What is Chevening?
The Chevening programme is named after Chevening House in Kent, the official country residence of the Foreign Secretary. It began in 1983 and has developed into a prestigious international programme of Scholarships and Fellowships. The first Scholars started in 1984, the first Fellows in 2005. The programme provides nearly 1,000 Scholarships at Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the UK for postgraduate students or researchers from over 130 countries. It also provides over 200 Fellowship places for mid-career professionals who are already working in fields related to the FCO’s policy goals. The programme is largely funded by the FCO. The Scholarship scheme receives significant contributions from HEIs and other organisations in the UK, and from a wide range of overseas sponsors including governmental and private sector bodies, with which the FCO or its overseas Posts have partnership agreements. It is managed by the British Council, on behalf of the FCO, both in the UK and overseas.
Networking
Once you have been selected for a Chevening Scholarship or Fellowship you automatically become a member of the Chevening on-line community. There are over 30 thousand Chevening scholars, Fellows and alumni covering the 25 years of the scheme. That is a huge resource of people and information. As a prospective Scholar or Fellow you might like to talk to alumni of your own country about their experiences. You might want to start networking in your field of study. You can either join an existing group or start your own with our help. You will be able to engage with policy makers in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. You can also use the site for personal networking, posting your photos and meeting new people. Your Chevening award is just the start of your relationship with us.
