The Chevening scholarship scheme is aimed at developing future leaders worldwide, with a competitive selection process for the prestigious scholarship, with thousands of hopefuls from over 100 countries submitting an application each year.
In 2018 Birkbeck welcomed a record number of Chevening scholars. As the interview period for Chevening is about to open, we asked current scholars to reminisce about their experience.
For Panamanian student Esther Alvarado De Leon, MSc Business Innovation with Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management student, the interview is the most important part of the application process; and preparation is paramount. “My first time applying, I got into reserve list after the interview. I am sure that was because I didn’t have a plan for the interview. My second time applying was amazing! I had a short term and a long term plan. I knew what I wanted them to take from my interview and it felt a lot different, I believed in what I was saying.”
Aleksei Mikhalev, MSc Business Innovation with Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management student, from Russia, also recommends taking as much time as possible to prepare .“I received an email about choosing me for Chevening interview in February 2018, but I booked my interview date on the middle of April. Therefore I had almost two months for preparation. I spent that time structuring my thoughts, polishing my speaking and presentation skills.”
Familiarise yourself again with your essays about leadership, networking and life goals included in your original application. “You have been chosen because of what you have written, so it is very probable that they will ask you similar questions,” says Sergio Mendoza, an MA Investigative Reporting student from Bolivia. Your interview responses must be coherent with the points made in your application, but the interview is also an opportunity to develop these, and to show your enthusiasm for your future studies. “The main three questions you should be ready to answer on the interview are why you chose the UK; why did you choose these universities; and what do you plan to do after studies?” says Aleksei.
Is one of the lecturers on your chosen program a renowned expert in their field? Can you link a module with your future plans as a leader? In an interview that lasted almost an hour Filipino student Rogelio explained why he applied to Birkbeck’s Nationalism and Ethnic Conflict MSc. This had involved researching the programme academics’ work and also linking the course content with his future goals as a writer and cultural worker.
How will your studies help you to achieve your goals? Be specific about your plans. What career do you wish to embark on after your study in the UK? How will you’re the knowledge and skills you will acquire strengthen your position as a leader and help you benefit others in your country and community?
“Think where you want to be in 2, 5 and 10 years,” advises Esther. “Where do you see yourself applying the knowledge you will gain during your studies in the UK?”
“Chevening is a program for future leaders and being a leader means having a clear plan for your future and about changing the world around you. You have to show the Chevening commission that you already know what to do, you have a plan how to help your country, but you need some resources, such as networking and knowledge” says Aleksei.
Our scholars all agree; practice, practice, practice; run mock interviews with friends, family, in front of the mirror. But more than anything, say our scholars, believe in yourself and show your passion.
The Chevening programme is funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner universities such as Birkbeck.
The below partner organisations co-sponsor Chevening Awards in your country, enabling us to offer more Chevening Scholars the opportunity to study in the UK. Find out more about our partner organisations, the areas of study they support and why they have committed to supporting Chevening in your country by reading their profiles.
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The UK government is doing an excellent job to ensure that Standard of Education, and other practice standard of modern Civilization (Western Civilization) are maintained, especially maintaining the standard of English language as the World Language.
May God continue to bless UK government in the years to come.
How can one apply for the scholarships
Hi Atupele,
Check; https://www.chevening.org/apply
All the best!
I want to be a teacher in my future and I love people thank you.Ramzy.
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Applications are invited to apply for the Worlds Famous & Biggest Chevening Scholarship 2020 in the UK from the Government of UK. Chevening Scholarship in UK 2020–21 Round is open for all the international Students from all around the world to pursue Master Degree.
https://opportunitiescorners.info/chevening-scholarship-2020/
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Thank you for great tips, Can I know when the applications are open for Chevening scholarships 2021?
Afreen Zaidi
Founder
https://www.bromleyplumbersltd.co.uk/
Hi, Thank you for sharing. Can I know is chevening scholarships are for international students?
Best Regards
Maya Alex
Thank you for the great tips, Can I know when the applications are open for Chevening scholarships 2021? https://www.scholarshipdoor.com
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Good information about the interview. New chevening scholarships for the year 2022/2023 are opened now.
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