The Chevening Scholarship Programme is one of the most recognised international scholarship opportunities, offering talented professionals from eligible countries the chance to pursue a fully funded Master's degree in the United Kingdom.
Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Chevening aims to develop future leaders, decision-makers and professionals who can contribute to positive change in their home countries.
The programme supports international students who demonstrate leadership potential, professional achievements and a clear vision for their future.
Successful applicants receive funding to study a one-year Master's programme at an eligible UK university. They also become part of an international network of scholars and alumni working across different professional sectors.
Chevening has operated since 1983 and has developed a global alumni network of more than 60,000 people.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
Chevening is a fully funded scholarship that normally covers:
Full tuition fees for an eligible one-year Master's programme, subject to the programme's funding conditions and applicable fee limits.
Return economy-class international travel.
Monthly living allowance to support accommodation and daily expenses.
Arrival allowance.
Departure allowance.
UK visa application fee.
A contribution towards tuberculosis testing where required.
Travel support for mandatory Chevening events, where applicable.
Access to professional networking events and the Chevening alumni community.
The scholarship is designed to allow successful candidates to concentrate on their studies and professional development without having to fund the main costs of studying in the UK themselves.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the following general requirements:
Be a citizen of a country or territory eligible for Chevening.
Hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies them for admission to a UK Master's programme.
Have at least two years of qualifying work experience, equivalent to 2,800 hours, acquired after completing their undergraduate degree.
Apply to three eligible UK Master's courses.
Meet the requirement to obtain an unconditional university offer by the applicable Chevening deadline.
Commit to returning to their country of award for at least two years after completing the scholarship.
Chevening welcomes applicants from different professional backgrounds, including:
Education and academic development.
Public administration and government.
Business and entrepreneurship.
Technology and innovation.
Journalism and communications.
Development and humanitarian work.
Climate change and environmental protection.
Health and social development.
Applicants should check their country-specific eligibility and all programme conditions before applying.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should follow these steps:
Visit the official Chevening website.
Check whether their country or territory participates in the scholarship programme.
Research eligible one-year Master's courses at UK universities.
Select three eligible university courses.
Prepare their academic information and employment history.
Develop strong application essays explaining their leadership, networking, career plans and intended impact.
Submit the online Chevening application during the annual application period.
If shortlisted, prepare for the interview conducted through the relevant British embassy or high commission.
Secure an unconditional offer from at least one selected UK university by the required deadline.
Applicants should begin preparing several months before applications open because the scholarship is highly competitive.
Important Information
Scholarship type: Fully funded.
Study level: Master's degree.
Study duration: Normally one year.
Study destination: United Kingdom.
Programme established: 1983.
Application frequency: Annual.
Application opening: Usually around August.
Application closing: Usually around October.
Next application cycle: Dates to be announced.
Official programme: UK Government Chevening Scholarships.
The 2027–2028 application cycle opened in August 2026 and closed in October 2026. The next cycle should be monitored through the official Chevening website.
Chevening is extremely competitive. Applicants should focus on demonstrating leadership, professional achievements, a clear career plan and how they intend to contribute to their home country.
Important for refugee applicants: Chevening has specific rules concerning citizenship and refugee status. Holding refugee status does not automatically make someone eligible or ineligible; applicants must check the official rules for their circumstances.
Official Application and Information Links
Source Attribution: Based on official Chevening programme information, eligibility criteria, application timeline and scholarship funding guidance