South African Educator Wins Chevening Scholarship to Study Development at University of Edinburgh

My name is Tyrell Naidoo, and I’m originally from Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. I have a background in education and development, with over a decade of experience working with refugee, migrant, and underserved youth. I pursued a Master of Science in Africa and International Development at the University of Edinburgh as a Chevening Scholar. My passion for social justice, equitable education, and African youth empowerment led me to further my studies in development, aiming to create more inclusive policies and programmes across the continent.

Chevening Scholarship Details:

I was awarded the Chevening Scholarship, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). It covered full tuition, living expenses, visa fees, and travel. I was also considered for additional funding opportunities but committed to the Chevening programme due to its strong global network and leadership development support.

Educational Background:

I hold a Bachelor of Education and an Honours degree in Social Justice Education from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. My undergraduate GPA was good and I achieved distinction in my Honours thesis, which focused on creating inclusive learning environments for refugee learners in South Africa. This foundation gave me both the academic confidence and social awareness to engage deeply with global development issues.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to UK Universities?

I began by researching UK universities through Chevening’s guidelines and by speaking to alumni on LinkedIn. I looked at program modules, global rankings, and institutional support for African students.

How Did You Prepare for Standardised Tests?

For Chevening, no GRE/GMAT was required, but I invested significant time in editing and refining my essays. I also participated in mock interviews and attended scholarship writing workshops.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Chevening Scholarships?

I joined a mentorship circle where I mentored and was mentored by other applicants. I had my essays reviewed by past Chevening scholars. I also supported others, eventually mentoring more than 200 applicants from the Global South, many of whom went on to win prestigious awards.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I think my long-standing commitment to refugee youth, my multilingual ability in African languages, and my clear vision for social impact made my application strong. I presented tangible outcomes of my work and showed how the MSc would amplify those results.

What Would You Have Done Differently?

Started the process earlier! I underestimated how long it takes to refine strong essays. I also would have spent more time researching specific faculty members to include in my application.

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

Be authentic. Tell your story, not the one you think the committee wants to hear. Ground your vision in your lived experience and show how you plan to make a difference. Reach out for support, revise your work, and don’t be afraid to dream big.