Tongan government legal officer Angelina Mahe has returned home after a Chevening Scholarship journey that took her from Tonga to postgraduate studies in corporate law at one of Britain’s leading universities — and even gave her an historic castle as her college.
Her return comes as the UK Government encourages another generation of Tongans to pursue the prestigious scholarship, with applications for the 2027–28 Chevening programme closing on 6 October.
Ms Mahe studied for a Master of Laws (LLM) in Corporate Law at Durham University in northeast England, bringing home expertise closely connected to her work in Tonga’s Ministry of Public Enterprises.
The Ministry identifies Ms Mahe as part of its Legal and Policy Division, which provides legal and policy advice relating to the governance and performance of Tonga’s public enterprises.
Reflecting on her time in Britain, Ms Mahe said Chevening offered considerably more than the opportunity to obtain an academic qualification.
“The Chevening Scholarship is more than just a scholarship to study in the UK,” she said.
“It is a great opportunity to build lifelong relationships and skills, and a door to greater opportunities.”
From Tonga to a castle
Ms Mahe’s experience included studying at Durham University and becoming a member of University College, commonly known simply as Castle because it is based at historic Durham Castle.
She previously wrote about her journey for Durham, describing travelling for more than 30 hours from Tonga to reach the university in northern England.
Her experience extended beyond the classroom to travelling around Britain, developing professional networks and representing Tonga during her time in the UK.
The UK in Tonga described her journey as taking her from studying in northeast England and “having a castle as her college” to travelling, networking and supporting the Kingdom of Tonga.
Ms Mahe described the experience as “nothing short of a blessing and magic”.
Skills brought back to Tonga
Her postgraduate specialisation also has a direct connection to her professional work at home.
Corporate law deals with the legal structures, governance and responsibilities of companies and other corporate bodies, while the Ministry of Public Enterprises is responsible for overseeing and strengthening the governance of Tonga’s state-owned enterprises.
The Ministry’s Legal and Policy Division provides legal and policy advice and contributes to work aimed at improving public-enterprise governance.
Official Pacific regional records have also identified Ms Mahe as a legal officer with Tonga’s Ministry of Public Enterprises.
Her return therefore brings postgraduate corporate-law training from the UK into a government area responsible for some of Tonga’s most important publicly owned commercial entities.
Applications closing
Chevening is the UK Government’s international scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office together with partner organisations.
The programme provides opportunities for emerging leaders from eligible countries, including Tonga, to undertake postgraduate study in the United Kingdom while building international professional and academic networks.
Scholars are expected to return to their home countries after completing their studies and use their knowledge, experience and networks to contribute to their respective communities and countries.
With the next application deadline approaching, the UK in Tonga highlighted Ms Mahe’s experience as an example for prospective Tongan applicants.
“Now it could be your turn,” the British mission said.
“Apply to Chevening and start your own adventure towards a brighter future, for yourself and for Tonga.”
