The application cycle for Namibians to apply for the 2016/17 British government scholarship programme, Chevening, has opened.
The cycle is open until 3 November.
Chevening Scholarships are the UK government’s global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organisations. The scholarships are an important element in Britain’s public diplomacy effort and allow young professionals, who have already displayed outstanding leadership talents, to study in the UK.
Chevening scholarships operate in 160 countries and territories worldwide and this year will support over 1 500 individuals. Awards in Namibia are typically for a one-year Master’s degree with priority given to those who wish to study in the areas of Trade, Human Rights, Governance, Media and Climate Change at any of the UK’s leading universities.
All applications must be made via the online application form. Guidance for applicants and a link to the online application form is available on the website, chevening.org.
Chevening scholarships are for talented people who have been identified as potential future leaders across a wide range of fields including politics, business, the media, civil society, religion and academia. Applicants should be high calibre graduates with the personal, intellectual and interpersonal qualities necessary for leadership.
Scholars should undertake to return to their home country upon completion of their degree and work towards the advancement of their home country. Recipients of the scholarship have an excellent record of rising to positions of leadership in their respective professions. For example, past alumni include Baldwin Spencer, the prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda; Anote Tong, the president of Kiribati; Sergei Stanishev, the former prime minister of Bulgaria; Alvaro Uribe Velez, the former president of Colombia; Marek Belka, the former prime minister of Poland; and Gega Mgaloblishvili, the former prime minister of Georgia.
Scholars are personally selected by British High Commissions/embassies throughout the world, sometimes in partnership with sponsoring organisations.
The majority of funding comes from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. However, individual awards are co-sponsored by a wide range of international and local sponsors. UK universities also contribute through joint scholarships, recognising the exceptional quality of Chevening scholars.
The objective of the Chevening programme is to support foreign policy priorities and achieve FCO objectives by creating lasting positive relationships with future leaders, influencers and decision-makers. The programme provides a unique opportunity for leaders of the future to build a global network of continuing professional significance and also to establish social, cultural, academic or commercial partnerships with the UK.
There are over 45 000 Chevening alumni around the world who together comprise an influential and highly regarded global network.
Currently, two Namibians are studying in the UK under the Chevening scholarship programme. Early in September, another six Namibians will take up their Chevening scholarship in the UK for the 2015/16 period. Prominent Namibian Chevening alumni are, among others, Chief Justice Peter Shivute and Namport’s CEO Bisey Uirab.
For further information, please visit the website gov.uk/world/namibia, contact Hans-Christian Mahnke at 274800 or email him at hans-christian.mahnke@fco.gov.uk.
On the occasion of the opening of the Chevening online application cycle 2016/17 for Namibian applicants, the British High Commission is hosting a Chevening exhibition by Marita van Rooyen, celebrating the healthy bilateral ties between Namibia and the UK.
The exhibition is currently on until 11 August in Windhoek at the LandRover Jaguar Showroom (444 Independence Avenue).
This is your opportunity to open greater doors to a greater future.
