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

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

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

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

FIRST ALUMNUS BECOMES A HEAD OF STATE

Rinchinnyamyn Amarjargal becomes prime minister of Mongolia.

2001

CHEVENING HITS 25,000 ALUMNI

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

MILESTONE FOR CHEVENING FELLOWSHIPS

The Chevening Gurukul Fellowship celebrates its 10th anniversary.

2014

CHEVENING ALUMNI ALLIANCE OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED

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

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

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

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.