What does 'Chevening' mean?
   The word 'Chevening' comes from 'Chevening House' which is the name of the official country residence of the British Foreign Secretary.

I am not sure, how to fill out the application.

   Please refer to our Easy Step Guide.

Can I take a distance learning course and spend most of my time in Russia?
   No, distance learning courses are not eligible for the scholarship.

Can I take my family with me to Britain/ invite my family to spend some time in Britain with me?
   Yes, you can, but you must consider the following:

• you will be expected to spend a great deal of time in lectures and private study and you will have very little time to spare;
• if you invite a member of your family to join you in the UK, you will be expected to cover their expenses yourself.

Will I have to apply for the British visa myself?
   You will be responsible for submitting your visa application and providing the supporting documents. The British Council will guide you through the process.

Who manages the Chevening grant? Do I receive the money in cash?
   The grant is neither transferred to grant winners via banks nor given to them in cash. The grant is to cover two kinds of expenses:

• Tuition fees. This money is transferred to the university where you will be studying. Please bear in mind that the ceiling cost is 12,000 GBP. Should tuition fees at your university exceed this limit, you’ll have to cover the difference from your private funds.
• Other expenses (accommodation, nourishment and dissertation writing). This money is transferred to a bank account in the UK in GBP. You will have to open this account yourself on arrival in the UK.

What is meant by ‘fluent use of English’?
   Your ability to express yourself clearly, coherently and accurately both orally and in writing; you must also be prepared to demonstrate that you can substantiate your point of view and take part in a discussion.

Do I have to take an IELTS test to be able to apply for a Chevening scholarship?
   At the time of submitting your documents you don’t need to have IELTS grades, however, if you are successful during the interview, you will be asked to take a formal IELTS test. The minimal competency level required by most British universities is 6.5 (out of 9) on the IELTS scale.

How should I answer the question about my IELTS test results?

   Type in 'n/a' in the appropriate fields, because IELTS test results will only be needed at the interview stage.

I passed the TOEFL test. Do I need to take IELTs as well?
   Please consult the British university you have selected.

Does a photocopy of my diploma and supplement have to be apostilled?
   No.

What are the Chev 2 and Med 100 like? Do I need them to submit my application?
   No. Only those that have won the scholarship will need them.

You seem to support only the candidates with good and excellent grades in their diploma supplements. Will I be allowed to apply if I have a couple of satisfactory grades?
   Yes, when your professional achievements clearly speak in your favour. It is not desirable to have satisfactory grades in the subject areas relevant to your course of study in the UK.

I’m currently working abroad on a long-term contract. Will my application be considered?
   Yes, it will be, but please be aware that according to Chevening rules you will have to be employed in Russia after completing your studies in the UK.

I graduated from a university in a former Soviet Republic. Can I apply?
   Yes, if you are a citizen of the Russian Federation.

I graduated this year, but have two-years required work experience. Can I apply?
   Yes, if  your employment area is relevant to your intended studies in the UK.

Is there any prescribed format for letters of recommendation?
   No, there is no rigid format. We will typically require one letter from the university you graduated from and one from your current employer or two letters from employers. The letters should be:

• signed by the people recommending you;
• written in English or Russian (in the latter case you will need to enclose a translated English version);
• the letter should be approximately one printed page long (1,680 characters including spaces).

I have been awarded a scholarship for this year but because of professional and personal pressures at home that I couldn’t foresee, I will not be able to go to UK in September as I originally planned. Can I defer my scholarship until the next academic year?
   No.

What other scholarship programmes are there?
   To learn about it please visit the site www.educationuk.org/scholarships.