The Chevening Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and competitive UK scholarships offered to international students. Funded by the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations, Chevening provides outstanding emerging leaders from across the world with the opportunity to pursue fully-funded one-year master’s degrees at any UK university.
Whether you’re a passionate changemaker, a future decision-maker, or someone committed to solving pressing global or local challenges, Chevening could be the scholarship that transforms your career and opens the door to lifelong opportunities.
Who Can Apply?
Chevening Scholarships are designed for ambitious professionals who:
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Have a strong academic background (usually a bachelor’s degree equivalent to at least a UK upper second-class 2:1 honours).
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Demonstrate leadership potential and a clear vision for the future.
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They are committed to returning to their home country for a minimum of two years after completing their studies.
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Have at least two years’ work experience (equivalent to 2,800 hours), which can include full-time, part-time, voluntary, or internship work.
Chevening Scholarship Requirements
To be eligible for a Chevening Scholarship, applicants must:
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Be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country or territory.
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Return to their country of citizenship for a minimum of two years after the award has ended.
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Have completed all components of an undergraduate degree that enable entry into a postgraduate program in the UK.
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Have at least two years of work experience.
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Apply to three different eligible UK master’s courses, and have received an unconditional offer from at least one of these choices by the deadline.
What Does Chevening Stand For?
Chevening stands for academic excellence, leadership, and global impact. It reflects the UK’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders, policymakers, and influencers from around the world.
Since its inception in 1983, Chevening has supported nearly 60,000 scholars, creating a vibrant network of professionals who are making a difference across sectors worldwide.
What is the Age Limit for Chevening?
There is no upper age limit for applying to the Chevening Scholarship. Whether you’re in your mid-20s or mid-career, as long as you meet the academic, professional, and leadership criteria, you’re eligible to apply.
Who is the Main Sponsor of the Chevening Scholarship?
Chevening is primarily funded by the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). However, it also receives financial support from numerous UK and international partner organisations, including universities, private companies, and charities.
Chevening Scholarship 2025 Requirements
If you’re aiming to apply for the 2026–27 Chevening cycle, it’s crucial to begin preparations now during the 2025 calendar year. The core requirements remain consistent:
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Citizenship of a Chevening-eligible country.
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Completed undergraduate education.
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2+ years of work experience.
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Acceptance to an eligible UK university course.
You must also submit your application in English, attend an interview (if shortlisted), and submit two references.
Chevening Scholarship 2025 vs. Chevening Scholarship 2026
The application window for the 2026–27 Chevening Scholarships officially opened in August 2025, with the application deadline on 7 October 2025. Successful applicants will be notified by June 2026 and will start their studies in September/October 2026.
If you’re applying for the 2025–26 cycle, the application window has already passed.
Chevening Scholarship Deadline
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Application Deadline: 7 October 2025
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Interview Period: March–May 2026
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Final Selection Notification: June 2026
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Course Commencement: September/October 2026
Ensure you apply early and prepare all your documentation ahead of time.
Chevening Scholarship Login and Application
To apply:
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Visit the official website: chevening.org/apply
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Select your country from the dropdown list.
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Create a Chevening login account.
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Fill in the application form, including personal details, academic background, work experience, references, and preferred UK courses.
Remember: Applications must be submitted in English and be well-structured to reflect your leadership, networking, and career aspirations.
Application Timeline for Chevening Scholarship 2026-27
Stage | Date |
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Applications Open | August 2025 |
Deadline to Apply | 7 October 2025 |
References & Documents Due | February 2026 |
Interviews | March – May 2026 |
Final Selection Notification | June 2026 |
Start UK Studies | September/October 2026 |
Find a Course
You must apply to three different eligible UK master’s courses. To ensure your choices are accepted:
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Check the Chevening course finder.
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Your courses must be full-time, start in the autumn term (September/October), and last no longer than 12 months.
Chevening Scholarship Courses
You can apply to any eligible master’s course in any subject area, as long as it meets Chevening’s criteria. Courses offered by Chevening Partner universities may come with additional benefits and resources.
Popular fields among past scholars include:
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Public Health
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International Relations
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Climate Change
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Business and Management
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Law
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Engineering
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Development Studies
Work Experience
Work experience is a crucial part of your eligibility. Chevening accepts:
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Full-time or part-time employment
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Voluntary work
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Paid or unpaid internships
You must have at least 2,800 hours of work experience before applying. Be sure to calculate your hours accurately and describe your roles clearly in your application.
Why Choose Chevening?
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Fully-funded: Covers tuition, flights, living allowance, and more.
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Prestigious: Recognized worldwide and adds global credibility to your resume.
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Leadership development: Gain exclusive access to UK government, private sector leaders, and Chevening events.
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Global network: Join an alumni network of over 60,000 professionals from 160+ countries.
Conclusion: Is Chevening Right for You?
If you’re a leader in the making with bold ideas, strong professional experience, and a passion for driving change, Chevening could be your launchpad to the future. The UK awaits you with open arms, and the world is ready for your impact.
Stay Updated
Subscribe to the Chevening newsletter for the latest updates on:
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Application advice
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Scholarship deadlines
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Course suggestions
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Visa support
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Scholar stories
Apply Now: chevening.org/apply
Deadline: 7 October 2025
Your journey to global leadership starts here.