Did you know that if you are a Paraguayan citizen, have a good English level and a bachelor’s degree, you can study a Master’s degree in the UK with a Chevening scholarship from the British government? Read more about it here!
What is the Chevening scholarship?
It is a full scholarship to study a one-year postgraduate course in the UK, with no age limit for applicants or fields of study, which are at the discretion of each applicant. The scholarship is self-managed, i.e. each applicant chooses the course they want to take, the university where they are going to study, and arranges their enrolment autonomously.
The Chevening scholarship programme began in 1983 (and has been available in Paraguay since 1985, with around 200 Paraguayan Alumni so far) and has become a prestigious and highly competitive international scholarship programme that fosters positive and lasting relationships with future leaders, influencers and decision-makers. Funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations, it offers the opportunity for individuals who show potential to inspire, inform and influence positive change to study for a Master’s degree at a UK university, making it one of the most comprehensive scholarships offered nationally. It currently has more than 55,000 alumni worldwide, including 20 Heads of State.
Chevening scholarships are funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), partner organisations and partner universities. In Paraguay, BECAL is one of these organisations offering an invaluable partnership.
How does the Chevening scholarship programme work?
Chevening scholarships operate on a self-managed basis, i.e. the applicant must personally complete their application, select three one-year Master’s degrees of interest at UK universities of their choice and secure acceptance and travel documents.
Chevening selects applicants from over 160 countries and territories worldwide.
Who can apply for a Chevening scholarship?
Chevening Scholarships are available to people from more than 160 different countries and territories, which includes Paraguay. One of the conditions of the scholarship is that the recipient must return to their home country for a minimum of two years after the award of the scholarship. To apply from Paraguay, you need to:
- Be a Paraguayan citizen
- Have a degree
- Have at least two years or 2,800 hours of work experience (including volunteering, entrepreneurship or work in a family business)
- Not have received a scholarship from the British government before
- Apply for three courses at different universities, and
- Agree to return to Paraguay after completing your UK Masters degree, and stay based in Paraguay for a minimum period of two years (or five years for those beneficiaries who travel under the Chevening – BECAL scheme).
What is the Chevening-BECAL scholarship programme?
These are scholarships co-financed between the Chevening programme and the National Programme of Scholarships Abroad for the Strengthening of Research, Innovation and Education of Paraguay Don Carlos Antonio López. Chevening-BECAL scholarship holders have the same benefits as Chevening scholarship holders, the substantial difference being the areas of priority for BECAL. This allows more Paraguayan professionals to undertake postgraduate studies at top universities in the UK.
Chevening Scholarship: Frequently asked questions
When and how can Chevening scholarship applications be made?
The application period runs from 7 August to 5 November – so you need to be quick! There is just one week left to submit your application.
To apply, visit www.chevening.org which has all the details and instructions, including the application process itself, which is fully online.
Do I need to speak English to apply for a Chevening scholarship?
Yes, a good command of English is essential, not only to get by in the UK, but also to understand and make the most of the postgraduate course.
Who is the perfect Chevening scholarship applicant?
There is no such thing as a ‘typical’ Chevening Scholar, but successful Cheveners tend to have ambition, leadership skills and a passion for positively affecting change in their home countries. We encourage all those who meet the eligibility criteria to consider this opportunity. Gender, age (there is no age limit), sexual orientation, religion, marital or parental status, caste or class are not considered. What matters is your ability to submit a well-thought-out application that demonstrates that you are capable of excelling on an intensive masters course in the UK and that you have a clear vision for your future.
What does the Chevening scholarship programme cover?
Chevening is one of the most comprehensive programmes, covering full tuition fees, roundtrip economy airfare and other transfers to the final destination, a monthly stipend for living expenses, an arrival and departure allowance, UK government health insurance coverage, visa and immigration fees.
In summary, Chevening is so much more than a fully funded year of study in the UK. Once you are part of our prestigious community, you are part of a community for life with opportunities to meet leaders from around the world and build contacts, to access a varied programme of talks, workshops and cultural events that you can participate in during your stay in the UK, a nation that offers an unforgettable experience for life with its rich culture, events, sports, infrastructure, quality education, attractions and more.
