The British Embassy is accepting applications from Korean students for the United Kingdom’s Chevening Scholarship through Jan. 2, for the 2013-2014 academic year.

North Korean settlers in South Korea are also invited to submit applications for the scholarship, the embassy said in a press release in October.

Chevening Scholarships cover the cost of one year of post-graduate study in Britain, including tuition fees, a monthly stipend and round-trip airfare.

The Chevening program was created to support the British foreign policy by creating lasting positive relationships with future leaders.

The program provides future leaders with a unique opportunity to build a global network of professionals and establish social, cultural, academic and commercial partnerships with Britain, the embassy said.

Chevening Scholarships operate in 116 countries around the world, and this year will support approximately 700 individuals. Around 25 Koreans will be selected for the 2013-2014 academic year.

The embassy said that the scholarship makes up an important part of its public diplomacy effort and it brings young professionals who have displayed outstanding leadership ability to study in Britain.

The Chevening program began in 1983. Chevening alumni number about 41,000 in 116 countries worldwide and comprise an influential and highly regarded global network. So far around 1,100 Koreans have benefited from the scholarship studying in the United Kingdom.

For more information on Chevening Scholarships, visit ukinrok.fco.gov.uk and www.chevening.org. Send inquiries to the U.K. Chevening Secretariat (southkorea@chevening.org).

(ephilip2011@heraldcorp.com)