understanding of globally prominent public health challenges, leading to persuading my second master's degree in Global Health at the University of Southampton, UK. I have published five articles in reputable peer-reviewed national and international journals, with three others in progress.

Scholarship Details

In 2022, I applied for the Chevening Scholarship and the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships (GOI-IES) and received both scholarships. I ultimately accepted the Chevening Scholarship to pursue my master’s studies in the UK. The Chevening Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and internationally recognized awards funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom. I was among the 2% of successful scholars selected from a pool of more than 70 thousand applicants worldwide after a lengthy and intensely competitive selection process, such as fulfilling the scholarship eligibility criteria, essay assessment, and interviewing. This fully-funded scholarship covers full tuition fees and travel expenses, including arrival and return tickets, and offers a monthly stipend covering the living expenses. The (GOI-IES) program supports high-caliber international students who wish to study master's or PhD in Ireland. The Government of Ireland funds the program in partnership with Irish higher education institutions (HEIs). I was among the 60 awardees selected from more than 5000 applicants. The scholarship includes a stipend of €10,000 for one year of full-time study and a full tuition fee waiver.

Educational Background

I earned an undergraduate (MD) degree in Dentistry from Kabul University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), graduating with an outstanding A-grade average (96%). Then, I pursued a Master of Public Health (MPH) at KUMS, achieving a 3.5 CGPA out of 4. My MPH dissertation, “Prevalence of Recurrent Aphthous Ulcers Among Dentistry Students in Kabul, Afghanistan: A Questionnaire-Based Study,” was awarded in 2019 and is available online. Most recently, I completed an MSc in Global Health with Distinction at the University of Southampton. My dissertation, “Determinants of Neonatal Mortality and the Impact of Maternal Socioeconomic Status on Institutional Delivery Outcomes in Afghanistan: Analysis of MICS 2022/23,” was awarded in November 2024. I also received the Dean’s List Award for a quality dissertation.

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

Applying for an MSc in Global Health at the University of Southampton requires thorough preparation and strategic planning. The first step was researching institutions aligned with my academic interests and career goals. I explored university websites, reviewed course curricula, and compared faculty expertise to ensure the program matched my aspirations. Additionally, I connected with alumni and current students through LinkedIn and other social media platforms to gain firsthand insights into the program structure, opportunities, and challenges.

Since English proficiency was essential, I started with a self-prepared strategy for the IELTS: using official study guides (British Council), practicing sample tests from Cambridge books (10-18), and watching videos on YouTube channels such as IELTS Liz, E2 IELTS, and IELTS Advantage.

Apart from standardized tests, I carefully worked on my statement of purpose, highlighting my academic background, professional experience, and motivation for pursuing global health as per the university instructions and guidelines. I also tailored my CV and gathered strong recommendation letters from mentors and professors who could vouch for my capabilities.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Chevening Scholarship?

Applying for the Chevening Scholarship required thorough preparation, strategic planning, and perseverance. I started by conducting in-depth research on the scholarship’s eligibility criteria, values, and application process through the Chevening website and alumni resources.

The application process centered on four essays—leadership, networking, career plans, and why the UK—so I focused on crafting compelling narratives aligned with Chevening’s mission. I wrote multiple drafts, ensuring each essay was concisely structured and demonstrated impact using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method.

I also contacted Chevening alumni from my friends list and on LinkedIn and attended webinars to gain insights into what makes a strong application. Seeking feedback from those who had already gone through the process was crucial in refining my essays. Additionally, I joined several Chevening groups on social media, such as Facebook and WhatsApp, which I consider vital in making your application successful.

For the interview stage, I anticipated possible questions and conducted mock interviews with past scholars to practice confidently articulating my experiences, goals, and leadership journey.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Authenticity and clarity made my application stand out. I ensured that my essays reflected my unique experiences, challenges, and impact rather than trying to fit a generic mold. Instead of just stating my achievements, I provided concrete examples of leadership and networking, demonstrating how I had driven real change in my community or workplace.

Additionally, I aligned my career goals with the UK’s global influence in my field and Chevening’s emphasis on returning home to contribute to development. The selection panel resonated with my ability to articulate a clear vision of how I planned to use my UK education to create an impact in my country.

Finally, thorough interview preparation helped me confidently convey my leadership experience and commitment to Chevening’s values.

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

If I were to go through the process again, I would start earlier to allow more time for refining essays and collecting strong recommendation letters. I was left with minimal time when I applied for the scholarship, which was stressful. I would also contact more alumni for guidance and insights to strengthen my application further. Further, I would record achievements throughout the year to make essay writing easier, as recalling detailed examples of leadership, networking, and impact can be challenging.

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

Some pieces of advice for those interested in applying for this prestigious scholarship:

1. Commence Early and plan strategicallyBe authentic and avoid exaggeration
2. Conduct research and make an effort to comprehend the scholarship's purpose, as well as which fields and the criteria for which applicants have the best chance of being awarded.
3. Conduct exhaustive research on your course options and universities, and don't be afraid to connect with universities and Chevening scholars.
4. Essays play a key role in award-winning. Try to understand the format, give your best effort, and be sincere when describing your skills and accomplishments in your essays. It is strongly suggested that a Chevening alumni edit and finalize your essay.