3) Not be in current receipt of any other scholarships or award;

4) Already hold a first degree of an equivalent standard to at least a good UK second class Honours degree;

5) Be a mid-career professional with a minimum of 2 years working experience who has managerial, policy-influencing or decision-making responsibilities in an organisation in one of the priority fields below. We are open to all applicants from government, private business, media, NGOs or other organisations.

6) Must obtain an IELTS score of at least 7 overall on the academic module with no individual band of less than 6.5. Most British universities do not accept TOEFL, therefore, TOEFL results can not be a substitute for IELTS;

7) Current employees or direct family member of an employee of the FCO, British Council, any joint partner of the Chevening scheme, or directly related organisations are not eligible to apply.

* Chevening is intended to offer scholars a new social and cultural experience. Therefore, applicants who have previously studied in the United Kingdom, whilst welcome to apply, will be considered to have a lesser chance of success over applicants intending to study in the UK for the first time.

In addition to the above criteria, applicants coming from one of the following priority fields will be preferred:

- International Relations;

- Law enforcement and law;

- Economics & Finance;

- Trade & Investment;

- Science & Technology;

- Environment and Sustainable Development;

- Energy & Climate Change;

- Media;

- Social Development especially, Education Policy, Human Rights, Legal Reform;

- Armed Forces;

- Clergy.

Applicants must also possess the following qualities:

> Have ambition and drive;

> Be of leadership potential;

> Show a commitment to change and organisational development;

> Be flexible and adaptable;

> Be innovative and creative;

> Have an ability to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances; not only in technical and professional terms but also culturally.

Applications for the 2009/10 academic year closed on 31st December 2008.  Applications for the 2010/11 academic year will be available through the 'e-Chevening' online application process will be available on our "How do I apply" page from end August 2009.