Chevening Scholarships

UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Citizen of a Chevening-eligible country (about 160); a bachelor's degree; at least 2 years (2,800 hours) of work experience; return home for at least 2 years after the award; apply to three eligible UK courses and hold an unconditional offer by the university deadline (8 Jul 2027 for the 2027/28 round).

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

Chevening is the UK Government’s flagship international awards programme funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organizations. It offers future leaders and influencers from over 160 countries a fully funded opportunity to complete any eligible 1-year taught Master’s degree at any UK university while joining an influential global network of 57,000+ alumni.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Citizen of a Chevening-eligible country (about 160); a bachelor's degree; at least 2 years (2,800 hours) of work experience; return home for at least 2 years after the award; apply to three eligible UK courses and hold an unconditional offer by the university deadline (8 Jul 2027 for the 2027/28 round).
2. Note the deadline. Aug – Oct (annual; the 2027/28 round closed in Oct 2026 - the exact day is on each country page; the next round should open around Aug 2027) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Four 500-Word Chevening Essays: Structured essays demonstrating (1) Leadership & Influence, (2) Relationship-Building & Networking, (3) Why Study in the UK (linking 3 chosen Master’s courses), and (4) Post-Study Career Plan aligned with UK/home-country priorities.; Work Experience Breakdown: Verifiable log of at least 2,800 hours (2 years) of full-time, part-time, or voluntary work completed after graduation.; Academic Transcripts & 2 References: Official undergraduate degree transcripts and 2 reference letters uploaded before the interview stage.; Unconditional UK University Offer: At least 1 unconditional offer from one of your 3 selected UK Master’s programs by the mid-July deadline..
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

Automated Eligibility & Work-Hours Filter → Independent Reading Committee Evaluation of the 4 Essays → Shortlisting for In-Person/Virtual British High Commission Panel Interview (Feb–Apr) → Unconditional UK Offer Verification (July).

Profile of past winners

Professionals, NGO founders, researchers, and policy advocates who use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) in all four essays and connect their 3 UK Master’s choices directly to measurable national impact upon returning home.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

Browse all free materials →

Tips from our advisors

1. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
2. Show a clear link between your past studies, this programme and your career goal. Committees look for a story, not a list.
3. Spend most of your time on the criteria with the highest weight in the selection breakdown above.
4. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
5. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.
6. Submit at least 48 hours before the deadline. Portals slow down on the last day.

Quick answers

Who can apply for Chevening Scholarships?

Citizen of a Chevening-eligible country (about 160); a bachelor's degree; at least 2 years (2,800 hours) of work experience; return home for at least 2 years after the award; apply to three eligible UK courses and hold an unconditional offer by the university deadline (8 Jul 2027 for the 2027/28 round).

What does Chevening Scholarships cover?

Full tuition fees, monthly living stipend, return flight, visa fee and other allowances for a one-year Master's at a UK university

When is the deadline for Chevening Scholarships?

Aug – Oct (annual; the 2027/28 round closed in Oct 2026 - the exact day is on each country page; the next round should open around Aug 2027) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with Chevening Scholarships?

Host countries: United Kingdom.

What documents do I need for Chevening Scholarships?

Four 500-Word Chevening Essays: Structured essays demonstrating (1) Leadership & Influence, (2) Relationship-Building & Networking, (3) Why Study in the UK (linking 3 chosen Master’s courses), and (4) Post-Study Career Plan aligned with UK/home-country priorities.; Work Experience Breakdown: Verifiable log of at least 2,800 hours (2 years) of full-time, part-time, or voluntary work completed after graduation.; Academic Transcripts & 2 References: Official undergraduate degree transcripts and 2 reference letters uploaded before the interview stage.; Unconditional UK University Offer: At least 1 unconditional offer from one of your 3 selected UK Master’s programs by the mid-July deadline..

How are applicants selected for Chevening Scholarships?

Automated Eligibility & Work-Hours Filter → Independent Reading Committee Evaluation of the 4 Essays → Shortlisting for In-Person/Virtual British High Commission Panel Interview (Feb–Apr) → Unconditional UK Offer Verification (July).

How much work is the Chevening Scholarships application?

Very High: 4 Core Essays (Leadership, Networking, Studying in the UK, Career Plan) + 3 Unconditional UK University Choices + Embassy Interview