What you’ll learn
- The basic eligibility rules that apply to refugees who want to apply for a Chevening Scholarship in 2026.
- The key steps and documents needed to build a competitive application.
- Common pitfalls that can derail a refugee applicant’s chances.
- Where to find the most up‑to‑date deadlines, funding details and visa guidance.
---
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|------|---------|
| Programme or guide name | Chevening Scholarships for Refugees |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Study level | Master’s degree (or equivalent) |
| Funding information | Full tuition, living allowance, travel, and other expenses – check official site for exact figures |
| Eligibility overview | Open to foreign nationals who hold or have held refugee status; must meet Chevening’s general criteria |
| Application deadline | Varies by cycle – check official site for 2026 dates |
| Official website |
---
Who This Guide Is For
This guide is written for refugees, asylum seekers, and international students who are considering applying for a Chevening Scholarship to study in the United Kingdom in 2026. It assumes that you are:
- A person who has been granted refugee status or is recognized as a refugee under the 1951 Refugee Convention.
- A holder of a valid passport or travel document that allows you to travel to the UK.
- Interested in pursuing a Master’s level programme at a UK university.
If you are a refugee who has not yet received formal status, or if you are unsure whether your situation meets Chevening’s eligibility criteria, you should consult the official Chevening website or contact the UK embassy in your country for guidance.
---
Eligibility and Important Requirements
General Chevening Eligibility
Chevening Scholarships are awarded by the UK government to outstanding individuals from around the world who demonstrate leadership potential and a strong commitment to their home country. The core eligibility criteria include:
- Nationality – You must be a national of a country that is eligible for Chevening.
- Academic qualifications – A good undergraduate degree (or equivalent) that qualifies you for a Master’s programme in the UK.
- Work experience – Typically at least two years of relevant work experience.
- Leadership potential – Evidence of leadership or the potential to become a future leader.
- Return commitment – A clear plan to return to your home country (or community) after your studies to contribute to its development.
Chevening Eligibility for Refugees
Chevening does not have a separate category for refugees, but refugees who meet the general eligibility criteria are eligible to apply. Key points for refugees:
- Refugee status – You must hold a valid refugee status or a travel document that confirms your status.
- Nationality – Your nationality must be from a Chevening‑eligible country. Refugee status does not change your nationality.
- Residency – You can apply from your country of residence, even if you are a refugee.
- Documentation – You will need to provide proof of your refugee status (e.g., a refugee certificate, travel document, or official letter from the relevant authority).
Because the Chevening application process is the same for all applicants, refugees should treat their application as any other applicant’s, ensuring that all documents are complete and that the personal statement reflects their unique experiences and future plans.
> Important: The Chevening website does not list specific refugee‑only deadlines or funding amounts. Check the official site for the most recent information.
---
What Funding or Support May Be Available
Chevening Scholarships cover:
- Tuition fees – Full payment of tuition for the chosen Master’s programme.
- Living allowance – Monthly stipend to cover accommodation, food, transport, and other living expenses.
- Travel – Round‑trip airfare to and from the UK.
- Insurance – Health and travel insurance for the duration of the scholarship.
- Other allowances – Depending on the programme, there may be additional allowances for research, conferences, or study materials.
The exact amounts vary each year and are set by the UK government. Refugees should verify the current figures on the Chevening website before budgeting.
---
How to Prepare an Application
1. Identify a Chevening‑eligible Course
- Search the UK university catalogue for Master’s programmes that match your career goals.
- Verify that the course is listed on the Chevening website as eligible for funding.
2. Confirm Your Eligibility
- Review the general eligibility criteria and ensure you meet each point.
- Gather evidence of your refugee status and any related documentation.
3. Build Your Personal Statement
- Structure – Introduction, academic background, professional experience, leadership examples, and future impact.
- Tone – Reflect on how your refugee experience has shaped your aspirations.
- Length – Follow the word limit specified on the Chevening application form.
4. Secure References
- Obtain two references: one academic and one professional.
- Provide contact details and a brief background of each referee.
5. Prepare Supporting Documents
- Passport or travel document.
- Refugee status certificate or official letter.
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- CV or resume.
- Proof of work experience (e.g., employment letters, pay slips).
6. Complete the Online Application
- Create an account on the Chevening portal.
- Fill in personal details, academic history, and career objectives.
- Upload all required documents in the specified formats.
7. Submit Before the Deadline
- Double‑check that all sections are complete.
- Submit the application well before the deadline to allow for any technical issues.
8. Prepare for the Interview
- If shortlisted, you will be invited to an interview (often virtual).
- Practice answering questions about your leadership potential, career plans, and how you will contribute to your community.
---
Documents Applicants May Need
| Document | Purpose | Tips |
|----------|---------|------|
| Passport or travel document | Proof of identity and travel eligibility | Ensure it is valid for at least 12 months after your planned UK arrival. |
| Refugee status certificate or official letter | Proof of refugee status | Keep a certified copy; some applicants may need a letter from the UNHCR or national authority. |
| Academic transcripts | Verification of academic qualifications | Provide official transcripts; if in a non‑English language, include a certified translation. |
| Degree certificates | Confirmation of degree attainment | Official copies are preferred; some universities provide digital certificates. |
| CV / resume | Summary of work experience | Highlight leadership roles and community impact. |
| Employment letters | Proof of work experience | Include company name, position, dates, and a brief description of responsibilities. |
| Personal statement | Narrative of motivation and goals | Follow the word limit and formatting guidelines. |
| Reference letters | Endorsements of character and achievements | Provide contact details and a brief background of the referee. |
> Note: The exact list of required documents can change. Always refer to the Chevening application checklist for the 2026 cycle.
---
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting incomplete applications – Missing a reference or a required document can automatically disqualify you.
- Ignoring the word limit – Exceeding the limit on the personal statement may lead to your application being rejected.
- Using informal language – The application should be professional and free of slang or colloquialisms.
- Failing to proofread – Typos, grammatical errors, and inconsistent formatting can undermine your credibility.
- Not tailoring the statement to the UK context – Show how your goals align with UK academic strengths and your home country’s needs.
- Overlooking the interview – If invited, treat the interview as a formal assessment; prepare thoroughly and be punctual.
---
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a refugee who is currently in the UK apply for a Chevening Scholarship?
Yes, refugees who are residing in the UK and meet the general eligibility criteria can apply. They must provide proof of their refugee status and ensure they have a valid passport or travel document for travel to the UK.
2. Does Chevening cover the cost of a visa for refugees?
Chevening does not directly fund the UK student visa. However, the scholarship includes a travel allowance that can be used to cover visa application fees. Refugees should also budget for any additional visa costs.
3. What if my refugee status is pending or I have a temporary protection status?
Applicants with pending status or temporary protection may still be eligible, but they must provide documentation that confirms their status. It is advisable to contact the Chevening support team for clarification.
4. Are there any additional scholarships available for refugees in the UK?
Yes, there are other UK government and private scholarships that specifically target refugees, such as the Commonwealth Scholarship and the Refugee Scholarship Programme. Check the UK government’s official scholarship portal for more options.
5. How long does the Chevening application process take for refugees?
The process typically takes 3–6 months from the application deadline to the final decision. Refugees should plan accordingly and keep track of all deadlines, including interview dates.
6. Can I apply for Chevening if I have already studied in the UK before?
Previous study in the UK does not disqualify you. However, you must still meet all eligibility criteria, including the requirement for a good undergraduate degree and relevant work experience.
---
Official Sources
- Chevening Official Website:
---
Related Guides
- Scholarships for refugees
- Fully funded scholarships
- United Kingdom scholarships
- Scholarship deadlines 2026
---
Last Reviewed: 2026-09-23