Applying for Scholarships

Advice and suggestions from current Commonwealth and Chevening scholars

Writing your scholarship application

Use the STAR method, focus on impact, be genuine, and consider using tools like ChatGPT for essay refinement.

STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action and Result – look online and research this method for more detailed information.

STAR example: Tell me about a time when you have shown leadership skills?

• Situation - in my previous digital marketing job, the company wanted to get more people to sign up to a newsletter which was not receiving a lot of attention.
• Task - my job was to find a way of getting more people to sign up.
• Action - I organised a meeting with other important members of the marketing team to come up with creative ideas, and I led the social media campaign to generate interest in the revamped newsletter.
• Result - over a period of three months, there was an 25% increase in sign-ups to the newsletter and the approach I took was used by the management team in other departments.

Top Tips

• Use the SMART approach (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) and seek feedback on your essays.
• Use ChatGPT (and similar) wisely. While you can use as a starting point, your application should be about you and your specific skills and experience and not generic.
• Try to be focused on your impact (present and future)
• Do not be afraid to use first person pronouns
• Use a proof-reader
• Allow plenty of time to write your application and do not leave it to the last minute. Good applications will take time to perfect.
• A scholarship application is not a place to be humble, you have to sell yourself.
• Use the LSTM website, there is lots of information there to help you, such as programme specifications, staff research areas, annual reports, free research publications.
• Don’t give up if you have applied for scholarships before and been unsuccessful. Many Chevening and Commonwealth scholars have applied a number of time before being successful.
•  Final advice for Chevening applications is to be confident, sell yourself, and understand the importance of clear communication in the application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there language requirements for international students?

Yes. All courses delivered by the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine are taught in English. You must ensure that you meet LSTM’s English language entry requirements so that you have the skills to pursue your chosen course of study successfully and can participate in all aspects of academic life.

How can I request a deferral of my offer for 23/24 entry?

Email your deferral request to mylstm@lstmed.ac.uk. If you had already deferred your application once, you can simply making a new application.

Is it possible to apply for scholarships after starting a programme?

No. Typically, Commonwealth Scholarships and Chevening Scholarships are awarded to individuals before they begin their academic programmes. These scholarships are highly competitive, and the application process occurs before the start of the academic year.

What is the Chevening scholarship's eligibility for individuals without NGO backgrounds?

The focus is on leadership potential and impact on the community, irrespective of NGO background.

How can I track the status of my LSTM programme application?

Track your application via our online student portal, MyLSTM and contact mylstm@lstmed.ac.uk for any additional assistance.

Is it necessary to have an offer before applying for the Chevening or Commonwealth scholarship?

Initial stages of the application do not require a university offer, but later stages may involve presenting an unconditional offer during interviews. It is important to meet all your academic requirements, these include:

• Qualifications (including English translations if necessary) Certificate and Transcripts
• English language
• References (signed, on letterhead and dated)

Do I need to have taken the English language exam if I studied in English?

If your degree is from a non-majority English speaking country, you can submit a document from UK ENIC confirming comparability, which together with a Medium of Instruction letter from your University confirming you were taught and assessed entirely in English will meet the English language requirements for LSTM and UKVI Student Route visas. More information on how to apply to UK ENIC can be found here.

You can use your degree to meet the English language requirement if it was taught in English and it is recognised as being the same level of a UK Bachelor’s degree or above, by UK ENIC.

Candidates applying to our online Master’s (MSc Global Health) who have a senior school certificate that includes English language or have substantial experience of using English for either a university degree or a professional role, may be eligible to apply to our English Language Waiver Programme. Only applicants made a conditional offer will be considered for the waiver scheme and you can read more on our English Language Waiver page. 

Can I bring my spouse along if I receive a scholarship?

Check current UK visa policies as of January 2024 and scholarship terms regarding dependents here.

Scholarship funders do not normally provide additional funds to support dependents.

 

Alternative Sources of Funding