The Chevening Scholarship Award Scheme celebrates its 25^th anniversary in 2009. In 2008 it enabled over 1000 exceptional students from all over the world to study in the UK. Former Chevening Scholars currently include two heads of government and numerous senior officials, artists, journalists and businessmen around the globe. Over 100 Omanis have now benefited from these awards, including a current Minister.

The UK remains one of the favourite destinations for Omanis to visit or study. With over one million Muslim Britons, and over 250,000 of Arab origin, many Arabs consider it as their second home. Most towns and cities and an increasing number of public buildings have mosques and prayer rooms, and many first time visitors from the Middle East are surprised to see the Hejab as a common sight especially in the cities. The British Government also has state-funded Islamic schools as well as for other religions. The UK is also one of the easiest places for Omanis to visit. Visit visas for Omani nationals are normally issued in two days or less, and there are daily direct flights with Oman Air and British Airways from MuscatInternationalAirport to London Heathrow.

As is the case in other locations around the world, the Chevening programme in Oman is funded through a partnership between the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (via the British Embassy in Muscat) and corporate sponsors. Oman is special in this respect, in that a commercially sponsored scholarship programme began before Chevening was introduced, run by a voluntary group of Omani and British companies called 'British Scholarships for Oman' or 'BSO'. BSO remains to this day the principal partner for the Chevening Scholarship Award Scheme in Oman.Recent BSO contributors include: Airwork, Al Kamil Power, BAe Systems, BG Oman, BP Oman, Ernst & Young, CfBT Education Services & Partners, DHL, DentonWilde Sapte, Gulf Air, HSBC Bank Middle East, Huckle & Partners, KPMG, Hotel Intercontinental Muscat, Muna Noor Incorporated, Premix, Readymix, ShellOman Marketing Company, Tarmac Alawi and Trowers & Hamlins. Other partners in the Chevening Scheme have included Vosper Thornycroft and British Airways.

Last year 7 students were selected for Chevening Scholarship Awards, and this enabled them to study in the UK. We hope to have a similar number of scholarships available for 2010. The Chevening Scheme in Oman accepts applications from Omani nationals only (foreign nationals can only make applications in their own countries). Candidates need to demonstrate that they speak excellent English, are capable of excelling in their field of study, and that the scholarship will help them reach the peak of their profession. Successful candidates are allowed to study in any area (which they should make clear on their application), in a recognised vocational or academic institution in the UK for a period of between three months and one year. The scholarship covers all course fees and a return air ticket for the candidate to the UK.

How to Apply

The Chevening Scholarship Award Scheme (including Chevening - BSO scholarships) is administered by the British Council. All applications must be made onlinebut for free assistance with course placement in the UK and any other information on the Scheme, please visit the British Council office in MQ, telephone 24600548 or go to the British Council in Oman website .