PRESS RELEASE     

UK Chevening Scholarships 2023 Calling future leaders from Timor-Leste to apply for UK Chevening Scholarships

Opens from 12 September to 7 November 2023

Applications for UK’s prestigious scholarship scheme, Chevening, are open from 12 September until 7 November 2023. Chevening Scholarships are awarded to individuals from all backgrounds who can demonstrate that they have the commitment and skills required to become future leaders, and can show how a UK master’s degree will help them to create positive change in their country. The scholarship offers full financial support for scholars to study for any eligible master’s degree at over 150 UK universities whilst also gaining access to a wide range of exclusive academic, professional, and cultural experiences. Applications are to be submitted via the online application form at chevening.org/apply.

2023 marks the 40^th anniversary of the Chevening Scholarships. Since the programme was created in 1983, over 55,000 professionals have had the opportunity to take their career to the next level through Chevening, a scholarship programme of which 20 current or former heads of state or government are previous alumni. There are approximately 1,500 awards on offer globally for the 2024/2025 academic year, demonstrating the UK’s ongoing commitment towards developing the leaders of tomorrow as Chevening celebrates its 40^th anniversary year.

British Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Dominic Jermey, said:

“For 40 years, Chevening has been creating positive change across the world. The Chevening programme in Timor-Leste has been successful in identifying future leaders and influencers in the country who go on to hold senior and influential positions, particularly across government. There is no such thing as a ‘typical’ scholar. Your age, race, gender, religion, and cultural background are not what is important. We want to see that you have energy, curiosity, compassion, a clear vision for your future and the ability to achieve your goals. If this sounds like you, then you are very likely to fit in with our community of over 55,000 alumni worldwide.

Our alumni network is full of dynamic influencers who have shared the same experience that you will. They can offer encouragement, mentorship, advice, and contacts. When you return home after your studies, you should feel well equipped to make a real difference in Timor-Leste. There is so much to be gained from submitting a thoughtful application, so if you have what it takes to be a Chevening Scholar, I would encourage you to apply before the 7 November deadline.”

Head of Scholarships at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Emma Hennessey, said:

“Chevening Scholars, Fellows and Alumni use the skills and knowledge they gain while studying in the UK to drive change, promoting better lives and safer places for people around the world to live, work and thrive.

Chevening represents the very best of the UK and the world and our scholars become part of the global Chevening network of over 55,000 alumni. I am always inspired by the passion and commitment of those in the Chevening community and I look forward to receiving applications from the next generation.”

There are over 50 Chevening alumni in Timor-Leste who are skilled professionals working in a range of fields, including helping to tackle climate change, championing gender equality, working in media industry, government, business, law and many other fields. Notable alumni from Timor-Leste include Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito Dos Santos Freitas and First Secretary of the Permanent Mission of Timor-Leste to the United Nations Office and other international organizations, Didina Maria Assunção Coelho Da Silva.

Notes to editors

• Chevening Scholarships are the UK Government’s global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations. The scholarships support one-year taught master’s degrees at UK universities for individuals with demonstrable potential to become future leaders, decision-makers, and opinion formers.
• Chevening began in 1983 and has developed into a prestigious international awards scheme. Chevening Scholars come from over 160 countries and territories worldwide. Over the past five years, Chevening has awarded almost 8,000 scholarships. There are over 55,000 Chevening Alumni around the world who comprise an influential and highly regarded global network.
• The name ‘Chevening’ comes from Chevening House in Sevenoaks, Kent – currently the joint official residence of the UK’s Foreign Secretary.

For further information please contact British Embassy’s Media and Communications Team:

Head – Jeff Matthewman +62 811 8515 536

Deputy Head – Faye Belnis +62 8118777 762