Since 1983, we have welcomed more than 57,000 Chevening Scholars and Fellows to the UK. To celebrate our 40th anniversary, we’re reflecting on the outstanding impact they’ve had.
In honour of our 40th anniversary, we sat down with some of our most extraordinary alumni to hear about the impact they've had since their Chevening year. From foregrounding the human dimensions of climate change to helping women and girls to find their voice, their stories are an inspiring reminder that there is no limit to what you can achieve with a Chevening Scholarship or Fellowship.
In September 2004, President Anote Tong of Kiribati made history at the United Nations General Assembly by highlighting the urgent need for action on climate change, sparking a global movement for climate justice and earning him the title of 'climate warrior.'
Dr Mina Brajovic is the Head of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Office in Montenegro. She became a Chevening Scholar in 1999, studying Law at the University of Cambridge at a time when her country was recovering from conflict. Almost 25 years on, Mina reflects on how her aspirations for building a better world have changed over time, as well as the key learnings that have stayed with her from her Chevening year.
Kanta Singh has dedicated her whole career to tackling issues of gender inequality. In 2019, she embarked on the Chevening Gurukul Fellowship for Leadership and Excellence. The programme allowed her to expand her network and capacity even further to help her on her mission to build a more equal India, one girl and one voice at a time.
In the early 1980s, a new scholarship programme emerged to provide talented international students with the opportunity to further their education in the UK. This programme, which was announced by the Foreign Secretary Francis Pym in 1983, would become known as Chevening. Initially, the programme was funded for just three years, but 40 years and 57,000 alumni later, its legacy continues.
A lot has changed over the past 40 years, but at the heart of it all, Chevening’s commitment to provide exceptional individuals with the opportunity to reach their career goals and make a positive impact has remained the same. From 1983 to 2023, here are some of the faces that have made Chevening what it is.
Reconnect with Chevening Alumni
Were you a Chevening Scholar or Fellow? Find out how to stay in touch with us and how to make the most of being part of a global alumni community like no other.
Support the next generation of leaders
Over the next 40 years, we would like another 57,000 exceptional individuals to have the opportunity to make a positive global impact. To do this, we rely on the support of organisations that share our vision of investing in the education of future leaders.
Enjoy the global celebrations
Around the world, British embassies, high commissions, and alumni associations have been hosting celebratory 40th anniversary events, bringing together alumni from the past 40 years.
40 years of excellence: Chevening marks historic milestone
On 24 October 2023, friends of Chevening attended a special reception at Lancaster House to celebrate 40 years of Chevening.
Meet our 40th cohort!
Across the UK, our 40th cohort of Cheveners are settling into their university courses! We caught up with some scholars to find out how it feels to be part of such a historic year.
Global alumni come together to celebrate 40 years of Chevening
Around the world, British embassies, high commissions, and alumni associations have been hosting celebratory events!
