From Paraguay to Chemistry at York as a Chevening Scholar

Posted on Wednesday 28 January 2026

Alfonso, an industrial chemistry graduate from Paraguay, shares his inspirational journey to becoming a Chevening Scholar at the University of York in a recent blog post. Driven by a desire to bridge the gap between industrial productivity and environmental protection, Alfonso overcame many challenges and secured   a prestigious UK government Chevening scholarship  to study at York on the Postgraduate Taught MSc in Green Chemistry and Sustainable Industrial Technology.  Chemistry at York has a proud record of attracting students on  Chevening Scholarships, which enable outstanding emerging leaders from all over the world to pursue one-year master’s degrees in the UK.

Alfonso describes his emotions upon arriving in the UK and the supportive, inclusive environment he found in the Chemistry department at York as a mature student. His story highlights the importance of resilience, the benefits of stepping out of one's comfort zone, and his ultimate goal: to return to Paraguay as a leader who uses education to drive sustainable, responsible change in the local industry through his  MSc in Green Chemistry and Sustainable Industrial Technology.