Chevening Scholarship 2025 (UK – Fully Funded)
- How to Apply for a Chevening Scholarship (2025 Guide)
- Chevening Scholarship 2025: Eligibility, Benefits & Application
- Chevening Scholarships for International Students: A 2025 Guide

The Chevening Scholarship is a prestigious UK government global scholarship program that offers a fully-funded opportunity to pursue a one-year master’s degree in the United Kingdom. The program aims to develop future leaders, influencers, and decision-makers from around the world.
Purpose of the Chevening Scholarship:
Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and partner organizations, Chevening Scholarships are awarded to individuals with demonstrable leadership potential and strong academic backgrounds . The core mission is to create a global network of professionals who will return to their home countries and contribute to positive change . Scholars leave the UK equipped with the knowledge and lasting connections needed to bring their ideas to life
Who Can Apply & Eligible Countries:
Chevening is for outstanding emerging leaders from all over the world. There is no ‘typical’ scholar; successful applicants have ambition, leadership qualities, and a passion for influencing positive change . The program is open to citizens of over 160 Chevening-eligible countries and territories worldwide . You must apply from the country of your citizenship.
Scholarship Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for a Chevening Scholarship, you must meet the following core criteria
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Citizen of a Chevening-eligible country or territory. |
| Return Commitment | Return to your home country for at least two years after your scholarship ends. |
| Work Experience | At least 2,800 hours (equivalent to two years) of work experience gained after graduating from your undergraduate degree. |
| Undergraduate Degree | Hold a degree that is equivalent to an upper second-class 2:1 honours degree in the UK. |
| University Offers | Apply to three different eligible UK university courses and receive at least one unconditional offer by the specified deadline. |
Important Update: For the 2025/2026 application cycle, work experience will only be counted if it was gained after graduation. Experience acquired before completing your undergraduate degree is no longer eligible .
You are not eligible if you hold British or dual British citizenship (with some specific exceptions), are an employee or relative of an employee of the UK government or British Council, or have previously studied in the UK on a UK government-funded scholarship .
How to Apply for Scholarship:
Applications for Chevening Scholarships are highly competitive and must be submitted online during the application window .
- Check Your Country Page: Go to the official Chevening application page and select your country of citizenship to see specific available awards .
- Prepare Your Application: The online application requires you to complete several sections :
- Personal & Education Details
- Work Experience Entries: The system will automatically calculate your total hours.
- Three Course Choices: Select three eligible UK master’s courses.
- Two References: Provide contact details for two referees (you will need to upload reference letters if shortlisted for an interview).
- Essay Questions: Answer four essay questions on leadership, networking, study plans, and career goals (word limit is 300 words each for the 2025/26 cycle) .
- Submit and Interview: Submit your application before the deadline. If shortlisted, you will be invited for an interview at the British embassy or high commission in your country
Application Timeline for 2025/2026
Strict adherence to the timeline is crucial for a successful application .
| Date | Stage |
|---|---|
| 5 August 2025 | Applications open at 12:00 UTC. |
| 7 October 2025 | Applications close at 12:00 UTC. |
| October 2025 – January 2026 | Eligibility screening and reading committee assessments. |
| Mid-February 2026 | Applicants are shortlisted for interviews. |
| March – April 2026 | Interviews take place. |
| Mid-June 2026 | Results are announced. |
| 9 July 2026 | Deadline to submit at least one unconditional university offer. |
| September/October 2026 | Scholars begin their studies in the UK. |
Scholarship Benefits: What Does Chevening Cover?
The Chevening Scholarship is a comprehensive, fully-funded award designed to allow you to focus entirely on your studies. It typically includes :
- Full University Tuition Fees: Paid directly to your university.
- Monthly Stipend: A personal living allowance to cover accommodation and living expenses.
- Economy Class Travel: Return airfare to and from the UK from your home country.
- Arrival and Departure Allowances: One-time payments to help you settle in and prepare to leave.
- Visa Application Cost: Reimbursement for your UK student visa fee.
- Travel Grant: Funding to attend academic-related events in the UK.
- Exclusive Networking: Access to a global community of over 50,000 alumni, official events, and talks.
Application Link and Key Resources:
- Official Application Portal: The application process is managed via the Chevening online application system. You can start by finding your country-specific page here: https://www.chevening.org/apply/ .
- Eligibility Checker: Before applying, use the official eligibility quiz on the Chevening website to confirm your eligibility. https://www.chevening.org/resource-hub/guidance/eligibility/
- Course Finder: Find eligible master’s courses using the official Chevening course finder tool: https://www.chevening.org/scholarships/
Frequently Asked Questions❓
Is there an age limit for applying?
No, Chevening does not have an upper age limit. Your application is assessed on your professional and academic merits, not your age .
Can I apply if I already have a master’s degree?
Yes. Having a master’s degree does not prevent you from applying for a Chevening Scholarship to pursue a second master’s degree in the UK .
What are the English language requirements?
You must have the required English language proficiency by the time you submit your application. The specific test and score requirements can be found on your country-specific page on the Chevening website. Chevening.org

