BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI– Ambitious emaSwati are being urged to seize an opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom through the prestigious Chevening Scholarships, a fully funded programme designed to develop future leaders and changemakers.
The 2027–2028 Chevening Scholarships are currently open for applications, giving eligible candidates from Eswatini an opportunity to pursue a fully funded one-year master’s degree at a UK university. Applications opened on August 4, 2026 and will close on October 6, 2026.
The opportunity has been highlighted through the success of Nozipho Mthimkhulu, one of Eswatini’s newest Chevening Scholars, who is preparing to continue her studies at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland.
Mthimkhulu will pursue an MSc in Economics, Policy of Energy and Climate Change, a field closely connected to energy security, economic development and climate change.
Her achievement demonstrates the leadership, resilience and commitment the programme seeks in its scholars, while providing a local example of how international education can be linked to positive change at home.
Chevening is the UK Government’s international scholarships and fellowships programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and partner organisations. It enables outstanding professionals from eligible countries and territories to study for master’s degrees in the UK while building valuable academic and professional networks.
The scholarship normally covers tuition fees, return economy travel, visa application costs, arrival and departure allowances and a monthly living allowance, making it a significant opportunity for candidates who might otherwise struggle to finance postgraduate studies abroad.
However, academic achievement alone does not determine selection.
Chevening looks for applicants who can demonstrate leadership, influence, professional relationships and a clear vision for creating lasting positive change. Successful scholars are expected to return to their home country for at least two years after completing their scholarship.
Applicants must be citizens of a Chevening-eligible country, hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies them for a UK master’s programme and have at least 2 800 hours of work experience, equivalent to roughly two years of full-time work.
Qualifying experience can include full-time and part-time employment, voluntary work and paid or unpaid internships, allowing applicants to combine eligible periods of experience.
Applicants must also select three eligible UK master’s courses and secure an unconditional offer from at least one of their chosen courses by the relevant deadline.
Beyond their studies, scholars become part of the Chevening community, a global network spanning more than 160 countries and territories and bringing together professionals, innovators and leaders from different backgrounds.
For Eswatini, this creates an opportunity for professionals to gain international exposure, specialised knowledge and connections that can later be applied to local development.
Mthimkhulu’s journey provides a timely example for aspiring applicants as she prepares to take her academic career to Scotland.
With applications closing on October 6, 2026, emaSwati who meet the requirements are being encouraged to review the application criteria, identify suitable courses and make use of the opportunity before the deadline.
The next Chevening success story from Eswatini could be waiting to be written.
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(Courtesy Pic)
