Chevening Scholarship
Chevening is the UK government’s flagship scholarship for a one-year master’s. People reapply every cycle because the brand is strong, the funding is real, and the competition is real too.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office · United Kingdom · Masters (one year) · Full (typical package)
What it is
Chevening funds emerging leaders for a one-year master’s in the UK. It is run with the FCDO and partner organisations. Alumni networks matter here — the programme is building people who return and lead, not people who disappear into a quiet corner.
Who it is for
Citizens of Chevening-eligible countries, with an undergraduate degree that meets UK master’s entry, enough work experience, and a plan to return home after the award period. You also need to meet English language rules for the universities you choose.
What funding usually covers
A typical award covers university tuition, a monthly living allowance, arrival and departure travel, and an arrival allowance. Confirm the exact package for your year on chevening.org — partner awards can vary slightly.
How to apply
- Confirm your country is eligible and that you meet the work-experience rule.
- Shortlist eligible UK master’s courses (Chevening usually asks for multiple course choices).
- Write the Chevening essays: leadership, networking, studying in the UK, and career plan — with concrete stories, not slogans.
- Nominate referees who actually know your work.
- Submit the online application before the annual deadline, then apply to universities on the Chevening timeline.
- If shortlisted, prepare for interview with the same clarity you put on paper.
Documents people commonly need
- Undergraduate degree certificate and transcripts
- References
- Passport bio page
- English test results when required by your courses
- Unconditional UK offers by the Chevening offer deadline
Typical timeline
Applications usually open around August and close in early November for study the following UK academic year. Interviews and results follow in stages through the first half of the next calendar year. Always confirm the live dates.
Practical tips
- Leadership is evidence. Name the problem, your action, and the result.
- Networking essays fail when they only say “I will attend events.” Show how you already build useful relationships.
- Course choices should match your career plan. Random prestige picks weaken the whole file.
- Return home is not a throwaway line. Chevening cares about impact in your country.
Common questions
Can I apply without a UK university offer?
You apply to Chevening and to UK universities on overlapping timelines. You eventually need an unconditional offer from an eligible course. Follow the current Chevening rules for offer deadlines.
Is work experience required?
Yes. Chevening expects a set number of work hours (often framed as years of experience). Check the current threshold on the official site before you invest months in essays.
Official source
Rules and deadlines change. Read the current call on the official site before you apply.
Last reviewed for this guide: 2026-08-09.
Related scholarships
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Commonwealth Scholarship
United Kingdom (and selected Commonwealth pathways) · Masters, PhD (scheme-dependent)
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Gates Cambridge Scholarship
United Kingdom (University of Cambridge) · Postgraduate (masters and PhD)
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Oxford Clarendon Scholarship
United Kingdom (University of Oxford) · Masters and DPhil
Want help with this application?
If this award fits your profile, we can help you plan documents, essays, and timing — without pretending anyone can guarantee an award.
DAVS provides admissions and visa consulting. We are not the scholarship provider, university, or embassy. Funding decisions belong to the awarding body. Always verify eligibility and deadlines on the official programme page.