MastersFully Funded

Chevening Scholarship: All You Need To Know to Study in the UK

Heads up — this listing may be outdated. The dates and details below reference a year that has already passed and our editorial team has not re-verified this scholarship is still open. Always confirm the current intake on the sponsor's official website via the button below before you invest time in an application.

The Chevening Scholarships gather up-and-coming global leaders by giving them the opportunity to study in the UK through a fully-funded program., Post a Comment

Provider: Chevening / UK FCDO
Host country: United Kingdom
Deadline: Early November (annual — typically opens August, closes early November)
Region: Europe

Official source

Topics

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Chevening Scholarship: All You Need To Know to Study in the UK is open to African students applying to study in United Kingdom at the Masters level, with fully funded funding. Below is a quick summary of who can apply, what's covered, and the key dates — full details are further down the page.

Who can apply: Masters · applicants for United Kingdom
Funding: Fully Funded
Study level: Masters
Deadline: Early November (annual — typically opens August, closes early November)

Key eligibility criteria

Citizens of Chevening-eligible countries (incl. most of Africa)
2+ years of work experience
Bachelor's degree
English

See full eligibility criteria ↓

What the fully funded award covers

Full tuition
Monthly stipend
Accommodation
Return airfare
Visa & residence costs

About the Chevening Scholarship: All You Need To Know to Study in the UK (2026)

The Chevening Scholarships gather up-and-coming global leaders by giving them the opportunity to study in the UK. Through offering one-year master’s degree courses, Chevening has brought over fifty thousand exceptional professionals from around the world since its establishment in 1983. In addition, the international awards program is fully-funded by the UK government. Course fees, flights, and accommodation are also included under the scholarship, so that students may freely focus on their academic and professional goals. ## Table of contents - [What is Covered by the Chevening Scholarship Award?](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/chevening-scholarship-all-you-need-to-know-to-study-in-the-uk/#h-what-is-covered-by-the-chevening-scholarship-award) - [Eligibility Criteria for Scholars](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/chevening-scholarship-all-you-need-to-know-to-study-in-the-uk/#h-eligibility-criteria-for-scholars) - [Courses Offered for Study in the UK](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/chevening-scholarship-all-you-need-to-know-to-study-in-the-uk/#h-courses-offered-for-study-in-the-uk) - [Chevening Scholarship Application Process](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/chevening-scholarship-all-you-need-to-know-to-study-in-the-uk/#h-chevening-scholarship-application-process) - [Chevening’s Partner Universities](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/chevening-scholarship-all-you-need-to-know-to-study-in-the-uk/#h-chevening-s-partner-universities) - [Other Details](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/chevening-scholarship-all-you-need-to-know-to-study-in-the-uk/#h-other-details) ![](https://i0.wp.com/scholarshipsforafricans.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/how-to-win-chevening-scholarship-1.jpg?resize=1140%2C641&ssl=1)The Chevening Scholarships is a program fully-funded by the UK government which will cover course fees, flights, and accommodation. **\| Photo credits: [Chevening Website](https://www.chevening.org/)** ## What is Covered by the Chevening Scholarship Award? Chevening aims to create an international community dedicated to driving positive change. Moreover, the institution works on it by bringing together the best minds from across the globe and supporting them, through education, to achieve their goals. In turn, the Chevening Scholarship Award covers the following: - University tuition fee - Monthly stipend - Travel costs to and from the UK - Arrival allowance - Departure allowance - Cost of VISA application - Travel grant to attend Chevening events in the UK ## Eligibility Criteria for Scholars To be a qualified Chevening scholar, a person must meet the following criteria: - The candidate must be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country or territory. - Accepted scholars return to their country of citizenship for a minimum of two years after their award has ended. - In addition, they must have completed all components of an undergraduate degree that will enable you to gain entry onto a postgraduate program at a UK university by the time you submit your application. This is typically equivalent to an upper second-class 2:1 honors degree in the UK but may be different depending on your course and university choice. - Candidates must also have at least two years (equivalent to 2,800 hours) of work experience. - At this point, aspiring scholars must have already applied to three different eligible [UK university courses](https://www.chevening.org/scholarships/guidance/courses/) and have received an unconditional offer from one of these choices by the indicated deadline for the academic year. ![](https://i0.wp.com/scholarshipsforafricans.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/chevening-scholarship-scroll.jpg?resize=1140%2C755&ssl=1) Applicants must show aptitude, excellence, and good academic background to be qualified for a master’s UK education. \| Photo by **[Ekrulila](https://www.pexels.com/@ekrulila?utm_content=attributionCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pexels)** from **[Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-holding-white-scroll-2292837/?utm_content=attributionCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pexels)** ## Courses Offered for Study in the UK Selecting the right courses at the right universities is one of the most important aspects of a scholar’s application. As such, the aspiring applicant must list three [eligible courses](https://www.chevening.org/scholarships/guidance/courses/) for the opportunity. The candidate must also apply for the course separately via the partner university that runs the course (See: Chevening’s Partner Universities). Furthermore, it is advisable for interested parties to choose full-time, taught courses. The said programs should not be less than nine months or more than 12 months in duration. On another note, the scope does not cover distance learning courses. ## Chevening Scholarship Application Process To start the Chevening Scholarship application process, applicants must first read the [application guidance](https://www.chevening.org/scholarships/guidance/) and consequently [apply](https://www.chevening.org/apply/) via their country or territory’s page. It should be noted that the Chevening Scholarships are very competitive in general. In order to be awarded a scholarship by the partner university, applicants must show aptitude, excellence, and good academic background to be qualified for a master’s UK education. In order to increase the chance of admission and a subsequent study in the UK, aspiring scholars are advised to choose three related or similar courses being offered at three different universities. After applications have been sifted against the eligibility criteria, independent reading committees come in to assess the remaining applications. The candidates’ scores and rankings are then passed back to local British embassies and high commissions for endorsement. Once the embassies and high commissions have reviewed the applications, they will then produce a shortlist of interviewees. Following this, the said candidates will be tasked to submit two [references](https://www.chevening.org/scholarships/guidance/references/) and their education documents prior to the interview date. Applicants who then pass the interviews will be announced. Now that a scholarship slot has been secured, the aspiring scholar must also receive at least one unconditional UK university offer and submit the necessary information to Chevening. ## Chevening’s Partner Universities As of writing, these institutions have partnered with Chevening Scholarships to grant select students the chance to study in the UK: 01. [Bournemouth University](https://wordpress.com/post/scholarshipsforafricans.com/1403) 02. [University of London, Birbeck](https://wordpress.com/post/scholarshipsforafricans.com/1449) 03. [Brunel University, London](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/brunel-university-london-scholarships-and-bursaries-for-international-students/) 04. [Durham University](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/durham-university-scholarship-opportunities-for-international-students/) 05. [University of Central Lancashire](https://wordpress.com/post/scholarshipsforafricans.com/1513) 06. [University of East Anglia](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/university-of-east-anglia-international-student-scholarships-for-study-in-the-uk/) 07. [University of Edinburgh](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/university-of-edinburgh-international-undergraduate-and-postgraduate-student-scholarships-for-africans/) 08. [University of Exeter](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/university-of-exeter-international-student-scholarships-for-africans/) 09. [University of Kent](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/university-of-kent-international-student-scholarships/) 10. University of Glasgow 11. University of Leeds 12. University of Nottingham 13. University of Reading 14. University of Salford 15. University of South Wales 16. [University of Westminster](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/university-of-westminster-list-of-available-international-student-scholarships/) 17. University of Warwick 18. University of Surrey 19. University of Sussex 20. University of Stirling 21. University of Southampton 22. Cardiff University 23. Queen Mary University of London 24. Robert Gordon University 25. Swansea University 26. University of Bath 27. University of Birmingham ## Other Details There is a fee cap applied to MBA programs. In effect, the scholarship requires that the candidate must cover any additional cost above £18000. On another note, all Chevening applications must be done online. The submission must be through the Online Application System (OAS). * * * _brought to you by Scholarships for Africans_ [**Scholarships for Africans**](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/) is a premier scholarship information blog committed to bringing more opportunities for Africans globally. They are part of the African Scholar Initiative, powered by Scholarship Hippo. 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What the Fully Funded Chevening Scholarship: All You Need To Know to Study in the UK covers

The award components below were extracted from the sponsor's published description. Always cross-check the exact figures, ceiling amounts and conditions on the official site before you budget around them.

Full tuition
Monthly stipend
Accommodation
Return airfare
Visa & residence costs

Chevening Scholarship: All You Need To Know to Study in the UK eligibility for United Kingdom applicants

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

Citizens of Chevening-eligible countries (incl. most of Africa)
2+ years of work experience
Bachelor's degree
English
admitted to a one-year UK Master's
return home for 2 years after.

Documents required for the Chevening Scholarship: All You Need To Know to Study in the UK application

A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.

Valid international passport (bio page scan)
Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
Research proposal or statement of purpose (500–2,000 words for PhD)
Published or unpublished writing sample (PhD and research-led Masters)
Financial-need declaration or family-income statement (sponsor-specific template)
Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders

How to apply for the Chevening Scholarship: All You Need To Know to Study in the UK 2026

A practical, sponsor-agnostic sequence used by >95% of international scholarship applicants. Adapt to the sponsor's specific portal — the order rarely changes.

1
Confirm eligibility on the official site
Open https://www.chevening.org/apply/ and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "Citizens of Chevening-eligible countries (incl. most of Africa); 2+ years of work experience; Bachelor's degree; English; admitted to a one-year UK Master's; return home for 2 years after.". Sponsor rules change between intakes, so always confirm against the live call.
2
Secure a study place or admission offer
Apply to the host UK university first via UCAS (undergraduate) or the postgraduate portal. Most UK scholarship sponsors will not assess your funding application without a conditional offer letter.
3
Sit required tests and gather documents
Book IELTS Academic for UKVI (target 6.5+ for UG/taught Master's, 7.0+ for research). Request sealed PDF transcripts, brief 2–3 referees in writing, and prepare your passport bio page at high resolution.
4
Draft your essays and statements
Write a 500–1,000-word personal statement and any additional essays the sponsor specifies. Anchor each essay in concrete examples and tie your goals back to the sponsor's mission.
5
Complete the online application
Create an account on https://www.chevening.org/apply/, fill in every field, and upload the required documents in the formats specified (PDF, max file size, single-file vs multi-file). Save progress frequently — most portals time out after 30–60 minutes.
6
Submit by Early November (annual — typically opens August, closes early November) (aim 7 days early)
Sponsor portals routinely slow or fail in the final 24 hours. Submit early, download the confirmation receipt, and screenshot the submission timestamp. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
7
Prepare for shortlist interviews
If shortlisted, Chevening / UK FCDO will contact you within 4–12 weeks. Re-read your essays, rehearse 3–5 likely questions out loud, and confirm your time zone for any video interview.
8
Plan your UK Student visa and arrival
Once funded, accept your university place to trigger your CAS, book a UKVI-approved TB test (£80–£200), then apply for the Student visa (£524 + £776/year IHS). Budget 3–6 weeks of processing and collect your BRP within 10 days of arrival.

Chevening Scholarship: All You Need To Know to Study in the UK deadline & application timeline

The sponsor has not published a fixed deadline yet. Use the milestones below as a generic 12-month plan; substitute dates once the intake window opens.

12 months out
Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.
6 months out
Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.
3 months out
Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.
1 month out
Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.
Application deadline
Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

Visit official site

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Chevening Scholarship: All You Need To Know to Study in the UK?+

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the Masters level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by Chevening / UK FCDO, and be able to relocate to United Kingdom for the duration of the programme.

Is the Chevening Scholarship: All You Need To Know to Study in the UK fully funded?+

Funding model: Fully Funded. Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.

When is the application deadline?+

The application deadline is Early November (annual — typically opens August, closes early November). Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

What documents do I need to apply?+

At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.

How can I improve my chance of winning?+

Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.

What UK visa do I need for the Chevening Scholarship: All You Need To Know to Study in the UK?+

Most scholarship holders enter the UK on a Student visa (formerly Tier 4). You apply after receiving a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your university, and must show proof of funds, your scholarship award letter, and a valid TB test certificate (required for most African nationals). Apply at least 3 months before your course start date.

Sources

UK Student visa

What English-language score do UK universities require?+

UK universities typically require IELTS Academic 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) for undergraduate and taught Masters, and 7.0 overall (no band below 6.5) for research degrees and competitive programmes. For the Student visa itself, you need a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as IELTS for UKVI unless your degree was taught entirely in English in a majority-English-speaking country.

Can I stay and work in the UK after my scholarship ends?+

Yes — the Graduate Route lets you stay for 2 years after completing an undergraduate or Masters degree (3 years for a PhD) to work or look for work at any skill level, with no sponsorship required. You must apply before your Student visa expires and have completed your course at a UK Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance.

Sources

Graduate visa

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