UK Opens Applications for Chevening Scholarships for Somali Professionals

The United Kingdom has opened applications for its 2027/28 Chevening Scholarships, offering fully funded master’s degree opportunities at British universities to Somali professionals with leadership potential.

The scholarship programme, funded by the UK government, is designed to support emerging leaders by providing postgraduate education, professional development and access to an international network of policymakers, academics and business leaders.Applications will remain open from Aug. 4 to Oct. 6, with successful candidates expected to study at universities across the United Kingdom during the 2027/28 academic year.

British Ambassador to Somalia Charles King said the programme reflects the UK’s continued investment in Somalia’s human capital, describing the country’s people as its greatest asset.“Chevening gives talented Somalis access to world-class education, strengthens their professional networks and equips them with the skills to contribute to Somalia’s future,” King said, encouraging qualified applicants from across the country to apply.Emma Hennessey,

Head of the Scholarships Unit at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), said the programme is looking for candidates who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to helping address global and national challenges.She said Chevening encourages applications from diverse backgrounds, including underrepresented groups, as part of its effort to build a broad network of future leaders.

More than 100 Somalis have received Chevening Scholarships since the programme was introduced in the country, joining a global alumni community of more than 60,000 professionals working in government, business, academia and civil society.

The programme in Somalia is also supported by the Hormuud Salaam Foundation, which has committed to funding two additional Somali Chevening scholars each year between the 2025/26 and 2027/28 academic cycles, expanding access to postgraduate study for qualified candidates.

Established in 1983, Chevening is the UK government’s flagship international scholarship programme. For Somalia, where investment in education and skills development is increasingly viewed as critical to economic recovery and institution-building, the initiative has become an important avenue for developing professionals expected to contribute to public service, the private sector and civil society after completing their studies abroad.