PUNE: With an aim to provide an opportunity to study at leading academic institutions and develop talented individuals develop their skills, the UK government’s flagship scholarship scheme ‘The British Chevening Scholarship Programme 2009,’ has been launched. The programme is funded by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office and managed by the British Council.

The Chevening India Programme began in 1987 and has over the years given an opportunity to over 2,000 talented Indians to study in Britain.

Candidates need to apply directly to a UK institution to study a masters before approaching for the scholarship for any of the disciplines ranging from economic governance, finance and public administration to sustainable development and science and innovation.

Whilst this is an open scholarship, the subjects funded under it are environmental policy and regulation, economics, development studies, international relations, LLM, biotechnology and journalism. Applicants for the open masters programme should ideally have two to three years of relevant work experience and a strong career performance. Recent graduates with evidence of excellent leadership skills can also apply.

The Gurukul Chevening Scholarship for Leadership and Excellence is a 12-week advanced programme created specifically for India’s future leaders by the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

It was launched in 1997 to mark 50 years of Indian Independence. Each year total 12 talented Indian individuals are selected to participate in an intensive programme, which addresses the problems faced by leaders in various fields.

The Dr Manmohan Singh Scholarships 2009 for Doctoral Studies supports students from India to pursue doctoral studies at St John’s College, University of Cambridge. Under this initiative, three awards will be made available for September/October 2009 intake.

To avail this scholarship, the individual must be an Indian national and below 35 years of age as on December 31 and should hold a masters (postgraduate) degree from reputed university with a first class.