DILI, 09 august 2024 (TATOLI) – Applications for Chevening Scholarships to study in the UK are open from 6 august to 5 november 2024 for Indonesian and Timorese nationals.
The scholarship offers full financial support for scholars to pursue any eligible master’s degree at over 150 UK universities, along with access to a wide range of exclusive academic, professional, and cultural experiences. Chevening Scholarships are awarded to individuals from diverse backgrounds who can demonstrate the commitment and skills needed to become future leaders. Applicants must have a realistic and achievable idea to create positive change in their country and be able to demonstrate how a UK master’s degree will help them bring their idea to life. Prospective candidates can submit their applications via the website: chevening.org/apply.
This year the UK will also launch a new Chevening ASEAN Scholarship Programme. The scholarships will be available for future leaders from ASEAN Member States (Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, The Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam) and Timor-Leste. All candidates will automatically be considered for an ASEAN Chevening Scholarship unless they choose to opt out.
Since the programme started in 1983, over 57,000 professionals have advanced their careers through Chevening. For the 2025/2026 academic year, approximately 1500 awards are available globally, demonstrating the UK’s commitment to developing the leaders of tomorrow.
UK Ambassador to ASEAN, Sarah Tiffin said: “I am immensely proud that we are launching these new Chevening ASEAN Scholarships. This initiative not only offers a unique opportunity for talented individuals to pursue a higher education in the UK, but also provides ASEAN Chevening scholars with a bespoke additional programme, priority invitations to key events, and access to a new ASEAN Chevening Scholars alumni network. By empowering scholars with world-class education and invaluable experiences, we are investing in a brighter, more collaborative future for ASEAN and the UK.”
Deputy British Ambassador to Indonesia and Timor-Leste Matt Downing said: “There is no such thing as a ‘typical’ scholar. We value energy, open-mindedness, curiosity, compassion, a clear vision for your future and the ability to achieve your goals. If this sounds like you, then apply!!
If you succeed, you’ll be joining a community of over 57,000 Chevening alumni worldwide. Together they form a network 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’ll be well-equipped to start making a real difference in Indonesia, Timor-Leste or elsewhere in the region. We hope to see applicants from all kinds of backgrounds. Apply before the deadline on 5 November 2024, and you could be part of this extraordinary community.”
President of Chevening Alumni Association Indonesia (CAAI) 2023-25 Nadhila Renaldi said: “I tried the Chevening scholarships twice before finally being accepted on the second attempt. The reason I chose the scholarships is not only because I want to learn English, but also because of its global network. Three years after I graduated from S2, I believe that Chevening has helped me grow. I hope more and more people can feel what I’m going through. I, along with other alumni through CAAI, are also ready to help candidates achieve their dreams through our mentoring program, ChevBuddy, which we will open in the near future.”
Chevening alumni from Timor-Leste Joctan Dos Reis said: “I earned my MSc in Marine Biology at Bangor University in North Wales with the Chevening Scholarship in 2022. I am currently working with CSIRO as “in-country advisor for Risk Assessment and Fisheries Adaptation Planning: Fiji and Timor-Leste project”. This work engages with government and community fisheries representatives from both countries, developing robust adaptation options to support fisheries managers, fishers and other practitioners to understand future risks and scenarios under climate change.
The Chevening Scholarship can bring you to any renowned university in the UK where it enables you to grow academically and professionally. And it will equip you with unique skills and experiences to solve some of the real world’s challenges by creating transformative and innovative pathways for the sector you engage with.”
There are around 2,000 Chevening alumni in Indonesia and 50 in Timor-Leste who are skilled professionals working in a range of fields, including helping to tackle climate change, championing gender equality, working in the media, industry, government, business, law and many other fields.
Notable alumni from Indonesia include Minister of Home Affairs, Tito Karnavian; Vice Minister of Communications and Informatics, Nezar Patria; Novelist, Ahmad Fuadi; and Filmmaker, Riri Riza. In Timor-Leste we have Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, Bendito Dos Santos Freitas; Former Minister of Tourism, Trade and Industry, José Lucas do Carmo da Silva; Former Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Fidelis Manuel Leite Magalhães; and First Secretary of the Permanent Mission of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to the United Nations Office and other International organisations in Geneva, Didina Maria Assuncao Coelho da Silva.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
