From Jamia to LSE with a Chevening: This year’s scholar shares what it truly takes beyond academics and good grades

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In a conversation with indianexpress.com, Aafreen shares her journey, the application process, her future plans and what really worked for her in landing the much sought-after scholarship.

Q: What does the Chevening Scholarship look for in a candidate?

They look for someone who knows exactly why they want to study in the UK, what they will study, and how they will use that knowledge to create change at home. It is particularly looking for future global leaders and change makers.

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They also notice leadership demonstrated in action. Leadership is not just about holding titles. It is about inspiring others, solving problems, and creating meaningful initiatives. One must give concrete examples. For instance, I first joined my university’s Pro Bono Club as an Associate and later served as its Convenor under the Ministry of Law & Justice.

In these roles, I organised over 25 events, including legal aid camps, workshops, seminars, and awareness programmes, directly benefiting underprivileged individuals and engaging students from diverse backgrounds in access-to-justice initiatives. I have also been an academically bright student since school, consistently topping my classes. My academic journey reflects a consistent pursuit of excellence, resilience, and leadership.

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Chevening also values strong networking potential, seeking candidates who can collaborate across borders, work in diverse teams, and foster international partnerships. I demonstrated this through my work with the Maldives Moot Court Society as Head of Mooting Advocacy Programmes, leading initiatives with international peers.

My participation in various national and international moot court competitions further allowed me to engage with diverse teams, sharpen my advocacy skills, and build meaningful connections with aspiring lawyers and professionals from different jurisdictions.

Finally, candidates must also show how they will contribute to the Chevening community, and not just benefit from it.

Q: You mentioned the Chevening community. What exactly does it mean?

Chevening is not just about a scholarship; it goes far beyond financial support. Scholars gain access to a global alumni network of more than 56,000 leaders and changemakers across over 160 countries. They are offered leadership development opportunities, professional and cultural immersion, and connections with UK institutions, policymakers, and professionals. This creates a lifelong community of collaboration that extends well beyond the duration of the scholarship.

Q: What are the key benefits that the scholarship has offered?

Chevening is deemed as the UK government’s flagship international program, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). It offers a fully funded one-year master’s degree at any UK university.

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The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, return flight tickets, visa costs, and additional allowances, ensuring that scholars do not incur any expenses out of pocket. We are also allowed to work part-time in the UK under certain terms and conditions, while pursuing the course, which helps gain hands-on experience.

Q: How does the selection process work? When should students apply?

Applications always begin in August every year and usually close by the first week of October. The whole process takes around one year. Students should start writing their essays at the beginning of August. I personally dedicated around two months to perfecting my essays and ensuring they were well-organised.

For example, I applied in October 2024, was shortlisted for my interview in March, got my results in June, and finally received my award letter in July 2025. The entire selection process spans approximately one year. 

The committee reviews each CV very minutely. They look for leadership potential, networking ability, and a clear vision of how UK education will be used to create impact in one’s home country.

Q: You have held several leadership roles. Could you share some of those experiences?

During law school, I demonstrated initiatives through diverse leadership roles. As part of the Ministry of Law and Justice’s Pro Bono Club, I organised legal aid clinics, awareness drives, and workshops, extending free legal assistance to underprivileged communities. Beyond my university endeavours, I served as President of the Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Delhi Legal Rights Consortium (WICCI-DLRC), leading campaigns on gender justice and women’s property rights. Internationally, I was Head of Mooting Advocacy Programmes at the Maldives Moot Court Society, mentoring students across borders and promoting global advocacy skills.

My leadership journey began in school, where I held positions such as School Captain (Head Girl), House Captain, and Class Monitor, cultivating responsibility, teamwork, and effective communication. My professional experience spans some of India’s most respected legal and human rights institutions, including the National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC), the Office of Senior Advocate Dr. Pradeep Rai, leading law firms such as Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan Attorneys, and several prominent NGOs and advocacy organisations. After graduation, I enrolled as an Advocate with the Bar Council of Delhi and also with the Bar Council of India after passing the All-India Bar Examination, and worked as a Legal Associate at Zentrum Law Partners.

Currently, I serve as Chief Operating Officer at Grinspire Welfare Foundation India, working in an advisory and remote capacity to support initiatives on empowerment, legal awareness, and social impact. These experiences have shaped my ability to lead, mobilise, and create meaningful change.

Q: Is international exposure a requirement to qualify?

No. Chevening does not entirely depend on international leadership experience. I have seen scholars who worked only at the community level in their own states and still received the scholarship. What matters is leadership potential and networking ability, not necessarily international exposure.

Q: Tell us about your living situation in London. How has your experience been so far?

I live in an ensuite room with an attached bathroom. It takes around 15 minutes to reach LSE by bus or the tube. There is a communal kitchen where we cook. Each flat is usually either all-male or all-female.

Cooking is something I have to do myself every day, since Indian food is costly here. But, overall, the facilities and atmosphere are excellent. I haven’t encountered any problems, and Chevening scholars receive additional support from Program Officers assigned by the Chevening Secretariat to assist with any issues.

Q: Could you share your personal journey from Jharkhand to LSE?

I grew up in a small village in Jharkhand, where I witnessed barriers to education and justice, particularly for women. I am the first woman from my village to study law at one of India’s most prestigious universities.

Although my family later moved to town for my education. As a Muslim girl, pursuing higher education was particularly challenging, and I could not have followed this path without the unwavering support of my parents and siblings. In my village, girls’ education was not commonly supported, but my father challenged this norm by first educating my elder sister, then me, and now other families are beginning to follow his example.

This experience shaped my passion for human rights law and social justice advocacy. By pursuing my LLM from LSE, I aim to inspire the youth in my village and serve as a role model. My ultimate goal is not just to earn a degree but to return with knowledge, experience, and determination to make a difference.

Q: What are your plans after completing the LLM?

After completing my degree in 2026, I will return to India and resume practising as an advocate while continuing my human rights advocacy.

In the next few years, I aim to start a non-profit organisation that helps improve legal awareness and access to justice for underprivileged communities, especially in rural areas. Alongside my legal practice, I plan to teach law as a guest lecturer at a university, combining academia with advocacy.

In the long term, I hope to influence policy reforms at the intersection of human rights and law through collaborations with government bodies like the NHRC and other organisations to make a positive impact.

Q: Finally, what advice would you give to students aspiring for Chevening?

Start early. Leadership qualities and networking potential cannot be built in one or two years. Chevening looks for candidates who have demonstrated consistent commitment to their communities over time.

Work experience is also crucial. Until 2024, experience gained before graduation was counted, but now only work experience after graduation will be considered for the two-year requirement. So, if someone graduates in 2025, they will only be eligible to apply in 2027.

The two-year work experience, equivalent to 2,800 hours, can include full-time or part-time employment, voluntary work, or paid and unpaid internships

Beyond eligibility, applicants should focus on demonstrating impact, measurable outcomes, and a clear vision of how their education will help them contribute back to their home country.  Above all, view the process as an opportunity to learn and grow, as every step provides valuable experience for building future leadership.