Pakistani Scholar Awarded Fully Funded Chevening Scholarship to Pursue Master’s in Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Warwick

Hi, my name is Zarish, and I hail from Lahore, Pakistan. I am an avid reader with a deep-rooted passion for research and history. If I had to define my academic journey in one word, it would be 'unconventional,' as it has been full of interesting twists and turns.

After completing my pre-medical exams, I took an unconventional step by choosing Media Studies for my bachelor’s degree. While I was drawn to medicine, my passion for social sciences felt more compelling. Like many 18-year-olds, I was grappling with too many choices and the pressure to make the ‘right’ decision.

During my four years in Media Studies, I found myself immersed in extensive reading and writing, both of which were central to the degree. For the first time, I truly indulged my love for literature and embraced my inner writer. Previously, my academic path hadn’t afforded me the freedom to dive deeply into these interests. I spent countless hours in the library, setting ambitious goals to complete a book each week. Over time, I developed the discipline to tackle 400-page classics within a week. The rigor of my degree also honed my writing skills. Drafting 5,000-word essays became second nature, and I found myself thriving in the process. This practice of storytelling and critical thinking extended seamlessly into my professional life.

After graduating, I took another unexpected turn by stepping into the field of marketing. While a journalism degree doesn’t traditionally lead to a marketing career, the new media landscape has blurred those boundaries. My background in Media Studies gave me a unique edge, particularly in social media and content marketing.

Fast forward to today, I have amassed five years of experience in tech marketing. Early in my career, I ventured into B2B marketing and discovered a niche that has kept me engaged ever since. A particularly rewarding aspect of this journey has been my involvement in global campaigns. I’ve drafted award nominations, authored thought leadership pieces for the C-suite, and even secured some prestigious awards for the companies that I worked with. These accomplishments had a snowball effect and sparked a realization: if I could achieve this for a company, why not channel the same energy toward my personal growth?

This realization became a turning point when I met an educational consultant who encouraged me to pursue higher education. She recognized the strength of my profile and saw in me the potential to excel academically. Her encouragement helped me overcome self-doubt—doubts that had long convinced me scholarships were reserved for a select few. For the first time, I began to envision myself as a candidate worthy of such opportunities.

Shortly after, life took an exciting turn when I moved to Dubai and joined one of the region’s most prestigious signage and wayfinding companies. Working in Dubai’s highly competitive environment awakened my entrepreneurial spirit. In October 2023, I applied for the Chevening Scholarship, fueled by a desire to dive deeper into innovation and entrepreneurship. Once the application was submitted, I resolved not to dwell on the outcome. I believed I had done my best and left the rest to fate.

Chevening Scholarship Details

Initially, I was considering both the Chevening and Erasmus Mundus scholarships. However, I ultimately decided to apply only for Chevening, as studying in the UK had always been a dream of mine. While Erasmus Mundus was equally tempting, with its incredible opportunities across Europe, work commitments made it necessary for me to focus on just one.

Chevening is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship. It covers tuition fees entirely and provides additional benefits, including a travel allowance, medical insurance, and a monthly stipend. Beyond financial support, Chevening boasts an extensive global network of alumni including 20 current or former heads of state or government.

The selection process for Chevening is highly competitive, with a global acceptance rate of just 1-2%. Out of 67,000 applicants from around the world, I was fortunate to be selected and proudly stand among only 44 Pakistani scholars chosen for the 2024-2025 cohort.

Educational Background

Chevening allows you to choose three universities and three courses of your choice, prioritizing them in order. While the options appeared vast, my focus on innovation and entrepreneurship guided my university selection. I carefully reviewed the curricula and faculties of various institutions, ultimately selecting three Russell Group universities. The University of Warwick was my top choice due to its strong alignment with my goals and its interdisciplinary approach.

I had a CGPA of 3.7, and my IELTS score was 8 bands. I prepared for my IELTS exams intensively for a week online.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Chevening Scholarship?

The main component of the Chevening application is the essay, which includes sections on leadership, networking, career plan, and reasons for choosing the UK. I employed the STAR approach, a method that is highly effective for any scholarship application. The key is to demonstrate your individual potential and how it aligns with Chevening’s mission. If you have cleared round one, you would be invited for an interview to further discuss your essay and goals.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe what made my application stand out was the clarity I demonstrated regarding my career goals: specifically, what I want to achieve, why I want to achieve it, and how I plan to achieve it. While anyone can meet the basic eligibility criteria, it's easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. Demonstrating leadership potential is crucial for the Chevening scholarship. Make sure to use relevant examples.

If you want to stand out, particularly for the Chevening scholarship, ensure your essay/interview communication is clear and concise, avoiding vague, broad/unrealistic, or clichéd statements.

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

If you ask what I would have done differently, honestly, nothing. There are no shortcuts or hacks in this process. The key is certainty: knowing precisely what you need to achieve. This clarity provides a strong foundation for your application.

Although I secured my scholarship on the first attempt, having never applied for any other scholarship before, I'm glad I didn't rush the process and gained prior experience. This experience significantly enhanced the substance of my application.

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

An “ideal profile” is a myth. Every scholar is unique, and there is no single formula or path for winning a scholarship. Thousands of applicants are vying for the same opportunities, and believe me, after a certain point, everyone starts sounding the same, no matter how cool or thoughtful that appears at first. The key is to stick to your own unique story and experiences, which will set you apart and cannot be replicated. Focus on these instead of generic buzzwords or AI-generated content ( they can guide your ideation process, but they cannot replace the original insights).