Apply for the Chevening UK Government Scholarships

Funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations, the Chevening Scholarship is the UK government's flagship international awards scheme.

Designed to identify and nurture emerging global leaders, policymakers, and innovators, the program offers fully funded access to one-year taught master's degrees at top UK universities.

Beyond academic excellence, Chevening provides scholars with bespoke professional networking, cultural immersive experiences, and lifetime membership in an international alumni network exceeding 50,000 leaders worldwide.

Program Overview & Key Benefits

The Chevening Scholarship provides a comprehensive, fully funded financial package that removes financial barriers to studying in the United Kingdom. Designed specifically for one-year taught master's programs, the award allows scholars to concentrate entirely on their academic, professional, and personal growth.

Key benefits of the award include:

• Full University Tuition Coverage: Comprehensive payment of university tuition fees for your chosen taught master's degree (standard caps apply to certain specialist courses, such as MBAs).

• Monthly Living Stipend: A dedicated allowance to cover accommodation, food, and day-to-day living costs throughout your stay in the UK.

• Travel and Relocation Grants: Full funding for return economy-class flights between your home country and the UK, plus dedicated arrival and departure allowances.

• Visa and Event Support: Full coverage for the cost of your UK entry visa application and a travel allowance to participate in official Chevening events and networking conferences across the UK.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a Chevening Scholarship, candidates must meet clear criteria regarding nationality, academic preparation, and professional experience:

• Eligible Citizenship: Must be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country or territory and agree to return home for a minimum of two years following the completion of the scholarship.

• Academic Preparation: Must hold an undergraduate degree equivalent to an upper second-class (2:1) UK honours degree, satisfying the entry standards of your selected UK master's programs.

• Work Experience: Must possess a minimum of two years of work experience (equivalent to 2,800 hours), which may include full-time, part-time, voluntary, or paid/unpaid internship work.

• Course Selection: Must apply to three distinct, eligible full-time taught master's courses starting in the autumn term (September/October) based in the UK. Distance learning, part-time, PhD/DPhil, or MRes research-focused programs are ineligible.

• University Admission: Must receive at least one unconditional university offer from your three course choices by the Chevening offer deadline.

• Ineligibility Exclusions: Individuals holding British or dual British citizenship, current or former employees (and their relatives) of His Majesty's Government or the Association of Commonwealth Universities, or candidates who have previously studied in the UK with UK government funding are not eligible.

Note on Language Requirements: Chevening removed its separate standalone English language test requirement. Applicants must instead satisfy the specific English language entry standards of their chosen UK universities to secure an unconditional offer.

Required Documents

Prepare the following documentation before beginning your application portal submission:

• Official Identification: A valid passport or national identity card.

• Academic Credentials: Official undergraduate degree certificates and academic transcripts detailing all completed coursework.

• Course Choices: Documented selection of three distinct eligible UK taught master's programs.

• University Offers (Post-Application): At least one unconditional offer letter from your three chosen UK universities, uploaded by the post-interview deadline.

• References & Identity Verification: Two reference letters and formal photo identification, required if shortlisted for an embassy interview.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

The Chevening application process requires careful strategic planning. Follow these sequential steps to ensure your application passes both electronic screening and committee evaluation:

1. Verify Country Eligibility and Select Courses: Confirm your country's eligibility on the official Chevening portal. Research and select three distinct full-time UK taught master's courses starting in the autumn term.

2. Calculate Work Experience: Ensure your cumulative work history meets or exceeds 2,800 hours across full-time, part-time, or voluntary roles prior to submitting your form.

3. Submit the Online Portal Application: Complete the online application via your country's Chevening portal before the October deadline. Ensure all essays on leadership, networking, studying in the UK, and career plans are thoroughly refined.

4. Apply Directly to UK Universities: Submit formal applications to your three chosen UK universities independently of your Chevening application to secure your course offers.

5. Pass Electronic Screening & Reading Committee: Submitted applications undergo automated eligibility checks followed by independent reading committee reviews between October and January.

6. Attend the Embassy Interview: Shortlisted candidates are invited for an in-person or online interview at their local British embassy or high commission between March and April.

7. Upload Unconditional Offer: If selected provisionally, secure and upload at least one unconditional offer from your university choices before the July deadline.

Deadlines & Status

Applications for Chevening Scholarships open annually in early August and close in early October.

Candidates must adhere strictly to these dates, as the portal closes automatically at 11:00 UTC on deadline day and no late edits are permitted. Monitor the Chevening portal for exact regional timeline updates and university offer submission cut-offs.