The government of the UK offers Chevening scholarships to outstanding students from various countries, including Bangladesh. This scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs for a student’s master’s degree course in the UK. Every year, more than twenty students receive this scholarship to pursue their master’s degrees in reputable universities in the UK.
Chevening scholarship is one of the best scholarships, primarily because it covers all of the expenses related to a student’s academic journey to the UK, including tuition fees, travel expenses, and living expenses. Students not only get a chance of a lifetime to study in the UK but also extensively network and experience the culture.
These characteristics make the Chevening Scholarship one of the most sought-after scholarships, with tough competition and a high rejection rate. A student must meet some eligibility criteria to receive this scholarship and follow various guidelines to get their applications approved. Here, we will explain in detail all you need to know about the Chevening Scholarships so that you can successfully apply to pursue your dream academic career in the UK.
What Is the Chevening Scholarships?
The government of the UK provides the Chevening Scholarship to outstanding students from various countries, such as Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and many others, who are pursuing master’s degrees in the UK. This scholarship program aims to create future leaders and entrepreneurs who will guide their nation in the coming days.
Funded by the UK Government
The UK government fully funds the Chevening Scholarship. It is not from any organization, charity, or educational institution. The UK government funds all the costs related to the students’ educational journey in the UK. The UK government provides all the funds to the students directly.
Covers Tuition Fees, Living Expenses, and Travel Costs
One of the most attractive features of this scholarship is that it not only covers the tuition fees charged by the university but also living expenses and travel costs. The UK government fully funds all expenses during the student’s stay in the UK. Chevening Scholarships include plane fare, rent, living expenses, and tuition fees so students can focus on their studies without financial hardship.
Aimed At Future Leaders and Professionals
This scholarship is designed to attract future leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals who will utilize their master’s degree to not only pursue their dream careers but also change and shape the future of their countries. This is why every student who receives this scholarship is required to return to their homeland and stay for more than two years.
Benefits of the Chevening Scholarship
The Chevening Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world. This scholarship aims at helping students with high potential to reach their goals through academic training. Some of the benefits of the Chevening scholarship are discussed in the below passages.
Full Financial Support for a One-Year Master’s Degree in the UK
The biggest benefit of the Chevening Scholarship is that it funds everything, including tuition fees, living costs, and travel expenses, freeing students of all financial burdens so that they can focus sharply on their studies. This scholarship covers all expenses to help students achieve their master’s degrees without any financial hurdles.
Access to Exclusive Networking Events and Professional Development
This scholarship also provides students with an exclusive chance to build networks regarding their profession. Students are invited to various seminars and workshops where they can acquire more knowledge about their careers from professionals worldwide. The scholarship is designed to help students create networks that they can rely on in the future for their professional work.
Opportunity to Study at Top UK Universities
Another reason to pursue this scholarship is to get the opportunity to study at the highest-rated universities in the United Kingdom. Oftentimes, these universities charge hefty tuition fees that can be difficult for students to manage. Since the Chevening Scholarship provides all the financial help that a student will require to complete their one-year master’s degree, it becomes feasible for the students to pursue a career in high-ranking universities.
Chevening Scholarship Eligibility for Bangladeshi Students
Some eligibility criteria must be fulfilled before a student can apply for the Chevening Scholarship. The passages below describe these in detail so that students can verify their eligibility.
Must Be a Bangladeshi Citizen
Students must be a permanent Bangladeshi citizen to apply for the Chevening Scholarship. Refugees from other countries residing in Bangladesh are not eligible for application. Bangladeshi citizens with dual passports are also not eligible for this scholarship. Students with British residency also cannot apply. You must be a permanent citizen of Bangladesh to apply for the Chevening Scholarships for Bangladeshi students.
Have an Undergraduate Degree
Students must also finish their undergraduate degree before applying for the Chevening Scholarship. This scholarship is only for a one-year master’s course, and students can only obtain a master’s degree after completing their honors degree. So, a student must have an undergraduate degree completed before applying for the Chevening scholarship.
Minimum Two Years of Work Experience (Can Be Full-Time, Part-Time, or Volunteer Work)
You must also have two years of work experience when you are applying for the Chevening Scholarship. The Chevening Scholarship accepts a variety of work experiences, whether full-time, part-time, paid, or voluntary. Don’t worry about the nature of your work, as this scholarship values overall experience more.
Return to Bangladesh for at Least Two Years After Completing Studies
Students must also return to Bangladesh and stay for at least two years after completing their studies. The goal of this program is to create future leaders and professionals who can help developing countries in their struggles, which is why the authority requires the students to return to their country for at least two years after completing their master’s degree.
Application Process for Chevening Scholarships
Here, we will go through the entire application process for Chevening Scholarships so that you can properly apply for it without facing any issues. Make sure to follow these instructions carefully to avoid getting your application rejected.
Step 1: Check Eligibility and Required Documents
Applicants must submit their education documents, such as mark sheets and certificates, along with references and one unconditional UK university offer. Remember that without an offer from a university in the UK, your application will not be accepted. So, you must get an offer letter from the university of your choice first before applying for the scholarship.
Step 2: Choose a UK University and Course
Before applying for the Chevening Scholarship, you must choose a particular university and course. An offer letter from the university offering you admission is key to getting the scholarship. Make sure to carefully choose a university before applying for the scholarship.
Step 3: Submit an Online Application Through the Chevening Website
You can find and fill out an online application through the official website at https://www.chevening.org/scholarship/bangladesh/. Keep in mind that the application period and seats are limited, so apply as soon as the period starts.
Step 4: Write Strong Essays on Leadership and Networking Skills
The main goal of the Chevening Scholarship is to create future leaders and entrepreneurs who will shape the future of their country. Students must remember this when they compose the essay for receiving the prestigious scholarship. Focus on your leadership and networking ability in the essay to convince the authorities that the opportunity will not be wasted on you. A strong essay will make you stand out amongst all the other applicants for the scholarship.
Step 5: Attend the Interview if Shortlisted
When attending the interview after being shortlisted for the scholarship, be confident, well-spoken, and clear-cut. Make sure to focus on your leadership abilities and networking skills, along with your work experience and future career plans, so that they get a great first impression.
Key Documents Required for Chevening Applications
There are some key documents that every student must submit along with the application to receive the scholarship opportunity. These documents are listed in the below passages. Make sure to read the guidelines beforehand to avoid issues that can get your application denied.
Academic Transcripts and Degree Certificates
Chevening scholarships are reserved for students who have completed their honors degree and are looking to complete a one-year master’s course from a university in the UK. You must submit your academic transcripts and degree certificates to prove that you have obtained your honors degree and are ready to pursue post-graduation degrees. Read the required document list thoroughly to ensure you do not miss any key transcripts or certificates.
English Proficiency Proof (If Required by University)
Some universities may also require proof of English language proficiency, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or other language proficiency test results, from students applying for a scholarship. Some universities also accept MOI certificates as proof of language proficiency. Make sure to attach proof of proficiency if required by the university.
Two Reference Letters
Students will also require reference letters from their former workplaces or universities to apply for the Chevening Scholarships. Reference letters prove that the student wholeheartedly worked at his job. Students should have at least two reference letters from their workplace or educational institution to apply for this scholarship.
Updated CV/Resume
Students must also attach their updated CV or resume with the application, summarizing their educational and professional achievements. The Chevening Scholarship focuses on the student’s leadership and networking abilities, so if you have a strong resume, your chances of receiving the scholarship increase. Make sure to follow international standards while preparing your CV or resume to apply for the Chevening Scholarship.
Tips for Writing a Strong Chevening Scholarship Application
Although the UK government will ultimately decide regarding the Chevening Scholarship, there are some tips and tricks that students can follow to increase their chances of getting accepted. These are described in detail in the passages below.
Show Clear Leadership and Networking Skills
The Chevening Scholarship focuses on the student’s leadership ability and networking skills as the program aims to create future leaders and entrepreneurs. You should focus on your leadership and networking skills while writing your application essay and also focus on them in your CV or resume. Students must convince the authority of their promising leadership skills and networking ability to receive the scholarship.
Align Your Career Goals With Chevening’s Mission
The Chevening Scholarship program is designed to help students achieve their career goals through academic skill improvement. This means that the authority focuses on the applicant’s future career goals to learn about their plans and ambitions. Make sure to align your career goals with the missions of the Chevening Scholarship to assure the authority of your ability to achieve your goals with the academic training provided by this scholarship.
Provide Real-Life Examples in Essays
The essay that the student will attach with other documents for receiving the Chevening Scholarship needs to focus on real-life examples so that the authorities can see clear evidence of the student’s ability to use this scholarship to better society. Make sure to include your real-life work experiences and observations to convince the authority of your ability to utilize your academic training to solve real-life issues and problems.
Prepare Well for the Chevening Interview
The Chevening Interview will ultimately decide whether or not you will receive the scholarship. Prepare well for the interview by reviewing all of your academic and career accomplishments, along with your goals and ambitions. Be confident but humble, and speak clearly without stuttering. Confidence is key to giving an impressive interview. Speak clearly about your motives and abilities, and success will come automatically.
Conclusion
The Chevening Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships that fully funds academic journeys to the United Kingdom. Applicants must be permanent Bangladeshi citizens, complete an honors degree, have offer letters from UK universities, have two years of work experience, and be willing to return and stay in Bangladesh after completing their master’s course to be eligible for this scholarship. This scholarship fully funds all expenses related to achieving a one-year master’s degree, including tuition fees, travel expenses, and living costs. Carefully fill out the applications, attach necessary documents, and take advice from your consultants to increase your chances of getting this amazing scholarship.
Any Bangladeshi citizen who has completed their honors degree and has received an offer letter for completing a one-year master’s course in the UK can apply for the Chevening Scholarship. Applicants must also agree to return to Bangladesh and stay for two years after completing their graduation.
The minimum GPA requirement for the Chevening Scholarship is 3.33 to 3.67, depending on the volume of applications and the authority’s decision. Usually, the noted GPA is enough to apply for the Chevening Scholarship.
The Chevening Scholarship does not require IELTS or any other language proficiency test certificates, but the universities that students will apply to will, so overall, students will require tests like IELTS for a Chevening Scholarship.
The fee limit of Chevening Scholarship is £22,000 and students will be required to cover any additional fee costs. Fees for any other eligible courses are fully covered by a Chevening award.
There is no upper age limit to be eligible for the Chevening Scholarship but you must have an honors degree from a reputable university to apply for this scholarship. All honors graduate students are eligible to apply for the Chevening Scholarship.