MastersFully Funded

Chevening Scholarships

Chevening Scholarships enable outstanding emerging leaders from all over the world to pursue one-year master’s degrees in the UK. This fully-funded scholarship allows scholars to focus on their professional goals, develop academically, network extensively, experience UK culture, and build lasting relationships with the UK.

Provider: Chevening FCDO
Host country: United Kingdom
Region: Europe

Official source

Topics

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Chevening Scholarships 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

Key eligibility criteria

Applicants must be emerging leaders committed to solving local, national, or global challenges. Specific eligibility criteria and work experience requirements are detailed on the Chevening website, varying by scholarship type (Standard, SIDS, ASEAN) and country.

What the fully funded award covers

Monthly stipend
Accommodation
Return airfare
Visa & residence costs

About the Chevening Scholarships (2026)

## Overview Chevening Scholarships offer a unique opportunity for aspiring global leaders to pursue a one-year Master’s degree in the United Kingdom. This prestigious program is fully funded by the UK government, enabling scholars from over 160 countries and territories worldwide to focus entirely on their academic and professional development without financial burden. Chevening aims to develop future leaders, policy-makers, and decision-makers who will return to their home countries equipped with the knowledge, skills, and networks to drive positive change. The scholarship provides an immersive experience in UK culture and education, fostering strong, lasting relationships between scholars and the UK. The scholarship is designed for individuals who demonstrate leadership potential, a strong academic background, and a commitment to addressing significant challenges in their respective fields or communities. While the application period for the current cycle is closed, prospective applicants are encouraged to research the program thoroughly and prepare for future application windows. ## Benefits Chevening Scholarships are renowned for being fully funded, offering comprehensive support that covers various expenses associated with studying and living in the UK. The benefits typically include: * **University tuition fees:** Covered in full, providing access to world-class education at leading UK universities. * **Monthly stipend:** A generous allowance to cover living costs, including accommodation, food, and other personal expenses. * **Return airfare:** Travel costs to and from the UK are provided, ensuring a smooth transition for scholars. * **Arrival allowance:** Funds to help scholars settle into their new environment upon arrival in the UK. * **Homeward departure allowance:** Assistance for travel back to the scholar's home country after completing their studies. * **Visa costs:** Reimbursement for the cost of obtaining a UK visa. * **Travel grants:** Support to attend Chevening events and engage in networking opportunities across the UK. These extensive benefits ensure that scholars can fully immerse themselves in their studies and the Chevening experience, maximizing their academic and professional growth. ## Eligibility To be eligible for a Chevening Scholarship, applicants generally need to meet several key criteria. While specific requirements can vary slightly depending on the applicant's country and the specific scholarship type (e.g., Standard Chevening Scholarships, Chevening SIDS Scholarships, Chevening ASEAN Scholarships), the core eligibility standards usually include: * **Citizenship:** Be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country or territory. * **Return to home country:** Commit to returning to their country of citizenship for a minimum of two years after their award has ended. * **Undergraduate degree:** Have completed all components of an undergraduate degree that will enable them to gain admission to a postgraduate programme at a UK university. This is typically equivalent to an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in the UK. * **Work experience:** Have at least two years of work experience. This can include paid or unpaid employment, internships, or volunteering. The nature and relevance of the work experience are crucial. * **Master's course selection:** Apply to three different eligible UK Master's courses and receive an unconditional offer from one of these choices by a specified deadline. * **Leadership potential:** Demonstrate strong leadership potential through their professional and personal achievements. It is essential for prospective applicants to carefully review the specific eligibility criteria for their country on the official Chevening website, as requirements can be subject to change and may include additional stipulations. ## Required Documents The application process for a Chevening Scholarship typically requires a comprehensive set of documents to support the applicant's profile and qualifications. While the exact list may vary, common required documents include: * **Academic transcripts and degree certificates:** Official records of all previous higher education qualifications. * **Two reference letters:** Professional or academic references that speak to the applicant's character, leadership potential, and academic abilities. * **English language test results:** Proof of English proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL scores, unless exempt based on prior education or nationality. * **Essays:** Several essays addressing specific prompts related to leadership, networking, studying in the UK, and career plans. * **CV/Resume:** A detailed curriculum vitae outlining work experience, achievements, and qualifications. * **Valid passport:** Copy of a valid passport. Applicants should ensure all documents are prepared accurately and submitted in the required format by the specified deadlines. ## How to Apply The application process for Chevening Scholarships is rigorous and competitive. While applications are currently closed, the typical steps include: 1. **Check eligibility:** Verify that you meet all the eligibility criteria for your country/territory and the specific scholarship type. 2. **Research courses:** Use the Chevening course finder to identify three eligible Master's courses at UK universities that align with your academic and career goals. Applicants must apply to these universities independently. 3. **Complete the online application form:** Fill out the detailed online application form on the Chevening website, providing personal information, academic history, work experience, and responses to essay questions. 4. **Submit supporting documents:** Upload all required documents, including academic transcripts, reference letters, and English language test results, by the specified deadline. 5. **Interviews:** Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview, typically conducted between February and April, where they will discuss their motivations, leadership potential, and career aspirations. 6. **Conditional offer:** Successful candidates will receive a conditional offer, which usually requires obtaining an unconditional offer from one of their chosen UK universities. Prospective applicants are strongly advised to start preparing their applications well in advance of the opening date, as the process can be time-consuming. ## Key Dates Applications for Chevening Scholarships are currently closed. Historically, the application window typically opens in August and closes in November. The selection process, including interviews and university application deadlines, extends into the following year. Successful candidates are usually announced in June, with scholars commencing their studies in the UK in September/October. * **Application opening:** Historically August (check official website for next cycle) * **Application closing:** Historically November (check official website for next cycle) * **Interviews:** February - April * **Results announcement:** June * **Departure to UK:** September/October Applicants should refer to the official Chevening application timeline for the most accurate and up-to-date information for the next application cycle. ## Selection Criteria The selection of Chevening Scholars is based on a rigorous assessment of several key attributes, including: * **Leadership potential:** Demonstrated ability to inspire, influence, and lead others, evident through professional and personal experiences. * **Networking skills:** An aptitude for building and maintaining relationships, and a willingness to engage with the Chevening network. * **Academic excellence:** A strong academic background and the potential to succeed in a demanding Master's program. * **Commitment to development:** A clear vision of how the scholarship will contribute to their personal and professional development, and ultimately benefit their home country. * **Course fit:** The relevance of the chosen Master's courses to their career aspirations and capacity to address global challenges. Chevening seeks individuals who are not only academically strong but also possess the drive and vision to make a significant impact in their chosen fields. ## Tips * **Start early:** Begin preparing your application months in advance to allow ample time for research, essay writing, and securing references. * **Tailor your application:** Customize your essays and CV to highlight how your experience and aspirations align with Chevening's values of leadership, networking, and impact. * **Demonstrate leadership:** Provide concrete examples of your leadership experiences and how you have influenced others. * **Choose wisely:** Carefully research and select three Master's courses that genuinely align with your career goals and Chevening's objectives. * **Refine your essays:** Write clear, concise, and compelling essays that effectively convey your motivations, achievements, and future plans. Seek feedback from others. * **Practice for interviews:** If shortlisted, practice your interview skills and be prepared to articulate your vision and how Chevening will help you achieve it. * **Network:** Engage with the Chevening online community, attend webinars, and connect with Chevening alumni for insights and advice. ## Official Source For the most comprehensive and up-to-date information regarding Chevening Scholarships, including detailed eligibility criteria, application guidelines, and key dates, please refer to the official website: [https://www.chevening.org/scholarships/](https://www.chevening.org/scholarships/)

What the Fully Funded Chevening Scholarships 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.

Monthly stipend
Accommodation
Return airfare
Visa & residence costs

Chevening Scholarships eligibility for United Kingdom applicants

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

Applicants must be emerging leaders committed to solving local, national, or global challenges. Specific eligibility criteria and work experience requirements are detailed on the Chevening website, varying by scholarship type (Standard, SIDS, ASEAN) and country.

Documents required for the Chevening Scholarships 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 Scholarships 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/scholarships/ and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "Applicants must be emerging leaders committed to solving local, national, or global challenges. Specific eligibility criteria and work experience requirements are detailed on the Chevening website, varying by scholarship…". 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/scholarships/, 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 at least one week before the deadline
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 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 Scholarships 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 Scholarships?+

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

Is the Chevening Scholarships 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 . 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 Scholarships?+

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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