Published on Tuesday, July 14, 2026
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Four Costa Rican professionals have returned home after earning master's degrees at leading universities in the United Kingdom through the British government's prestigious Chevening Scholarship program.

Eduardo Solano, Karina Sánchez, Daniela Chaves and Daniel Wattson completed one-year master's degree programs after departing Costa Rica in the fall of 2024. They were welcomed home last week during a reception hosted by British Ambassador Edward Stevens at the British Residence in San José.

The scholars studied at some of the United Kingdom's top universities, including the University of Edinburgh, the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), University College London (UCL), and the University of Warwick.

The British Embassy said the experience extends far beyond academics.

"Living in another country, engaging with people from every corner of the world and tackling some of today's biggest challenges alongside future leaders changes the way you think," the embassy said in a statement. "It builds confidence, resilience and curiosity. It creates networks that span continents and often last a lifetime."

According to the embassy, the Chevening program brings together talented professionals from around the world each year, allowing them to learn from one another while experiencing the United Kingdom's academic excellence, innovation and cultural diversity. Upon returning home, scholars are expected to apply their knowledge and international experience to benefit their communities, workplaces and countries.

"Eduardo, Karina, Daniela and Daniel have each had an experience that will shape the rest of their careers — and through them, the U.K.'s relationship with Costa Rica grows stronger," Ambassador Stevens said during the reception. "These are exactly the kinds of connections that endure."

Chevening Scholarships are awarded to individuals from diverse backgrounds who demonstrate the leadership potential, commitment and skills needed to become future leaders.

Applicants must present a realistic and achievable plan for creating positive change in their home country and explain how earning a U.K. master's degree will help them achieve that goal.

The scholarship provides full financial support for eligible one-year master's degree programs at more than 150 universities across the United Kingdom. Recipients also gain access to a broad range of academic, professional and cultural opportunities throughout their studies.

The British Embassy said applications for the 2026-2027 Chevening Scholarship cycle are expected to open in August 2026 through the  chevening.org/apply.

Chevening Scholarships are the U.K. government's global scholarship program, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organizations. The program supports one-year taught master's degrees for individuals with the potential to become future leaders, decision-makers and opinion leaders.

Additional information is available through the British Embassy by calling (506) 2258-2025 or by visiting the Chevening Scholarships webpage.

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