RIYADH, 20 February 2007 — Saudi students have expressed concern over a decision made by the British Embassy canceling the Chevening Scholarship program for the Kingdom saying there were not enough subscribers.

According to Karen Bell, first secretary at the British Embassy, the decision was taken in view of the fact that the Saudi government is offering a large number of scholarship grants allowing Saudi students to pursue higher education in a number of countries including Britain. As a result, there was a significant drop in applications for the British Chevening Scholarships.

“This drop has been especially noticeable over the past two years. In 2006, we received very limited applications despite advertising in newspapers and assembling employees in preparation for receiving applications from the public. The number did not exceed 50 students from all of Saudi Arabia, reflecting the small number of qualified candidates,” Bell said.

The official revealed that in the past five years the number of Saudis who pursued postgraduate studies under the program stood at 63.

She pointed out that of the applications received very few had the required qualifications befitting an international program and this compelled them to choose applicants who were below the desired standard.

Asked whether the suspension of the program was temporary, Bell said: “At present, the program has not fulfilled the local demand. Therefore, the organizations in charge in London have agreed to take the decision to presently suspend it. However, the possibility of reviewing the decision is not very strong.”

Expressing his disappointment over the embassy’s decision, Mohammed Alhomaidy, a journalist, said he was shocked by the news since the scholarship scheme was instrumental in strengthening cultural and academic relations between the two countries.

“I was dreaming to continue my Master’s degree in the UK through the Chevening Scholarship. Now my dream has been shattered,” he said.

Abdulmohsen Al-Subaie, an English teacher at Al-Jwaharee High School, said he was devastated by the news. “It’s wrong to say that there was not enough demand. I know many Saudi students who are aspiring to go to Britain for higher studies. Moreover, there is no link between the government’s decision to send Saudi students to different countries, including Britain, for higher studies and the cancellation of the Chevening Scholarship scheme,” he said, adding, “I hope that the British government’s decision could be reviewed in the larger interest of our bilateral relations.”

The Chevening Scholarship program was launched in 1998 and was administered by the British Council.