RIYADH, 4 July 2005 — Britain will spend SR2 million this year for the Chevening scholarship program for Saudi students, said British Ambassador Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles.
The ambassador was speaking at his residence on Wednesday when he presented certificates to six Saudi women and four men who have been chosen to do postgraduate studies in Britain; their subjects include education, engineering, communications, media and health management. The number of Saudis who have so far benefited from this program is 111.
“We are not doing this because we love you; we are doing this because we believe that investment in you will be repaid many times over,” the ambassador told the scholars. “You will be a part of a group of 1,800 Chevening scholars from around the world attending universities across the length and breadth of the United Kingdom,” he noted. “This is a program in which each and every one of you will gain. Similarly, the British government, its universities and the sponsors will also gain,” he added.
He pointed out that the recipients will not only study at UK universities but they will also have the opportunity to teach and exchange information with other students while there.
The Chevening Awards are the British government’s most prestigious scholarships and are funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) for foreign students worldwide. “Scholars are selected for their personal as well as academic qualities. They are seen as potential leaders in their chosen fields,” the ambassador explained.
The British Council administers the program on behalf of the British Embassy with the Saudi British Bank, Saudi Import Company and BAE Systems being the program’s financial sponsors.
Alan Smart, director of the British Council, said the program was designed for talented graduates to further their studies in the UK and subsequently to contribute to their country’s development. The scholarships are open to Saudi nationals below the age of 40 with a university degree and fluency in English.
“Courses can be in any field but the British Embassy particularly welcomes applications from scholars with an interest in public administration, finance, political and economic governance, international law, energy and education,” Smart said.
