How the Chevening Scholarship helped me
Masters student Dilnoza describes her experience of the Chevening Scholarship, and how it has impacted her postgraduate studies at Birmingham.
Salom! My name is Dilnoza, and I am from Tajikistan, a country in Central Asia. I am currently studying MSc Sustainable Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Birmingham, and I was lucky enough to receive a Chevening Scholarship to make it possible.
Chevening is the UK government's international scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. It is highly competitive and prestigious, and for many people, it makes something that once felt distant suddenly seem possible. The scholarship covers tuition fees, flights, and a monthly living stipend. For me, that support has made a real difference. It meant I could arrive in the UK, settle in, and focus on my studies without constantly worrying about finances.
Because of Chevening, I am now studying at Birmingham Business School, which was one of the reasons I chose this university in the first place. My course feels relevant, forward-looking, and closely connected to the challenges businesses face today. I chose Sustainable Innovation and Entrepreneurship because I believe sustainability will shape the future of business, and I want to be part of that future.
When I received the email with the subject line "Congratulations!", I was jumping around my kitchen. Honestly, I did not fully believe I would get it. The application process started in October 2024 and ended in July 2025, so it was a long journey. During that time, I kept thinking about how many strong and deserving applicants there must be. Even now, I am still a little surprised to be here.
Chevening has not only helped me financially but has also changed the way I see myself and my future. Being part of both the Chevening and University of Birmingham communities means being surrounded by people from all over the world, each with their own story, ambitions, and perspective. That environment has already broadened my worldview and made my time in the UK much more meaningful.
Before applying, I knew several successful Chevening alumni whose careers really inspired me. They made me feel that international study, professional growth, and meaningful impact were not just for "other people," but something I could aim for too. Chevening made that feel within reach.
To anyone thinking about applying for Chevening, especially if opportunities like this feel far away, my advice is simple: apply. And if you are not selected the first time, apply again. It is very easy to doubt yourself and convince yourself not to try. Find one person who truly believes in you and talk to them every time that doubt appears. You will probably doubt yourself many times, and that is completely normal. Just do not let that doubt make the decision for you.