The Chevening Scholarship offers exceptional emerging leaders from around the globe the opportunity to pursue one-year master’s degrees in the UK. To qualify for a Chevening Scholarship, you must be a citizen of one of the Chevening-eligible countries or territories. If you meet the eligibility criteria and other requirements, we encourage you to apply for the scholarship. Let’s delve into the entry criteria and the process for obtaining a Chevening scholarship to study abroad in the UK.
Contents
- 1 What is a Chevening Scholarship?
- 2 Benefits of the Chevening Scholarship
- 3 Requirements for the Chevening Scholarship
- 4 Who Can Apply for the Chevening Scholarship?
- 5 The Chevening Scholarship Amount in the UK
- 6 How to Prepare Your Chevening Application?
- 7 Chevening Scholarship Application Deadline
- 8 Acceptance Rate of Chevening Scholarships for International Students
- 9 Final Words
- 10 FAQ
- 10.1 Is it difficult to obtain a Chevening Scholarship?
- 10.2 How much funding does Chevening provide?
- 10.3 Is an IELTS score required for Chevening?
- 10.4 Is there an age limit for Chevening?
- 10.5 When does the Chevening Scholarship application period open?
- 10.6 Can you remain in the UK after completing a Chevening Scholarship?
What is a Chevening Scholarship?
Chevening is the UK government’s international scholarship program, offering fully funded awards for individuals from various countries and backgrounds to pursue a one-year master’s degree in the UK. The program is funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, along with partner organizations. All Chevening scholars have a common goal: to use their passion, vision, and skills to create positive change in the world.
Benefits of the Chevening Scholarship
Being a Chevening scholar comes with numerous benefits. These include having your tuition fees fully funded, gaining access to top-quality education, getting exclusive networking opportunities, and having the chance to explore the diverse culture of the UK.
Moreover, you will join a global community of over 55,000 alumni after completing your scholarship. This will give you the knowledge and connections necessary to bring your ideas to life and succeed in your career.
Requirements for the Chevening Scholarship
The Chevening application process involves a thorough review and selection process. Initially, the Chevening Secretariat in London ensures that the applications meet the basic eligibility criteria. To apply for a Chevening Scholarship, applicants must have an undergraduate degree qualification and a minimum of two years of work experience.
After meeting the initial requirements, applications are individually reviewed by separate reading committees. These committees assess each application based on FCDO, Chevening, and regional goals, as well as the candidate’s potential to achieve those goals.
Documents requirements for a Chevening Scholarship
To apply for a British Chevening Scholarship for international students, you are required to submit several documents. These include your education documents, references, and an unconditional offer from a UK university. The deadlines for submitting these documents can be found in the Chevening application timeline. Simply use the ‘update my application’ button to upload them.
If you are selected for a Chevening Scholarship, it is important to note that these documents must be submitted to continue with the application process.
Who Can Apply for the Chevening Scholarship?
Are you eligible for a Chevening Scholarship? To qualify for a Chevening Scholarship, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Be a citizen of a country or territory that is eligible for Chevening.
2. Commit to returning to your home country for a minimum of two years after the scholarship ends.
3. Hold an undergraduate degree that allows you to apply for a postgraduate program in the UK. The typical requirement is a 2:1 honors degree in the UK, but this may vary depending on your course and university.
4. Possess at least two years (2,800 hours) of work experience.
5. Apply to three different eligible UK university courses and receive an unconditional offer from one of them before the deadline.
Is it possible for you to apply for the Chevening Scholarship for an undergraduate degree?
No, you cannot apply for a Chevening scholarship in the UK for undergraduate degrees or PhD or DPhil as a foreign student. However, you can apply for this scholarship for taught Masters programs in the UK.
The Chevening Scholarship Amount in the UK
The monthly living expenses provided by Chevening are referred to as a stipend. This stipend is intended to support your basic needs during your full-time studies in the UK. It covers expenses such as rent, food, personal items, phone bills, daily travel, and any necessary course materials. Additionally, it can be used to cover NHS costs including prescriptions, dental work, and eye care.
Your stipend will commence from the start date of your course, as indicated in your final award letter. It will be provided for a maximum of 12 months or until the completion of your course, whichever occurs first. Please note that the stipend is only available while you are studying in the UK and for the duration of your course.
How to Prepare Your Chevening Application?
Follow these five simple steps to give yourself the best chance of writing a top-notch application for the Chevening scholarship:
Ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria
Last year, Chevening received over 10,000 ineligible applications, with 70% of them being ineligible due to not meeting the 2-year work experience requirement. Avoid making the same mistake by ensuring you meet all the eligibility criteria for the Chevening scholarship in the UK.
Build up your leadership portfolio
During the application and interview stage, you will need to demonstrate examples of your leadership abilities. Start collecting examples now, considering instances where you led a team or project. Reflect on your successes, what you learned, and how you utilized your influence. Choose the strongest examples that showcase your leadership potential to include in your application.
Consider your long-term goals
Think about where you want to be in 2, 5, and 10 years. Develop a realistic plan to achieve your goals and make a positive impact in your home country. While we understand that life doesn’t always go as planned, we want to hear your big ideas for creating a positive change. Show us that you’ve carefully thought about how to turn your dreams into reality.
Research UK universities and courses
When applying for the Chevening Scholarship, you can choose up to three courses at three different UK universities. Start exploring the Chevening course finder to find courses and universities that align with your career goals. Remember that you will need to apply separately to the universities for your chosen courses. Your Chevening application is not an application to the universities.
Understand how the Chevening Scholarship can help you
Reflect on why you want to apply to Chevening and what you hope to gain by being part of the global community. Consider why you want to study your chosen courses in the UK. We want to understand not only why you would be a good fit for Chevening but also why Chevening is the right choice for you. Thinking about these important questions and discussing them with friends and colleagues will help you write a strong Chevening application when applications open this year.
Chevening Scholarship Application Deadline
The applications for the Chevening Scholarships 2024/25 have now closed. The deadline to apply for the scholarship was on 5 November 2023. The selection process for Chevening Scholars will take a minimum of eight months, beginning from the application deadline until the candidates are selected for the award. To keep you informed, here is a concise overview of the application and selection steps..
| Activity | Timeline |
| Applications open at 12:00 BST | 6th August |
| Application closes at 12:00 GMT | 5th November |
| Applications are shifted against eligibility criteria | 6th November |
| Reading Committee Assessment | Mid-November -January |
| Applications shortlisted for interviews | Mid-February |
| References and Education documents deadline | 19th February |
| Interviews take place | 26th February – 25th April |
| Results | From June |
| Offer deadline | 11th July |
| Studies begin in the UK | September/October |
Acceptance Rate of Chevening Scholarships for International Students
You may have invested a great deal of effort into your essays, but success is not guaranteed. Last year, the acceptance rate was approximately 2%, so we advise adopting a ’98-2′ mindset.
Final Words
Chevening is a highly esteemed and fiercely competitive scholarship program offered to international students studying in the UK. It offers fully-funded master’s degrees and serves as a unique opportunity for aspiring leaders and decision-makers to establish valuable connections with the UK that can greatly enhance their professional journeys.
Read More:
September 2025 Intake in UK: Courses, Fees & Deadline
January 2025 Intake in UK Universities
FAQ
Is it difficult to obtain a Chevening Scholarship?
Answer: The Chevening Secretariat in London carefully reviews and selects all Chevening applications. They first check if the applications meet the basic eligibility requirements.
How much funding does Chevening provide?
Answer: Chevening covers expenses such as rent, food, personal items, phone bills, daily travel, and any necessary course materials.
Is an IELTS score required for Chevening?
Answer: While it is possible to apply for Chevening without an IELTS score, some universities may require proof of English proficiency. Not all Chevening partner universities require IELTS; many accept the PTE (Pearson Test of English) or TOEFL instead.
Is there an age limit for Chevening?
Answer: No, there is no upper age limit to be eligible for a Chevening Scholarship.
When does the Chevening Scholarship application period open?
Answer: From mid-November 2024 to January 2025, independent reading committees assess all eligible applications.
Can you remain in the UK after completing a Chevening Scholarship?
Answer: All scholarship recipients are required to return to their home country or territory for two years immediately after completing their program.
