Chevening Scholarships for Refugees: Eligibility and Application Steps

What you’ll learn

• Whether you, as a refugee, can apply for a Chevening Scholarship in the UK.
• The key eligibility points and the application process.
• Practical steps to prepare a strong application and avoid common pitfalls.
• Where to find the most up‑to‑date information and deadlines.

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Quick Facts

| Field | Details |

|-------|---------|

| Programme or guide name | Chevening Scholarships for Refugees |

| Country | United Kingdom |

| Study level | Master’s degree |

| Funding information | Full tuition, living allowance, travel costs, and insurance – check the official site for exact figures. |

| Eligibility overview | National of a Chevening‑eligible country, or refugee status with a valid travel document; academic and leadership potential. |

| Application deadline | Varies by year and university; check the official site for the current cycle. |

| Official website | https://www.chevening.org/ |

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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 a Master’s degree in the United Kingdom. It focuses on the specific questions that arise when you do not hold a national passport but have refugee status or a travel document. The information is based on the official Chevening website and general scholarship guidance; it does not replace the official application instructions or legal advice.

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Eligibility and Important Requirements

1. Nationality and Travel Document

• Chevening requires applicants to be a national of a Chevening‑eligible country or to hold a valid travel document that allows entry to the UK.
• Refugees who have been granted a Refugee Travel Document (often issued by the UNHCR or the host country) may be eligible, but the final decision rests with the Chevening selection panel.
• Check the official website for the most recent list of eligible countries and the exact status of travel documents.

2. Academic Qualifications

• A good undergraduate degree (or equivalent) is required.
• The degree should be from a recognized institution and usually must have been completed within the last 10 years.
• Some courses may have specific subject prerequisites; verify with the chosen university.

3. Leadership Potential

• Chevening looks for future leaders who can contribute to their home country or community after graduation.
• Evidence of leadership can come from community work, NGOs, student societies, or professional roles.

4. English Language Proficiency

• You must meet the UK visa English language requirement (usually IELTS 6.0 or equivalent).
• Some universities accept other tests (TOEFL, Cambridge).
• Refugees who have studied in English‑speaking environments may have an advantage.

5. Commitment to Return

• Chevening expects that you will return to your home country or community after your studies to apply the knowledge gained.
• This is assessed through your personal statement and interview.

6. Other General Requirements

• You must be able to secure a place at a UK university that offers a Chevening‑eligible Master’s programme.
• You must be able to obtain a UK Tier 4 (General) student visa.
• You must be able to provide evidence of sufficient funds for living costs beyond the scholarship allowance.

Important: The above points are general guidelines. Check the official website for the latest eligibility criteria, especially regarding refugee status and travel documents.

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What Funding or Support May Be Available

Chevening Scholarships are fully funded for the duration of the Master’s programme. The funding package typically includes:

• Tuition fees: Covered in full by the UK government.
• Living allowance: Monthly stipend to cover accommodation, food, and other living expenses.
• Travel costs: Round‑trip airfare to and from the UK.
• Insurance: Health and travel insurance for the duration of the course.

The exact amounts vary each year and depend on the cost of living in the city where you study. Check the official website for the current figures.

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How to Prepare an Application

1. Identify a Chevening‑eligible Course

• Browse the Chevening website’s list of eligible courses and universities.
• Ensure the course aligns with your career goals and the Chevening focus areas (e.g., governance, technology, health).
• Contact the university’s admissions office to confirm that the programme is Chevening‑eligible.

2. Secure a Letter of Acceptance

• Apply to the university first.
• Once accepted, request a formal letter of acceptance that states the course, duration, and tuition cost.
• This letter is a mandatory part of the Chevening application.

3. Gather Supporting Documents

• Passport or refugee travel document.
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
• Proof of English proficiency.
• Two reference letters (academic and professional).
• Personal statement (see next section).
• CV or resume.
• Any additional documents required by the university or Chevening.

4. Draft a Strong Personal Statement

• Structure: Introduction, academic background, leadership experience, career goals, why the chosen course, and why Chevening.
• Tone: Honest, reflective, and forward‑looking.
• Length: Usually 500–800 words; check the specific word limit on the Chevening application form.
• Tip: Highlight how your refugee experience has shaped your perspective and leadership potential.

5. Prepare Reference Letters

• Choose referees who know you well academically or professionally.
• Provide them with a brief on what Chevening looks for (leadership, potential, academic merit).
• Ask them to submit letters directly to the university or Chevening, following the instructions on the application portal.

6. Complete the Online Application

• Create an account on the Chevening portal.
• Fill in personal details, academic history, and career objectives.
• Upload all documents in the required formats (PDF, JPEG).
• Pay attention to file size limits and naming conventions.

7. Submit Before the Deadline

• Chevening application deadlines are usually in January for the following academic year, but this can vary.
• Check the official website for the exact deadline for the current cycle.
• Submit at least 48 hours before the deadline to avoid technical issues.

8. Prepare for the Interview

• If shortlisted, you will be invited to an interview (often virtual).
• Review your application, be ready to discuss your leadership experiences, and articulate how the scholarship will help you contribute to your community.
• Practice common interview questions with a mentor or friend.

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Documents Applicants May Need

| Document | Purpose | Tips |

|----------|---------|------|

| Passport / Refugee Travel Document | Proof of identity and eligibility | Ensure it is valid for the duration of your studies. |

| Academic Transcripts | Academic record | Request official copies from your university. |

| Degree Certificate | Proof of qualification | If not yet awarded, provide a provisional certificate. |

| English Proficiency Test Result | Visa requirement | Use IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge; check the required score. |

| Personal Statement | Narrative of goals and motivation | Follow the word limit and structure guidelines. |

| Reference Letters | Endorsements of character and ability | Provide clear instructions to referees. |

| CV / Resume | Summary of experience | Highlight leadership roles and community work. |

| Letter of Acceptance | Confirmation of university place | Must be from the university’s admissions office. |

| Proof of Funds | Visa requirement | Show that you can cover living costs beyond the scholarship. |

| Health Insurance | Visa requirement | Chevening usually covers this, but confirm. |

Exact document requirements can vary by year and by the specific Chevening cycle. Check the official website for the most up‑to‑date list.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting an incomplete application

- Double‑check the application checklist before submission.

• Late submission

- Submit early and keep a confirmation email.

• Weak personal statement

- Proofread for clarity and grammar.

• Inadequate reference letters

- Ask referees to provide specific examples of your leadership and impact.

• Ignoring the English language requirement

- If you fail to meet the score, you may not be eligible for the visa.

• Not confirming course eligibility

- Verify with the university and the Chevening website before applying.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a refugee with a travel document apply for a Chevening Scholarship?

Yes, refugees who hold a valid travel document that allows entry to the UK can apply. However, the final decision is made by the Chevening selection panel. Check the official website for the most recent eligibility criteria.

2. What if I do not have a national passport?

If you lack a national passport but possess a refugee travel document, you may still be eligible. Ensure the document is valid for the entire duration of your studies and that it meets UK visa requirements.

3. How does Chevening support visa application for refugees?

Chevening does not directly handle visa applications. The scholarship covers tuition and living costs, but you must still apply for a UK Tier 4 (General) student visa. Chevening may provide a letter of support that can help with the visa process.

4. Are there any additional fees for refugees applying to Chevening?

The scholarship covers tuition, living allowance, travel costs, and insurance. There are no application fees. However, you may need to pay for the English language test and visa application fees.

5. What happens if I am not selected for Chevening?

If you are not selected, you can still apply for other UK scholarships or pursue a Master’s degree through other funding routes. Use the experience to strengthen future applications.

6. How long does the Chevening selection process take?

The selection process typically takes several weeks after the application deadline. Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview, and final decisions are announced a few weeks later. Check the official website for the exact timeline for the current cycle.

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Official Sources

• Chevening Official Website: https://www.chevening.org/

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Related Guides

• Scholarships for refugees
• Fully funded scholarships
• United Kingdom scholarships
• Scholarship deadlines 2026

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Last Reviewed: 2026-09-19

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