FAQ - Chevening Scholarships - Study in UK - British Council

Galib Abbasov and Nigar Baimova - 1998 Chevening scholar.

FCO CHEVENING SCHOLARSHIPS

	FCO CHEVENING SCHOLARSHIPS


	Frequently Asked Questions

		What does ‘Chevening’ mean?

The word 'Chevening' is synonymous with prestigious scholarships to the UK.

The British Chevening Scholarships programme was established in 1983, then known as the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Scholarships and Awards Scheme (FCOSAS). The title of the scheme was changed in 1994 at the personal behest of Douglas Hurd, then Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Office Affairs. He decided to rename the Scholarships after the Chevening House in Kent, which is the official country residence of the Foreign Secretary.

The House, built between 1615 and 1630, contains a fine library, as well as an important collection of paintings, furniture, and tapestries. The contents of the House were gifted to the nation by the previous owners, the Stanhope family.

		What do Chevening Scholarship cover financially?

There are three types of scholarship:


Type A scholarships	these cover tuition fees only
Type B scholarships	these are full scholarships that cover tuition fees, monthly stipend and various one-off allowances.
Type C scholarships	these vary from award to award and cover part/full stipend and/or allowances.

		What are the selection criteria for application?

Competition for Chevening scholarships is intense, and only one in every 25 applicants is successful. A typical successful applicant would be:

			A graduate with proven academic skills.
			Committed to return to their country and contribute to the socio-economic development of their country through implementing the new skills and knowledge acquired in the UK.
			Established in a career with at least 3 years of work experience in his/her field, with a track record of excellence and achievement, and the prospect of becoming a leader in his/her chosen field. The vast majority of Chevening scholars are aged 25 - 35 years old.
			An individual who has not lived or studied outside Azerbaijan and the former Soviet Union for an extended period of time.
			Able to show at interview that he/she possess the personal qualities to benefit from their scholarship and use it to succeed in his/her chosen career.
			Have a clear idea how his/her scholarship will benefit the country on his/her return.
			Have good English Language skills, as most UK Higher Education Institutions require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 for admission onto Postgraduate courses.

		What types of courses can I study on a Chevening scholarship?

Chevening scholars must study in the UK for at least 3 months. Most scholars already have a first degree and the majority study for postgraduate degrees particularly Masters courses. However some scholars cannot spare that much time away from their careers and we welcome applications for shorter courses as long as they are adequately challenging and relevant.

We do not fund undergraduate courses and not consider PhD's and MPhil's. We are particularly interested in students in the following areas:

			International Relations
			Human Rights
			International Security
			International Law
			Agricultural Development and Agribusiness
			Development Economics
			Environmental Policy & Management
			European Studies
			Governance Studies
			Public Administration
			NGO Management

Candidates with interests in other areas will be considered, but preference will be given to the best graduates able to undertake courses in the topics stated as above.

		If I have 3 years of work experience but I am still 4th year student can I apply?

	No. When you submit your application form we require that you already have your Bachelor’s Degree.

		Can I study outside the United Kingdom?

	No. Chevening scholarships are only awarded for study within the United Kingdom. Sometimes courses include short study visits outside of the United Kingdom and these are permissible.

		Can I bring my family to the United Kingdom during my scholarship?

We strongly advise that you do not bring any family members to the United Kingdom during the period of your scholarship. Most of your time will be spent studying for your qualification. The period of study is very intense and it is important that you are able to give it your full attention.

Chevening scholarships are designed for single people and there are no additional allowances for partners, spouses, children or other dependants. Our stipends, which are offered at standard UK rates, are designed to allow you to live a comparable lifestyle to a single UK Postgraduate scholar.

		Can I work permanently in the United Kingdom once my scholarship is finished?

	No. Although many scholars do take a short break or choose to attend their graduation ceremony before returning home, it is envisaged that Chevening scholars will return home and contribute to the development of their country by implementing the new skills and knowledge acquired in the UK. Chevening scholars agree when accepting their scholarship to return home at the scholarship conclusion.

		What is the IELTS test and how do I apply to take one?

	IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. All shortlisted candidates will take IELTS exam at our cost. A candidate should get a minimum global score of 6.5 in the academic version of IELTS in order to meet the requirements.

		Which documents do I need to submit with my application form?

Completed application form with one passport photo securely attached to the top right corner of page 1.
Two recommendations from employers or professors. Letters of recommendation must be signed and must include the name, address, and telephone number of the person providing the recommendation. Applicants submitting letters of recommendation in the local language must submit certified English translations of these letters. Translations must have the stamp or seal of the English language faculty or translating service confirming the accuracy of the translation. The applicant may not certify his/her own translation.
Official copies of all university transcripts in the language(s) in which they were issued. One transcript from each institution of higher education attended must be attached. Each transcript must bear the stamp or seal of the department or faculty of the university that issued it. For the purposes of this programme, a transcript is a listing of every course you took to receive your diploma, the number of hours devoted to each course, and the grade you received in each course.
Certified English translations of your university transcripts. The applicant may not certify his/her own translation.
Official copies of all diplomas you have received in the language(s) in which they were issued. Each diploma must bear the stamp or seal of the department or faculty of the university that issued it.
Certified English translations of your diplomas. The applicant may not certify his/her own translation.
Copies of IELTS score reports (if taken previously).
Curriculum Vitae (C.V.) in English (outlining educational and professional history).
Self-declaration of health form.

Your application must include all the required attachments. You may not submit your application electronically. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. Applications will not be returned to the applicants after the competition has concluded.

British Chevening Programme reserves the right to verify all of the information indicated in any application. In the event that there is a discrepancy or information is found to be false, the application will be declared invalid and the applicant ineligible. Incomplete applications will not be considered.