MSc Development Administration and Planning Student Muhammad Faizan from Pakistan Shares His Journey of Studying at University College London (UCL), UK, as a Chevening Scholar

My name is Muhammad Faizan. I am from Pakistan, and I am currently pursuing an MSc in Development Administration and Planning at the Bartlett Development Planning Unit, University College London (UCL), as a Chevening Scholar. Prior to this, I worked in the public and development sector for over four years, taking on dynamic roles in hands-on project implementation, proposal development, and comprehensive project evaluations. My expertise spans diverse thematic areas, including human development and gender, social protection, public health, immunization, and maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH).

I was motivated to pursue further education because I wanted to return to academia with practical experience and deepen my theoretical understanding of development and equity. My goal is to contribute more effectively to policy processes that improve governance and promote sustainable development in Pakistan.

Chevening Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Chevening Scholarship, a fully funded international scholarship programme supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Chevening supports outstanding emerging leaders from around the world to pursue master’s degrees in the United Kingdom. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, round-trip economy airfare, visa costs, and related allowances.

Educational Background

I hold a bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences with a major in Development Studies and graduated with a CGPA of 3.5 from the Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar. While I was not always a student with exceptional grades, I was highly active on campus through co-curricular engagements. These experiences helped me develop leadership skills from the early stages of my academic journey and shaped my professional outlook.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to University College London (UCL)?

How Did You Find Information About the Chevening Scholarship and University College London (UCL)?

Chevening is one of the most well-known and prestigious scholarship programmes available. It had always been a goal of mine to apply for this scholarship for my postgraduate studies, so I actively followed official announcements and eligibility criteria to ensure I was prepared when the opportunity arose.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests?

Yes, I took the IELTS to demonstrate English language proficiency, which is required for admission to UK institutions. To prepare, I studied the exam structure, practised past papers, and used academic English resources to strengthen my reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. I received an overall score of 8.5 out of 9, demonstrating C2-level proficiency.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Chevening Scholarship?

I prepared by carefully reviewing the official Chevening application guidance, studying success stories of past scholars, and mapping my leadership experiences and future goals to the scholarship’s criteria. I structured my essays around Chevening’s core themes: leadership, networking, studying in the UK, and career strategy. I also sought feedback from mentors and peers to refine my application and practised mock responses to common interview questions.

How is Your Experience at University College London (UCL)?

My experience at UCL has been enriching. The programme is academically rigorous and encourages critical engagement with contemporary development challenges. The faculty are supportive and bring extensive research and professional expertise into the classroom, which enhances the learning environment. I have also participated in various campus activities, which have helped me feel integrated and actively engaged within the university community.

How Do You Rate University College London (UCL) Academically and Why?

I would rate UCL highly for its academic standards. The Bartlett Development Planning Unit is ranked number one globally for built environment studies and is known for its strong combination of theoretical grounding and practical policy application. This approach aligns well with my ambition to work in development policy and governance. The interdisciplinary environment and access to global research networks have further strengthened my academic experience.

How Does University College London (UCL) Support International Students?

UCL provides a range of support services for international students, including academic workshops, career guidance, counselling services, and visa advising. These services have been valuable in helping me navigate both the academic and administrative aspects of studying abroad.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

My application stood out because I presented a clear and coherent narrative that connected my past experiences, leadership roles, and future goals with the scholarship’s criteria. I highlighted specific projects and responsibilities that demonstrated leadership, networking ability, and a strong commitment to development outcomes, which are central to Chevening’s selection process.

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 preparing earlier and avoid procrastinating when applying to universities, as this created unnecessary uncertainty. Fortunately, I was admitted to my desired institution, and everything worked out well. I would also begin conducting mock interviews sooner to build confidence and improve my performance during the selection stage.

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

Scholarships are becoming increasingly competitive each year as application numbers rise and funding opportunities become more limited. My advice to prospective applicants is to start building a strong portfolio of experiences early, whether professional, vocational, or co-curricular, during their undergraduate studies. At the end of the day, what distinguishes an applicant is not only academic performance but also the breadth of experiences, leadership roles, and impact they have demonstrated alongside their studies.