By Akshay Chaturvedi
Embarking on the journey of higher education abroad is an exciting prospect, and for many aspiring students, scholarships become the key to turning their dreams into reality. This guide focuses on three renowned scholarships – Commonwealth Scholarships, Chevening Scholarships, and GREAT Scholarships – providing a comprehensive overview for those seeking financial assistance in their pursuit of an education in the UK.
Eligibility: Open to citizens or permanent residents of Commonwealth countries, applicants must hold at least an upper second-class undergraduate honors degree. Various scholarship types cater to different study formats.
Financial Support: Most Commonwealth Scholarships are fully funded, covering tuition fees, airfare to and from the UK, and a living allowance.
Application Process: Depending on the scholarship type, applicants may need to apply through a National Nominating Agency, a university, or a Non-Governmental Organization. The application requires essential documents such as a scanned passport, academic transcript, degree certificate, references, and an offer letter.
Deadline: Annual deadlines for applications are typically in December. Applicants should check the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website for specific dates.
Chevening Scholarships
Chevening Scholarships, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, are highly competitive awards designed for individuals with leadership potential and strong academic backgrounds. These scholarships offer full financial support for eligible master’s degrees at any UK university.
Eligibility: Chevening Scholars are selected through a rigorous process. Applicants must demonstrate leadership potential, academic excellence, and a commitment to rising to prominent positions in their respective fields.
Financial Support: Chevening Scholarships cover tuition or program fees, living expenses, and return flights to the UK. Scholars also gain access to exclusive networking events, workshops, talks, internships, and volunteering opportunities.
Application Process: Applicants can apply for a Chevening Scholarship by selecting their country from the dropdown list on the Chevening website. The application involves a thorough assessment against Chevening’s eligibility criteria and, if successful, an interview with the British embassy or high commission.
GREAT Scholarships
GREAT Scholarships, a collaborative effort between the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign, the British Council, and UK higher education institutions, provide financial support to students from 15 countries.
Eligibility: Scholarships are available to students from specific countries, including Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Ghana, Greece, Kenya, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam.
Financial Support: Each GREAT Scholarship offers £10,000 towards tuition fees for one-year taught postgraduate courses. Scholars are also invited to welcome and networking events as part of the program.
Application Process: The application process varies by country. Applicants should visit the dedicated page for their country on the GREAT Scholarships website to find information on eligible universities, covered courses, and application details.
Deadline: Deadlines for applications depend on the specific scholarship. Applicants should check the scholarship’s page on the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website for announced dates.
Navigating the landscape of scholarships requires strategic planning, thorough research, and adherence to specific eligibility criteria. Aspiring students are encouraged to explore these opportunities in a time-sensitive manner, ensuring a smoother journey toward realizing their study abroad aspirations.
(Author is CEO and Founder of Leverage Edu)
