To get the best result when applying to Chevening Wales scholarship, applicants will need to show examples of where they have really made a difference in their field.
With good student support, high quality of education, affordable living costs and a friendly environment, Wales attracts thousands of students to come to study every year. Especially in 2020, Wales Government provides Vietnamese students with 7 Chevening scholarships.
The Minister of Education in Wales, Kirsty Williams, answered questions of Vnexpress.net about the Chevening Wales scholarships as well as the higher education system and student life in Wales.
As for the 7 Chevening – Wales Scholarships offered for Vietnamese students this year, how long will they open for application, when can students enroll and who is eligible to apply?
Applications open slightly later than usual this year, on September 3, and will be open until November* 2020. Interviews take place between January and March, with successful scholars informed in the summer of 2021.
To be eligible for a Chevening Global Wales scholarship, you must be a Vietnamese student applying to study a one-year master’s programme at a university in Wales. You must also have at least 2 years’ work experience. Scholars will then begin their studies in Wales in September 2021
When applying for Chevening-Wales scholarships, what should students pay attention to in order to get the best result?
Chevening scholars can go on to do great things after graduation from their master’s degree. They become world-leaders, pioneers and make real, long-lasting differences to their communities. Therefore, when applying for a Chevening scholarship, the strongest candidates will already have a strong network of influence and examples of where they have really made a difference in their field.
The most successful applicants have also done a lot of research about studying in the UK – being able to identify the unique strengths of Wales and our universities and have a clear understanding of how studying in Wales will help their future career.
In the context of Covid-19, can students defer their Chevening - Wales scholarships? How long can they defer for and how to register for deferment?
Certain professions are able to defer their Chevening scholarship this year by special exception. Those working in healthcare are currently able to defer until 2021. Please contact Chevening directly with your application questions, at: www.chevening.org
What are the key features of education in Wales and the qualifications from the universities here? What makes them different from other countries in the world and the other three countries in the UK?
Wales is a nation where learning is valued, and academic standards are high. As part of the UK higher-education system, our universities offer qualifications that are respected by academics and employers across the world.
Around 129,000 students are enrolled at Welsh universities, including around 22,000 international students, drawn from 132 countries. They’re attracted by a culture of excellence in both teaching and research
In the UK’s last Research Excellence Framework, more than three quarters of the work taking place at our universities was judged to be ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally significant’
Four of our eight universities feature in the top 500 of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2020. And student satisfaction is vital. In the last WhatUni Student Choice Awards, four of the places in the UK top 10 – including the number-one spot – were taken by Welsh universities.
The Welsh higher education sector continues to do well in the National Student Survey. The all-Wales average for overall student satisfaction is 84%, which is higher than the UK average. Our higher education institutions have worked incredibly hard during the pandemic to put in place a high-quality offer for prospective and returning students for the coming academic year. Maintaining high quality provision and a quality experience for students, as well as safe and secure working environment is crucial in building confidence that our institutions remain attractive, welcoming and safe places for existing and prospective students.
Currently, there are about 22,000 international students from 132 countries in Wales. So, what policies and actions have been implemented by the Welsh Government and universities in Wales to ensure the benefits of all these international students?
We are proud of our very diverse student, staff and research base at our Welsh universities and greatly value the outward international impact this brings. Earlier this year, the Welsh Government launched its International Strategy for Wales with higher education as one its core pillars.
In addition, in recognition of the importance of Welsh universities’ international activities, Global Wales was set up. It’s a partnership between Universities Wales and the Welsh Government, British Council Wales and the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW).
The programme aims to raise awareness about Wales, build on international partnerships with universities and promote Welsh universities in key overseas markets. For example, Global Wales works very closely with partners in Vietnam following the Memorandum of Understanding between the Welsh and Vietnamese Governments.
The Study in Wales website mentions priority policies for female students, students with disabilities, LGBT + ... upon studying in Wales. Could you possibly tell more details about those policies?
There is a fantastic range of student support available at universities in Wales, from wellbeing & mental health support, to extra help in your academic studies, such as English language support. Every student in Wales has a ‘personal tutor’ who can help you during your studies.
What should international students consider when choosing to study in Wales?
Wales is famous for its warm welcome and strong sense of community. Wales is open, tolerant, friendly and welcoming to international students and residents. It is a place in which people can thrive.
Wales offers an affordable and cost-effective standard of living that enables students to experience a varied lifestyle and become immersed in the culture of our country. Welsh universities continue to have high student satisfaction rates and the highest student continuation rates in the UK.
Our universities are committed to supporting international students and have been working together, and with the government to ensure that students can get their visas in time, travel safely to Wales and have confidence in the health and safety and the student experience on arrival.
In this Autumn semester, what will the Welsh Government and education sectors/institutions do to welcome international student in general and Vietnamese students in particular?
All Welsh universities are offering in-person teaching in the autumn. They are also exploring a range of activities to provide students with the social experience that is such an important part of university life.
Universities in Wales are well advanced in their planning to welcome students this autumn. New and returning students can be confident that they can benefit from a high-quality, full and exciting university experience.
What will Welsh education sectors/institutions do to ensure health safety for international student regarding the complicated situation of Covid-19?
The health of all students and staff is our number one priority and across our institutions take every possible measure to ensure the university community is well-informed, supported and safe.
The Welsh Government has worked closely with the university sector to publish its latest guidelines to help planning for new students arriving this autumn.
Although it is likely there will be some changes to how teaching is delivered initially, we are hopeful that this will only be the case for a small part of students’ time at university. Students can expect a full range of support - including mental health support, careers advice, and study skills.
If the situation of Covid-19 becomes worse, what are the policies of universities in Wales to support students in online learning?
The guidance Keep Wales Safe outlines some of the measures universities in Wales may need to follow in order to protect the health of students, staff and the communities they serve. As we move into the future, the Welsh Government will update the guidance in accordance with the latest medical advice.
Should additional restrictions need to be implemented to protect public health, universities will have contingency plans in place to support their students and offer alternative and online modes of teaching for the period in question.
