How a Nepali Scholar Won the Fully Funded Chevening Scholarship to Pursue Her MSc in International Relations at the University of Glasgow

I am Shishir K.C., a native of Nepal, a beautiful country nestled in the Himalayas.  By profession, I have been serving as an officer in the Nepali Army for more than 9 years.

Currently, I am pursuing an MSc in International Relations at the University of Glasgow in the UK.

I chose this program because it provides essential academic knowledge, sharpens critical thinking, and equips me with key skills to understand global affairs, preparing me to become a future policy maker.

Chevening Scholarship Details

I am one of the recipients of the Chevening Scholarship 2024. This scholarship is awarded by the FCDO, UK, offering a fully funded master's degree at any university in the UK.

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Strategic Studies, which was my only academic qualification before applying for this program.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the University of Glasgow and the Chevening Scholarship?

I was fortunate enough to meet a few colleagues who were Chevening scholars. Their experiences as Chevening scholars inspired me to explore more about the scholarship. I did some research about the application process and requirements, which were easily available on their official website. I found that, unlike many scholarships that primarily value academic grades, Chevening places greater emphasis on leadership, networking skills, and a strong commitment to creating positive change in your field and serving your country.

Language Requirements

Chevening doesn't need any test scores; however, my university required me to provide proof of English language proficiency. To meet this requirement, I took the PTE test as the results were easily available within a few hours.

Scholarship Preparation

To prepare for the Chevening scholarship, I started by going through the information on their official website, which was really helpful. There are also tons of resources and tips available online, so I had a pretty clear idea of what they were looking for. They have two main stages for selection: the first being essay submission, and the second stage is an interview if your essays are selected. For the first stage, I started recollecting my experience, based on which I drafted essays. I reviewed and rewrote them a couple of times. I never expected that expressing myself through an essay would turn out to be such a difficult process. After being shortlisted, I went through my essays again and came across the STAR/CAR method to structure my responses. I found it incredibly helpful for the interviews, as it allowed me to express myself clearly and concisely.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe that my background as an army officer, having served in various roles, helped me develop strong communication and interpersonal skills. My experiences were rich in leadership, building meaningful connections, and making a positive impact in the community. I was able to reflect on these moments, connecting them to what Chevening looks for. I wouldn’t say I’m exceptionally brilliant or possess extraordinary skills, but I believe the authenticity and clarity I shared through my story were the reason I was selected.

Experience at the University of Glasgow

I chose the University of Glasgow because of its reputation for academic excellence in teaching International Relations, and the courses offered aligned with my career aspirations. So far, my experience at the University of Glasgow has been truly amazing. It’s been an incredible journey of learning from excellent lecturers, attending insightful guest lectures and conferences, and connecting with both academic and professional communities. What stood out even more was the diverse, international student community, which offered a rich cross-cultural experience. The university also provides strong support, not just academically, but also with personal and well-being matters.

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

If I were to do it again, I'd actively seek support from previous scholars and alumni from the preferred university.

Advice

My advice would be to take the time to actively reflect on yourself and your journey. We often go through our daily lives doing things that have some meaningful impact, but we tend to overlook or undervalue them. When I first started the application process, I struggled to write my story. I felt like I hadn’t done anything significant. But once I paused and truly reflected, I realized how much I had contributed and grown over time.

So, be confident in your experiences, no matter how small they may seem. Self-reflection develops your self-awareness about your strengths and weaknesses, identifies areas for growth, and makes you believe in yourself with the impact you have made. It’s not just helpful for the application; it’s a valuable habit for personal development.