How to build work experience

Chevening, DAAD and some other scholarships ask for about 2 years of work experience. What counts is usually full-time or substantial part-time work after your degree. Check each scholarship's exact rule.

What can count

• Paid jobs, including teaching, research assistant and NGO roles
• Internships and fellowships (some scholarships count them, some don't)
• Long-term volunteering with real responsibility can strengthen your application even when it doesn't count toward the years

How to build it

1. Look for roles connected to the field you want to study. Scholarships look for a clear story.
2. Ask for an experience letter from every employer, stating your role, dates and hours per week.
3. Keep a simple record of what you achieved: projects, people helped, results. You will use it in your essays.

If you can't find a job yet

• Volunteer with NGOs, schools or community programmes in your area.
• Take free online courses related to your field and finish them with certificates.

Typical time: 1 to 2 years.