Chevening Scholarships

"Develop the knowledge, skills, and network you need to influence positive change in your home country." This is how Chevening describes its scholarships.

Chevening pays your tuition fees, a monthly living stipend (the rate depends on whether you study inside or outside London), economy flights for you only, an arrival allowance and a departure allowance. It also covers your UK visa application and contributes up to £75 for a TB test where one is required. Stipend amounts are not published in the terms and conditions and are reviewed every year.

You must be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country and, for awards from ODA-eligible countries, live in one. You need an undergraduate degree that qualifies you for a UK master's programme, finished at least two years before the application deadline. You also need at least two years of work experience, equivalent to 2,800 hours, gained after that degree. Full-time and part-time work, voluntary work and paid or unpaid internships all count. You must not hold British or dual British citizenship, live in the UK, have studied in the UK on a UK government-funded scholarship, or be a current employee (or close relative of one) of a UK government department, the British Council or a partner UK university. Former employees of those bodies are also barred if they left within two years of applications opening. You may not have your degree certificate yet, but you must have it by your interview. Having a master's already does not stop you from applying for a second one in the UK.

The application asks for evidence of leadership and influence, relationship building, a clear choice of courses and a concrete career plan. The four essays cover those themes, and the interview tests them again.

You must return to your home country for at least two years after the award ends, or repay all the money. There is no provision for dependants. Scholars may work part-time within Home Office rules: no more than 20 hours a week in term time and 40 in vacations. You may keep a salary from a previous employer, but other UK government funding is not allowed. Chevening is not an immigration route.

Documents

• Online application with personal, education and work historyRequired
• Four essays on leadership, relationships, course choices and career planRequired
• Names and contact details of 2 referees at applicationRequired
• Three UK master's course choicesRequired
• Two reference letters, uploaded 7 working days before an interviewRequired
• At least one unconditional UK offer by 8 July 2027Required