ISLAMABAD: United Kingdom’s government has increased the number of scholars being sent on the Chevening Scholarship, it was announced at a series of events held in Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore. The Chevening Scholarship is fully-funded by the UK government and allows scholars to pursue Master’s degrees in the UK in a course of study of their choice. The three events were attended by departing scholars from across Pakistan and officials from the British High Commission. Speaking at one of the pre-departure events in Islamabad, British Deputy High Commissioner Patrick Moody said, “I am pleased to announce that the number of Chevening scholars being sent from Pakistan to the UK has again increased. The number has risen from 73 candidates in 2015 to 81 scholars this year.” “This is also the first time that we are sending a scholar from Balochistan on the Chevening Library Fellowship and a scholar from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for Chevening-Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Fellowship,” Moody said. He said that the Chevening programme not only benefits the scholars – in terms of future career prospects and development – but also delivers long-term benefits for both Pakistan and the UK. Applications for Chevening Scholarships and some Chevening Fellowship awards are open till November 8.