The Chevening Scholarship program has just opened applications in Algeria, offering 15 fully funded master’s degrees in the UK for Algerian students—including entrepreneurs and professionals. This is Algeria’s first direct participation in the scheme since 2015, when only three spots were available. The expansion signals a rare opportunity for Algerian founders to gain international expertise without debt, while the diaspora may finally see a reverse brain drain.
Why This Matters for Algerian Startups
Take Nour El Houda, co-founder of Algeria’s first female-led agritech startup, who secured a Chevening award in 2022. After studying sustainable farming at the University of Edinburgh, she returned to launch a $200,000 seed-funded project supplying hydroponic kits to Algerian farmers. “The UK connections helped me pitch to Ooredoo Ventures and F6S—investors I’d never met before,” she said.
The Diaspora’s Hidden Leverage
Mohamed Benali, a Paris-based fintech engineer who returned to Algeria in 2023 after studying at Imperial College London via Chevening, co-founded Waloo, a digital banking platform for SMEs. “I used my UK network to secure $500,000 in pre-seed funding from Al Mubadara and CDG Invest,” he said. “Without Chevening, I’d still be stuck in France.”
The UK’s Stakes in Algeria’s Tech Boom
SONATRACH’s digital arm, Sonatrach Digital, recently partnered with UK-based energy tech firm Petrofac to deploy AI in oilfield monitoring. Analysts say Chevening scholars could accelerate such deals by acting as cultural and technical bridges.
How to Apply—And Win
Pro tips from past winners:
– Tailor proposals to UK-Algerian trade gaps (e.g., renewable energy, agri-tech, or healthcare innovation).
– Leverage diaspora networks—many UK universities have Algerian alumni groups that mentor applicants.
– Highlight entrepreneurship, not just academic merit. Chevening prioritizes candidates who can demonstrate a clear post-study business impact.
The Brain Gain Test
Key takeaway for entrepreneurs:
Chevening isn’t just a scholarship—it’s a fast track to UK funding, diaspora partnerships, and global credibility. Winners return with investor introductions, regulatory insights, and export-ready models, turning Algeria’s brain drain into a brain gain engine. For diaspora professionals, it’s a chance to repurpose overseas skills without uprooting their careers. The deadline is tight, but the payoff for founders could be transformative.
💡 Starting a business in Algeria? GlobalStart guides you step by step: procedures, real costs, company forms (SARL, EURL, SPA) and CNRC registration.