12 Aug 2018

 Applications for the prestigious Chevening Masters’ scholarship for the 2019/2020 academic year are open until November 6. 

Speaking during the scholarship launch at the University of Botswana (UB), deputy British High Commissioner to Botswana, Ms Emily Summers, said the scholarship targeted ambitious, professional and forward-thinking leaders from all walks of life. 

She noted that the scholarship boasted of alumni of high leadership standing such as President Mokgweetsi Masisi, Minister of Investment Trade and Industry, Ms Bogolo Kenewendo and Assistant Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development Mr Dikgang Makgalemele.

Chevening scholarship, she said, offered first-rate UK education, which opened doors for progressive career development.

Furthermore, Ms Summers noted that the prestigious UK scholarship offered participants the opportunity to become part of the global Chevening alumni network, which was full of dynamic influencers who had shared their experiences and could offer mentorship, advice and contacts that could be useful for creating positive impact in the communities.

“There is a lot to potentially gain from submitting a thoughtful application, so if you or someone you know has what it takes to be a Chevening scholar, I would encourage you to apply before the November 6 deadline,” she encouraged throngs of aspirants who had crammed the University of Botswana Library Auditorium.

The scholarship, which has been around for over the last 35 years, has benefited 50 000 outstanding professionals who had the opportunity to further their education in the UK. 

Globally, Ms Summers said there were more than 1 500 scholarships on offer for the 2019/2020 academic year, which demonstrated the United Kingdom’s commitment towards developing leaders of tomorrow.

For his part, the Chevening communications and political officer, Mr Boniface Badubi said that the scholarship sought to strengthen bilateral relations between Botswana and the United Kingdom. 

He stated that most of the Chevening scholars gained the necessary skills and expertise in their fields of study, which were expected to make a difference in their communities.

He noted that some of the advantages of being a Chevening beneficiary were that scholars gained funding opportunities and networks, cultural exchanges, which they were expected to use upon completion and effect positive transformation in the society. 

Mr Badubi noted that the scholarship offered full financial support for future leaders to study for any Masters’ degree at any UK university, whilst also gaining access to a wide range of exclusive academic, professional and cultural experiences. 

Applications for the 2019/2020 cohort, he said, must be submitted through the website: www.chevening.org/apply. 

He noted that the call for new applicants followed the selection of seven scholars from Botswana, who were awarded to study at UK universities this year. 

For her part, University of Botswana career counsellor Ms Motshwari Mabote who had organised the Chevening Scholarship presentation for the students, said the UB collaborated with the British High Commission each year to expose students to opportunities.

“We want to increase access to information as we believe student development is key. We want to expose our students to as many opportunities as we can to enable them to have a variety of choices and in the global community,” she said.He said the university  encouraged students to build their profiles and become well rounded professionals, who are able to execute tasks with diligence. ENDS