Commonwealth Shared Scholar, Zohaib Safdar from Pakistan, Shares the Story of How He Secured the Fully Funded Award to Pursue His MSc in Public Health Nutrition at the University of Chester in the United Kingdom

My name is Zohaib Safdar, and I am originally from an underdeveloped district named Muzaffargarh in Pakistan, where I completed my BSc (Hons) in Human Nutrition and Dietetics. With a strong commitment to improving population health and addressing nutrition-related inequalities, I pursued further education in the United Kingdom as a Commonwealth Shared Scholar. I recently completed an MSc in Public Health Nutrition at the University of Chester, a programme that has deepened my understanding of evidence-based nutrition, public health policy, and global health challenges.

I chose to advance my studies in this field because of my long-standing interest in the links between nutrition, disease prevention, and community wellbeing, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Growing up in Pakistan, I witnessed firsthand the burden of malnutrition, limited dietary awareness, and the challenges faced by vulnerable populations in accessing safe and nutritious food. These experiences motivated me to pursue a career focused on research, health promotion, and developing sustainable solutions to improve nutritional outcomes. My MSc programme has equipped me with the knowledge, analytical skills, and practical experience needed to contribute meaningfully to public health nutrition and evidence-based interventions.

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and hosted by the University of Chester, United Kingdom. This fully funded award covered my entire tuition fees, provided a monthly living stipend, accommodation support, return airfare, and additional allowances for study-related expenses. The scholarship is granted to individuals with strong academic merit and leadership potential who are committed to contributing to development in their home countries. Receiving this prestigious award enabled me to pursue my MSc Public Health Nutrition and gain advanced training aligned with my goal of improving public health and nutrition outcomes in Pakistan.

Educational Background

I completed my BS (Hons) in Nutrition and Dietetics with a strong academic record, achieving a CGPA of 3.71/4.00, which laid the scientific and practical foundation for my advanced studies. Building on this, I earned my MSc in Public Health Nutrition from the University of Chester, UK, through the prestigious Commonwealth Shared Scholarship. This postgraduate training strengthened my expertise in epidemiology, health promotion, public health nutrition, research methods, and policy analysis, enabling me to engage deeply with global nutrition challenges and evidence-based interventions. My academic background equipped me with the competencies required to pursue advanced fields such as public health research, nutrition policy, food security, microbiome research, and community health programme development. Collectively, these qualifications have prepared me to contribute meaningfully to research, policy, and practice in public health nutrition both in Pakistan and internationally.

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

I started by identifying universities that offered strong programmes in Public Health Nutrition with a research focus aligned to my interests in food security, dietary interventions, and metabolic health. I reviewed faculty profiles, research themes, course structures, and international student support systems. I also connected with alumni on LinkedIn and attended online information sessions to better understand expectations and opportunities.

How Did You Find Information About Commonwealth Shared Scholarships and the University of Chester?

I relied on credible sources such as:

• Official university websites
• Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) portal
• Education UK (British Council)
• Social media pages of universities and research groups
• International student forums and webinars
  I cross-checked eligibility criteria, deadlines, and documentation requirements to prepare a strong application

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare?

Yes, I took the IELTS as required by UK institutions. I prepared by using British Council practice materials, online mock tests, and daily reading/listening exercises. My preparation focused on understanding the exam pattern, improving time management, and strengthening speaking fluency.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship?

I tailored my application to clearly demonstrate:

• My academic excellence in nutrition and public health
• My leadership potential, which is a core requirement of the Commonwealth Scholarship
• My commitment to improving Pakistan’s health system, especially in areas such as food insecurity, chronic disease prevention, and community nutrition
• My future impact, explaining how advanced training in the UK would translate into measurable outcomes for my home country
  I also prepared strong references, refined my personal statement multiple times, and ensured that every part of my application aligned with the scholarship’s development-focused priorities.

How Was Your Experience at the University of Chester?

My experience at the University of Chester was academically enriching and professionally transformative. I worked closely with experienced researchers, participated in seminars, and engaged in multicultural learning environments that broadened my perspective on global health.

How Do You Rate the University of Chester Academically and Why?

I would rate the institution very highly because of its strong research culture, supportive faculty, modern facilities, and emphasis on applying theory to real-world public health challenges. The programme structure was rigorous and aligned with international standards.

How Does the University of Chester Support International Students?

The University of Chester offered excellent support, including:

• International student advisors
• Academic skills workshops
• Visa and immigration guidance
• Mental health and wellbeing services
• Orientation programmes and cultural integration events

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

My application stood out because of:

• A strong academic background in nutrition
• A clear, evidence-based commitment to improving public health in Pakistan
• Professional research experience and a focused MSc thesis
• A development-oriented vision aligned with the Commonwealth Scholarship’s goals
• Well-prepared statements, strong references, and clarity of purpose

What Would You Have Done Differently?

If I could repeat the process, I would start preparing earlier, especially by drafting my personal statement and reaching out to potential supervisors for guidance. I would also participate in more webinars and connect with more scholars to strengthen my understanding of expectations.

What Advice Would You Give to Future Applicants?

• Start early and research thoroughly.
• Tailor your application to the scholarship’s mission and development goals.
• Demonstrate leadership potential and long-term impact.
• Provide clear, measurable examples of achievements.
• Seek strong references and proofread your documents carefully.
• Be authentic, your passion and purpose matter more than complex language.