25 Filipino scholars to pursue advanced UK degrees
Source: gov.uk (2025-09-25)

25 Filipino scholars head to UK universities under Chevening and ASEAN–UK SAGE scholarships, marking a milestone in UK–Philippines education ties.

Twenty-five Filipino scholars will pursue advanced degree programmes at UK universities this year through prestigious UK government scholarships, marking another milestone in UK-Philippines educational cooperation.

This year’s cohort includes 23 Chevening scholars pursuing master’s degrees across diverse fields from innovation accessibility to climate solutions, and two recipients of the ASEAN–UK Women in STEM Scholarships. This brings the total number of Filipino Chevening scholars to 608 since the programme’s inception in 1984.

The Philippines achieves a historic first by sending its inaugural Chevening ASEAN Scholar, Alexandra Austria to represent the country in the broader UK–ASEAN Dialogue.

Austria, who will take LLM Technology, Media, and Telecommunications at Queen Mary University of London, emphasised the collaborative nature of the academic journey, telling fellow scholars:

Temerity gives us the courage to begin, tenacity gives us the strength to continue, and teamwork assures that none of us are on this journey alone.

The scholarships form part of the UK government’s global education partnerships. Chevening provides full financial support for master’s degrees at over 160 UK universities, alongside exclusive academic and cultural experiences.

Scholarship Recipients (2025)

The Philippines’ 2025-26 Chevening cohort is composed of:
- Maria Alexandra Co Austria, LLM Technology, Media and Telecommunications at Queen Mary University of London
- Anna Gabriela Navarrete Baizas, MSc Media & Communications (Data & Society) at London School of Economics and Political Science
- Kenneth Digao Barroga, MSc Applied Social Data Science at London School of Economics and Political Science
- Hisham Nazz Ala Biruar, LLM Drafting Legislation, Regulation and Policy at School of Advanced Study University of London
- Jacqueline Quintillan Borja, Master of Laws at Queen Mary University of London
- Farouk Minalang Dadayan, Master of Public Administration at University of Birmingham
- Samantha M. Del Castillo, MSc Media, Culture and Society at University of Glasgow
- Kenneth Rufino Dizon, MSc Disability, Design and Innovation at University College London
- Jonelle John Santos Domingo, MSc Diplomatic Studies at the University of Oxford
- Mark Joseph Pescador Laceste MSc Prosperity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship at University College London
- Ma. Felina Restor Manongdo, MPA Climate, Innovation and Sustainability Policy at University College London
- Jamie Angeli Tan Matias, LLM Criminal Justice at Queen Mary University of London
- Justin Ryan Duque Morilla, LLM International Law and Security at University of Glasgow
- Patrick Joseph Fonbuena Robles, MSc Earth Observation and Geoinformation Management at the University of Edinburgh
- Russet Dewy Mendoza Sacayan, MSc Enviironment and Sustainable Development at University College London
- Jeza Mae Sarah Caluag Sanchez, Master of Public Administration at University of Birmingham
- Arnel Marcos Sanchez, Master of Laws at University College London
- Christine Faith Manangan Tango, MCL Corporate Law at the University of Cambridge
- Marius Stephen Villanueva Torres, MSc Environment, Politics and Development at School of Oriental and African Studies University of London
- Charlene Japor Tinaja, MSc Public Health at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
- Karla Marie Tesaluna Tumulak, LLM International Human Rights Law at University of Essex
- Denise Almazan Valdez, MSc International Public Policy at Queen Mary University of London
- Marco Angelo Sanchez Zaplan, MSc Applied Social Data Science at London School of Economics and Political Science
Empowering Women in STEM: ASEAN–UK SAGE Scholars

Two Filipino recipients of ASEAN-UK SAGE Women in STEM scholarships will study renewable energy and humanitarian engineering. Dannah Celine Gutierrez will pursue Renewable Eergy and Clean Technology at the University of Manchester, while Marie Eirene Fabon will study Humanitarian Engineering at the University of Warwick.

These scholarships are part of the ASEAN–UK Supporting the Advancement of Girls’ Education (SAGE) Programme, which promotes inclusive education and digital skills for women across Southeast Asia.

The British Embassy Manila hosted a send-off ceremony to celebrate the scholars’ achievements and journey that awaits them in the UK. Deputy Head of Mission Mike Welch encouraged scholars to embrace both academic opportunities and cultural experiences during their UK studies:

While you are there, I encourage you to immerse yourself fully – soak up all the knowledge and insights you can from your professors and fellow changemakers but also make time to embrace life and the rich cultural experiences the UK has to offer.

The ceremony brought together scholars, families, and the Chevening Alumni Foundation of the Philippines, demonstrating the programme’s lasting network and commitment to developing future leaders who will return to create positive change.

The Philippines Shines on the Global Stage

The programme’s impact extends beyond current scholars. Chevening alumna Pamela Mejia was named Global Winner of the Study UK Alumni Awards 2025 in Culture and Creativity.

Mejia, who studied MA Fasion Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of the Arts London (2019) through Chevening scholarship, was recognised for her work in upcycling over 1,000 kilograms of waste into fashion accessories and training over 150 fashion social entrepreneurs across Southeast Asia. Her win highlights the transformative impact of UK education and the leadership of Filipino alumni on the world stage.

More Information

Chevening Scholarships are the UK government’s global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth, & Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations. The scholarships support one-year taught master’s degrees at UK universities for individuals with demonstrable potential to become future leaders, decision-makers, and opinion formers.

Chevening Scholarships are awarded to individuals from all backgrounds who can demonstrate that they have the commitment and skills required to become future leaders and can show how a UK master’s degree will help them create positive change in their country. The scholarship offers full financial support for scholars to study for any eligible master’s degree at over 160 UK universities, while also gaining access to a wide range of exclusive academic, professional, and cultural experiences.

The ASEAN-UK Supporting the Advancement of Girl’s Education (ASEAN-UK SAGE) Programme is the UK Mission to ASEAN’s flagship education initiative in Southeast Asia. The programme aims to improve foundational learning outcomes in basic literacy and numeracy, support girls and marginalised groups to access education, and to break down gender barriers to digital skills and employment.
- The Chevening programme accepts applications annually from August – October. You can find more information at https://www.chevening.org/apply/
- Are you a Chevening alumni? https://www.chevening.org/alumni/stay-connected/