2025-2026 Chevening Scholarships: Your Pathway to Study in the UK

Applications for the 2025-2026 Chevening Scholarships are now open! This prestigious scholarship offers students worldwide the opportunity to study in the UK for one year, fully funded. Sponsored by the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and other partner organizations, Chevening Scholarships attract future leaders and change-makers. Read on to learn everything you need to know about applying, eligibility, and maximizing your chances of success!

Why Apply for a Chevening Scholarship?

Chevening Scholarships are much more than a study grant; they provide an all-encompassing experience:

• Fully Funded Education: Chevening covers all tuition fees for a master’s degree in the UK, plus living and travel expenses.
• Exclusive Networking Opportunities: Scholars gain access to a vast professional network within the Chevening community, creating pathways for career development and positive impact.
• Immersive Cultural Experience: Recipients explore the UK’s rich, diverse culture and make lifelong connections.

Upon graduation, Chevening Scholars join a global network of over 60,000 alumni, gaining resources and contacts that support them in driving positive change in their careers and communities.

Key Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a Chevening Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Citizenship: You must be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country or territory.
2. Return Commitment: Commit to returning to your home country for at least two years after your scholarship ends.
3. Work Experience: Have a minimum of two years (or 2,800 hours) of work experience. Eligible experience includes:
   • Full-time employment
   • Part-time employment
   • Voluntary work
   • Internships (paid or unpaid) Note: Experience gained as part of mandatory degree requirements does not count.
4. Education: Hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies you for a master’s program in the UK.
5. Course Applications: Apply to three eligible UK university courses and secure an unconditional offer from at least one of these by the education document deadline in the application timeline.

Ineligibility Factors:

• British or dual British citizenship (exceptions apply for certain British Overseas Territory citizens).
• Refugee status in a country not eligible for Chevening.
• Employment within certain UK government sectors, British embassies, or Chevening partner organizations (with conditions).

Applicants can apply for a second master’s degree if they can clearly explain how it aligns with their career goals and will foster positive change.

Required Documents for Application

Applicants must submit the following documents:

1. Educational Documents: Academic transcripts and certificates.
2. References: Two references supporting your application.
3. University Offer: One unconditional offer for a UK university course.

Important: Deadlines for these documents are listed on the Chevening application timeline, so it’s crucial to plan accordingly to avoid disqualification.

Chevening Application Timeline and Selection Updates

Chevening keeps applicants informed about their application status through email notifications at each stage of the selection process. To check the timeline:

• Log in to the Online Application System: Applicants can use their registration details to stay updated.
• Application Stages: Keep track of updates, eligibility checks, and interviews as outlined on the Chevening timeline.

Application Tips: How to Stand Out

Your Chevening application will evaluate four main areas: leadership and influence, networking, studying in the UK, and career planning. Here are specific tips to excel in each section:

1. Leadership and Influence:
   • Provide Recent Examples: Share recent experiences where you showcased leadership skills.
   • Show Impact: Focus on outcomes rather than just responsibilities.
   • Align Goals: Connect leadership traits to your study plans and post-study aspirations.
2. Networking and Relationship-Building:
   • Discuss Specific Networks: Mention networking skills and achievements within professional networks.
   • Highlight Accomplishments: Show how your connections led to measurable impacts.
   • Engage with the Chevening Community: Describe how you plan to contribute to the Chevening alumni network.
3. Studying in the UK:
   • Course Connections: Explain how each of your three course choices aligns with your background and future ambitions.
   • Unique Approach: Avoid referencing only rankings or website descriptions. Focus on course content and modules relevant to your goals.
4. Career Plan:
   • Set Realistic Objectives: Outline a clear career path post-study, with measurable steps.
   • Leverage the Chevening Experience: Explain how the scholarship and UK studies will support your objectives.