U of A alum awarded prestigious Chevening Scholarship

University of Alberta alum, Cody Mackoway, has been awarded the Chevening Scholarship by the British High Commission in Ottawa alongside two other Canadians. The Chevening Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office of the United Kingdom (U.K.), along with partner organizations. This global scholarship recognizes emerging leaders and changemakers.

The Chevening program sponsors students from around the world to pursue fully-funded Master’s degrees in the U.K.. Applications for the 2026 cohort are open until October 7, 2025.

In addition to the standard award, two partnership-funded scholarships are also available next year. The Chevening/ATCO Scholarship supports Master’s studies in energy transition, sustainability, Indigenous relations, partnerships, housing, and community spaces. The Chevening-Briggs Scholarship will give strong preference to high-quality candidates from Métis, Inuit, and First Nation communities.

Leading with purpose

Mackoway is an advocate for youth and Ukrainian communities, as well as a policy analyst. He studied history and political science, focusing on government relations and Indigenous communities.

He has served as the president of the U of A Ukrainian Students’ Society and youth ambassador for the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. Mackoway was also an Eric Newell intern at the Ditchley Foundation, and serves on the Sturgeon County youth advisory committee.

“I’m the first in my family to go to university, and so I never really expected to have this opportunity,” Mackoway said. “The fact that Chevening had the willingness to want to push me forward is something I’m deeply grateful for.”

Mackoway emphasized his passion for volunteerism and the role it played in his journey to becoming a Chevening Scholar.

“It’s a really good way for encouraging people to both branch outside of their own studies and kind of have that community, but also contribute back to the broader Edmonton and Canadian communities,” Mackoway said.

Looking ahead to Cambridge

Mackoway will pursue a Master of Philosophy in Politics and International Studies at the University of Cambridge, drawn to the program’s interdisciplinary approach.

Through his advocacy work in Alberta, Mackoway saw that many people struggle to “advocate effectively” with higher levels of government. 

“A lot of organizations are very good at public advocacy, but there’s another very separate side in being able to reach the people who are the key decision makers,” Mackoway said. “Anyone can advocate on behalf of whatever cause or community or mission that they have by reaching these people who are the key decision makers in our government. You can really make some influential change.”

After completing his studies at the University of Cambridge, Mackoway hopes to bring a fresh set of ideas to Canada.

“There’s a lot that you can learn from another country,” Mackoway said. “I think it would show me how a lot of different policies, objectives, and outcomes really play out in another environment.”

Advice for students interested in advocacy

For students who are interested in advocacy, Mackoway advises to identify what communities and causes they are personally invested in.

“Whether you’re going to medicine, architecture, politics, education — no matter what, there’s something to advocate for,” Mackoway said. “No matter your career path, investing in those skills is very important, both for yourself and for your community.”

Mackoway highlights the importance of devoting your time to volunteering, and developing your skills to reach further than just studies or career objectives.

“It really helps you stand out as well when you’re applying to jobs or scholarships like Chevening,” Mackoway said. 

Reflecting on his journey, Mackoway said he owes much of his success to his time at the U of A. He also acknowledged the people he met along the way.

“I never really would have dreamed that this was possible, let alone achievable,” he said. “And I really do credit the U of A, and the quality education and environment that it produces, for propelling me to this stage, which I’m just very thankful for.”