The Chevening scholarship scheme is an annual program that aims to nurture future leaders around the world.The scholarship has a highly difficult selection process, with thousands of applicants from over 100 countries submitting applications each year.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office and partner organizations finance Chevening, the UK Government’s international awards scheme. This scholarship program provides a once-in-a-lifetime chance for future leaders and influencers from around the world to grow professionally and academically, network widely, immerse themselves in UK culture, and form long-lasting positive links with the UK.
Because the scheme is prominent and tough, applicants must be exceptional and stand out in order to be selected for the program. The following criteria are used to make selections:
Work Experience: Before completing your Chevening application, you must ensure that you meet the minimum work-experience criterion for the award. Chevening Scholarship applicants must have at least two years of work experience.
Academics: By the time you submit your application, you must have completed all components of an undergraduate degree that will allow you to secure acceptance into a postgraduate study at a UK university. In the United Kingdom, this is often equivalent to an upper second-class 2:1 honors degree.
Referees: These should be people who can provide feedback on your overall suitability for a Chevening Scholarship or Fellowship. Referees should be somebody you know, either academically or professionally.
English Proficiency: By the Chevening deadline, candidates must have met the standards of their selected university and received an unconditional offer from one of their three study options. Academic IELTS (paper or computer-based), Pearson PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, C1 Advanced (previously Cambridge English: Advanced [CAE]), and Trinity ISE II (B2) are all acceptable assessments.
The Essays:You will be required to write a few essays regarding Leadership, Networking, Study Plan, and Future Career Plan during the first application process. This is your opportunity to demonstrate to the Chevening committee that you are a candidate worth consideration.
The Interview: The final stage of the selection process is the interview. This comes after you’ve met all of the other requirements and been chosen as one of the program’s possible participants.
Be clear, simple and concise
- Evaluate your personal and professional development throughout your essays. Explain why you want to pursue Masters studies at this point in your career. Highlight the reasons why you chose the UK. Set your career goals and explain how a Chevening scholarship might help you achieve them. Make your application stand out by demonstrating how you differ from other applicants and why you deserve the award.
Be specific
- Use examples and real-world settings to draw on your experience. Give clear examples of your leadership and networking abilities. As much as possible, be particular in your choice of universities and courses. Explain why the courses you choose are unique and how they match with your career goals.
Research
- Conduct extensive research. Make certain that your university/course selection represents your academic and professional background. Connect your past accomplishments to your future career goals. However, do not be frightened to apply to prestigious universities!
University application
- Contact the university’s admissions department or university alumni. Check with your local university to see if they can help. Please do not hesitate to contact Chevening scholars. Examine the university’s prerequisites carefully and thoroughly. Keep in mind that application dates differ amongst universities!
Interview
- Show off your greatest qualities! Simply be yourself and be natural, and you will succeed. Pay close attention to the questions. Be creative and prepared to answer inquiries about current topics such as the country’s future direction or emerging issues in the international arena. It is critical to raise awareness, especially among future leaders!
English language requirement
- Check the requirements for the chosen university. Timing matters. Book your English language test appointment on time. Do not wait until the last moment!
References
- It would be great if you can provide both academic and professional references. However, you can have both of them from the same category. Infact, it is even more important that your reference is provided by someone who knows you well and who may expand on your personality and abilities!
Be persistent
- The Chevening selection process is long, but aim to make the most of it at every stage. Now, polish your essays and work on them patiently. Do re-draft, but do not overdo them!
Build your network
- Get in touch with previous Chevening scholars, and ask them for guidance. Let them review your application or give you advice on the interview!
As told by: Edita Maric from Bosnia and Herzegovina to the UK embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Application
For more information, visit the official website here
