The Application Process for Chevening Scholarships
The Chevening scholarship application process begins with a prescreen form, followed by an interview. As part of the application, candidates are required to submit information about their work experience and academic journey. Additionally, they need to demonstrate their networking and leadership skills through four essays.
Overview
The Chevening Scholarship is a fully-funded master’s scholarship available to international students. It offers a unique opportunity to grow professionally and academically, build extensive networks, experience UK culture, and establish lasting positive relationships with the United Kingdom.
The Selection Committee will assess applications based on whether the candidates meet the eligibility requirements for their chosen program, have selected suitable universities aligned with their interests, and have chosen courses that align perfectly with their future ambitions. They will also look for evidence that candidates have clearly thought about what they aim to achieve during and after studying in the UK.
Applicants are expected to articulate their short-term goals and long-term ambitions, as well as how the knowledge gained from their chosen university would contribute to the development of their home country. This can be done by referring to personal experiences and achievements or by addressing specific educational questions.
Highlighting any philanthropic activities or initiated projects is a way to impress the selection panel and demonstrate how candidates can contribute to their community as Chevening Scholars. Previous scholars have set volunteering records, collaborated with the UN to improve global health, and raised funds for cancer research.
Eligibility Criteria
The Chevening Scholarship is for talented emerging leaders who can drive positive change in their countries and have the potential to develop valuable professional and academic networks in the UK. This fully-funded master’s degree program enables international postgraduates to study in the UK for a year, helping them enhance their leadership skills, build networks, experience UK culture, and make a lasting impact on their home country and beyond.
The application process involves a personal statement, references, and a letter of motivation. The personal statement should highlight the applicant’s academic and professional achievements that have contributed to their leadership potential and explain why they are suitable for the scholarship.
Applicants need to explain how their leadership abilities will shape the future of their community and/or country. It is recommended to use concise examples framed using the STAR approach (situation, task, action, result) to demonstrate how they have led projects or teams.
Requirements for Applicants
The Chevening Scholarships program covers transportation, living expenses, and study costs for students from around the world pursuing a one-year master’s degree in a UK university. It is the UK government’s international awards program aimed at developing future leaders by supporting individuals with passion, ideas, and influence for a better tomorrow.
To qualify for a Chevening scholarship, applicants must be citizens of a country listed on the website and have plans to return to their home country after completing their studies.
During the application process, candidates need to provide information about their work experience and activities and supply names of two references who can provide insight into their character, academic background, and work experience.
Applicants must select three master’s level courses aligned with their future ambitions and career goals. They can choose three different universities and subject areas or three similar courses at the same university. It is important to carefully consider these choices as they might be asked questions about them during the interview process.
Application Procedures
The online application process for Chevening Scholarships is entirely digital and consists of three stages. Applicants need to register on the system before starting their application. Once registered, they can access the portal anytime to submit their application and track its progress.
Applicants should review the eligibility criteria before applying, as applications that do not meet the requirements are immediately rejected. It is recommended to read the guidance pages on the website for additional information.
Work experience plays a critical role in the selection criteria, and applicants are expected to have at least two years of work experience. This can include full-time employment, part-time work, or voluntary work. It is important to note that the work experience does not have to be solely obtained from one company; as long as the required number of hours is completed, it is acceptable.