What is the Chevening Scholarships Scheme?

Chevening is the UK government’s premier scholarship scheme, aimed at future leaders, opinion formers and decision makers. These scholarships are offered in more than 150 countries and are funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The scheme provides an opportunity to outstanding young Malaysians, from a variety of fields, to further their studies in the UK at a university of their own choice.

What are the requirements needed to apply?

• Malaysian citizenship

• Fluent English

• Upper second class degree or higher

• Proof of professional achievements

• Professional experience (preferably 2 years minimum)

The scholarships are intended for candidates who wish to undertake one-year taught courses leading to a Master’s qualification. Most successful candidates are aged between 25 and 35.

Candidates are also expected to show a commitment to return to Malaysia, where they will contribute to the country’s socio-economic development using the new skills and knowledge acquired during their stay in the UK.

To which universities can I apply?

Chevening postgraduate scholarships are tenable at any fully accredited UK universities or tertiary education institutions. Candidates are responsible for their own university placement.

What are the most common fields of study?

Applications for the Chevening Scholarships are for a one-year course leading to a Master’s qualification. MSc, MA or one-year MPhil programmes are acceptable.

We are looking for candidates to study in the following fields:

• climate change, sustainable development

• rule of law and human rights

• conflict prevention/ resolution

• foreign & security policy
  

• good governance
  

• counter-terrorism and migration issues

• business and Islamic finance.
  

Candidates should do some research about higher education in the UK before applying. They are welcome to visit the Education UK web-site.

All courses will start during the academic year following the year of application i.e. you should apply between August and September of each year to begin your studies the following September.

What are the criteria for selecting candidates?

We look at an applicant’s background, qualifications, the merits of their proposed courses of study, current and future employment and their personal statements when selecting candidates.

The British Chevening Scholarships are prestigious scholarships awarded to outstanding candidates who have excelled in their respective professional areas and have the makings of future leaders, opinion formers and decision makers.

What costs do these scholarships cover?

• Travel costs to and from the UK

• Academic fees (with the exception of business school programmes, where the fees’ element of the scholarship is capped at £12,000)

• A monthly living allowance

• A modest allowance to help with settling in the UK and to cover books and warm clothing

• A thesis/dissertation allowance, if a thesis or dissertation has to be written as part of the course
  

What is the application procedure?

Recuitment for academic year 2010/11 is now closed. Only candidates short-listed for interview will be notified.

Recruitment period: August-October
Closing date: 29 Sept for civil servants and 9 October for the general public
Interviews: January/February of the following year
Results: March of the following year

Applicants should apply through E-Chevening. Please read the Guidance on E-Chevening before appying.

What happens when I come back to Malaysia?

The British High Commission and British Council recognise the importance of staying in touch, and we encourage former Chevening scholars to maintain contact with us. The British High Commission organises reunions and both the British High Commission and British Council invite scholars to events in which we think they may be interested.  

The Chevening Alumni of Malaysia (CAM), run by former scholars, organises social events and visits/talks for its members.

We also strongly encourage all former Chevening scholars to join the UK Alumni Network (UKAN). Membership is free.