How I Secured a Fully Funded Master's at Brunel University London, United Kingdom Through the Chevening Scholarship

My name is Punam Khadka, and I am from remote Nepal. I recently graduated from Brunel University London through the UK Government’s Chevening Scholarship. My academic program focused on Youth, Childhood, and International Development, a field closely aligned with my professional journey and passion for working with marginalized communities.

I began my career in 2014, working with children and young people facing multiple adversities, particularly those living in areas with low Human Development Index indicators. My experiences working directly with vulnerable communities inspired me to pursue further education in international development, youth empowerment, and social inclusion. I wanted to deepen my understanding of policies, global development frameworks, and practical approaches to supporting children and young people, especially those living with disabilities and other social barriers.

Chevening Scholarship Details

I received the Chevening Scholarship, funded by the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

The scholarship supported my master’s degree at Brunel University London. Chevening is a fully funded scholarship that covers tuition fees, travel costs, a monthly stipend, and other essential expenses for one year of study in the UK.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

Also, I was a reserved candidate for the Australian Award Scholarship from Nepal for the year 2024/25

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Brunel University London?

Before pursuing my master’s degree through the Chevening Scholarship, I completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Sikkim Manipal University with First Class distinction and a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology from India with Distinction. However, my career direction changed when I became involved in raising awareness about the importance of girls’ education in my remote hometown in Nepal. This experience brought me a deep sense of fulfillment and helped me realize my passion for community engagement, youth development, and social justice.

My educational background, combined with my professional experience working with NGOs and marginalized communities, enabled me to develop strong practical insights into development challenges. These experiences strengthened my motivation to pursue a degree in Youth, Childhood, and International Development, as I wanted to bridge academic knowledge with real-world practice and contribute more effectively to improving the lives of children and young people.

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

I actively researched scholarship opportunities through official scholarship websites, university portals, and alumni networks. The Chevening website and stories shared by previous Chevening scholars were particularly helpful in understanding the application process and expectations.

I also carefully researched universities and programs that aligned with my career goals and interests in youth development, child rights, and international development.

Yes, I took the IELTS exam as part of the university application requirements. Preparation involved consistent practice, reviewing test formats, and focusing on improving academic writing and speaking skills.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Chevening Scholarship?

Preparing for Chevening required significant reflection on my leadership experiences, professional journey, and long-term goals. I spent time clearly articulating how my work with children, youth, and marginalized communities connects with my future vision for development in Nepal.

The Chevening essays focus on leadership, networking, career plans, and studying in the UK. I ensured my responses reflected authentic experiences, real impact from my work, and a clear vision of how the scholarship would help me contribute to my home country.

I also prepared thoroughly for the interview stage by revisiting my essays, reflecting on my leadership journey, and clearly explaining my goals after the scholarship.

How is Your Experience at Brunel University London?

My experience at Brunel University London was extremely enriching. The program encouraged critical thinking about global development issues, youth participation, social policies, and inequality.

Beyond academics, I had the opportunity to engage with diverse perspectives from students across different countries, which broadened my understanding of global development challenges and solutions.

I also completed an internship with Look Ahead in London, supporting individuals experiencing mental health challenges, homelessness, and disabilities. Additionally, I worked with Achieve Together UK, which further strengthened my understanding of the disability sector, care systems, and inclusive support services.

These experiences reinforced an important realization for me: disability is not inability - often it is societal barriers and perceptions that limit people's potential.

How Do You Rate Brunel University London Academically?

Brunel University offers a strong academic environment with a focus on research, critical thinking, and practical learning. The faculty members were supportive and encouraged open discussions on complex global issues related to development and social policy.

How Does Brunel University London Support International Students?

The university provides strong support for international students through academic advisors, career services, and student support programs. These services help students adjust to academic expectations, career planning, and life in the UK.

What Did You Pursue After the Chevening Scholarship?

After completing the scholarship, I plan to return to Nepal and continue working in the development sector, focusing on children, youth, and people with disabilities. My goal is to apply the knowledge and experiences gained during my studies and work in the UK to strengthen inclusive development initiatives in my home country. I have recently begun my work with UN-Habitat in Nepal. I also aspire to start a socially responsible business in sustainable clothing that empowers women and is designed for women, with the aim of financially empowering them and indirectly supporting the education of their siblings, children, or themselves.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because of my strong commitment to social impact, particularly my long-term work with marginalized children and youth. Before applying, I was actively volunteering with NGOs in my home country, supporting children’s education.

I am also a founding member of an organization supporting single women through sustainable clothing initiatives, which helps them generate income and fund their children’s education.

Additionally, I bring over 12 years of professional experience working with child rights organizations in Nepal. These combined experiences demonstrated my dedication, leadership, and ability to create tangible impact, which I believe made my application compelling to the Chevening selection committee.

My application clearly connected my past experiences, leadership journey, and future goals, with the right Kind of examples with numbers that made it quantifiable, demonstrating how the Chevening scholarship would enable me to contribute to meaningful change in Nepal.

Authenticity and a clear vision for the future are extremely important in scholarship applications.

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

If I were going through the process again, I would probably start preparing even earlier and seek feedback on my essays from mentors or previous scholars to strengthen them further.

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

First, you must believe in your journey and potential
Have confidence in your experiences and the impact you can make. Every step of your journey, no matter how small it seems, has shaped your skills, perspective, and ability to contribute meaningfully to your community and country.

Be authentic and tell your real story

Don’t try to fit a template or say what you think the reviewers want to hear. Share your true experiences, challenges, and achievements. Authenticity helps your application stand out because it reflects who you really are.

Highlight your leadership and impact

Clearly explain how you have taken initiative, led projects, or influenced positive change in your community, workplace, or educational settings. Scholarship committees want to see evidence that you can make a difference.

Connect your past experiences with your future goals

I would say, Research, research, research.
It’s not just about finding scholarships-it’s about understanding what truly fits you, what aligns with your goals, and what you genuinely want to gain from your master’s program. Doing thorough research helps you make informed choices and ensures that your scholarship journey is meaningful and aligned with your aspirations.

Show a clear link between what you have done so far, why you chose your course, and what you plan to achieve in the future. Demonstrating this connection helps reviewers understand your vision and how the scholarship will help you realize it.

Start preparing early and review requirements carefully
Give yourself plenty of time to research the scholarship, understand all eligibility and application requirements, and refine your essays and documents. Early preparation allows you to reflect deeply, write thoughtfully, and submit a strong application without last-minute pressure.