Blog by Ambassador Ferguson: Would you like to study in the United Kingdom?

Written by: Edward Ferguson, British Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina

Have you heard of Chevening?  It is the British scholarship programme for international students, the best of its kind.  It allows you to attend postgraduate studies of your choice at any university in the United Kingdom.  You study, and we cover the costs, including tuition and travel expenses.  We even pay for living costs.

The higher education system in the United Kingdom is one of the best in the world.  As many as 59 current heads of state or government have studied in the United Kingdom, more than in any other country.  Three universities in the United Kingdom are ranked among the top ten in the world, including the University of Oxford where I studied, which is currently ranked as the best in the world.  From technology to medicine, 76% of research conducted at UK universities is considered world-leading.

Last year, the United Kingdom welcomed over 1,900 Chevening scholars from 160 countries, including 12 students from Bosnia and Herzegovina.  They attended various fields, such as law, finance, tourism, international relations and computer science, at universities including Oxford, UCL, King’s College London, Glasgow, Aston and Durham.

For almost everyone, this is a great experience.  Besides academic studies, Chevening scholars have the opportunity to build a global network and enjoy the culture of the United Kingdom. 

After completing your master’s degree, you become part of a network of 46,000 Chevening alumni from all over the world.  Chevening scholars often become global leaders in a wide range of fields, including politics, business, media, civil society, science and technology, as well as academia.  Part of the Chevening alumni in Bosnia and Herzegovina include President Mladen Ivanić, Director of Prevent BiH Almir Jazvin, Judge Božidarka Dodik and Zenit Đozić from the Top List of Surrealists.

Sounds interesting?  There is more.  We used to offer only three scholarships per year, but now we can offer at least nine.  In the last two years, we have offered even more, so last year we had 12 Chevening scholars from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

We are looking for individuals with a strong academic background, who can demonstrate leadership potential and are determined to make positive changes in Bosnia and Herzegovina.  Chevening scholarships are for people who are midway through building their careers.  In addition to having a university degree or a master’s degree, you also need at least two years of work experience in your chosen field and, of course, a good command of English.

What does the United Kingdom gain from this?  We do not want to take away the talent that Bosnia and Herzegovina has; we want to strengthen it.  We want to see future leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina in all fields – politics, business, civil society and the arts, with a degree from the United Kingdom.  That is why all successful applicants must commit to returning to Bosnia and Herzegovina and residing there for at least two years after completing their studies.

If you want to learn more, visit the website www.chevening.org or contact Mihra Terzić at the British Embassy via email  [email protected].  The deadline for applications for the academic year 2018/2019 is 7 November, so do not hesitate. Start filling out the application immediately. Contact universities as soon as possible.  Choose three programmes of your choice. Schedule a date for the English language test.  And check with your employer whether you can get a sabbatical for your studies. We look forward to hearing from you and hope you will join the global Chevening network.