Each year, the British government invests over two million kunas in young Croatians who have the ability to make a difference in Croatia, who plan to come back and use the knowledge that they gain in the UK to help their country. The courses are usually between three months and one year, although we now have one doctorate scholarship on offer.

There is a lot of competition for the scholarships, with up to 17 people competing for each place. It’s a big investment. The cost of a three-month course is about £8,000, one year costs about £17,000, while the scholarship for the doctorate can cost up to £75,000.

How can you persuade us that the British government should invest in you?

Are you a Croatian citizen? The scholarships we offer are for Croatian citizens. If you are a citizen of another country then you can apply in the capital of your country.

Are you a graduate? Our scholarships are for post-graduate courses.

Are you between 23 and 35? Most of our scholarships are for this age range, although there is a new scheme called a Chevening Fellowship that has no age limit.  The Oxford Colleges Hospitality Scheme may also be of interest.

Do you intend to live abroad? Our scholarships are for people who want to return to Croatia. They are not for people who plan to pursue a career abroad.

Do you know what you want to study? A good candidate will have researched the course they want to study and have good ideas about how this course will help their future career.

Do you have interests outside of your main subject? Our scholars are usually academically excellent, but will also have outside interests that they will have pursued during their careers. It may be debating, politics, NGO work, sport or speleology. We are looking for people who are not just academics but who can network and function well in the workplace.

Do you have a job already? Most of our best candidates have got over the hurdle of finding a job, perhaps in government service, an institution or in the private sector. They are likely to have been in employment for at least two years. They will have a well-defined idea of how the scholarship will affect their career prospects and what the next steps in their career will be. It’s very rare to find a graduate fresh from university who knows precisely what he or she will do.

Do you have good ideas? Croatia is going through many changes now, with EU accession coming up. Do you have good ideas for projects to help Croatia? Can you think on your feet?

Can you make things happen? Have you demonstrated that you have the get-up-and-go to make things happen? It might be organising an event, raising sponsorship or getting a scholarship to study abroad, but our scholars will be able to demonstrate that they can overcome obstacles to get things done.  

Are you a future high flier, leader or opinion former? If a quiet life is what you’re after then you may not be looking in the right place. The British government wants to invest in people who can make a difference in Croatia. Our scholars must show that they have the drive, energy, enthusiasm and ability to help. They may go on to work on EU negotiations, to write a front-page story or to reach high office.  Whatever it is, they’ll give it their all.

What if I don’t get a scholarship? Some candidates are better second time around, and you can always apply again. Otherwise, it’s possible to fund your own stay in the UK or to look at distance learning. For more information, contact the British Council.

Good luck! And we look forward to seeing you.