If you have ever dreamed of studying in the United Kingdom with full financial support, the Chevening Scholarship is one of the most prestigious opportunities available. Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations, Chevening offers fully funded master’s degrees at any UK university. Since 1983, nearly 60,000 outstanding professionals from around the world have developed their leadership potential through this programme.
With over 1,000 scholarships awarded each year, Chevening demonstrates the UK’s ongoing commitment to developing the leaders of tomorrow. For students exploring other fully funded opportunities in the UK, you can browse United Kingdom Govt Scholarships to discover additional programmes.
What Type of Scholarship is Chevening?
Chevening is a fully funded master’s scholarship for international students who demonstrate strong academic backgrounds and leadership potential. It is not a research fellowship or PhD scholarship – it is designed specifically for one‑year taught master’s degrees at any accredited university in the United Kingdom. The scholarship covers your tuition fees, living expenses, and return flights, while also providing exclusive access to networking events, workshops, internships, and volunteering opportunities.
Who Offers Chevening Scholarships?
Chevening is funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) of the UK government, along with partner organisations from the public and private sectors. The scholarships are administered by the Chevening Secretariat, part of the Association of Commonwealth Universities. British embassies and high commissions around the world personally select the most suitable applicants through a rigorous, merit‑based process.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
Chevening is open to citizens of over 160 countries and territories worldwide. To find out if your country is eligible, you can check the dropdown list at chevening.org/apply. Citizens of British Overseas Territories and holders of BN(O) status applying from Hong Kong are also eligible. However, you are not eligible if you hold British or dual British citizenship (unless you are a citizen of a British Overseas Territory or BN(O) from Hong Kong).
For students from Europe who may also consider other regional opportunities, you can explore latest scholarships in Europe to compare programmes.
What is the Annual Timeline for Chevening?
Chevening follows a fixed annual cycle. Applications usually open in August and close in early October. For the 2026‑27 cycle, applications are now closed, but here is the typical timeline:
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August – early October: Application window open
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November – December: Longlisting and reading of applications
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January – February: Interview invitations sent to longlisted candidates
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February – April: Face‑to‑face interviews at British embassies/high commissions
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June: Successful applicants announced
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September/October: Scholars commence their studies in the UK
For the 2026‑27 cycle, successful applicants will be announced in June 2026 to start studies in September/October 2026.
What Are the Popular Programs?
Chevening allows you to apply for any eligible master’s degree at any UK university. There is no restricted list of subjects. Popular fields among Chevening scholars include:
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International Relations and Political Science
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Public Policy and Governance
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Business Administration (MBA) and Management
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Economics and Finance
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Law (LLM)
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Environmental Science and Climate Change
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Engineering and Technology
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Public Health and Global Health
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Media and Communications
You must apply to three different and eligible UK university courses and receive an unconditional offer from at least one by 17:00 BST on 9 July 2026.
What Are the Benefits of a Chevening Scholarship?
Chevening provides a comprehensive funding package that allows you to focus entirely on your studies and leadership development:
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Full tuition fee coverage for your chosen master’s programme
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Living stipend to cover accommodation and daily expenses
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Return economy flights from your home country to the UK
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Exclusive networking events with global leaders and fellow scholars
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Workshops and talks on leadership, diplomacy, and professional skills
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Internship and volunteering opportunities to gain practical experience
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Access to the Chevening alumni network – a community of nearly 60,000 professionals worldwide
Who Is Eligible for Chevening?
To be eligible for a Chevening Scholarship, you must meet all of the following criteria:
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Be a citizen of a Chevening‑eligible country or territory
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Commit to returning to your home country for at least two years after your scholarship ends
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Have at least 2,800 hours of work experience after graduating from your undergraduate degree. This is roughly equivalent to two years of full‑time work (but may be completed over a different period). Important new rule for 2026: Only work experience gained after the date of your graduation will count.
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Hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies you for a UK master’s programme. You must have finished your undergraduate studies at least two years before the application deadline (even if you have not yet received your certificate). However, you will need your certificate by the time of your interview.
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Apply to three different and eligible UK university courses and receive an unconditional offer from at least one by 9 July 2026.
Who Cannot Apply for Chevening?
You are not eligible if:
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You hold British or dual British citizenship (unless you are a citizen of a British Overseas Territory or hold BN(O) and are applying from Hong Kong)
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You hold refugee status in a country not eligible for Chevening (but if you are a citizen of an eligible country and hold refugee status in another eligible country, you are eligible)
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You are an employee, former employee, or relative of an employee of the UK government, British Embassies/High Commissions, the British Council, or sponsoring UK universities (within the last two years)
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You have previously studied in the UK on a UK government‑funded scholarship
Note: Having a master’s degree does not prevent you from applying for a second master’s degree in the UK through Chevening.
How to Apply for Chevening?
The application process is entirely online:
Step 1: Select your country from the dropdown list at chevening.org/apply and create an account.
Step 2: Complete the online application form, including your personal statement, leadership examples, and course choices.
Step 3: If longlisted, you will be invited to submit references and attend an interview with the British embassy or high commission in your country.
Step 4: The interview panel will assess your personal and professional goals, your choice of courses, and your leadership potential against global Chevening criteria.
Step 5: Successful applicants are announced in June.
For students seeking a broader range of international opportunities, you can view scholarships in Worldwide to stay updated on current funding options.
Why Should You Apply for Chevening?
Chevening is more than a scholarship – it is a life‑changing experience that builds global leaders. You will join a diverse, dynamic, and solutions‑focused network of professionals who are making measurable impacts in areas like climate action, economic growth, and inclusive governance.
The programme provides you with the knowledge, confidence, and connections you need to make a positive global impact. If you are an ambitious leader in the making, Chevening could be your pathway to success.
Final Thoughts
Chevening Scholarships represent the UK’s commitment to developing the next generation of global leaders. With full financial support, access to world‑class UK universities, and an unparalleled alumni network, Chevening opens doors that few other scholarships can. Although the 2026‑27 cycle is now closed, you can prepare for the next cycle. Applications usually open in August.
Use this time to gain leadership experience, improve your academic record, and research UK universities and courses. Subscribe to the Chevening newsletter to stay updated, and when the time comes, apply with confidence. Your journey to becoming a Chevening scholar could start today.
