The Chevening Scholarship program, funded by the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), offers a prestigious opportunity for international students to pursue postgraduate studies at universities in the United Kingdom1. Established in 1983, the program aims to cultivate future leaders who will make a positive impact in their home countries3. It provides full financial support for a one-year master's degree, along with access to a range of exclusive academic, professional, and cultural experiences4.
However, a key condition of the scholarship presents a significant drawback: Chevening scholars are required to return to their country of origin for two years after completing their studies and are ineligible to apply for a Graduate visa or other visa categories that would allow them to remain in the UK5 and require written consent from the scholarship program. This "no-stay" policy raises questions about the UK's approach to attracting and retaining global talent, particularly in light of its stated goal of becoming a global hub for education and innovation.
Overview of the Chevening Scholarship Program
The Chevening Scholarship program is highly competitive, targeting individuals with demonstrable leadership potential and strong academic backgrounds4. To be eligible, applicants must be citizens of a Chevening-eligible country and intend to return to their home country for at least two years after completing their studies2. The scholarship covers a comprehensive range of expenses, including:
- Tuition and fees
- Travel to and from the student's home country
- Arrival allowance
- Visa application costs6
- Thesis/dissertation allowance
- Departure allowance
- A monthly living stipend2
In addition to the visa application fee, scholars will also need to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge6.
The application process involves submitting an online application through the official Chevening website (chevening.org/apply), followed by an assessment by an independent reading committee7. Shortlisted candidates are then invited to submit references and attend an interview with the British Embassy or High Commission in their country8.
The eVisa System
It is important to note that from January 2025 onwards, all international students, including Chevening scholars, will need to register with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and apply for an eVisa9. The eVisa is an online record of immigration status and permission to enter, stay, study or work in the UK, eventually replacing physical documents like biometric residence cards. While students can still travel with physical documents until March 2025, it is expected that the eVisa will be the primary document for verifying student status going forward9.
The "No-Stay" Policy: A Closer Look
The requirement for Chevening scholars to return to their home country for two years after completing their studies is clearly stated in the scholarship's terms and conditions5. This policy is rooted in the program's objective of fostering leadership and development in Chevening-eligible countries, with the expectation that scholars will apply their knowledge and skills to benefit their home communities1. However, this restriction prevents scholars from taking advantage of the UK's post-study work opportunities, such as the Graduate visa, which allows international students to stay and work in the UK for two years after graduation8 and is a pathway to more permanent work-related routes.
Implications for International Students and the UK
Implications for International Students
For scholars, the "no-stay" policy limits their ability to gain valuable work experience in the UK, build professional networks, and potentially contribute to the UK economy and society10. While Chevening scholars are permitted to undertake part-time work during their studies, this is often restricted in terms of hours and type of work, and the primary focus is expected to be on their academic pursuits11. This limitation may be a significant deterrent for ambitious individuals who seek to further their careers and gain international work experience after completing their master's degrees.
Implications for the UK
From the UK's perspective, the "no-stay" policy raises concerns about the country's ability to attract and retain top international talent. In a globalized world where countries compete for skilled workers, the UK's restrictive approach may discourage some of the brightest minds from choosing the UK as a destination for higher education and career development1. This is particularly relevant in the context of the UK's post-Brexit landscape, where access to European talent has become more limited, making it crucial for the UK to attract skilled workers from other parts of the world.
Furthermore, the "no-stay" policy appears to contradict the UK government's stated goal of increasing international student numbers. In May 2023, the UK government announced a new policy that restricts the ability of international students to bring their dependents to the UK13. This policy, while aimed at curbing net migration, has further discouraged international students from choosing the UK, especially those who would have considered staying and working in the UK after graduation. The Chevening "no-stay" policy exacerbates this issue by adding another layer of restriction for a group of highly skilled and promising individuals.
Comparison with Other International Scholarship Programs
Several other countries offer scholarship programs similar to Chevening, but with different policies on post-study work opportunities. The following table provides a comparison:
|
Scholarship Program |
Country |
Post-Study Work Opportunities |
|
Fulbright Scholarships |
USA |
No mandatory return period; eligible for work visas |
|
Erasmus Program |
EU |
Generally allowed to work during studies; post-study work visas may be available |
|
Australia Awards |
Australia |
Eligible for Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) for 2-4 years |
|
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship |
Various |
No specific information available |
|
Civil Society Leadership Awards |
Various |
No specific information available |
|
Foreign Fulbright Student Program |
USA |
No specific information available |
These examples demonstrate that other countries recognise the value of providing post-study work opportunities to international students, both for the benefit of the students themselves and for the economic and social development of the host country.
Perspectives from Chevening Scholars
While the research material does not provide specific information on how Chevening scholars feel about the "no-stay" policy, it is reasonable to assume that many would welcome the opportunity to gain work experience in the UK after completing their studies5. The ability to apply their newly acquired knowledge and skills in a professional setting would enhance their career prospects and potentially lead to long-term contributions to the UK.
Conclusion: Rethinking the "No-Stay" Policy
The Chevening Scholarship program plays a valuable role in promoting international education and fostering goodwill between the UK and other countries. However, the "no-stay" policy appears to be at odds with the UK's broader goals of attracting and retaining global talent, especially in light of its newly minted AI Action Plan. By preventing Chevening scholars from accessing post-study work opportunities, the UK risks losing out on the contributions of these highly skilled individuals. This is particularly concerning in the post-Brexit era, where the UK needs to be more competitive in attracting global talent to maintain its position as a leading economy and innovation hub.
A reassessment of the "no-stay" policy could involve exploring options such as:
- Extending the Graduate visa to Chevening scholars: This would allow scholars to gain valuable work experience in the UK and potentially transition to longer-term visa categories based on their skills and job prospects.
- Creating a dedicated visa category for Chevening scholars: This could provide a pathway for scholars to remain in the UK after their studies, subject to certain conditions such as securing a job offer in a relevant field.
- Offering incentives for Chevening scholars to return to the UK after the mandatory two-year period: This could include support for finding employment, accessing professional networks, or establishing businesses in the UK.
By adopting a more flexible and welcoming approach, the UK could maximise the benefits of the Chevening Scholarship program, both for the scholars themselves and for the country's long-term economic and social prosperity.
Works/Articles cited
- Chevening Scholarship - Wikipedia, accessed 15 January 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevening_Scholarship
- Chevening Scholarship - Office of Global and National Fellowships - University of Missouri, accessed 15 January 2025, https://fellowships.missouri.edu/fellowship/chevening-scholarship/
- Chevening Scholarship Programme - GOV.UK, accessed 15 January 2025, https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/chevening-foundation
- Chevening Scholarships | Study UK - British Council, accessed 15 January 2025, https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/scholarships-funding/chevening-scholarships
- Can I apply for the Graduate route visa and stay in the UK at the end ..., accessed 15 January 2025, https://www.chevening.org/faqs/can-i-apply-for-the-graduate-route-visa-and-stay-in-the-uk-at-the-end-of-my-course/
- Student visas | Study UK - British Council, accessed 15 January 2025, https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/moving-uk/student-visas
- Applications for the UK Government's Chevening Scholarships are now open to apply, accessed 15 January 2025, https://www.gov.uk/government/news/applications-for-the-uk-governments-chevening-scholarships-is-now-open-to-apply
- UK post-study work visa for international students (PSW) - IDP Education, accessed 15 January 2025, https://www.idp.com/pakistan/study-in-uk/post-study-work-uk/
- New UK Government's Commitment to International Students - ApplyBoard, accessed 15 January 2025, https://www.applyboard.com/blog/uk-government-commitment-international-students
- 3 career benefits of studying a master's degree in the UK | Chevening, accessed 15 January 2025, https://www.chevening.org/news/3-career-benefits-of-studying-a-masters-degree-in-the-uk/
- Policies for 2021 - Chevening, accessed 15 January 2025, https://www.chevening.org/terms-and-conditions-scholarships/
- Working in the UK | Chevening, accessed 15 January 2025, https://www.chevening.org/resource-hub/scholar-support/working-in-uk/
- UK government announces changes to student visa rules - upGrad GSP, accessed 15 January 2025, https://upgradgsp.com/uk-rescinds-international-students-right-to-bring-dependants/
- Top 10 Scholarships in 2025 for International Students to Study Abroad - Yocket, accessed 15 January 2025, https://yocket.com/blog/top-10-scholarships-in-the-world
- Top 12 scholarships around the world to study abroad - Edvoy, accessed 15 January 2025, https://edvoy.com/articles/scholarship-for-studying-abroad/
- List of Scholarships for International Students | eduPASS, accessed 15 January 2025, https://www.edupass.org/paying-for-college/scholarships/databases/