The Chevening Scholarships is the flagship scholarship Scheme of the British Government. The Scheme is funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). The FCO is the British Government department responsible for overseas relations and foreign affairs through it's headquarters in London and Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates throughout the World.

In China, the scheme operates through the British Embassy in Beijing and the British Consulates-General in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chongqing with administrative support from British Council. In China, British Council operates as the Cultural and Education Section of the British Embassy in Beijing and British Counsulates-General in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chongqing.

Chevening Scholarships are aimed at applicants for postgraduate studies or research at UK institutions of Higher Education. Each year over 2000 students from 150 countries are sent to the UK to study, of which more than 100 come from China - the largest single national group.

Scholars are chosen on the basis that they will become opinion formers and decision-makers as well as influential friends of the UK. Successful applicants have the ‘Chevening’ qualities of ambition drive, and leadership potential, a commitment to change and organisation development, talent for innovation and creativity, and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances not only in technical and professional terms but also culturally.

The programme is highly competitive. Applicants are assessed according to the merit of their applications, their qualifications (both academic and professional) and their English language ability.

The FCO offers successful applicants scholarships covering tuition fees of up to £12,000, flights to and from the UK and living expenses sufficient for a single student. Some scholars may receive contribution from partners and sponsors of FCO.