How Naomi Gonzalez Cantu, a Mexican Scholar, Secured a Fully Funded Master’s Through the British Council Women in STEM Scholarships

My name is Naomi Gonzalez Cantu, and I am from Monterrey, Mexico. I love reading, swimming, and dancing, and I have a dog and a cat. In 2022, I earned a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Administration, and I recently completed my master’s degree. From the beginning of my undergraduate studies, I was fascinated by the energy sector, from the engineering principles behind energy transfer to the commercial activities that support the energy needs of industries and households. By the time I graduated, I knew I wanted to pursue a postgraduate degree focused on this field.

During my first professional roles, I also discovered a particular interest in commercial transactions and business. I began looking for a master’s programme that would bring these interests together, helping me find the “sweet spot” between developing innovative technological ideas and building a successful business. I also wanted to study abroad and gain international experience. Meeting and learning from people and professionals from different countries and cultures were things I especially looked forward to. These aspirations led me to pursue the MSc in Energy Engineering Management at Durham University in the United Kingdom.

I knew I would need a scholarship to pursue postgraduate studies, as I had only been working full-time for a couple of years after graduating. One day, I received a newsletter I had subscribed to months earlier, announcing the British Council Women in STEM Scholarships. This fully funded scholarship covers tuition fees, travel, visa costs, and living expenses, enabling women from eligible countries with a background in STEM to pursue a master’s degree at a UK university. The participating countries and universities vary each year. In the year I applied, Durham University and the University of Strathclyde were offering scholarships to Mexican applicants in partnership with the British Council.

As I explored the available programmes, I immediately felt that the MSc in Energy Engineering Management at Durham University was exactly what I was looking for. It combines engineering and business courses while also offering opportunities to explore subjects such as climate economics, venture creation, and artificial intelligence. I applied and received an offer of admission from the university, then completed my scholarship application. In June, I received confirmation that I had been awarded the scholarship. At that moment, I knew my life was about to change in ways I had never imagined.

Application Preparation

When it comes to the application process, the most important thing is to plan and keep track of the deadlines. Since the beginning, both the university and the scholarship programme clearly outlined the required documents, including an updated CV, undergraduate transcripts, a personal statement, and more. I set myself a deadline to gather and prepare everything I needed. I also had to take an English language test, so I registered at an authorised test centre. In the weeks leading up to the exam, I completed online practice tests to familiarise myself with the question formats and practice managing my time.

Once I had everything ready, I submitted my application before the deadline. For the scholarship, I completed an application form with questions about my motivation for pursuing the master’s degree. Answering this required considerable self-reflection, as well as research into the programme and how it aligned with my interests and future plans.

Studying at Durham

If I could describe Durham, I would call it “a place straight out of a fairy tale”. Although that may sound a bit romantic, I found it to be the perfect setting for student life. It is a beautiful city surrounded by nature, filled with coffee shops and historic buildings. Student life is integrated into the city, with plenty of places to study, meet friends, and exercise. Coming from Mexico, adjusting to the colder weather was a little challenging during the first few months, but each season had its own beauty, from snowfall in winter to long, warm summer days.

The university offers opportunities not only to explore your academic interests but also to develop other skills. During my time there, I completed an internship, took dance lessons, and participated in venture creation activities. One of the most special aspects of Durham is its collegiate system. Each college has its own character and traditions, creating a community that encourages you to make the most of your university experience. I was a member of Ustinov College, Durham’s only college exclusively for postgraduate students. Through Ustinov, I volunteered, joined activities that introduced me to other cultures, and attended social events. My favourite experiences were the college balls.

Academically, I benefited from learning from a diverse group of lecturers with expertise in their fields. They were always willing to offer feedback, guidance, and support. I explored new subjects, including coding and machine learning, but working on my dissertation was my favourite part of the programme. I conducted research using data from Mexico and applied the tools and methods I had learned at Durham. What made the experience especially meaningful was being able to connect my home country with the knowledge I had gained in the UK, bringing together the two places that had shaped this stage of my life.

Final Remarks

If I could offer one piece of advice to anyone applying for a scholarship, it would be to be yourself. Write honestly about your beliefs, your knowledge, and your aspirations. While we can always draw inspiration from others, your own story, experiences, and goals are what make your application unique. Trust in their value and in what you have to offer.

Stay organized and plan for application deadlines. Unexpected circumstances can arise, so build some flexibility into your schedule and have a backup plan, especially if you need to take a language test.

Reach out to the people around you. A former professor might be willing to write a recommendation letter, a friend could proofread your personal statement, or a family member might help you stay organised. You do not have to navigate the process on your own.

Finally, be patient while waiting to hear back from universities and scholarship providers. They often receive many applications and enquiries, so responses can take time. The staff are there to support you, but they also need time to review applications carefully. Waiting can be difficult, but try not to let it discourage you.