Chevening application tips from University of Sussex students

Located in the vibrant seaside city of Brighton and Hove, the University of Sussex is a research-intensive campus university with an excellent international reputation.

Every year, the University of Sussex has a community of more than 100 Chevening scholars from all over the world.

If you’re a Chevening hopeful wishing to join this prestigious community, you may be wondering where to begin. Luckily, some of our current scholars studying at the University of Sussex have some great hints and tips for the application process.

Lynda Eunice Nakaibale and fellow students

Picking a university

When you’re considering where to study, it’s important to look at both academic and non-academic aspects of your potential universities.

Sofia Dolabela (Gender, Violence, and Conflict MA) emphasises the importance of thorough research.

‘It’s not just about the programme and compulsory modules—also consider optional modules, the faculty, opportunities offered by the course department, and finally, the university as a whole and the city where it’s located. I chose the University of Sussex for all these reasons combined, and I’m already in love with the campus, Brighton, and my course!’

Vladica Jovanovic (Gender, Violence, and Conflict MA) reminds us that the Chevening experience is about more than just studying.

‘Your experience in the UK will go way beyond your course… Every university has its values, its strategy, and that is usually felt throughout, so think about what the university and the city can offer you. Think also about the city/area that will be your home for the year and what features matter to you. I chose Sussex because their values aligned with mine (kindness, integrity, courage, inclusion, and collaboration) and because their drive to expand boundaries and challenge conventions was what I felt I needed.’

Choosing your course

Selecting the right courses at the right universities is one of the most important aspects of your application.

The course finder tool on the Chevening website allows you to search for eligible master’s degree programmes at every university across the UK.

Vladica shares her experience choosing a course.

‘[The] find a course tool is a great place to start looking for a course. Do a detailed deep dive into the courses, schools, and universities, and even look for informal additional information/impressions from alumni. Make sure your choices are a good fit for where you are now in your career and life, but also where you want to be (think five-to-10 year horizon, because this experience is a massive investment into you and your leadership journey)… no pressure!’

Writing your essays

Applying for the Chevening Scholarship can seem daunting, but with the right approach, you can make your application stand out.

Lynda Eunice Nakaibale (International Education and Development MA) recommends choosing a theme for your essays.

‘What do you want to study? Is it education, gender, technology? Whatever it is, let your chosen theme cut across your four essays. Use the STAR approach: Situation, Task, Action, Result. I would also like to advise that you add another R to this, which is reflection. What did you learn from your experience with networking and leadership? This shows what a reflective leader or person you are! Believe in yourself and your story, and be authentic. There’s only one you. Let that uniqueness shine through in all your essays.’

Juan Bautista Canavesi Sosa (Governance, Development, and Public Policy MA) highlights the importance of storytelling and connecting your career goals.

‘Know how to tell your story. Bullet your main career goals (those things that make you proud about yourself) and your future plans. Then look for the best way to connect that information to get the reader interested in your story. They are not four separate essays but one with four questions about your story: your examples of leadership and networking, and how studying in the UK will help you build upon hem and achieve your destiny.’

Juan Bautista Canavesi Sosa on campus

Connecting with alumni

If you’re considering applying for a Chevening Scholarship, connecting with alumni can provide invaluable insights and support as you navigate your Chevening journey.

Vladica has some great advice about how to find alumni groups in your area.

‘Your country may or may not have an active Chevening alumni community. If there is one, find them – they might have an Instagram profile, their own webpage, WhatsApp community, or you could be put in touch with them by your embassy’s Chevening Officer.

‘Different alumni groups do different things, but in case they organise a Q&A for prospective applicants or something for those who have passed on to the interview stage, book these into your calendar and don’t miss them. You can hear the more informal advice and lessons learned from the application and interview process and they can also put you in touch with some of the alumni from universities you may be considering.

‘If there isn’t an active alumni community in your area, don’t fret – you can still ask the Chevening Officer to connect you with alumni who could share some advice. You could also look for alumni yourself through your own contacts. Some people find the Chevening aspirants group on Facebook helpful… I actually randomly found another Chevener from Sussex on here and we connected ahead of [arriving in the UK]!’

And finally… don’t give up!

Persistence is a key theme that resonates deeply with many of our Chevening scholars. Their journeys are a testament to the power of perseverance and determination.

Moureen Mollel (Entrepreneurship and Innovation MSc) encourages applicants to keep trying.

‘I have applied for Chevening four times since 2019. There were years that I gave up and didn’t try at all, until 2023 when I picked up my laptop and said let me apply again for the last time [and] guess what… that last time was the time I got the Chevening Scholarship!

‘My advice to anyone who has tried to apply several times and still hasn’t [received] the scholarship [is] don’t give up yet. In the process of failing and trying again, you are perfecting your craft.’

Find out more about studying at the University of Sussex.