The Chevening Scholarship scheme is a prestigious programme that offers high-calibre students from across the world the chance to study for a Masters degree at a British university.

These scholarships are fully funded by the British Government and its commercial and charitable partners. We are particularly grateful to the BP Foundation for its generous support to the programme in Iraq. Funding includes: the costs of a full-time Masters programme lasting between 12 and 15 months at British university or other higher education institution; travel to and from the UK; visa fees; and a stipend for accommodation and living costs. The scheme is managed by the British Council.

The application process for these scholarships is extremely competitive. Successful candidates will be graduates with a track record of academic excellence. They will be highly motivated, and must possess sufficiently good English language skills to cope with the rigours of a Masters course taught in English in the UK.

One of our main selection criteria is that applicants are committed to returning to Iraq once their studies are complete to contribute to the development of their country using the skills and knowledge they acquired in the UK. We welcome applications from individuals intending to study any subject, particularly those relating to:

 public services;

 security and defence;

 oil, gas and natural resources;

 banking and finance; and

 conflict resolution and human rights.

The strongest applicants will have established themselves in a career that is key to Iraq’s economic, social or political development. They will also be able to demonstrate strong leadership potential.

You can find out more about Chevening Scholarships at: http://ukiniraq.fco.gov.uk/en/visiting-uk/studying-in-uk/our-scholarships/chevening

Application Process

All applications for the Chevening Scholarship scheme must be made online at: https://www.chevening.fco.gov.uk/CheveningApplications/CA_Start.aspx

At this first stage, applicants will be asked to complete personal details, and explain why they think they would be suitable candidates. The strongest applicants will already have researched Masters courses in the UK, and will have a firm idea of what they wish to study at a particular academic institution. They will also be able to explain clearly why their proposed field of study will contribute positively towards the new Iraq. Applicants must complete this stage before 23 January 2012.

Applicants who succeed at this stage will be invited to either the British Embassy in Baghdad, or the British Consulate General in Basra or Erbil for an interview and possibly written tests. They will also be asked (if they haven’t already done so) to complete an English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination at one of these locations, and must be prepared to travel to the relevant testing centre inside Iraq. As a guide, most British higher education institutions require an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or higher, with a score of not less than 5.5 in each of the four skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening). The British government will pay for the IELTS test.

We will let applicants know the result of the first stage of the process by early March 2012. The interview and English testing stages will be held in spring of 2012. We will release the final results of the selection process in the early summer.

Note on Eligibility and Selection

The Chevening selection process is open and transparent. All candidates must be Iraqi and residents of Iraq. We accept the best candidates regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or any other criteria not directly related to their academic history, leadership potential, and ability to shape the new Iraq for the better.

Application forms from current members of British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) staff and those that have left FCO employment within the last two years will not be considered.

Please see the user guide on how to complete the Chevening e-form