The Chevening Scholarship is among the most prestigious, competitive, and sought-after scholarships globally. The scholarship offers fully funded opportunities for outstanding individuals to pursue a master’s degree in the United Kingdom. This program aims to develop future leaders, influencers, and decision-makers who can drive positive change in their home countries.
Each year, the Chevening scholarship provides over £40,000 per scholar in more than 160 countries. This scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation, travel costs, and even a monthly stipend. Likewise, scholars will have access to over 60,000 global network of alumni, exclusive events, and leadership development programs that enhance their career prospects.
If you are passionate about making a difference in your community and possess the drive to excel, the Chevening program will give you a headstart. This post provides a detailed guide on everything you need to know about the Chevening Scholarship. You will learn about its eligibility criteria, application process, and tips to improve your chances of winning.
Scholarship Summary
Summary
About the Host of the Chevening Scholarship
The Chevening Scholarship is an international scholarship, funded by the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organizations. The FCDO is a government department responsible for promoting British interests overseas and supporting global development. The scholarship is geared towards strengthening diplomatic ties and fostering international collaboration, enabling foreign students to study at universities in the United Kingdom.
Furthermore, the scholarship program is named after Chevening House, a historic mansion in Kent that serves as a symbol of British heritage and diplomacy. The program’s administration is expertly handled by the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU). This organization works closely with UK universities and British embassies worldwide. This collaborative approach ensures that the scholarship maintains its high standards while fostering meaningful relationships between the UK and participating countries.
Since its inception in 1983, the Chevening Scholarship has supported over 50,000 professionals, including politicians, academics, and business leaders, from more than 160 countries. Similarly, more than 1,000 people are offered 1,000 scholarships each year, demonstrating the UK’s commitment towards developing the leaders of tomorrow. Some of the most popular destinations for study include the London School of Economics & Political Science, University College London, and the universities of Oxford, Cambridge, Edinburgh, University of Nottingham, University of Bath, and King’s College London.
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Why Apply for the Chevening Scholarship?
The Chevening scholarship program isn’t just about getting a degree, but becoming part of an elite global network while experiencing one of the world’s most enriching cultures. Here’s why you should seriously consider this opportunity:
#1. World-Class Education
The UK is home to some of the best universities globally, offering competitive courses across various fields. The scholarship covers all your tuition fees, removing the financial barrier to accessing world-class education. This means you can focus entirely on your studies and personal growth without worrying about funding.
#2. Career Advancement and Professional Growth
The UK is a leader in innovation, business, and research. Thus, living and studying in the UK will challenge you to step out of your comfort zone, and develop skills that’ll make you stand out in your career. Similarly, you’ll be part of its alumni network that includes influential leaders across various fields, and this connection could open doors for your career advancement.
#3. Arts And Entertainment Scene
The UK has internationally acclaimed creative industries that have consistently generated global talent. Whether you’re into music, film, theatre, or fashion, you’re sure to get your fix amongst the many music festivals, film premieres, major theatre shows, exhibitions, and museums in this arts and culture haven. For those who love sports, you’ll have access to many sporting events like Premier League football, the London Marathon, F1 Grand Prix, and Wimbledon.
#4. Diversity And Outdoors
The UK is one of the most diverse countries in the world and has a long history of welcoming visitors, especially students, from around the globe. From the Scottish Highlands to the Lake District, Snowdonia, and the Isle of Wight, nature lovers will truly be in their element! Hence, living in the UK will expose you to a variety of cultures, perspectives, and experiences.
How Much is the Chevening Scholarship Worth?
Chevening Scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees, a monthly living stipend to cover accommodation and living expenses, and a return flight to the UK. Although the exact amount varies depending on your specific circumstances and chosen course, the scholarship is generally valued at around £30,000 – £50,000 per scholar.
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How Many People Are Going to Win the Award?
Well, the number of awards varies by country, depending on the availability of funding and the quality of applications. Nevertheless, the Chevening Scholarship awards approximately 1,500 scholarships to outstanding candidates from over 160 countries annually.
What is the Acceptance Rate of the Chevening Scholarship?
The Chevening Scholarship is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 2-3%. This means that out of thousands of applicants, only a small percentage are selected. However, with careful preparation and a strong application, you can significantly improve your chances of success.
Eligible Nationality
The scholarship program is open to citizens of over 160 countries and territories. You can find a full list of eligible nationalities here.
Host Nationality
The scholarship is hosted in the United Kingdom.
Which Course of Study is Eligible for the Chevening Scholarship?
The Chevening Scholarship program is available in various academic disciplines offered at any approved university in the UK. Some of these courses include but are not limited to:
Which Level is Eligible for the Chevening Scholarship?
The scholarship is available for one-year master’s degree programs at UK universities.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a Chevening Scholarship you must:
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You are not eligible for a Chevening Scholarship if you:
Age Requirements
There is no specific age limit for the Chevening Scholarship program. Hence, the scholarship is open to people of all ages who meet the other eligibility criteria.
How to Apply for the Chevening Scholarship?
The Chevening scholarship program is an opportunity to fast-track your career, as studying in the UK will arm you with the knowledge, skills, and connections to make a lasting impact in your field. Whether your passion lies in science, business, technology, or the arts, you’ll find the perfect program to help you achieve your career goals. If you’re ready to take your career to the next level, here is how to apply for the scholarship program.
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Below are the general procedures for applying for the Chevening scholarship program.
Download and Complete the Application form
Clicked on the application system, carefully read and consent to the Chevening terms and conditions and Privacy Notice, and register your email address and mobile phone number. You will then receive an email with a link to the application portal.Pass the Eligibility Checker
After you have clicked on the link to the application portal, answer the eligibility questions to confirm your eligibility for a Chevening Scholarship. Following this, you will be immediately notified if you passed or failed the eligibility checker.Note Your Access Code
Once you have followed the link in your email to continue your application, you will see an access code displayed on your screen. This access code is unique to you. Therefore, you must make a note or take a photo of your unique access code for your records as you will need it every time you want to access your application.Fill the Application Form
After you’ve passed the eligibility checker, you can start your application and complete each section of the application form.Submit Your Application
Once you have ensured all sections of the application form are marked as ‘complete’, you can then consent to the scholarship conditions outlined on the application form. Click ‘submit application’ and ‘confirm submission’. You can access the application system by following the ‘apply today’ link on the apply page of your home country or territory.Notification
After interview, the scholarship panel will review all applications and if you’re among the selected applicants, you will be notified of your award through email or the embassy website.
Tools
- Laptop or mobile phone
Materials
- Online Application
What are the Documents Required for the Chevening Scholarship Application?
If you want to apply for the Chevening Scholarship, you’ll need for following documents:
Is the Chevening Scholarship Application Ongoing Now?
No, the application window for the 2026 Chevening Scholarship is currently closed. Meanwhile, you can start preparing for the next intake so you can apply early.
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What Can I Do To Win the Chevening Scholarship This Year?
The Chevening Scholarship program is an award that thousands of people always look forward to applying from all around the globe. This makes it a very competitive program with a very low acceptance rate. If you want to apply for this program, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Application Deadline
The deadline for the Chevening scholarship application varies but usually opens in August and close in November at midnight UTC/ GMT (midday UK time).
Selection Procedures
After submitting applications, they will be reviewed by independent reading committees that assess applicants’ academic background, work experience, and leadership potential. Their scores and rankings are then passed back to local British embassies/high commissions. Once the embassy/high commission has reviewed the applications that were passed on to them, they produce a shortlist of those who they will invite to interview.
Shortlisted candidates are then invited for an interview at their local British Embassy or High Commission. These interviews are conducted by panels comprising Chevening representatives, alumni, and local experts. Candidates will be evaluated on their leadership potential, networking abilities, career plan, and their potential to contribute to the relationship between their home country and the UK. These panels will make the final selection based on a combination of the application and interview performance. Successful candidates will be notified about their offer around June.
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Does the Chevening Scholarship Have Past Questions?
There are no official past questions for the Chevening scholarship program but you can find sample interview questions and tips on the official website and online forums. You can read more about how to score well on each of Chevening’s application criteria here.
You can Check Out these International Scholarships
If you’re looking for other scholarship opportunities to further your study and make things easy for you in any country of your choice, we’ve complied a list of international scholarship programmes. Whether you seek a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or Ph.D., you can go through these list and start applying. You can learn more about available scholarships in each country by visiting the respective scholarship links below:
FAQs About the Chevening Scholarship
How hard is it to get a Chevening Scholarship?
The Chevening Scholarship is highly competitive, with only 2-3% of those who apply are being selected. But you can also enhance your odds of acceptance by following the recommendations in this post.
Can I stay in the UK after a Chevening Scholarship?
No, you cannot stay in the UK after the end of your scholarship program. The terms and conditions of the Chevening scholarship require scholars to return to their home country for at least two years.
How can I tell if my application has been successfully submitted?
Once you have completed all the steps and clicked on the ‘submit application’ button, it’ll display that you have successfully submitted your application. You will also receive a confirmation email from the online application system.
Can I withdraw my application?
Yes. You can withdraw your application at any time, but note that withdrawing your application will remove all your details from the system. Hence, you will have to re-enter all your information to submit.
Is there an age limit for the Chevening Scholarship UK?
No. There is no age limit for the Chevening Award.
Conclusion
Since its founding, the Chevening Scholarship continues to demonstrate the UK’s commitment to developing global talent. This program presents life-changing opportunities for ambitious professionals seeking to enhance their academic and leadership capabilities. If you’re interested in science, business, technology, or the arts, this financial aid program will help fast-track your career. Therefore, if you meet the eligibility requirements, you can start preparing so you can hop in immediately when the next application window opens.
As you consider applying for the next scholarship, remember that success requires careful preparation, a genuine commitment to leadership, and a clear vision. Meanwhile, the competition is fierce, but the rewards are invaluable. Kindly note that having a master’s degree does not prevent you from applying for a second master’s degree in the UK, provided you can articulate how it aligns with your career goals and will help you to drive positive change in your home country.