Bradford’s scholars from across the world celebrated
The potential leaders of tomorrow on a scholarship programme at the University of Bradford have been celebrated.
A group of 14 students from the University’s Chevening Scholarship Programme are studying for Master’s in subjects including Peace, Conflict and Development, Project Management, Financial Technology (FinTech), Artificial Intelligence, Logistics, Healthcare Leadership, and Pharmaceutical Technology and Medicines Control.
Chevening scholarships are the UK government’s global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations. The scholarships, which started in 1983, bring young professionals who have already displayed outstanding leadership talents, to study in the UK.
The scholarships are available to 700 students across 116 countries, with awards typically for a one-year Master’s degree, in any subject and at any of the UK’s leading Universities. Scholars are personally selected by British High Commissioners throughout the world.
Following the completion of their full-time studies, the scholars return to their home country unless there are genuinely exceptional circumstances.
Past scholarship alumni include former Prime Ministers of Antigua and Barbuda, Bulgaria, Colombia and Poland.
This year’s Bradford’s Chevening scholars are from a host of countries including Mozambique, Sudan, Nigeria, Liberia and the Ivory Coast.
Fouzia Shile, 27, from Morocco, one of Bradford’s Chevening scholars who is studying MSc Computer Science and AI, has previously worked in her native country as a laboratory research assistant.
She said: “Being at Bradford is great. The diversity is something that made me choose Bradford.”
Leadership journey
The scholars also had the chance to ask Dr Rhys Kelly, Head of Department and Associate Professor, Peace Studies and International Development at the University of Bradford, about leadership during a catch-up session.
Sokheng Ork, 29, who is from Cambodia, is studying MSc Financial Technology (FinTech), hopes to return to his native country following his studies in Bradford to set up his own business.
He said: “Bradford goes beyond my expectations. The University sets a huge bar in terms of diversity. There is plenty of support. I get the knowledge and expertise from my peers in class.”
Paul Watson, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Learning, Teaching & Student Experience at the University of Bradford, said: “It was a pleasure to meet this year’s Chevening scholars pursuing a range of our Master’s degree programmes.
I was delighted to learn about their projects and the rich experience these scholars bring to the University
Professor Prathivadi Anand, Professor of Public Policy and Sustainable Development, and Co-ordinator of Chevening Scholarships at the University of Bradford, said: “It’s great that these very bright people, who have been identified as future leaders, have chosen to come to Bradford. It gives an enormous confidence to us. I am so thrilled. Being here is part of their leadership journey.”
The Chevening Scholarship programme offers the chance for future leaders to build a global network of continuing professional significance and to establish social, cultural, academic or commercial partnerships with the UK.