Chevening Scholarship

Overview

The Chevening Scholarship is the UK government's flagship international scholarship, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations. It pays for a one-year master's degree at a UK university and is aimed at people with leadership potential and a clear plan to make an impact when they return home.

Chevening is fully funded. It covers your tuition fees, gives you a monthly living stipend, pays for return airfare to the UK, and provides a set of allowances to help you settle in and take part in Chevening events. In exchange, you commit to returning to your home country for at least two years after your studies, which keeps the programme focused on building leaders who contribute back home.

The scholarship is open to citizens of Chevening-eligible countries who have an undergraduate degree and around two years of work experience. Applicants choose three eligible UK master's courses and must hold an unconditional offer from one of them before a set deadline. Competition is strong, but the application is structured around four essays and a clear sense of your goals, so a focused, well-prepared candidate has a real chance.

Key Facts at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

You need an undergraduate degree that qualifies you for entry to a postgraduate master's programme at a UK university. You apply to three eligible UK master's courses and must secure an unconditional offer from one of them before the offer deadline.

Work Experience Requirements

You must have at least 2,800 hours of work experience, which is roughly two years of full-time work based on a 35-hour week, though it can be spread over a longer period. You can submit up to fifteen different employment entries, and part-time, voluntary and self-employed work all count.

Nationality Requirements

You must be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country and intend to return to that country for a minimum of two years after your scholarship ends. The list of eligible countries is set each year, so check it before applying.

Language & Other Requirements

You need to meet the English language requirement of your chosen UK courses and demonstrate leadership potential and a clear plan for how you will use your degree. Returning home for at least two years after your studies is a firm condition of the award.

What the Scholarship Covers

• Full tuition fees for your one-year UK master's programme.
• A monthly living stipend to cover accommodation and daily costs, set at a higher rate for scholars in London than outside it.
• A return economy airfare between your home country and the UK.
• The cost of your UK visa application.
• Arrival and departure allowances to help you settle in and leave.
• Travel grants to attend Chevening events held across the UK.

How to Apply

1. Check eligibility: Confirm you are a citizen of an eligible country, hold an undergraduate degree, and have at least 2,800 hours of work experience.
2. Choose three courses: Select three eligible UK master's courses on your application; you will need an unconditional offer from one of them later.
3. Prepare your essays: Write the required essays on leadership, networking, your study choice and your career plan, keeping them specific and evidence-based.
4. Line up your referees: Arrange two referees who can speak to your abilities and provide their contact details.
5. Submit your application: Apply online through the Chevening portal during the application window, which usually opens in early August and closes in early October.
6. Attend the interview: Shortlisted candidates are interviewed at the local British embassy or high commission.
7. Secure your unconditional offer: Obtain and submit an unconditional offer from one of your three courses before the required deadline to confirm your scholarship.

Required Documents

• Valid passport or national ID.
• University transcripts and degree certificates for your undergraduate studies.
• Evidence supporting your work experience hours.
• Two reference letters from your chosen referees.
• An unconditional offer letter from one of your three UK master's courses (required at a later stage).
• English language test results that meet your course requirements.

Key Dates & Deadlines

Chevening runs on an annual cycle. Applications usually open in early August and close in early October. Interviews for shortlisted candidates take place in the months that follow, and you typically need to secure an unconditional offer from one of your courses by a deadline in the following summer, ahead of starting your master's in the autumn. Check the official site each year for exact dates, as they shift slightly between cycles.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Use concrete examples in your leadership and networking essays rather than general statements.
• Show a clear, realistic career plan that connects your course choice to impact back home.
• Choose three courses that genuinely fit your goals and are eligible under Chevening rules.
• Track your work experience carefully so you can document the 2,800-hour requirement.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting vague essays that do not give specific evidence of your achievements.
• Choosing courses that are not eligible or that do not match your stated goals.
• Underestimating the work experience requirement or failing to document it.
• Missing the offer deadline for securing an unconditional place from one of your three courses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Chevening Scholarship?

It is the UK government's fully funded scholarship for a one-year master's degree, aimed at emerging leaders from Chevening-eligible countries.

Is the Chevening Scholarship fully funded?

Yes. It covers tuition fees, a monthly living stipend, return airfare, visa costs and settlement allowances.

What is the deadline for the Chevening Scholarship?

Applications usually open in early August and close in early October each year. Check the official site for the exact date.

How much work experience do I need for the Chevening Scholarship?

You need at least 2,800 hours, which is roughly two years of full-time work, and part-time, voluntary and self-employed work all count.

Does the Chevening Scholarship cover full tuition?

Yes. It pays your full tuition fees for an eligible one-year UK master's programme.

How many courses do I choose for the Chevening Scholarship?

You choose three eligible UK master's courses and must hold an unconditional offer from one of them before the deadline.

Who is eligible for the Chevening Scholarship?

Citizens of Chevening-eligible countries with an undergraduate degree and about two years of work experience who commit to returning home for at least two years.

Do I have to return home after the Chevening Scholarship?

Yes. You must return to your home country for a minimum of two years after your scholarship ends.

How do I apply for the Chevening Scholarship?

You apply online through the Chevening portal during the application window, complete the required essays and provide two referees.

Does the Chevening Scholarship include airfare?

Yes. It includes a return economy airfare between your home country and the UK, plus arrival and departure allowances.

What is the living stipend for the Chevening Scholarship?

You receive a monthly stipend to cover living costs, paid at a higher rate for scholars based in London than for those outside London.

How long is the Chevening Scholarship?

It funds a one-year master's degree at a UK university.