UK Ambassador to South Sudan,David Ashley, during Chevening Scholarship Orientation in Juba on 13^th August 2026/ Photo Credit: Ezekiel Idris

By Awuou Michael

British Ambassador to South Sudan, David Ashley, has urged South Sudanese applicants for the Chevening Scholarship to demonstrate strong leadership, vision, integrity and commitment to contributing to the country.

Speaking during a Chevening Scholarship orientation in Juba on Thursday, Ashley said the one-year, fully funded UK government scholarship gives South Sudanese the opportunity to pursue master’s degrees at universities across the United Kingdom.

The ambassador said academic qualifications alone are not enough to secure the scholarship.

“We are looking for people who can demonstrate leadership, vision, integrity and a commitment to making a difference.” He said

Ashley encouraged applicants to clearly explain their goals and demonstrate how they intend to use the knowledge and experience gained in the UK.

“Your application needs to tell us what you have done, what you want to do and how that will benefit South Sudan.” He said.

The British envoy also cautioned applicants against relying heavily on artificial intelligence when preparing their applications.

He said applications should reflect the candidates’ own experiences, ideas and personalities.

“We want to hear your voice, your experience and your ideas, rather than something that has been generated for you.” Ashely said.

Meanwhile, South Sudanese Chevening alumnus Rumbek Rumbek has encouraged qualified applicants to continue applying despite the highly competitive selection process.

Rumbek, who studied Financial Economics at the University of Kent during the 2023–2024 academic year, said the scholarship provides academic, professional and international networking opportunities.

“Chevening creates a global network of technocrats that you can rely on wherever you are in the world.” He said.

He said his decision to study Financial Economics was driven by an interest in monetary policy inflation and broader economic challenges facing South Sudan.

Rumbek added that his goal was to return with additional skills and contribute to the country’s economic development.

South Sudan is normally allocated six Chevening scholarship slots each year. However, only one South Sudanese student will take up the scholarship this year after the other alumnus failed to submit the required document on time.

The Chevening Scholarship is a yearly, fully funded UK government program supporting postgraduate study in a wide range of fields, with medical and military-related programs generally excluded.