How a Footballer from Pakistan’s Hunza Valley Won the Fully Funded Chevening Scholarship to Study MSc Football Science at Southampton Solent University

My name is Saima Baig, and I’m from the Hunza Valley in Pakistan. I started playing football when I was 12 years old, and back then, I had no idea that kicking a ball around would one day shape not just my passion but my entire journey in life.

Today, I’m pursuing a master’s degree in Football Science at Southampton Solent University. Having been involved in the game for so many years, I’ve come to realize that this path feels like the perfect fit for me. The course itself is thoughtfully designed, blending a range of modules that explore football from multiple perspectives. It’s given me the opportunity to deepen my understanding of the sport and discover which direction I want to take in the future.

Football has always been more than a sport to me. It’s been a source of strength, growth, and purpose, and now, it’s becoming the foundation of the career I want to build.

Chevening Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Chevening Scholarship for the 2024/25 cohort. Chevening is a fully funded 1 year Master’s scholarship offered by the UK government through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). It covers everything from tuition fees, visa, travel, and even a monthly stipend to help with rent and living expenses. Chevening scholars are expected to return home for at least two years after their studies to put their learning into action in their home countries.

Educational Background

I did my undergraduate degree in Sports Sciences from the University of Karachi. At the time, it was the closest thing to a sports-specific program being offered, so I went for it, and I’m glad I did. It gave me a solid foundation in understanding how the human body works during exercise. I developed a strong grasp of anatomy, biomechanics, physiology, and sports psychology, all of which helped me a lot when I started my Master’s.

While studying, I was also actively playing football at a professional level with one of Pakistan’s top clubs. Balancing both wasn’t easy, and my GPA wasn’t exceptional because of the demands of training and travel. For a long time, that made me hesitant to apply for scholarships, and I thought grades were everything.

But over time, I realized that scholarships, especially ones like Chevening, look at the bigger picture. It’s not just about academics. Your real-world experience, your volunteer work, your story, and how all of it aligns with your future goals, those things matter as well. During that time, I also took several online courses to strengthen my CV. I knew where I had gaps, and I made a conscious effort to work on them. I was determined to build a strong profile, and I worked on it every single day.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Southampton Solent University?

The process of applying to UK universities is quite straightforward, especially if you follow the steps carefully. Most universities provide clear guidance on their websites, and if you have any questions, their admissions teams are usually very responsive via email. I found that as long as you have all the mentioned documents and experience aligns well with the course you’re applying for, there’s a strong chance of securing admission.

For most students coming from non-English-speaking countries, the IELTS is a standard requirement that can be submitted later. For IELTS, I went through some online videos, practiced speaking English with my colleagues and friends, and learned the basic tips and tricks through YouTube videos. Also, I gave mock tests online, which helped me to stay within the time limit.

For the Football Master’s pathway, Chevening had specific instructions: we had to apply to two universities from their recommendation and one of our own choice. Out of the three I applied to, I was fortunate to receive offers from Southampton Solent University for MSc Football Science, and from Birkbeck, University of London for Sports Management and the Business of Football. I chose Southampton Solent because the course content felt more aligned with my interests, like the science, performance, and practical aspects of football.

Another reason I felt confident in my decision was the level of support from the university. The professors were incredibly kind and approachable right from the start. Since securing admission, they’ve been in touch regularly, guiding me through everything from understanding the course structure to settling into the city. That level of care really made a difference and reassured me that I was heading to the right place.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Chevening Scholarship?

By the time I applied for Chevening, I had built a solid foundation that aligned with their requirements. an undergraduate degree, relevant work experience, and a clear vision for my future. My Bachelor’s in Sports Sciences, Achievements as a player, the online courses I completed, and various volunteering opportunities with different organizations all added value to my profile. I was also working with Karachi United Football Club as the Women’s Division Lead, which gave me over two years of hands-on experience, something Chevening specifically asks for.

While Chevening itself doesn’t require an IELTS score, most UK universities do, especially for students from non-English-speaking countries. So I made sure to factor that in while applying to universities.

When I first looked at the Chevening application, I knew I had to stay organized. I started by gathering all my documents in one place and carefully planning my timeline. The most important part of the application, in my experience, was the four essays. I had received valuable advice from a Chevening alumni who treat the essays like your life story. They should give the reader a clear picture of what you've done, why you've done it, and how it connects to your goals for the future.

I followed that advice closely. I structured my thoughts clearly and asked friends and family to proofread my essays. It’s a long process, and at times it can feel overwhelming. But I stayed calm, continued working, and took it one step at a time.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

For me, what truly strengthened my Chevening application was the experience I had built over the years, starting from playing football, to volunteering, completing my undergraduate degree in a relevant field, and then continuing to work in the same space. Everything aligned naturally, and that created a strong foundation for my application.

But more than just the experiences, I think the way I told my story through the essays made a difference. All those years of struggle, growth, and staying committed to one path helped me shape a narrative that was honest and clear. I didn’t have to force anything, and it all connected. I believe that sense of direction and purpose came through, and maybe that’s what made an impact.

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 definitely start preparing much earlier, especially when it comes to the essays. They require more time, and I also think I could have chosen my university options more carefully by reaching out to Chevening alumni sooner and learning from their experiences.

Another thing I would’ve done differently is keep a more organized portfolio of my achievements and important documents over the years. Gathering some of them at the last moment was stressful, and having everything ready in advance would’ve made the process a lot smoother.

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

If there’s one piece of advice I’d give to aspiring scholars, it’s “never doubt your abilities” for a long time. I held myself back because I didn’t think I was “good enough.” Looking back, I probably could have secured a scholarship much earlier if I had believed in myself.

Set clear goals and work towards them, but also have backup plans in case things don’t go as expected. There are many scholarships out there, and if one doesn’t work out, apply to others. And if needed, apply again. Each attempt will teach you something.

Academics are important, yes, but they’re not everything. Use every opportunity to gain experience. Volunteer, take online courses, and get involved in your field in any way you can. Those side hustles really add up. And don’t underestimate the power of networking. Talk to people, share your goals, and be open. Sometimes the right conversation leads to the right opportunity. Most importantly, be confident in yourself when you apply anywhere. Your story, your journey, and your voice matter more than you think.