Chevening Scholarships to Significantly Increase in the PHL

(PIA) — The UK Government is significantly increasing the number of places in its flagship global scholarship program for the academic year 2015-16.

According to a press statement from the British Embassy in Manila, P2.4 billion more will be invested over a period of two years to ensure an additional 1000 scholarships will be available globally.

The Philippines is one of the countries which will be prioritized for additional scholarships.

“We are investing in Philippine future leaders as part of our partnership with the Philippines. In this 30th year of Chevening, we are making a major new commitment to the Chevening Programme which will allow more future leaders from the Philippines to study at world-class universities in the UK. This year we are working with private sector partners who also want to help build Philippine capacity such as Bank of the Philippine Islands, GlaxoSmithKline Philippines Inc., First Pacific Leadership Academy and San Miguel Corporation,” said British Ambassador Asif Ahmad.

This year, a total of eight scholars from the Philippines will be pursuing graduate studies though the Chevening Programme.

The Chevening Programme is a prestigious scholarship that allows overseas students to study a one-year masters degree course on various fields of study in world-class universities in the UK.

It is aimed at future leaders, influencers, and decision-makers who are working towards shaping their country’s development.

The programme is seeking university graduates who have acquired at least two years experience in their chosen field of study and who will return to their countries following their scholarships to help deliver positive change and development.

Applications for Chevening Scholarships are now open; deadline of applications will be on November 15.

“Those planning to apply will need to be working on the application now, looking at what courses in the UK are the right ones to help them deliver leadership and change,” the press statement read.

A special feature of Chevening in the Philippines this year will be ensuring it contributes to the UK’s support of the Mindanao peace process.

The aim is to identify at least 5 scholars in 2015/16 who can make a positive difference to realising the vision of the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB).

Ambassador Ahmad underscored diversity as a key factor in this year’s selection process.

“We want to receive more and more varied applications from all across the Philippines. We are encouraging people who can be leaders in a wide range of areas from governance to economics, from peace building to trade, from justice to climate change and energy. If you have a vision for the Philippines, the desire to make it happen and you need extra knowledge to make an impact, come and convince us that you should be a Chevening Scholar,” he said.

Applications for Chevening Scholarships for the academic year 2015/16 must be submitted online between 1 August and 15 November 2014 at www.chevening.org. (British Embassy in Manila/PIA Cebu)