Everything you need to know about the UK government Chevening Scholarship — eligibility, funding, deadlines, application process and tips for migrants and international students.
Chevening is the UK government's flagship international scholarship and fellowship programme, funded by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations. It offers fully funded one-year Master's degrees at any UK university to outstanding individuals with leadership potential from around the world.
Chevening scholars are selected for their academic excellence, professional experience and leadership qualities. The scholarship is open to citizens of Chevening-eligible countries including many developing nations and countries with significant migrant populations.
Since 1983, over 50,000 professionals from 160+ countries have benefited from Chevening scholarships. Chevening Alumni include presidents, prime ministers, Nobel laureates, and global business leaders.
Confirm you are a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country, have 2+ years work experience, and hold a Bachelor's degree equivalent to a UK upper second class honours (2:1).
Select 3 UK universities where you want to study. Research programmes carefully — all 3 choices must offer your preferred subject.
Complete the Chevening application at chevening.org between August and November. Answer all 4 essay questions thoroughly.
Answer why you deserve Chevening, your leadership experience, networking plans and career goals. Be specific and use real examples.
Submit before the November deadline. Late applications are not accepted under any circumstances.
Chevening reviews applications. Shortlisted candidates are notified in February and invited for interview.
Interviews are conducted in your home country by British embassy staff. Prepare to discuss your leadership experience and career plans.
If selected, apply to your chosen UK universities and obtain an unconditional offer by July.
Chevening is the UK government's flagship international scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). It offers fully funded Master's degrees at any UK university to outstanding individuals with leadership potential from around the world, including migrants and refugees.
Yes — Chevening is open to international students including migrants and refugees. You must be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country and meet the academic and leadership requirements. Refugees with travel documents from eligible countries can apply.
Chevening covers: full tuition fees, monthly living allowance (£1,236/month in London, £1,110/month elsewhere), return flights to the UK, arrival allowance, visa application fee, and travel grant for Chevening events.
Chevening applications typically open in August and close in November each year. For the 2026-2027 academic year, the deadline was November 2025. For 2027-2028, applications open August 2026.
Yes — Chevening requires a minimum of 2 years of work experience (equivalent to 2,800 hours). This is one of the key requirements distinguishing Chevening from other scholarships.
Chevening requires IELTS 6.5 overall with no component below 6.0, or equivalent. Some universities may require higher scores. The test must be taken within the last 2 years.
Yes — you can apply to any UK university eligible for Chevening. You must apply to 3 different UK universities as part of your Chevening application and receive at least one unconditional offer.
Yes — Chevening scholars must return to their home country for a minimum of 2 years after completing their scholarship. This is a condition of the award and supports development in your home country.
Free email when Chevening applications open in August. Never miss the deadline.
Last Reviewed: August 2026 · Source: chevening.org (official website)