Chevening Scholarship

Created by UK Government, the Chevening Scholarship supports future leaders who want to pursue a one-year masters degree in UK. Applications for the 2027–28 academic year are currently open and must be submitted by October 6, 2026, at 11:00 UTC or 4:30 PM IST. 

The scholarship looks beyond academic grades. Applicants need at least 2,800 hours of work experience gained after completing their undergraduate degree, must select 3 eligible courses, and should have clear leadership examples and career goals. Selected scholars receive support for tuition, travel, visa, and living expenses. 

In the sections below, you will find details about eligibility, benefits, eligible courses, application steps, required documents, essays, interviews, and scholarship conditions. 

Chevening Scholarship Requirements and Eligibility 

The scholarship is open to applicants from eligible countries and territories who meet its academic, work experience, and course requirements. You must also agree to return to your country of award for at least 2 years after completing the scholarship. 

Before applying, check these basic conditions: 

• You must be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country or territory. 
• If your award country receives Official Development Assistance (ODA), you must live in an ODA-eligible country when applying.  
• If you live in a European overseas territory, you may apply through the Chevening scheme linked to the European country whose citizenship you hold. 

Academic Qualifications 

You must hold an undergraduate degree that allows you to apply for a master’s program in UK. Your degree does not need to follow a particular grading system, but it must meet the entry requirements of your chosen universities. 

Keep these points in mind: 

• You must have completed your undergraduate studies at least 2 years before the Chevening application deadline. For the 2027–28 cycle, this generally means completing your degree by October 2024. 
• You do not need to have the final degree certificate while submitting the application, but you must provide it by the interview stage. 

Work Experience Requirement 

You need at least 2,800 hours of work experience gained after completing your undergraduate degree. This is roughly equal to two years of full-time work based on a 35-hour working week. 

Chevening accepts different types of experience, including: 

• Full-time employment 
• Part-time employment 
• Paid or unpaid internships 
• Voluntary work 

You can combine experience from different roles and enter up to 15 work periods in your application.  

Who cannot apply? 

You will not be eligible if you: 

• Hold British or dual British citizenship, unless you are a British Overseas Territory citizen or hold British National (Overseas) status and are applying from Hong Kong. 
• Have refugee status in a country that is not eligible for Chevening. However, you may still apply if you are a citizen of an eligible country and hold refugee status in another eligible country. 
• Live in UK at the time of application, excluding the British Overseas Territories. 
• Are an employee, certain former employees, or an immediate relative of an employee of a restricted organization, such as a UK government department, the British Council, a Chevening partner university, or one of their wholly owned subsidiaries. 
• Work under contract on a British Council program or project, or are an immediate relative of someone who does. 
• Have already studied in UK with a UK government-funded scholarship. 

Previous Chevening Fellowship recipients may apply for a Chevening Scholarship once five years have passed since completing their fellowship. 

Chevening Scholarship 2026 Benefits and Coverage 

For many students, the cost of studying in UK is a major concern. The Chevening Scholarship reduces this burden by covering tuition fees and offering financial support for travel, visa, and everyday living expenses. 

Here is what scholars usually receive: 

• Tuition fee support: Chevening pays the approved tuition fee for your selected master’s course. 
• Travel to and from UK: The scholarship covers economy-class travel between your country of residence and UK through an approved route. 
• Monthly living allowance: You receive a monthly stipend to manage accommodation and regular living expenses. Students studying in London receive a different amount from those studying elsewhere in UK because living costs vary. These rates are reviewed annually. 
• Visa application cost: Chevening pays for one UK visa application for the scholar. 
• Arrival allowance: A one-time payment is provided to help with expenses when you first arrive in UK. 
• Departure allowance: You also receive financial support when preparing to return home after completing your course. 
• TB testing support: If a tuberculosis test is required for your visa, Chevening contributes to GBP 75 (approximately INR 9.7K) toward its cost. 
• Additional travel allowance: Eligible scholars may receive extra support to travel to required Chevening events. 

Please note: Travel, visa, and living support are meant for the scholar only. Expenses for accompanying family members are not covered. The final award letter confirms the exact allowances included in your scholarship. 

Eligible Courses for Chevening Scholarship UK 

Chevening does not limit you to a selected group of universities in UK. You can choose an eligible course at any UK university, whether it is a Chevening partner. What matters is whether the course meets the scholarship rules and supports your career plans. 

You must select three different master’s courses in your Chevening application. These can be three courses at the same university or similar courses at up to three universities. However, choosing related courses at different universities can improve your chances of receiving an offer. 

For a course to be eligible, it must: 

• Be a full-time program based in UK 
• Begin during the autumn term, usually in September or October 
• Be a taught master’s course rather than a research-based program 
• Lead to a master’s degree 
• Last between 9 and 12 months 
• Include no more than one month of study outside UK 

Chevening does not accept: 

• Part-time or distance-learning courses 
• PhD or DPhil programs 
• Research-focused courses such as an MRes 
• Programs lasting under 9 months or over 12 months 
• Courses that begin outside the autumn intake 

You should choose all three courses carefully because you normally cannot change them after submitting your application. 

For MBA courses, Chevening covers tuition up to GBP 22,000 (approx. INR 28.4L). If the fee is higher, you must pay the remaining amount yourself. 

Read more on: Masters in UK | MBA in UK 

Chevening Scholarship 2026 Application Timeline 

The Chevening Scholarship application process takes almost a year, so it helps to know what happens at each stage. Applications submitted in 2026 are for the 2027–28 academic year, with selected scholars beginning their studies in September or October 2027. 

Here are the main dates you should follow: 

Scholarship Timeline	Application Stage
August 4, 2026	Applications open at 11:00 UTC, which is 4:30 PM IST.
October 6, 2026	Applications close at 11:00 UTC, or 4:30 PM IST.
From October 2026	Chevening checks applications against its basic eligibility requirements.
Mid-October 2026 to January 2027	Independent reading committees review eligible applications and assess candidates against the selection criteria.
Mid-February 2027	Shortlisted applicants are invited for an interview.
March to April 2027	Interviews are conducted by panels at British embassies and high commissions.   Candidates must upload their required documents at least seven working days before the interview.
From mid-June 2027	Interview results are announced, and successful candidates receive further instructions.
July 8, 2027	Successful candidates must submit at least one unconditional UK university offer by 5:00 PM BST, or 9:30 PM IST.
September or October 2027	Selected Chevening scholars begin their master’s courses in UK.

University applications are separate from the Chevening application. It is better to apply to your three selected courses early so that you have enough time to meet university conditions and secure an unconditional offer. 

Chevening does not accept late scholarship applications or extensions. Applicants should check the official timeline regularly in case any dates or instructions are updated. 

Documents Required for Chevening Scholarship UK 

The document process for a Chevening Scholarship is simpler than it may first appear. You do not need to upload any documents when submitting the initial online application. At this stage, however, you must provide the names and contact details of two referees. 

If you are shortlisted for an interview, you must upload the following documents: 

• Valid photo identification: You can submit a passport or national identity card. You should also carry the same photo ID to your interview. 
• Undergraduate degree certificate: This must be an official certificate or diploma issued by your university showing your degree and final grade. Academic transcripts are not accepted in place of the degree certificate.  

The original document does not need to be translated into English. 

• Two reference letters: Both letters must be written in English and provided by your nominated referees. They should explain your professional qualities, leadership potential, skills, and suitability for the scholarship. (Check out: Letter of Recommendation Format) 

These documents must be uploaded to the Chevening application system at least 7 working days before your scheduled interview. 

Successful candidates must later submit an unconditional offer from at least one of their 3 selected UK courses. For the 2026 application cycle, the deadline is July 8, 2027. 

How to Apply for Chevening Scholarship UK? 

Once you confirm that you meet the Chevening Scholarship requirements, you can shortlist three eligible courses, prepare your referees’ details, and begin completing the online application. You should first check the rules, shortlist suitable courses, and prepare strong examples from your experience. 

Here is how the process works: 

1. Check your eligibility 

Make sure you: 

• Are a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country or territory. 
• Hold an undergraduate degree accepted for a UK master’s course. 
• Have at least 2,800 hours of work experience gained after graduation. 
• Can return to your country of award for two years after the scholarship. 
• Have clear examples of leadership, relationship building, and future impact. 

2. Choose three master’s courses 

Select three eligible UK courses that: 

• Match your education, experience, and career plans. 
• Are similar in subject or overall purpose. 
• Meet Chevening’s duration, study mode, and intake rules. 

You must apply to these universities separately. The Chevening form is only for the scholarship. 

3. Keep your application details ready 

• Before starting the form, prepare: 
• Your education and employment history. 
• Details of your three selected courses. 
• Names and contact information of two referees. 
• Real examples that show your leadership skills, professional relationships, and career goals. 

You do not need to upload documents at this stage. 

4. Submit the online form 

Apply through the Chevening page for your country or territory. Complete every section carefully and use specific examples from your own experience. 

For the current cycle: 

• Applications close on October 6, 2026. 
• The deadline is 11:00 UTC or 4:30 PM IST. 
• Late applications are not accepted. 

5. Prepare for the interview stage 

If shortlisted, Chevening will email you with instructions to book an interview at a British embassy or high commission. 

At least seven working days before the interview, upload: 

• A valid photo ID 
• Your undergraduate degree certificate 
• Two reference letters in English 

6. Submit an unconditional university offer 

If you clear the interview, you must provide an unconditional offer from at least one of your three courses. For this cycle, the deadline is July 8, 2027. 

Keep your unique application access code safe. You will need it whenever you sign in to the Chevening application system. 

Chevening Scholarship Interview and Selection Process 

Chevening does not select scholars only on the basis of grades or years of work experience. Your written application, interview answers, career direction, and ability to support your claims with real examples are considered together. 

Here is how the selection process works: 

1. Initial application review 

After applications close: 

• Chevening first checks whether each applicant meets the eligibility rules. 
• Independent reading committees assess eligible applications. 
• British embassies and high commissions prepare the interview shortlist. 
• Shortlisted applicants are informed by email, usually around mid-February. 

2. Pre-interview preparation 

If shortlisted, book your interview slot through the online application system as soon as possible. 

At least seven days before the interview, you must upload: 

• A passport or national identity card 
• Your undergraduate degree certificate or diploma 
• Two reference letters 

You must also carry your original photo ID to the interview 

3. Chevening interview 

Interviews for the current cycle are expected between March and April 2027. The interview: 

• Is conducted in English. 
• Follows a competency-based format. 
• Is handled by a panel that includes representatives from the British embassy or high commission. 
• Covers the information provided in your application. 

Includes questions about your three courses and the progress of your university applications. 

The panel will mainly assess whether you can: 

• Share clear examples of leadership and influence. 
• Explain how you have built useful professional relationships. 
• Show that you have properly researched your first-choice course. 
• Connect the course with your experience and future goals. 
• Present a realistic short-, medium-, and long-term career plan. 
• Explain the positive change you want to create after returning home. 

Keep your answers natural and specific. Instead of repeating broad claims, explain what you did, why you did it, and what changed because of your actions. 

4. Results and final selection 

Interview results are shared by email from mid-June 2027. Applicants may receive one of three outcomes: 

1. Conditionally selected: You have been chosen but must complete the remaining award requirements. 
2. Reserve candidate: You are placed on a waiting list and may receive an award if a place becomes available. 
3. Unsuccessful: You have not been selected for the current cycle. 

Conditionally selected applicants must accept the scholarship terms, upload their passport details and university offers, and complete the required disclosure form. The Final Award Letter is issued after all conditions are met and the university confirms the place. 

Note: Do not apply for your UK Student visa until Chevening issues your Final Award Letter.  

Terms and Conditions of Chevening Scholarship 

Receiving a Chevening Scholarship comes with a few responsibilities. Before accepting the award, read your conditional and final award letters carefully, as they confirm the exact funding, course dates, and rules that apply to you. 

The main terms include: 

• Complete the approved course: Give priority to your studies and aim to pass on the first attempt. Chevening does not normally cover resits or academic resubmissions. 
• Get approval before making changes: You cannot change your course or university without permission from your programme officer. 
• Follow all applicable rules: Comply with your visa conditions, university regulations, and the Chevening Code of Conduct. Keep Chevening informed about changes to your address, immigration status, or study arrangements. 
• Check before travelling abroad: Scholars can normally spend no more than 30 days outside UK during the award. Inform your programme officer at least two weeks before travelling. 
• Complete the award within the approved period: Extensions are considered only in exceptional circumstances and are not guaranteed. 
• Return after your course: You must return to your country or territory of award for at least two years. Chevening scholars cannot remain in UK through the Graduate route after completing their course. 

Breaking these conditions may lead to withheld payments, withdrawal of the scholarship, or repayment of the funding received. 

Conclusion: Is the Chevening Scholarship Worth Applying For? 

Yes, the Chevening Scholarship is worth applying for if you want to study a master’s course in UK without carrying the full financial burden. Along with tuition and living support, it offers international exposure, professional connections, and access to a global alumni network. 

However, Chevening is highly competitive and suits applicants with clear career goals, strong examples of leadership, and a genuine plan to create an impact after returning home. If you meet the requirements, start early, research your courses carefully, and keep every part of your application honest and specific. 

Need help choosing a UK master’s course that matches your career plans? Book a free 1:1 session with upGrad experts today!