Future leaders welcomed

Future world leaders have been welcomed to the University as part of a prestigious global scholarship programme designed to foster close relationships with future decision-makers.

Some 50 Chevening scholars – including two Cardiff students - visited the University as part of a programme of events to widen their knowledge of the UK and meet with fellow students during their studies.

Chevening is the UK government's global scholarship programme and a key part of the UK's diplomacy effort to bring young professionals who have already displayed outstanding leadership talents, to study in the UK.

"The Chevening programme is one of the most prestigious international schemes, awarding scholarships to help the world's emerging leaders study in the UK," according to Vice-Chancellor, Professor Colin Riordan.

"With Cardiff University's renewed commitment to the internationalisation agenda, I am delighted that not only are we able to support the programme but we can play our part in helping to create lasting positive relationships with the world's future leaders, influencers and decision makers," he added.

Welcomed by the University's Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Riordan and Pro Vice-Chancellor for International & Engagement, Professor Hywel Thomas, the scholars also received a presentation on the Welsh language by the Head of the School of Welsh, Professor Sioned Davies, visited the home of the Welsh Assembly and were briefed on Welsh politics by Professor Roger Scully from the University's Wales Governance Centre.

Funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) the scholarships allow students to pursue a one-year Master's degree in any subject and at any of the UK's leading universities.

Chevening Scholarships operate in some 118 countries worldwide and this year marks the 30^th anniversary of the programme.  

Scholars are personally selected by British Embassies and High Commissions throughout the world. There are some 42,000 Chevening Alumni, forming one of the most influential and highly regarded global networks.

Many have gone on to reach positions of high influence. The programme boasts a former Prime Minister of Bulgaria, Chairman of the Cairo Stock Exchange and Vice-Governor of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China amongst its alumni.