§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many Chevening scholarships have been awarded, and at what cost, in each of the past five years. [68337]
§ Mr. FatchettThe numbers and costs of Chevening Scholarships awarded in the past five years are:
Year Scholars1 £ million 1998–99 3,967 27.2 1997–98 4,053 27 1996–97 3,967 25.8 1995–96 3,967 26.9 1994–95 3,880 24.9 1 Including both new scholars and continuing awards These figures include the jointly funded Chevening awards, co-sponsored by the FCO, British universities, and commercial and other partners.
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§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the Chevening scholarship programme; how many scholarships, at what cost are planned for the next three years; and if he will make a statement. [68338]
§ Mr. FatchettThe Chevening scholarship programme is our main scholarship scheme overseas. It is co-funded by the FCO and DfID. It has a well developed procedure for selection of students, and for maintaining contact when they return home. Chevening Scholars benefit from studying at Higher Education Institutions in the UK, experience the British way of life, make valuable contacts with British counterparts, and return home with a better understanding of the UK and of British values. On return home they make an important contribution to the life of their own countries.
The estimated numbers of Chevening awards and costs for the next three years, assuming the present basis of funding continues, are:
Year Scholars1 £ million 1999–2000 3,985 30 2000–01 4,025 30.2 2001–02 4,065 30.6 1Including both new scholars and continuing awards These figures include the jointly funded Chevening awards, co-sponsored by the FCO, British universities, and commercial and other partners. A cross-Whitehall study is being undertaken of how to attract more foreign students to the UK. An assessment of the Chevening scheme is included in this study.