Chevening Scholarships

Overview

Chevening Scholarships are the UK government's international awards for emerging leaders, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and partner organisations. A scholarship pays for one year of a taught master's at a UK university, and the award is built around a commitment to return home and put the experience to work there. It is a leadership award with an academic component, not a research grant: the application asks what you have already changed and what you intend to change next.

Who it's for

You need citizenship of a Chevening-eligible country or territory, an undergraduate degree that qualifies you for a UK master's, and at least two years of work experience gained after that degree. You apply to three eligible UK courses and must hold an unconditional offer from one by the deadline. Successful applicants commit to returning home for at least two years afterwards. British citizens, UK residents, and recent employees of the British Council or partner universities are not eligible.

What you get

A Chevening award covers tuition fees, an economy flight to and from your country of residence, visa and arrival costs, a departure allowance, and a monthly living stipend that varies by whether you study in or outside London. A contribution toward TB testing is included where required. Beyond money, scholars get a tailored engagement programme with alumni, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and partner organisations. The stipend is reviewed annually; read the current award terms.

How to apply

Applications open through your country or territory's Chevening page. You submit one online form with essays and references, then an eligibility sift; independent reading committees assess what survives. Shortlisted candidates are interviewed at the British embassy or high commission, and must upload photo ID, degree certificates and reference letters at least seven working days before that interview. Results follow months later, and successful candidates must produce an unconditional UK offer before the award is confirmed. The cycle spans roughly a year.

Timing

Annual. One application window opens in late summer and closes in autumn; reading committees, shortlisting, embassy interviews and results follow through the next winter, spring and summer. Dates shift between cycles and some countries run their own deadlines, so confirm the current calendar on the official page.

How to stand out

Write the essays around decisions you made, not the job description. Chevening asks for three course choices, so choose them for the curriculum and name the modules that fit your plan — a mismatched list reads as filler. Line up referees early and brief them on the leadership criteria. If you are near the two-year work-experience line, calculate hours from payslips rather than guessing. Say concretely what you will do at home.

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