Chevening Scholar, Yutthaphum Sangthong from Thailand, Shares His Journey of Pursuing a Master’s in Geographical Information Systems at the University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom

My name is Yutthaphum Sangthong from Thailand. After graduating from Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, I have spent the past eight years working at the Royal Thai Survey Department as an army officer (Geography Analysis Officer). My journey began with a foundation in Surveying and Mapping Engineering and grew through my work applying GIS in support of military operations and national defense.

As I witnessed the rapid transformation of technology within modern military environments, I became increasingly aware of the limitations of my existing skills and the need to adapt. This realization inspired me to pursue further education to challenge myself, expand my perspective, and grow beyond my comfort zone. Studying for a master’s degree in Geographical Information Systems abroad represents not only an academic goal but a personal commitment to becoming more capable of contributing to geospatial intelligence and meaningful decision-making in an increasingly complex world.

Why the UK?

That is an interesting question. Initially, the UK was not my first choice, as I hoped to study in a country where I could also learn a new language. However, due to several constraints such as the limited study period, the availability of suitable programs, and scholarship conditions. I had to reassess my choices to find the best fit for my career.

After careful research, I realized that the UK aligns well with both my motivation and professional goals. The UK offers a wide range of academic programs that closely match my academic interests and career pursuits. Moreover, UK universities are internationally recognized for their academic excellence, which ensures a high standard of education.

Another important factor is the one-year master’s program, which is particularly suitable for my professional responsibilities, as I must take leave from my duties to pursue further study. In addition, the UK’s long history, rich culture, and welcoming environment for international students make it an ideal place for academic and personal growth.

Chevening Scholarship Details

I have been selected to receive the Chevening Scholarship, a fully funded scholarship for the 2024/2025 academic year, awarded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) of the United Kingdom government. Chevening Scholarships offer the opportunity for emerging leaders from around the world to pursue a one-year master’s degree in the UK with full financial support. The scholarship is designed for individuals with strong academic backgrounds and leadership potential who are motivated to create a positive impact at the local, national, or global level.

The application journey began with an online submission and essay stage between August and November, followed by shortlisting for interviews from February to April. Final results, including Conditional Selection, Reserve Candidate, and Unsuccessful outcomes, were announced at the end of June. The scholarship requires applicants to hold at least one unconditional offer from three selected institutions or courses.

To pursue a master’s degree in Geographical Information Systems at the University of Aberdeen, the Chevening Scholarship fully supports tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs to and from the UK, and other related costs. Beyond financial support, the scholarship also provides valuable opportunities to connect with Chevening scholars around the world, allowing me to expand my perspectives, build meaningful networks, and grow as a future leader through learning and exchange.

Educational Background

Prior to commencing my master’s degree, I completed a Bachelor of Engineering in Surveying and Mapping at Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy (CRMA), graduating with 2^nd Class Honors and a GPA of 3.628/4.00. My academic background, combined with professional experience, aligns strongly with the field of Geographical Information Systems, as the interdisciplinary knowledge gained can be applied across various contexts. This foundation allows me to build upon my previous education and experience, supporting further academic and professional development in GIS.

Moreover, although my previous institution, which is a military academy, faced certain limitations under some university application criteria, my strong academic performance and professional experience played a crucial role in strengthening my profile, resulting in multiple offers from universities. In addition to my undergraduate degree, I have also participated in several professional training programs related to this field, such as the Enabling National Spatial Data Infrastructures course organized by the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) to enhance my GIS skills.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Aberdeen?

Firstly, I began by researching information from the Chevening database, as the selected course must be listed on their platform, which includes most UK universities. Personally, my criteria for choosing a university went beyond course content and institutional reputation; location was also an important factor. I am deeply drawn to Scotland for its rich culture, peaceful natural environment, and, most importantly, the opportunity to experience the Northern Lights. Considering all these factors, the University of Aberdeen emerged as the best choice for me.

After selecting the university and course, I carefully reviewed the application requirements on the university website, including the statement of purpose, CV, recommendation letters, and English language test results for non-native English speakers. I followed each step of the application process accordingly and was ultimately awarded an unconditional offer.

How Did You Prepare for Those Exams?

One of the university requirements is an English language proficiency test, such as IELTS or TOEFL. I chose IELTS because it is widely recognized and accepted by universities worldwide.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Chevening Scholarship?

To begin my application for the scholarship, I researched information from the official website to understand the type of candidates the scholarship seeks and the required qualifications. Moreover, I sought advice from scholars who had successfully received the scholarship, both through personal conversations and online resources such as YouTube and interview sessions.

After that, I prepared all the required documents and carefully followed each step of the application process, paying particular attention to the essays, which consisted of four questions. I applied techniques and guidance shared by alumni, as well as information from YouTube and other open-source materials. When I was shortlisted for the interview stage, I studied interview examples available online and practiced extensively with my friends. In addition, social media groups were very helpful, as they provided opportunities to seek advice and consultation from experienced scholars and experts.

How is (was) Your Experience at the University of Aberdeen?

At first, I had no prior experience with this institution. However, after joining an online open house session, I learned more about the university and gained a better understanding of its academic environment. This experience helped me learn important details and supported my decision-making process.

How does the University of Aberdeen Support International Students? 

The University of Aberdeen offers comprehensive support for international students through academic, personal, and well-being services. New students benefit from a buddy and peer support system, helping them adjust to university life and the local environment.

The university also provides dedicated student support and wellbeing services, along with clear reporting mechanisms to address discrimination or harassment, ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment. Academic support is reinforced through structured teaching and guidance systems, allowing students to receive appropriate support throughout their studies.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe that what truly matters is not only academic performance, but also clarity of purpose and a genuine passion to apply knowledge in order to contribute to the development of one’s home country through concrete and meaningful goals.

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 begin my preparation earlier and actively seek more feedback on my application to bridge existing gaps. Moreover, I would define my objectives more clearly, make them more concrete, and highlight my strengths in a way that clearly aligns with my field of expertise.

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

My advice to those applying for a similar scholarship is to clearly set priorities and complete manageable tasks early in the process, allowing sufficient time and focus for the most critical components of the application. It is also important to be authentic and present a clear sense of purpose that aligns with the scholarship’s values and objectives. Most importantly, believe in your own potential and strengths rather than comparing yourself to others. Every applicant has a unique background, and confidence, combined with a well-defined goal, can make a strong and meaningful application.