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 CHEVENING SCHOLARSHIPS

 UK EDUCATION SPECIALIST AGENTS

 UK ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

WHAT ARE THE BRITISH CHEVENING SCHOLARSHIPS?

British Chevening Scholarships are prestigious scholarships that enable young people from abroad to pursue postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom. They are funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, with additional sponsorship from a number of companies and organisations.

These scholarships are offered by the British Government in more than 150 countries, and have a track record of attracting some of the best and brightest candidates looking for the opportunity to study at some of the world’s best universities, to become acquainted with the UK and to gain new expertise for the benefit of their own countries. Competition for the scholarships is strong but each year approximately 25 Koreans are awarded scholarships – candidates who have demonstrated ambition, and the drive and intellectual capacity to make their dreams a reality.

Since the Chevening Scholarships started in the early 1980s, more than 900 Koreans have joined the prestigious global Chevening family.

The British Council administers the Chevening Scholarships scheme on behalf of the British Embassy in Seoul.

 Further information for applicants

 Chevening Cambridge Scholarships

WHO SPONSORS THE CHEVENING SCHOLARSHIPS?

The scholarships are funded by the British Embassy in Seoul, with additional sponsorship from a number or companies and organisations.  T

The British Embassy is grateful to the following sponsors for their support of the Chevening scheme in Korea.

The scholarships are funded by the British Embassy. Also, the British Embassy offers joint Chevening scholarships with the following Korean Ministries & organisations.

WHAT COSTS DO THE SCHOLARSHIPS COVER?

1. Academic fees for 1 year, up to a maximum of £15,000
2. Monthly stipend (This will be enough to live on but the exact amount is undecided.)
3. The HSBC-Chevening scholarship provides a substantial additional stipend and other costs for one applicant studying in the fields of finance or economics.

WHAT FIELDS OF STUDY ARE ACCEPTED?

The Chevening scheme offers scholarships for postgraduate qualifications or research at UK universities – typically Masters courses (which can be completed in one year in the UK). Occasionally a scholarship can be awarded to cover the first year of a Doctorate or another longer course.

In academic year 2010-2011, the Embassy will accept applications for scholarships to study in the following fields.  We will not fund English language courses, such as TESOL:

• Politics/History
• International Affairs
• Law fields, including human rights and international law
• Conflict Resolution
• Security Studies
• Energy
• Climate Change/Geography/Sustainable Development
• Development Studies
• Public Administration
• Corporate Governance/Fighting Corruption
• Finance/Economics
• Science and Technology fields, particularly:
  - Space & aerospace research
  - Biotechnology
  - Physics
  - Electronics
  - Nano & Microtechnology
  - Energy technologies
• Media Studies (including Journalism, New Media & Mass Communications)

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

You must meet the following criteria in order to apply:

• Korean citizenship
• Fluent English - minimum requirement IELTS 6.5 (academic module)
• University degree (Bachelor’s degree)
• Proof of professional achievements
• 2 years of professional experience is desirable, but not essential
• Return to Korea once your study has been completed.

We do not accept applications from people who already have the following awards:

• KOSEF scholarship
• The Rotary Foundation Scholarship
• Korean Government Scholarship
• Salary or Stipend from a host institution
• Other scholarships or funding which cover fees and/or living expenses.

WHAT CRITERIA DO YOU USE FOR SELECTING CANDIDATES?

We base our selection on applicants' background, qualifications and the merits of their proposed courses of study when making our decisions.  We look for candidates with a record of success, who will return to South Korea to become future leaders in their chosen fields.

WHAT DOES 'CHEVENING' MEAN?

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

'Chevening House' is the name of the official country residence of the British Foreign Secretary. In 1994 Douglas Hurd, then Foreign Secretary, renamed the Foreign & Commonwealth Office's Scholarships and Awards Scheme as 'The British Chevening Scholarships Programme', after Chevening House.

WHICH UNIVERSITIES CAN I ATTEND IF I AM AWARDED A CHEVENING SCHOLARSHIP?

You can attend any university in the United Kingdom, as long as it is recognised by the Department for Education and Skills (DFES).

MUST I HAVE GAINED ADMISSION TO A BRITISH UNIVERSITY BEFORE APPLYING FOR A SCHOLARSHIP?

No. However, in order to save time, it is advisable to apply for admission to the universities of your choice at the same time as applying for the scholarship.

All the necessary information about study in the UK including post-graduate courses in the UK can be found on our EducationUK website.

MUST I HAVE TAKEN AN ENGLISH LANGUAGE EXAM BEFORE APPLYING?

Yes you need to. The level of English required is established by each university, but the minimum requirement for the Chevening scholarships is a score of 6.5 in the academic module of the IELTS examination.

CAN I APPLY IF I AM CURRENTLY WORKING OR STUDYING ABROAD?

We accept applications from people currently working/studying overseas, as long as they are available for an interview in Seoul.

We do not usually accept applications from people currently working/ studying in the UK.

ARE THE CHEVENING SCHOLARSHIPS RENEWABLE?

Not normally. In exceptional circumstances we may consider renewing existing scholarships after all new scholars have been selected. Scholarships cannot be renewed. If you turn down a scholarship offer it will have a negative impact on future applications.

MUST I HAVE GRADUATED BEFORE I CAN APPLY?

You must have a Bachelor’s degree in order to be eligible for a scholarship. If you have not yet completed your undergraduate studies, you are still eligible to apply as long as you will graduate no later than the February after the application deadline.

Note that we normally expect all applicants to have at least 2 years’ professional experience.

DO THE SCHOLARSHIPS COVER THE COSTS OF TAKING MY FAMILY WITH ME TO THE UNITED KINGDOM?

No. We don’t provide financial support for your family to accompany you.

DO I NEED TO BE A FULL TIME STUDENT?

Once you are selected as a scholar, you must sign a certificate that requires you to be a full-time student and prevents you from having a part-time job.

DO I HAVE TO RETURN TO KOREA AFTER THE ACADEMIC YEAR IS OVER? (OR AFTER SCHOLARSHIP EXPIRES?)

You must return to Korea regardless of whether you want to continue studying or want to get a job in the UK.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I COME BACK TO KOREA?

Once you return to Korea, you will become part of the Chevening Alumni association, which will allow you to keep in touch with fellow scholars. The British Embassy holds regular events & receptions to keep in touch with Chevening scholars.