Timeline
Explore the 40-year history of Chevening, tracing its evolution from a fledgling scheme that supported just 100 scholars a year to the internationally-renowned programme that exists today.
1979
![UK GOVERNMENT INTRODUCES TUITION FEES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS](https://www.chevening.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Parliament-and-Big-Ben.jpg)
UK GOVERNMENT INTRODUCES TUITION FEES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
The newly elected Conservative government announces that existing subsidies for international students are to be phased out. All overseas students starting at UK institutions from 1980 will have to pay full-cost fees.
1983
'PYM PACKAGE' INTRODUCED
Mr Francis Pym, then Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, announces that the government has decided to increase its support for overseas students with the establishment of an international scholarship programme.
1984
![FIRST FULL YEAR OF THE PROGRAMME WITH 100 SCHOLARS](https://www.chevening.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Foreign-and-Commonwealth-offices.jpg)
FIRST FULL YEAR OF THE PROGRAMME WITH 100 SCHOLARS
Referred to as the ‘FCO Scholarships and Awards Scheme’ (FCO SAS), the programme welcomes its first 100 scholars.
1986
SOME HEADS OF MISSION DESCRIBE FCO SAS AS THE POST'S MOST IMPORTANT ACTIVITY
The programme quickly grows in importance to British embassies and high commissions around the world.
1994
![PROGRAMME RENAMED CHEVENING](https://www.chevening.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Old-Chevening-logo.jpg)
PROGRAMME RENAMED CHEVENING
Foreign Secretary Douglas Hurd renames the programme after Chevening House, the official residence of the Foreign Secretary in Sevenoaks, Kent.
1999
![FIRST ALUMNUS BECOMES A HEAD OF STATE](https://www.chevening.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Rinchinnyamyn-Amarjargal.jpg)
FIRST ALUMNUS BECOMES A HEAD OF STATE
Rinchinnyamyn Amarjargal becomes prime minister of Mongolia.
2001
![CHEVENING HITS 25,000 ALUMNI](https://www.chevening.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Untitled-design-65.png)
CHEVENING HITS 25,000 ALUMNI
After 18 years of the programme, Chevening comes of age and celebrates reaching 25,000 alumni.
2008
![MILESTONE FOR CHEVENING FELLOWSHIPS](https://www.chevening.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Untitled-design-11.png)
MILESTONE FOR CHEVENING FELLOWSHIPS
The Chevening Gurukul Fellowship celebrates its 10th anniversary.
2014
![CHEVENING ALUMNI ALLIANCE OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED](https://www.chevening.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/IMG_0883.jpg)
CHEVENING ALUMNI ALLIANCE OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED
The CAA launches with the mission of keeping alumni connected beyond their scholarship or fellowship experience, contributing to the community, and leading and inspiring future generations.
2018
![CHEVENING HITS 50,000 ALUMNI](https://www.chevening.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Chevening-Alumni.jpg)
CHEVENING HITS 50,000 ALUMNI
Chevening marks a special moment in its history at the 2018 Farewell event, as the global network of Chevening Alumni reaches 50,000.
2020
![CHEVENING DELIVERS ITS FIRST VIRTUAL PROGRAMME](https://www.chevening.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Untitled-design-19.png)
CHEVENING DELIVERS ITS FIRST VIRTUAL PROGRAMME
For the first time, Chevening delivers the majority of its events programme online in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
2023
![CHEVENING CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE](https://www.chevening.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Untitled-design-41.png)
CHEVENING CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE
Chevening celebrates its 40th anniversary with a global alumni community of more than 57,000 people, including 20 current or former heads of state.