WHAT IS THE CHEVENING SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME?
Chevening Scholarships are the UK Government’s global scholarship programme, funded mainly by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) – DIRCO equivalent. The programme makes awards for full or part funding for full-time courses at postgraduate level, usually a one year Master’s degree.
WHY CHEVENING?
The objective of the Chevening programme is to support UK foreign policy priorities and achieve FCO objectives by creating lasting positive relationships with future leaders, influencers and decision makers.
WHO IS THE PROGRAMME AIMED AT?
Chevening scholarships are aim at outstanding scholars with leadership potential from around the world, those who have recently graduated or ideally those who already have a few years work experience.
WHERE CAN I STUDY?
The Scholarships are acceptable at virtually all of the UK GREAT universities – UK has 4 of the top 10 Universities in the world (Oxford Cambridge, LSE and Imperial) - as long as it meets the UK Border Agency guidelines.
WHAT SUBJECT CAN I STUDY?
A wide range of subjects as long as they complement UK foreign policy objectives (Security, Prosperity, Consular) and the priority areas for this year are Conflict prevention, Public Administration, Economics, Business, and Science and Technology.
HOW DO I APPLY?
So if you have the potential to be a future leader and a desire to study in the UK and you would like to enhance your leadership skills and become part of the growing Chevening network, the first steps to take are:
-Go to the Chevening website ( to sign up for alerts about application opening dates and candidate guidance. Read the general criteria and consider how you can demonstrate that you meet these criteria in your application.
-Please note the new minimum English Language requirements which you will have to meet before applying. South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland are NOT exempt, If you don’t have a valid certificate, consider booking an English language test date now.
-Research which UK universities/courses you wish to attend, as you must include these on your application and demonstrate why you believe these are the right courses for your career. Bear in mind some courses have a higher language requirement.
-Think about who you will nominate as referees on your application. You are required to nominate two referees.
BACKGROUND
The Chevening programme began in 1983 and has developed into a prestigious international scheme. Chevening Scholars come from over 120 countries worldwide (excluding the USA and the EU), and 700 scholarships were awarded in 2011-2012. There are over 40,000 Chevening alumni around the world who together 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 British Foreign Secretary and the Deputy Prime Minister.
Facts and Figures: since 1983 the follow number of scholarships have been awarded under the Chevening programme for the country concerned: South Africa: 339. Lesotho: 20. Swaziland: 16.
TIMELINE: for 2013-14 Scholarships:
2012
October-December – apply on line
2013
January-February: scholars notified if called for interview
March-April - interviews take place in South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland
April – successful scholars notified
August – pre-departure briefing for all scholars in Pretoria
September – depart for UK to study for one year
WHERE TO GET MORE INFORMATION: or email: