English
中文Nigerians can pursue postgradaute education in the United Kingdom. The Chevening Scholarships is one of the ways. A total of more than 1,050 scholars from the African country have earned their higher academic qualification through the programme and are now in leadership positions in their careers and serving their motherland. Interested applicants can start sending in their requirements beginning 1 September 2013 until 8 November 2013 for slots in the coming 2014/2015 academic year. Foreign students from other countries eligible for the scholarship can also check for openings and application dates in the official Chevening website.
Purpose
The scholarship is offered in countries from around the world with the purpose of helping them in their development. After completing their postgraduate education in the UK, scholars are expected to return to their country of origin and contribute to its development with the help of the knowledge they have gained. The British government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office; its partner organisations and companies; and other UK government agencies involved in funding and facilitating the programme stay in contact with the alumni of the programme to further their visions of mutual benefit for the development of the countires. The scholarship stands against Brain Drain and is a living example of Brain Gain.
The Scholarship
The scholarship was named after the residence of one of the Great Offices of State which is assigned the remit of foreign country relations, the Chevening House in Sevenoaks, Kent. It is the joint official residence of the British Foreign Secretary and the Deputy Prime Minister. The Chevening Scholarship is the UK government’s scholarship system for international students in the postgraduate level. It is offered in some 116 countries all over the world with the exception of those in the European Union and the United States of America. Funds come from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and partner organisations. This year marks 30 years of providing academic opportunities to academically outstanding students with leadership potential. Chevening has produced more than 41,000 alumni from different parts of the world. Scholars are given full or part funding for full-time courses at the postgraduate level which are usually one-year Master’s degree in any subject.
Scholar Benefits
Chevening Scholars usually enjoy, on top of partial or full tuition fee coverage, living allowance, additional funds for expenses which are incidental to availing of the scholarship and a free airfare to the UK. Scholars also fellowship among themselves which create opportunities to build academically and professionally rich networks.
Applicant Qualifications
To qualify as an applicant, one must (1) meet the academic requirements for his or her chosen course of study; (2) have a good standard of written and spoken English; (3) meet the specific language requirements of the scholarship and those of one’s chosen course; (4) have at least two years work experience; (5) be a citizen of the country specific to the slot; (6) intend to return there after completing the study; (7) not have previously studied in the UK under a UK government funded scholarship; and (8) not have dual British nationality except those who are citizens of a British Overseas Territory.
Scholar Profile
For the present academic term of 2013-14, successful Nigerian applicants who were granted scholarships in different fields including Medical Research, International Las and Finance and Accounting, among others, number to 11. To be accepted, aspirants should have talent in innovation and creativity; positive attitudes of ambition, drive and leadership; and are committed to affecting change and to the development of any organisation of which they are and will be part. Alumni of this prestigious study grant continue to be known for these faculties.
