British Chevening Scholarships, funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and administered by the British Council, are prestigious awards which enable overseas students to study at leading academic institutions in the UK.

Scholarships are offered in over 150 countries, including India, and enable talented graduates and young professionals to become familiar with the UK and gain skills which will benefit their countries.

A British Council brochure, giving details of next year’s programme, states that annually the Chevening programme supports around 2,000 individuals from across the globe to study in the UK. Up to 100 Indian professionals receive financial assistance each year for the duration of  their studies.

Candidates are required to apply directly to a UK institution for a place for a Masters or postgraduate course before seeking a Chevening Scholarship. Scholarships are provided for a wide range of disciplines – ranging  from economic governance, finance and public administration to sustainable development and science and innovation.
Whilst this is an open scholarship, subjects that are typically funded include environmental policy and regulation; economics; development studies; international relations; law; biotechnology; and journalism.

The brochure also gives details of the Gurukul Chevening Scholarship for Leadership and Excellence. ‘Gurukul’ is a 12-week advanced leadership programme created specifically for future Indian leaders by the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). It was launched in 1997 to mark 50 years of Indian independence, and since then has attracted high-calibre applicants.

Each year 12 exceptional Indian men and women are selected to participate in an intensive programme which addresses the problems faced by top leaders in all fields. The programme seeks to provoke critical thinking through academic study, field visits, seminars and debates.

For the open Masters programme, individuals aged 21 to 35 years are welcome to apply. Ideally, candidates should have two to three years’ relevant work experience. However, recent graduates with evidence of pronounced leadership skills may also apply.

Applicants for the Gurukul Chevening Scholarship should be outstanding professionals from any field, aged 28 to 40 years and with at least five years’ relevant work experience.

According to the British Council brochure, more than 2,000 Indians have received a Chevening Scholarship since the India programme began in 1987. When recently surveyed, almost 90 per cent of the alumni acknowledged that UK exposure gained during their scholarship had aided career progression on their return home.

For full details on the Chevening Scholarship programme and how to apply,
visit www.britishcouncil.org.in/chevening. Application forms are available to download online and be returned by e-mail or post. The closing date for the 2008 programme is December 14, 2007.