Prestigious scholarship granted to Economics alumnus

Posted on September 09, 2020

Mr Pieter Scribante, a top alumnus of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences’ Department of Economics, has received the prestigious Chevening Scholarship to pursue an MSc degree in Political Science and Political Economy at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

The Chevening Scholarship develops the future leaders of the world, by connecting them and enabling them to study a one-year master’s degree in the UK. The Scholarship values intellectual, professional, and personal development, and specifically targets working professionals.

These qualities and values are why Scribante applied to the Chevening Scholarship. “I officially received the news that I have been awarded the Chevening Scholarship on 16 June 2020, on my 27th birthday,” he says.

Since his first year at university, he always wanted to study overseas, to gain the knowledge and experience which comes with studying outside one’s own country. However, due to financial constraints, this was impossible without a bursary.

“Nevertheless, I used my time at the University of Pretoria very well; I completed four degrees in eight years and finished my Master’s degree in Economics (cum laude) in 2018. I was encouraged to apply for the Chevening Scholarship by some of my past classmates and friends, who were all part of the Chevening alumni.”

The Chevening Scholarship application entailed an online application, four essays, an English language test, and an interview application. He also had to apply to three UK universities, and be accepted by at least one. Scribante was accepted by all three universities: London School of Economics (LSE), King’s College, and the University of Essex.

Scribante completed degrees in both economics and politics at the University of Pretoria, starting with the BCom Economics in 2012. Thereafter, he completed two honours degrees, one in International Relations and one in Economics (cum laude), followed by a master’s in Economics (cum laude). During this time, he worked as a tutor in the Department of Politics for one year, and two years as an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Economics.

He believes that a well-rounded education includes learning inside and outside the classroom, and UP gave him the perfect platform for this holistic educational experience. While studying, he was very active on campus, partaking in several societies, being an active member of House Mopanie, serving as the Chairperson of the Student Culture Committee (STUKU), and serving on the Student Representative Council (SRC).

“My education at the University of Pretoria plays a vital role in my current success and my future career as an economist and policymaker. The Department of Economics gave me a holistic education and has world-class lecturers, who constantly challenge you, and expand your knowledge, and provide you with all the tools you need to succeed.” 

UP’s Department of Economics is recognised for its excellence by several international rankings, such as the QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education World University Rankings, and ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.

Scribante has a keen interest in the overlap between politics and economics, specifically focussing on policy, inequality, and development. He wants to better understand how these forces shape our world and how we can improve them. “I believe that there are no pure economic or political explanations of the forces that drive our world, this is why I am pursuing a multidisciplinary Master’s degree in Political Science and Political Economics at London School of Economics (LSE).” 

After he completes his degree, he intends to return to South Africa, with the plan to bring interdisciplinary and data-driven approaches to the policy formulation process in the African context.

“My studies at the LSE will empower me as a future policymaker in Africa, allowing me to better understand the interactions between governance, globalisation, and development in emerging economies,” he adds.

His studies at the LSE starts at the end of September 2020, and continues for a full year until September 2021.

 

- Author Petronel Fourie

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