Six Solomon Islanders awarded prestigious Chevening Scholarships
Source: gov.uk (2025-09-05)

Chevening Scholarships are awarded to individuals from diverse backgrounds who can demonstrate the commitment and skills needed to become future leaders.

Six brilliant Solomon Islanders have been awarded with Chevening scholarships, the UK Government’s prestigious scholarship programme.

This was the same record set by Solomon Islands for 2022 to 2023. The current cohort of 7 scholars who are returning this year have set the record, challenging more Solomon Islanders to apply for the scholarship.

Chevening Scholarships (https:chevening.org/scholarships) are awarded to individuals from diverse backgrounds who can demonstrate the commitment and skills needed to become future leaders.

The scholarship offers full financial support for scholars to pursue any eligible master’s degree at over 150 UK universities, along with access to a wide range of exclusive academic, professional, and cultural experiences.

At a pre-departure briefing for the six Chevening Scholars in September 2025, British Hight Commissioner to Solomon Islands and Nauru, His Excellency Paul Turner said:

If you are passionate about driving change locally and globally, if you want to be the best at what you do and you have the imagination to inspire and help others, then a Chevening Scholarship could be the perfect opportunity for you. We want to support the next generation of leaders and value energy, open-mindedness, curiosity, compassion, a clear vision for your future and the ability to achieve your goals.

Emma Hennessey, head of the Scholarships Unit at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office), said:

Chevening’s highly competitive selection process ensures that those chosen to become Chevening Scholars or Fellows represent the brightest and most driven individuals from around the world. Chevening Alumni use their world-class education, global networks, and confidence gained in the UK to create meaningful, lasting change when they return home, whether by tackling global challenges or making a tangible impact in their own communities.

If you can clearly demonstrate the skills needed to join them - outstanding leadership, influence, and networking skills - I strongly encourage you to apply. If you’re not quite there yet, I encourage you to take the time to build the experience that will make your application competitive. I’m continually inspired by the dedication and drive of the Chevening community, and I look forward to seeing what the next generation of leaders will bring.

Chevening Scholarship recipients for the 2025 to 2026 cohort include:
- Dr Alan Errol Irabangara Hilly who is pursuing Master of Science - MSc (PG) in Tropical and Infectious Diseases at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
- Charlton Metopa, pursuing a Master of Peace, Security and International Law – LLM at the University of Aberdeen
- Dalcy Belapitu Oligari who is pursuing Master of Sustainability, Social Justice and Human Rights Law – LLM at De Montfort University
- Freliz Fakarii, pursuing Master of Environmental Law and Sustainable Development – LLM at SOAS, University of London
- Georgina Oroi, pursuing a Master of International Human Rights Law – LLM at the University of Sussex
- Richard Martin who is pursuing a Master of Telecommunications with Business at the University College London
Applications are open for the 2026 to 2027 window and prospective candidates can now submit their applications via chevening.org/apply (http://www.chevening.org/apply).

Before applying, candidates are strongly encouraged to review the resources available at the Chevening Resource Hub (chevening.org/resource-hub/guidance/) and assess whether they are ready to present a competitive application.

Since the programme started in 1983, over 60,000 professionals have advanced their careers through Chevening, demonstrating the UK’s commitment to developing future leaders.

Background

Chevening is the UK Government’s global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and 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 began in 1983 and has developed into a prestigious international awards scheme. Chevening Scholars come from over 160 countries and territories worldwide. There are over 60,000 Chevening Alumni around the world who comprise an influential and highly regarded global network.