Are you an outstanding emerging leader with a passion for making a positive change in your home country? Do you have exceptional leadership skills and performance? If yes, then Chevening Scholarships could be your gateway to pursuing a one-year master’s degree in the UK.

Chevening Scholarships are fully-funded opportunities that enable exceptional professionals from all over the world to study in the UK for a year. The scholarships cover everything, including flights, accommodation, and course fees. This means you are free to focus on achieving your professional goals and making the most of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

To be eligible for Chevening Scholarships, you need at least two years of work experience and an admission offer from a UK University. The competition for these scholarships is extremely high, with only 2-3% of those who apply eventually being selected. Therefore, being selected for a Chevening Scholarship is not only a mark of potential but also of prestige.

While there is no “typical” Chevening Scholar, successful candidates tend to have ambition, leadership qualities, and a passion for influencing positive change in their home countries. Chevening Scholarships are not restricted by gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, marriage or parenthood status, caste, class, or other attributes. What matters most is your ability to submit a thoughtful application that demonstrates your potential for excelling on an intense master’s course in the UK and a clear vision for your future.

During your year in the UK, you will develop both professionally and academically, network extensively, experience UK culture, and build lasting positive relationships with the UK. You will leave the UK equipped with the knowledge and networks necessary to bring your own ideas to life and make a positive impact in your home country.

Chevening Scholarships are funded by the UK government and are a testament to the UK’s commitment to developing exceptional leaders who can create a better future. If you meet the eligibility criteria and other requirements, we encourage you to apply for this unique opportunity. Who knows, this could be your first step towards becoming one of the world’s most influential leaders.

What does a Chevening Scholarship cover? 

  • Payment of tuition fees
  • Economy travel to and from your country of residence by an approved route for you only
  • An arrival allowance
  • The cost of an entry clearance (visa) application for you only
  • A departure allowance
  • A contribution of up to £75 for TB testing, where this is required
  • A travel top up allowance
  • A monthly personal living allowance (stipend) to cover accommodation and living expenses. The monthly stipend will depend on whether you are studying inside or outside London. These rates are subject to annual review.

Who is eligible?

To be eligible for a Chevening Scholarship you must:

  • Be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country or territory.
  • Return to your country of citizenship for a minimum of two years after your award has ended.
  • Have completed all components of an undergraduate degree that will enable you to gain entry onto a postgraduate programme at a UK university by the time you submit your application. This is typically equivalent to an upper second-class 2:1 honours degree in the UK but may be different depending on your course and university choice.
  • Have at least two years (equivalent to 2,800 hours) of work experience.
  • Apply to three different eligible UK university courses and have received an unconditional offer from one of these choices by 13 July 2023.

Work experience

You must ensure that you meet the minimum work-experience requirement for the scholarship before submitting your Chevening application. Chevening Scholarships require that applicants have at least two years of work experience.

If you do not already have the required level of work experience, you will be unable to submit your application.

Eligible types of work experience

The types of work experience that are eligible for Chevening can include:

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

What is the application process?

  • Application timeline – The process of selecting Chevening Scholars takes a minimum of eight months from the application deadline to when applicants are conditionally selected for an award. Here is an overview of the application and selection process, so you always know what’s going on. For 2022-2023 – Application are open between August 2 – November 1.
  • Online application – All Chevening applications must be submitted through our online application system (OAS). There are a total of 4 essays, each essay should be comprised of 500 words;
  1. 1st essay is about candidates networking skills.
  2. 2nd essay would ask you about your leadership qualities.
  3. 3rd Essay would ask you about future career plans.
  4. 4th essay would be about why you want to pursue your studies in the UK.
  • Interviews – If you are shortlisted to interview for a Chevening Scholarship, you will be invited to attend an interview in your home country, in the city/town where the British embassy or high commission has a representation.
  • References –  References are an integral part of Chevening’s selection process. You must supply the names of two referees when you submit your application. If your application is progressed to the next stage of the process, you will be required to upload two reference letters to the online application system by the relevant deadline. Please select your referees carefully. They should be people who can comment on your general suitability to receive a Chevening Scholarship or Fellowship. Referees should be known to you, either in an academic or professional capacity. They should not be a relative or close personal friend.
    Your reference should cover the following:
    • How long have you known the applicant?
    • In what capacity do you know the applicant? (e.g. professional, educational, supervisory, voluntary, religious, etc.)
    • When did you last have regular contact with the applicant?
    • A brief overall endorsement of the applicant, including their: Skills in leadership and networking ; Personal, intellectual, and interpersonal qualities ; Ability to complete a demanding academic programme in the UK.