The UK Government has announced that applications for Chevening Scholarships for the 2019/2010 academic year opened last Monday, August 6 and will close on November 6, 2018.

There are more than 1,500 scholarships on offer globally.

“We are looking for ambitious, professional, forward-thinking leaders from any walk of life,” said high commissioner to Jamaica and The Bahamas, Asif Ahmad in a statement to the press. “There is no such thing as a “typical” Chevening scholar, but one thing that all of our previous scholars have in common is that they were bold enough to step forward and apply.”

“If you are chosen for Chevening, you will receive a first-rate UK education which can open doors in your career. You will also become part of the global Chevening alumni network full of dynamic influencers who have shared the same experience as you will, and can offer mentorship, advice, and contacts,” he added.

The high commissioner advised that candidates submit what he described a thoughtful application, and

“If you or someone you know has what it takes to be a Chevening scholar, I would encourage you to apply before the November 6 deadline,” he said.

Applications are to be submitted via www.chevening.org/apply.

The call for new applicants follows the selection of 22 scholars from Jamaica who will begin their studies in the UK in a few weeks. Successful applicants have been sharing their stories through the #ChosenForChevening hashtag on Twitter and Instagram.

They join the ranks of Chevening alumni in Jamaica which includes Minister Alando Terrelonge, Cliff Hughes, Kemesha Kelly, Jerome Cowans, Lisa Palmer Hamilton, Archibald Gordon, Cordel Green, and David Cummings.

Chevening Scholarships are awarded to individuals with demonstrable leadership potential who also have strong academic backgrounds. The scholarship offers full financial support for future leaders to study for any eligible master’s degree at any UK university. Eligibility criteria includes at least two years of employment experience and a commitment to return home to make a contribution to Jamaica.

The UK continues to play a leading role globally. Home to some of the world’s best universities, brightest students, and most revered academics, the UK’s higher education sector promotes the exchange of information and ideas, as well as the building of knowledge and networks. Chevening Scholars find themselves immersed in that world, and emerge having grown academically, professionally, and personally as a result of their time in the UK,” head of scholarships at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Ben Coates, said.

“Chevening scholars share the best their country has to offer with those they meet in the UK, and then share the best the UK has to offer when they return home. The role that the Chevening community plays in building bridges between countries is as important now as it has ever been,” he continued.

Coates added that over the last 35 years, many of those selected for Chevening scholarships have become respected leaders across a range of sectors.

“Being a part of the Chevening network instils a strong sense of pride and responsibility, and I’ve personally seen how this opportunity has transformed lives,” he said.

Chevening’s head of programme management, Louise Thomson, said: “Chevening allows you to explore whatever you’re passionate about. You can choose from over 12,000 master’s courses at over 150 different higher education institutions. UK institutions consistently rank highly in global university rankings, so be prepared for an academically challenging and fulfilling experience. However, the UK is a classroom like no other — you will learn so much outside of the classroom simply by interacting with people from all over the world, travelling around the UK in your spare time, and getting involved in the communities you live in.

“Chevening organises an exclusive programme of events and activities, enabling you to experience Britain’s heritage and history, discuss international policy, and interact with thought leaders at a range of academic, cultural, and social events.

Thomson added that among the range of historical sites scholars have visited are 10 Downing Street in London, Edinburgh Castle in Scotland, Mount Snowdon in Wales, Old Trafford, in Manchester, the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, and the Hogwarts at the film studio where the Harry Potter films were shot.

“With so much to learn and achieve, a year goes by in a flash. During this time, your academic knowledge deepens, your networks expand, and your ambitions evolve, leaving you motivated and better equipped to return home and achieve your dreams,” she said.

Chevening scholars come from over 160 countries and territories worldwide. Last year, more than 1,600 awards were made, and there are over 50,000 Chevening alumni around the world.

The award scheme began in 1983, with the name coming from Chevening House in Sevenoaks, Kent — currently the joint official residence of the UK Foreign Secretary.

Detailed information on the scholarship is available at www.chevening.org/apply/guidance.