Applications for the 2026-2027 Chevening Scholarships will be open soon, offering a fully funded opportunity for emerging leaders to pursue a one-year master’s degree in any field at a UK university. Open to citizens of over 160 eligible countries, this prestigious UK government-funded program seeks ambitious individuals with leadership potential to drive positive change in their home countries. The application deadline is 7 October 2025 at 12:00 UTC, and there is no application fee. Successful applicants receive full tuition, living expenses, travel costs, and more, with no financial contribution required, allowing them to focus on academic and professional growth while building global networks.
Key Details
- Study Level: One-year taught master’s degree
- Fields: Any master’s program at an accredited UK university (excludes MBAs with fees over £22,000)
- Funding: Fully-funded (tuition, monthly stipend, economy travel, visa, arrival/departure allowances, TB test up to £75)
- Application Period: 5 August 2025 – 7 October 2025 (12:00 UTC)
- Application Fee: None
Who Can Apply?
There’s no “typical” Chevening Scholar, but successful applicants demonstrate ambition, leadership qualities, and a clear vision for creating impact. The scholarship is open to individuals from over 160 eligible countries and territories, with no restrictions based on gender, age, religion, or other attributes. To be eligible, you must:
- Be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country or territory (check the full list at chevening.org/apply).
- Commit to returning to your home country for at least two years after completing the scholarship.
- Hold an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK upper second-class (2:1) honors degree, qualifying you for a UK master’s program.
- Have at least 2,800 hours (roughly two years) of work experience gained after your undergraduate degree.
- Apply to three different eligible UK master’s courses and secure an unconditional offer from at least one by the deadline.
- Meet the English language requirements of your chosen UK university (Chevening no longer requires a separate English test).
Who is Not Eligible?
You cannot apply if you:
- Hold British or dual British citizenship (unless you’re a citizen of a British Overseas Territory or hold BN(O) and apply from Hong Kong).
- Have refugee status in a non-Chevening-eligible country (but citizens of eligible countries with refugee status in another eligible country can apply).
- Are an employee, former employee, or relative of an employee (within the last two years) of the UK government, British Embassies/High Commissions, the British Council, or sponsoring UK universities.
- Have previously studied in the UK on a UK government-funded scholarship.
Work Experience Requirements
You need at least 2,800 hours of work experience, equivalent to two years of full-time work (35 hours/week for 40 weeks/year). This can include:
- Full-time or part-time employment
- Voluntary work
- Paid or unpaid internships
Key Notes:
- Only post-graduation work experience counts (experience during studies is not eligible).
- You can combine up to 15 different employment periods to meet the requirement.
- Calculate hours by multiplying weeks worked by hours per week.
- If currently employed, you don’t need to resign to apply, but discuss with your employer to ensure they’ll release you if selected.
Eligible Courses
Your Chevening application must include three eligible UK master’s courses. These must:
- Be full-time, one-year taught master’s programs (not research-based MRes programs).
- Start in the autumn term (September/October 2026).
- Be at accredited UK universities (use the Chevening course finder to search).
- For MBAs, note that Chevening covers tuition fees up to £22,000; you’ll need to cover any additional costs.
Apply to your chosen courses directly through the university’s website, as your Chevening application does not count as a university application. Secure an unconditional offer from at least one course by 9 July 2026.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
Chevening is fully-funded, allowing you to focus on your studies and UK experience. It includes:
- Full tuition fees (up to £22,000 for MBAs).
- A monthly living allowance (stipend) for accommodation and expenses (varies by location, e.g., London vs. outside London).
- Economy-class return airfare to/from your home country.
- An arrival allowance and a departure allowance.
- Cost of one visa application.
- A travel grant for Chevening events in the UK.
- Up to £75 for TB testing, if required.
Scholars also gain access to exclusive networking events, workshops, internships, and volunteering opportunities to enhance their professional and cultural experience.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Follow these steps to apply for a Chevening Scholarship and maximize your chances of success.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria to avoid rejection
Step 2: Choose Three UK Master’s Degree Courses
Select three eligible one-year taught master’s programs at accredited UK universities:
- Use the Chevening course finder to identify suitable courses.
- Ensure courses align with your career goals and Chevening’s priorities (e.g., climate action, economic growth, inclusive governance).
- Apply directly to universities as soon as possible after submitting your Chevening application, as you’ll need an unconditional offer from one course by 9 July 2026.
Step 3: Prepare Your References and Education Documents
Gather the required documents early to streamline the process:
- Two Reference Letters: Provide names and contact details of two referees (academic or professional, not relatives or friends) in your application. If shortlisted for an interview, submit two reference letters in English (or with notarized translations) by the deadline (March–April 2026).
- Education Documents: Prepare your undergraduate degree certificate (official, proving degree and grade) and academic transcripts. Original documents are required; translations are not needed unless specified.
- File Requirements: Documents must be in JPG, PNG, or PDF format, under 5MB, with filenames under 50 characters.
Step 4: Submit Your Online Application
Complete and submit your application via the online system at chevening.org/apply:
- Application Window: 5 August 2025 – 7 October 2025 (12:00 UTC).
- Key Components:
- Answer essay questions (100–300 words each) showcasing leadership, relationship-building, and career plans.
- Provide evidence of how a UK master’s will help achieve your goals.
- Align your goals with Chevening’s priorities
Step 5: Wait for an interview invitation
If shortlisted, you will receive an email to schedule your interview at a local British embassy or high commission.
Step 6: Secure an unconditional offer from a UK university
If successful at interview, you must submit at least one unconditional offer from a UK university by the deadline (9 July 2026)
Application Process and Timeline
The Chevening application process is competitive and spans about a year. Here’s the timeline for the 2026-2027 cycle:
- 5 August 2025: Applications open at 12:00 UTC. Create an account on chevening.org/apply, complete the online form, and submit required documents.
- 7 October 2025: Applications close at 12:00 UTC.
- October 2025: Applications are checked for eligibility.
- Mid-February 2026: Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews at British embassies or high commissions.
- March to April 2026: Interviews take place (in-person or virtual, in English).
- Mid-June 2026: Results announced.
- 9 July 2026: Deadline to submit an unconditional offer from one of your three chosen UK master’s courses.
- September/October 2026: Studies begin in the UK.
