Chevening Scholarships present a prestigious opportunity for outstanding emerging leaders from around the globe to pursue a one-year master’s degree at a UK university. Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organizations, Chevening is more than just a scholarship—it is a leadership development program designed to nurture the next generation of global changemakers.
Recipients of the Chevening Scholarship will gain access to world-class education, build professional networks, experience British culture, and develop the skills needed to drive meaningful change in their home countries. By the end of the program, scholars will be equipped with the knowledge, global connections, and leadership skills to make a lasting impact.
Scholarship Benefits
Chevening Scholarships provide a fully funded study experience in the UK, covering:
- Full tuition fees for a one-year master’s program at a UK university.
- A monthly stipend to cover living expenses.
- Travel costs to and from the UK.
- Arrival and departure allowances.
- Coverage of visa application fees.
- Access to exclusive academic, cultural, and networking opportunities during the program.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Chevening Scholarships, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country or territory.
- Commit to returning to their home country for at least two years after completing the scholarship.
- Have at least 2,800 hours of work experience (equivalent to approximately two years of full-time work) acquired after completing an undergraduate degree. Eligible work experience includes:
- Full-time employment
- Part-time employment
- Voluntary work
- Paid or unpaid internships
- Hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies them for admission into a UK master’s program. Applicants must have completed their undergraduate studies at least two years before the Chevening application deadline.
- Apply to three different eligible UK university master’s courses and receive at least one unconditional offer by the final deadline for references and education documents.
- Applicants are not eligible if they hold British or dual British citizenship (with limited exceptions), previously studied in the UK on a UK government-funded scholarship, or are employees/relatives of employees of the UK government, British embassies, the British Council, or Chevening partner organizations (within the last two years).
Application Process
Applying for the Chevening Scholarships requires careful preparation. All applications must be submitted via the Chevening online application system, and the process involves several steps:
- Online Registration – Create an account, read and accept the Chevening terms and conditions, and register with a valid email address.
- Eligibility Checker – Complete a short questionnaire to confirm eligibility. If successful, an access code will be provided.
- Application Form Completion – Fill out the required sections, including:
- Personal details
- Immigration information
- Education history
- Work experience (minimum 2,800 hours)
- Three UK master’s degree course choices
- Referee details
- Four essay questions addressing leadership, networking, academic goals, and career plans
- Equal opportunities information (optional, for monitoring only)
- References and Supporting Documents – Applicants must provide two reference letters and relevant academic documents before interviews.
- Submission – Once all sections are completed, review and submit the application online.
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Required Documents
To complete the application for the Chevening Scholarships, applicants are required to prepare and submit the following documents:
- Valid Passport or National ID – A scanned copy to confirm identity and citizenship of an eligible Chevening country.
- Undergraduate Degree Certificate – Proof of completion of a degree that qualifies the applicant for entry into a UK master’s program.
- Academic Transcripts – Official transcripts or records showing completed courses and grades achieved.
- References – Contact details of two referees must be included in the application. Shortlisted applicants will be required to upload two signed reference letters before the interview.
- Unconditional Offer Letter – Applicants must secure and submit at least one unconditional offer from their chosen UK universities by the final deadline (9 July 2026).
- Curriculum Vitae/Work Experience Record – A detailed record of professional and voluntary experiences demonstrating at least 2,800 hours of work.
- Essay Responses – Four written essays addressing leadership, networking, career goals, and study plans, each with a maximum word limit of 300 words.
Selection Process
The selection process for the Chevening Scholarships is rigorous and highly competitive:
- Eligibility Screening (October 2025): Applications are first reviewed to ensure they meet basic eligibility requirements.
- Independent Review (Oct 2025 – Jan 2026): Eligible applications are assessed by independent reading committees.
- Shortlisting (Feb 2026): British embassies and high commissions create a shortlist of candidates invited to interview.
- Interviews (Mar – Apr 2026): Shortlisted candidates attend panel interviews at British embassies or high commissions. The interviews focus on leadership potential, career plans, and course choices.
- Final Results (June 2026): Successful applicants are notified by email.
- Offer Confirmation (July 9, 2026): Selected candidates must submit at least one unconditional UK university offer by this date.
- Program Start (Sept/Oct 2026): Chevening Scholars begin their one-year master’s programs in the UK.
Scholarship Duration
Chevening Scholarships cover the full length of a one-year master’s program at a UK university. Studies will begin in September/October 2026 and conclude in the autumn of 2027, after which scholars are expected to return to their home countries to apply the skills and networks they gained.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Chevening Scholarships is 7 October 2025 at 12:00 UTC/GMT.
