‘I am often asked why the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office awards Chevening Scholarships to study in the UK.

The scholarships are an incredible opportunity to study at some of the world's best academic institutions without requiring any employment bonds. The simple reason is that we believe that attracting some of the best and brightest overseas students to the UK will help them to develop lifelong personal and professional connections to the UK and its people.

I used to be responsible for the Chevening programme in London, and I have met many scholars in the UK and on my travels around the world. Like all the Chevening scholars I have met here in Singapore, they were all extremely enthusiastic about their time in the UK, and proud to be part of such a prestigious alumni network.’

HE Paul Madden
British High Commissioner to Singapore

These scholarships are funded by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) and administered by the British Council. They are Britain's award for future Singaporean leaders.

The British Chevening Scholarships offers, on a competitive basis, postgraduate study in the UK to graduate professionals. Bond-free, this award is presented to outstanding graduates to implement their new skills to contribute to Singapore's social and economic development.

Singapore sends up to six Chevening candidates to Britain per year for a period of not more than twelve months each year to study on the postgraduate course and at the university of their choice.

The British Chevening Scholarships offers awards under two schemes:

• Local Sponsorships
• Central Jointly-funded Sponsorship

• Scholarships are open to citizens of Singapore only.  Citizens of other nations should contact the British Council in their home country.
• Preferably, you should not have previously studied in the UK.
• You should have a good honours degree of at least upper second or the equivalent.
• You should have a minimum of two years working experience preferably with managerial, policy influencing or decision-making responsibilities.
• You should be a professional in your early to mid-career.
• You should be committed to returning to Singapore and contributing to Singapore's socio-economic development by implementing new skills and knowledge acquired in the UK.
• You should be able to show at interview that you possess the personal qualities to benefit from the scholarship and in turn use it to succeed in your chosen career.

Interested applicants need to apply online via the e-Chevening website.

Applications for 2010/11 academic year is now opened. Closing date is 18 January 2010.