A dispatch sent to The Standard yesterday from the British Embassy in Banjul said:
“The The UK Budget on 19 March included a tripling of Chevening scholarships for the 2015-16 academic years. Chevening Scholarships are the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s flagship global scholarship programme aimed at future leaders, influencers and decision-makers”.
Quoting an FCO spokesperson, the dispatch added:
“Chevening Scholarships are an important element in supporting Britain’s work overseas. The increase in Chevening Scholarships for 2015-16 will increase the number of outstanding young professionals, who have already displayed exceptional leadership talents, studying in the UK.”
Chevening Scholars are carefully selected from thousands of applicants to study at universities across the UK. Scholars are exposed to British values, culture and diversity through the duration of a one-year Master’s course which helps them gain an understanding and appreciation of what it is like to live and study in Britain.
The additional funding will bring over 1,000 more potential future leaders to the UK to study at UK universities. This means in the 2015-16 academic year, the UK will have more than 1,500 Chevening Scholars in total. All countries on the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Development Assistance Committee (OECD-DAC) list of Official Development Assistance (ODA) recipients will be eligible for additional scholarship places.
The Chevening programme is open to 144 countries and territories worldwide, and this year – 2014-15, the 30th anniversary of the programme – the Scholarships will support over 600 individuals.
The Scholars follow a wide range of courses at a variety of universities in the UK, including but not limited to, economics, finance, human rights, law, international relations, journalism, engineering and development studies.
The majority of Chevening Scholars come from developing countries that qualify as Official Development Assistance (ODA) eligible countries. Scholars are required to return to their countries following their Scholarships. Many climb to influential career positions or dedicate themselves to supporting further development within their own countries.
Over 500 Chevening Scholars from developing countries are currently studying in the UK. During the academic year there will be more than 1,500 Chevening Scholars in total.
FCO Posts are increasing their engagement with alumni overseas and increasingly working with them on mutually beneficial activities and events.
According to the dispatch, the FCO in London and posts overseas will continue to grow and develop the Chevening alumni network, currently numbering around 42,000, many of whom are now in senior positions in their home countries.
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