How a Student from Eswatini Earned the Fully Funded Chevening Scholarship to Pursue a Master’s Degree in Safety, Health and Environmental Management at the University of South Wales in the United Kingdom

My name is Nomfundo Elly Mavimbela, and I am originally from Maliyaduma, Manzini in Eswatini. I come from a background that values education and personal growth, which has shaped my passion for continuous learning. I am pursuing an MSc in Safety, Health and Environmental Management because I am deeply interested in the sustainable development of communities and the environment. My decision to pursue further education in this field stems from my desire to obtain a rank for decision-making in environmental policy, where I can meaningfully contribute to advancing my community and profession while addressing the challenges and opportunities in environmental health and safety for Eswatini.

Chevening Scholarship Details

I was fortunate to be among the 2–3% of successful applicants to receive the prestigious Chevening Scholarship awarded by the United Kingdom’s government through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), which provides full funding for my studies, valued at £16,000, as well as living expenses.

Educational Background

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management and Occupational Safety and Health from the University of Eswatini, where I graduated with a GPA of 3.28. During my undergraduate studies, I developed a solid foundation and passion for workplace health and safety management, which ignited my interest in pursuing a career as an Environmental Health and Safety Officer. Reflecting on my research project, it played a crucial role in offering me insight into my future professional path, while also improving my interpersonal skills, analytical abilities, and problem-solving skills. This background has made it easy for me to advance into a specialised leadership course for managing sustainable initiatives in Safety, Health, and Environmental Management.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of South Wales?

In preparation to apply to various institutions, I set clear goals for what I wanted to achieve from an MSc. I had recently begun a role in construction, which offered me exciting prospects for my career. I diligently ensured that I applied for a program with a strong focus on construction. To prepare for applying to institutions, I began by researching programs that closely aligned with my academic interests and career goals. I carefully reviewed admission requirements and prerequisite courses to ensure I met expectations. I also refined my statement and resume to reflect my strengths and experiences. This took up most of the preparation work and time, as I had to tailor my experiences to each institution’s prescribed format or guide for presenting my application.

One of the advantages of pursuing studies in the UK is the ease of access to information. The British Council’s official website was integral in helping me find a test centre for taking my IELTS exams. I undertook the IELTS to demonstrate my English language proficiency. I prepared for the exam by utilising official IELTS study materials for all four sections: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. My family members, particularly my cousin, assisted in testing my proficiency in speaking the language.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Chevening Scholarship?

Preparing for the Chevening Scholarship necessitated strategic planning, self-reflection, and a thorough understanding of what the scholarship seeks in a candidate. Fortunately, Chevening also facilitates preparation for the scholarship through its user-friendly website. I researched the Chevening website extensively to grasp the eligibility criteria, leadership expectations, and application timeline. I perused the guidance notes provided and watched YouTube channels featuring Chevening alumni who offered insights and shared their experiences during the application process to help organise and highlight my achievements in the essays.

The most important aspect of my preparation was working on these four required essays (leadership and influence, relationship-building and shared learning, studying in the UK, and my career plan). I began drafting these early, concentrating on initiatives I had undertaken in my career that showcased my leadership, relationship-building, and shared learning skills, professional growth, and commitment to positively impacting my home country. I revised the essays multiple times and sought feedback from various Chevening alumni. Interestingly, the essays I wrote at the beginning of my application were entirely different from those I submitted, so it is vital to start early.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

My application stood out because I could showcase how my achievements and future goals align with the work that the UK is undertaking in Eswatini. I was able to demonstrate a commitment to creating positive change throughout my career by leading environmental health and safety initiatives for mine, those affected by work, and, ultimately, for the benefit of my country.

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

If I were to go through the application process again, I would panic less and take a moment to enjoy the journey. I found myself wanting to succeed so much that I overthought and overwhelmed myself with anxiety, so I honestly did not take the time to enjoy and celebrate my progress from one stage of the application process to the next.

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

What worked for me was understanding what Chevening was looking for and telling my story from that perspective. I did not shy away from approaching, asking questions, and seeking help from people I knew were alumni of the program; my networking skills came in handy for this activity. I advise anyone applying for this scholarship to start early, stay organised, and be authentic. Review the eligibility criteria thoroughly and tailor your application to highlight how you meet those requirements. Be genuine and clear in your personal statements (essays) about how your story and future goals align with the scholarship’s requirements and why funding you would make a difference in your journey, in the lives of those impacted by your work/goals, and ultimately, your country’s initiatives towards Sustainable Development Goals. Remember, do not hesitate to reach out to former recipients for tips!