What is the Excalibur Scholarship Scheme

This is an adapted extract from the Excalibur Scholarship brochure, to provide general information about the Scheme and its mission.

Aims

The Excalibur Scholarship Scheme was launched at 10 Downing Street by the Prime Minister in April 1993. The aim of the scheme which is entirely funded by the private sector, is to provide scholarships in the UK for second degree students from Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union.

The Excalibur Scholarship Scheme is modest in size and therefore highly selective both in the quality of the scholars and in the standing and reputation of the companies involved. The scheme is unashamedly high quality and aims to tap the large reservoir of talent which exists in the region and on which the future of the region critically depends.

The Scheme is run by the British Council who have a wealth of experience in this field. The British Council is responsible for selecting candidates in their own countries and for all the arrangements both initial and supervisory at the UK end of the operation.

Sponsor companies are encouraged to indicate to the British Council the type of course that they would prefer scholars to follow. The supervision by the British Council will be directed not only to ensure proper liaison with academic institutions but also to the welfare of the scholars and will be mindful of the need to provide satisfactory contacts between sholars and sponsor companies.

While it is impossible to legislate for the relationship that may develop in the longer term between scholars and sponsors, those companies with investments in Central and Eastern Europe will have, through the Excalibur Scholarship Scheme, early acess to excellent local talent.

Trustees

• The Rt Hon Sir Geoffrey Pattie MP (GEC Marconi)
• Sir Christopher Lewington ()
• Professor Gareth Roberts FRS (vice-chancellor of University of Sheffield)

Quotes

"By helping Excalibur Scholars to spend a formative part of their careers studying in this country, we will create a generation of leaders in Eastern Europe who, when they return home and become established in influential positions, will look to Britain for ideas, technology, trade and investment. This will bring long term benefits to Britain."

Alan Sugar, Chairman of Amstrad plc, founding member of the Excalibur Scholarship Scheme.

"The people of Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union need help and guidance and support from the West. This help and support can take many forms which is why I am so happy to commend The Excalibur Scholarship Scheme. This partnership between industry and the British Council will provide very special opportunities for young scholars to come to Britain where they will have the chance to study and learn about the other essential aspects of life in a free democracy.

The Europe of the future will need their leadership, and I hope that we can help them to develop it. I wish everyone involved in Excalibur the best of good fortune."

John Major, March 1993