Chevening Scholarship Recipient, Shayan Rabbani from Pakistan, Shares the Story of How He Applied for the Fully Funded Award to Pursue His MSc in Business Analytics at Durham University

My name is Shayan Rabbani, and I am from Pakistan. With a strong background in business analytics and experience in data-driven strategy and customer lifecycle management, I have always been passionate about using technology and analytics to solve real-world problems. My work experience in the telecom and fintech sectors of the developing world allowed me to explore the impact of data-driven marketing and growth.  My previous engagements, coupled with my passion for analytics, have inspired me to pursue my MSc in Business Analytics at Durham University, one of the leading institutions in the UK. I chose this field of study because I wanted to deepen my expertise in advanced data analysis, machine learning applications in business, and strategic decision-making, skills that are increasingly vital in today’s fast-evolving industries.

Chevening Scholarship Details

I was honored to receive the Chevening Scholarship in 2023, a prestigious UK government award that covers the full cost of study for future global leaders. The scholarship provided 100% funding for my master’s degree at Durham University, including tuition fees and living expenses. Beyond financial support, Chevening is a recognition of leadership potential and the ability to drive positive change, which has been both humbling and motivating for me. Being part of this global network of scholars has not only eased the financial burden of studying abroad but has also given me the platform to connect with future leaders from around the world who share the same vision of creating impact.

Educational Background

Before pursuing my master’s, I completed my BSc in Economics from the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), one of Pakistan’s leading institutions. The program offered me the flexibility to take courses across the business school, which I tailored towards building a strong foundation in both quantitative analysis and marketing. As an economics major, I focused my electives on areas that bridged analytical and business applications. Courses such as Data-Driven Marketing, Consumer Behavior, and Brand Management gave me valuable insights into how marketing has evolved — moving from traditional approaches to strategies increasingly shaped by data and technology. This academic exposure not only honed my quantitative skills but also sparked my interest in how analytics can be applied to understand customers, optimize decisions, and drive business growth. This blend of economics, quantitative methods, and marketing provided the perfect foundation to transition into business analytics, equipping me with both the analytical rigor and the strategic lens required for the field.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Durham University?

Applying for the Chevening Scholarship was one of the most challenging yet rewarding journeys of my academic life. Chevening is among the most competitive scholarships worldwide — for my cohort, nearly 10,000 applicants from Pakistan applied, but only 40 were selected. Knowing this, I prepared strategically by learning from those who had succeeded before me. I actively reached out to the Chevening alumni community across the globe, listening to their journeys and understanding how they created impact after the scholarship. Their guidance not only helped me navigate the application process but also inspired me to sharpen my own vision of change.

My motivation for applying to Chevening has a personal story as well. Chevening has a long-standing association with Pakistan, and I still remember how every year, when applications opened, my grandmother would point out the newspaper articles and encourage me to apply. That early encouragement stayed with me and eventually translated into action.

When it came to selecting a university, I was clear about my goal: to pursue Business Analytics. While many UK universities offered this degree, I chose Durham University because of its unique blend of computer science and business modules. The program balanced technical foundations in data science and machine learning with practical business applications, such as presenting strategies for brand launches. This combination provided the ideal academic rigor and practical exposure I was seeking.

As part of the application process, I also took the IELTS exam. I prepared primarily through online resources, particularly the excellent content available on the British Council website and various YouTube channels. This self-study approach helped me achieve the required score efficiently.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Chevening Scholarship?

Preparing for the Chevening Scholarship was a long but rewarding journey. I began by thoroughly reviewing the official Chevening website, which provides detailed guidance on the dos and don’ts of the application process. This gave me a clear understanding of what the selection committee looks for in candidates and how best to structure my essays.

Beyond self-research, I also joined various Chevening-focused Facebook groups, where I connected with fellow applicants. From there, we formed a small peer group that would meet online regularly to exchange feedback and conduct mock interviews. This collaborative practice was invaluable — it not only helped me refine my answers but also gave me the confidence to present my story clearly and within the strict time limits of the actual interview.

The Chevening process is extensive, spanning 7–9 months from the time of application submission to the final interview. While writing the application required careful reflection and precision, the interview stage was the most challenging. Each question has a strict time limit, so practicing in timed conditions with my peer group made a big difference in my preparation. This collective effort, coupled with consistent practice, ensured that I was well-prepared and confident by the time I faced the selection panel.

My tip for future applicants: start your preparation early, build a strong and authentic story that ties your past experiences to your future goals, and practice your answers in timed conditions. Chevening isn’t just about academics — it’s about demonstrating leadership potential, networking skills, and a vision for impact.

How is (was) Your Experience at Durham University?

Studying at Durham University was an enriching experience, not just academically but also personally. One of the most unique aspects of Durham is its collegiate system, similar to that of Oxford and Cambridge. Every student belongs to a college, which serves as a community within the larger university. This structure gave me access to a vibrant network of peers, mentors, and extracurricular opportunities beyond the classroom. It made the overall experience far more engaging, as I could take part in social, cultural, and professional activities that fostered lifelong friendships and connections.

Durham itself is also a remarkable place to live and study. It is home to many historic landmarks, including the Durham Cathedral and Castle, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Fun fact: parts of the Durham Castle even served as filming locations for Harry Potter, making it an iconic setting for students. The city’s rich history, combined with its welcoming community and student-friendly atmosphere, made my time at Durham truly unforgettable.

How Do You Rate Durham University Academically and Why?

Academically, I would rate Durham University very highly. The MSc in Business Analytics offered a well-structured balance between technical rigor and business application. On one hand, I was able to build a strong foundation in data science, statistics, and machine learning; on the other, the program emphasized real-world business problems, including projects and presentations that simulated challenges faced by modern organizations. This dual focus ensured that I was not only learning technical skills but also developing the ability to apply them in strategic contexts.

What sets Durham apart is also the quality of faculty and teaching methods. Professors brought deep academic expertise combined with industry perspectives, which made the learning practical and relevant. Group projects and case studies further enriched the academic experience, pushing us to collaborate, problem-solve, and think critically.

Durham is a member of the prestigious Russell Group and consistently ranks 5th in the UK. Its strong global reputation and unique ability to combine theory with real-world application made my academic journey both challenging and rewarding. I graduated not only with new knowledge but also with practical skills and the confidence to create impact in the professional world.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

What made my application stand out was the way I connected my professional journey with a bigger vision for impact. Working in the telecom and fintech sectors in Pakistan, I had the opportunity to contribute to projects that expanded access to digital services in a developing economy. Whether it was driving customer adoption or enabling new digital solutions, my work was directly tied to advancing digital transformation in Pakistan. This gave me a unique perspective to bring into the application — one rooted in real, on-the-ground impact.

At the same time, I went beyond just narrating my experiences. I researched how the UK has been investing in Pakistan across multiple sectors and looked at how those initiatives aligned with my own career path. By linking my professional contributions to the broader picture of UK-Pakistan collaboration, I was able to show not only what I had achieved but also how I could help build on these partnerships in the future. This alignment between personal experience, national priorities, and international cooperation is what I believe gave my application a strong and distinctive edge.

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

Honestly, I wouldn’t have done anything differently. The Chevening journey — from writing essays to preparing for interviews — was a long and sometimes demanding process, but each stage taught me something valuable. Every challenge, from refining my story to practicing under strict time limits, played a role in shaping my final success. Looking back, I feel the way I approached the process was exactly what I needed to secure the scholarship.

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

My biggest advice is simple: don’t give up. Many people don’t succeed on their first attempt — and that’s completely normal. Even in my case, I received the Chevening Scholarship on my second application. The first attempt taught me where I needed to improve, and I came back stronger and more focused the second time around.

Chevening looks for authenticity, leadership, and a clear vision for impact. So, be patient with yourself, keep refining your story, and continue building experiences that strengthen your profile. Remember, persistence often makes the difference between success and failure.