Chevening UK Scholarships Now Open

Applications for Chevening Scholarships to study in the UK are open between 6 August and 6 November 2018, with applications to be submitted via www.chevening.org/apply.  Also offered is a Fellowship in conjunction with the British Library.  Applications are invited from Barbados and the independent countries of the Eastern Caribbean.

Chevening Scholarships are awarded to individuals with demonstrable leadership potential who also have strong academic backgrounds. The scholarship offers full financial support for future leaders to study for any eligible master’s degree at any UK university whilst also gaining access to a wide range of exclusive academic, professional, and cultural experiences.

Over the last 35 years, 50,000 outstanding professionals have had the opportunity to develop in the UK through Chevening. There are more than 1,500 scholarships on offer globally for the 2019/2020 academic year, demonstrating the UK’s ongoing commitment towards developing the leaders of tomorrow.

Janet Douglas, High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, said:

"We are looking for ambitious, professional, forward-thinking leaders from any walk of life. There is no such thing as a “typical” Chevening Scholar, but one thing that all of our previous scholars have in common is that they were bold enough to step forward and apply.

If you are chosen for Chevening, you will receive a first-rate UK education which can open doors in your career. You will also become part of the global Chevening Alumni network full of dynamic influencers who have shared the same experience as you will, and can offer mentorship, advice, and contacts.

There is a lot to potentially gain from submitting a thoughtful application, so if you or someone you know has what it takes to be a Chevening Scholar, I would encourage you to apply before the 6 November deadline".

Head of Scholarships at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Ben Coates, said:

"The UK continues to play a leading role globally. Home to some of the world’s best universities, brightest students, and most revered academics, the UK’s higher education sector promotes the exchange of information and ideas, as well as the building of knowledge and networks. Chevening Scholars find themselves immersed in that world, and emerge having grown academically, professionally, and personally as a result of their time in the UK.

Chevening Scholars share the best their country has to offer with those they meet in the UK, and then share the best the UK has to offer when they return home. The role that the Chevening community plays in building bridges between countries is as important now as it has ever been.’

Over the last 35 years, many of those selected for this scholarship have gone on to become respected leaders across a range of sectors. Being a part of the Chevening network instils a strong sense of pride and responsibility, and I’ve personally seen how this opportunity has transformed lives."

Chevening’s Head of Programme Management, Louise Thomson, said:

"Chevening allows you to explore whatever you’re passionate about. You can choose from over 12,000 master’s courses at over 150 different higher education institutions. UK institutions consistently rank highly in global university rankings, so be prepared for an academically challenging and fulfilling experience. However, the UK is a classroom like no other - you will learn so much outside of the classroom simply by interacting with people from all over the world, travelling around the UK in your spare time, and getting involved in the communities you live in.

Chevening organises an exclusive programme of events and activities, enabling you to experience Britain’s heritage and history, discuss international policy, and interact with thought leaders at a range of academic, cultural, and social events.

Recently, scholars have visited 10 Downing Street in London, faced history at Edinburgh Castle in Scotland, climbed Mount Snowdon in Wales, stood pitchside at Old Trafford in Manchester, and witnessed the beauty of the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland. Some have even visited Hogwarts at the film studio where the Harry Potter films were shot.

With so much to learn and achieve, a year goes by in a flash. During this time, your academic knowledge deepens, your networks expand, and your ambitions evolve, leaving you motivated and better equipped to return home and achieve your dreams".

The call for new applicants follows the selection of ten scholars from Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean who won an award to study at a UK university this year. Successful applicants have been sharing their stories through the #ChosenForChevening hashtag on Twitter and Instagram. 

More information
Visit www.chevening.org/apply/guidance for detailed information on the eligibility criteria and scholarship specifications.

Contact
Gilly Metzgen on 1 246 430 7817 or gilly.metzgen@fco.gov.uk 

Notes to editors
Chevening Scholarships are the UK Government’s global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organisations. The scholarships support study at UK universities – mostly one year taught master's degrees – for individuals with demonstrable potential to become future leaders, decision-makers, and opinion formers.

Chevening began in 1983 and has developed into a prestigious international awards scheme. Chevening Scholars come from over 160 countries and territories worldwide, and more than 1,600 scholarships were awarded in 2018/2019. There are over 50,000 Chevening Alumni around the world who comprise an influential and highly regarded global network.

The name 'Chevening' comes from Chevening House in Sevenoaks, Kent – currently the joint official residence of the UK’s Foreign Secretary.

More information is available at www.chevening.org