British Council announce Chevening Scholarship Scheme

The British High Commission and the British Council in Colombo today announced the launch of the Chevening Scholarship Scheme for 2011/2012 in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

The Chevening Scholarship Scheme is the UK's most prestigious scholarship scheme for foreign students. Its aim is to enable current and future leaders, decision makers and opinion formers to study in the UK and make a positive contribution to their own countries upon their return. Many former Chevening scholars have gone on to be leaders in their fields, and indeed, even leaders of their countries.

The scheme is opened to graduates in the early- to mid-stages of their professional or academic career in the government/private sector or at a non-governmental organisation. The emphasis is on study at the postgraduate level. Applicants could be considering study in any field relevant to one or more of the UK government’s strategic international priorities. However, particular priority will be given to applicants who will work to promote good governance or benefit socio-economic or environmental development in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Candidates should have some work or academic experience relating to their field of study as well as an offer from a UK higher education institution for the academic year 2011/2012. Preference will be given to those who have attained, or have demonstrated, the potential to attain, a position of responsibility and influence within their field in Sri Lanka or the Maldives and to those whose study in Britain is likely to enhance their potential for influence in their respective countries.

The applications will be open from Sunday, 20 March to Saturday, 30 April, 2011 and will be available only online.