WHAT IS A CHEVENING SCHOLARSHIP?

CHEVENING is a prestigious awards scheme, funded by the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office, for young professionals from around the world who would like to receive a Master’s degree in the UK. The Scholarship is administered by the British Council.

With the help of Chevening scholarship the UK government supports goal-oriented professionals and potential leaders who plan to live and work in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan and contribute to the development of these countries. Each year over 1,000 Chevening scholars from around the world come to study in the UK.

By becoming a Chevening scholar you will undertake a course (12 months), receive a Master’s degree and will gain a unique experience of living in a multicultural environment.

PRIORITY FIELDS OF STUDY FOR 2010-2011 ACADEMIC YEAR

			Public Administration
			Environment
			Social Development
			Human Rights
			Media and Journalism
			Banking and Finance

Applications in other fields will be also considered

WHAT DOES THE SCHOLARSHIP COVER?

The scholarship received by Chevening finalists funds the whole year of postgraduate study in the UK. It includes:

			Tuition fees at a British university for a full-time course of study lasting 12 months
			Living expenses (monthly stipend)
			Travel costs to and from the UK (one round trip)
			Student visa
			Arrival and departure allowances
			Thesis allowance

WHAT IS THE SELECTION CRITERIA?

All candidates applying for a scholarship should meet the following requirements:

			Aged between 22 and 35 years; citizenship of Kazakhstan or Kyrgyzstan
			Have a good first degree (minimum Bachelor’s) from a recognized institution with excellent and good marks
			Have a minimum of 2 years’ work experience in the area of the chosen career
			Have excellent English language skills (minimum IELTS score 6.5)

A successful candidate should demonstrate how the new skills and knowledge acquired during your stay in the UK will contribute to change in Kazakhstan or Kyrgyzstan through further development in civil society, the market economy or governance. You will be expected to show an interest in the political, diplomatic and commercial interests of Kazakhstan or Kyrgyzstan.

SELECTION PROCEUDRE

Finalists are selected on a competitive basis. The selection process includes four stages. First stage (2-13 November) is a preliminary check that submitted applications are complete. Second stage (16-30 November) includes short-listing of candidates for interview. Third stage (second week of December) is interview in English in the British Council office in Almaty. Fourth stage (second half of January) is IELTS examination (costs to be covered by the programme) for those who were successful at the interview. Finalists will be selected by the committee in February 2010 and placed in UK universities during spring 2010.

HOW TO APPLY?

Applications are submitted online. Applicaition for 2010-2011 Chevening scholarships is now closed. Applications for 2011-2012 Chevening scholarships will be announced in early autumn 2010.

Here you can read answers to frequently asked questions. Additional information about the scheme is available on Chevening website. If you require any further information, please contact us by e-mail chevening@kz.britishcouncil.org or by calling our Almaty office.