Chevening Scholarships to significantly increase in the Philippines
The UK is significantly increasing the number of Chevening scholarship places for the academic year 2015-16.
The UK Government is significantly increasing the number of places in its flagship global scholarship programme for the academic year 2015-16. Chevening Scholarships are aimed at future leaders, influencers and decision-makers who are working towards shaping their country’s development. An extra 2.4 billion pesos will be invested over a period of two years (2015/16 and 2016/17), to ensure an additional 1000 scholarships will be available globally. This year (2014/15), a total of nine scholars from the Philippines will be pursuing graduate studies though the Chevening Programme. This is expected to at least double in 2015/16.
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. 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.
The Philippines is one of the countries which will be prioritised for additional scholarships. Applications for Chevening Scholarships will open in 1 August. But 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.
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 Asif Ahmad said:
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.
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.
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. Applicants should read the online guidance and be able to demonstrate how they meet the Chevening selection criteria before submitting an application.