Applications for the prestigious Chevening Scholarships to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK will close on October 7 at 12:00 UTC, the British High Commission in Colombo announced.

The programme offers fully funded one-year master’s degrees at UK universities for individuals prepared to drive positive change in their home countries and globally. Since its launch in 1983, Chevening has supported more than 60,000 professionals worldwide.

In Sri Lanka, alumni form a vibrant four-decade-strong network of changemakers, many of whom have gone on to become influential leaders across various sectors.

Emma Hennessey, Head of the Scholarships Unit at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), noted:
“Chevening’s highly competitive selection process ensures that those chosen represent the brightest and most driven individuals. Alumni use their education, networks, and experiences in the UK to make meaningful, lasting change both globally and in their own communities.”

This year’s application round introduces several updates. Only post-graduation work experience will count toward the two-year (2,800 hours) requirement, and candidates must clearly connect their chosen course and university to key global priority areas. The application period has also been shortened to two months, with revised essay questions.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to review detailed guidance at chevening.org/guidance before applying via chevening.org/apply.