Chevening Scholarships 2024: Canada Celebrates First Indigenous Scholar and Two Other Winners.

Three Canadian Students Awarded Prestigious Chevening Scholarships for 2024

The British High Commission in Ottawa is the UK government’s main diplomatic communication in Canada, along with the Consulates-General in Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver, which work closely with the Canadian government and partners across the country to develop and maintain a wide range of substantive partnerships of real value to both countries. These partnerships cover business, defense, climate change, science and innovation, education, and culture.

The Chevening Scholarships, funded by the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), partner organizations, and universities, and are the UK Government’s premier global scholarship program. Named after Chevening House in Kent, the program, established in 1983, supports one-year master’s degrees as well as access to unique academic, professional, and cultural experiences at UK universities to develop future leaders. With nearly 10,000 scholarships awarded in the last five years and over 55,000 alumni worldwide. The British High Commission in Ottawa has named the three Canadian winners of the 2024 Chevening Scholarship. One of this year's scholarships is funded by ATCO, a Calgary-based energy corporation. This scholarship focuses on fields like energy transition, sustainable development, and affordable housing and gives preference to candidates from Métis, Inuit, and First Nation communities.

Canada’s 2024 Chevening cohort includes Victoria McMahon, from the Deninu Kųę́ raised in Barrie, Ontario, who recently earned a Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of British Columbia. Inspired by a UBC Go Global Exchange at Loughborough University, she applied for the Chevening Scholarship. Victoria will study Creative Health MASc at University College London and aims to start medical school in 2025. Her goal is to become an Indigenous Family Physician, focusing on culturally safe and trauma-informed care. Her scholarship is funded by the Chevening-ATCO partnership.

Also joining the cohort is Mark Iyengar, a Vancouver lawyer, who has argued cases on criminal and constitutional law at various Canadian courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada. A summa cum laude graduate of York University and a Wesbrook Scholar from UBC’s Peter A. Allard School of Law, Mark has clerked at top Canadian courts and worked at a leading criminal defense firm. He also contributes through community leadership and teaching at UBC. This fall, he will pursue a Master of Law at the University of Cambridge to further his expertise in public law. The third in the cohort is Conor Finan, a Royal Canadian Navy Reserve officer, who began his military career as a Maritime Surface Officer at 18 while studying at the University of Toronto, where he earned an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Sociolegal Studies. He has served in the Canadian Pacific Fleet and qualified as a Maritime Tactical Operator. This fall, Conor will pursue an MPhil in Criminology at the University of Cambridge to deepen his understanding of counterterrorism policy for use in his ongoing military service.

David Prodger, Deputy British High Commissioner to Canada, expressed pride in celebrating this year's exceptional Canadian Chevening Scholars. He noted that Mark, Conor, and Victoria exemplify the diversity, passion, and leadership Canadians bring to the global stage. He highlighted Victoria's achievement as a milestone for the Chevening program in Canada, being the first Indigenous scholar, and hoped her success would inspire others. Nancy Southern, Chair & Chief Executive Officer of ATCO Ltd., highlighted that addressing society’s challenges requires both visionary individuals and supportive partners. She expressed ATCO's pride in supporting the Chevening Scholarships and was particularly pleased to see Victoria McMahon, the first Indigenous scholar, among the recipients. Southern commended Victoria’s dedication to becoming an Indigenous Family Physician and her vision of improving health and wellness in communities.

The British High Commission will host a farewell reception for this year’s Chevening Scholars at Crichton Lodge in Ottawa on August 28. Notable Canadian alumni include Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly and Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee. Aspiring scholars can apply for the 2025 Chevening Scholarships at chevening.org/apply until November 5, 2024. More details on eligibility and scholarship specifics are available at chevening.org/scholarships.

Editor’s Note:

The UK has granted fully-funded Chevening Scholarships to three outstanding Canadian students for 2024. This year's cohort features Canada's first Indigenous Chevening Scholar, which represents a big step forward for the esteemed program. These scholarships demonstrate a commitment to helping diverse and talented individuals who are set to make significant contributions to their disciplines. We congratulate Victoria McMahon, Mark Iyengar, and Conor Finan on their accomplishments and wish them continued success as they pursue their studies in the United Kingdom. 

Skoobuzz extends heartfelt congratulations to all three students on their remarkable achievement and wishes them the best of luck for their promising futures.