The Chevening Scholarship is the UK government’s flagship fully funded master’s award for international students who show leadership potential and academic excellence. Administered by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the scholarship enables outstanding individuals from over 150 countries to pursue one-year postgraduate degrees at leading universities in the United Kingdom.
This comprehensive guide breaks down
- What the Chevening Scholarship includes
- Who can apply and how to meet eligibility
- Step-by-step application process
- Essay-writing strategies
- Common mistakes to avoid
- FAQs, alternatives, and alumni insights
Let’s help you build a standout application for one of the most competitive scholarships in the world.
Why Apply for the Chevening Scholarship?
Chevening isn’t just a scholarship—it’s a launchpad for future global leaders. Here’s why thousands apply every year:
- Full funding for tuition, living costs, airfare, and more
- Access to the Chevening Alumni Network (over 55,000 professionals worldwide)
- Participation in leadership workshops, policy talks, and cultural events
- Opportunities to study at top UK universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, UCL, and Manchester
“Chevening gave me the confidence, tools, and global exposure I needed to lead in my country.” – Maria A., Chevening Alumna, Peru
What the Chevening Scholarship Covers
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | Up to £18,000 (full coverage) |
| Monthly Living Allowance | £1,100–£1,300 (varies by city) |
| Round-trip Airfare | Economy flights to/from the UK |
| Visa Costs | Tier 4 student visa fees covered |
| Arrival/Departure Allowances | One-time financial support on both ends |
| Thesis/Dissertation Grant | Funds for academic project costs |
| Events Access | Invitations to policy talks, networking, and more |
Who Can Apply for the Chevening Scholarship?
To qualify, applicants must meet all the following criteria:
- Be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country (full list available on chevening.org)
- Have an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK 2:1 honours (upper second-class)
- Have at least 2 years (2,800+ hours) of work experience, including internships or volunteer roles
- Apply to three eligible UK master’s programs
- Be willing to return home for at least 2 years after completing the scholarship
- Not hold British citizenship (or dual nationality with the UK)
Note: Applicants who have previously studied in the UK with UK government funding are ineligible.
Chevening Application Timeline
| Stage | Approximate Dates | |
| Applications Open | August | |
| Application Deadline | November | |
| Shortlisting & Interviews | January–April | |
| Final Offers Sent | June | |
| Classes Begin |
|
Pro Tip: Create a deadline tracker to avoid last-minute errors.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Visit chevening.org and select your country to confirm the criteria.
Step 2: Choose Three Eligible UK Courses
Use the Chevening Course Finder to find master’s programs that:
- Are full-time, taught master’s degrees
- Last 12 months
- Start in September/October
- They are based in the UK
Step 3: Register and Complete the Online Application
The application includes:
- Personal details and academic background
- Work experience log
- Course selections (3 choices)
- Four short essays (see next section)
- Two referees
Step 4: Submit Application by Deadline
Ensure all components are uploaded correctly. You don’t need university offers at this stage.
Step 5: Prepare for the Interview (If Shortlisted)
Interviews are usually held at the British Embassy or online. Prepare to:
- Explain your goals
- Discuss your essays and leadership examples
- Show commitment to returning home
Step 6: Submit University Offers
By the deadline in July, you must show at least one unconditional offer from your three course choices.
How to Write Winning Chevening Essays
You’ll need to answer four essay questions, each between 300 and 500 words. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to demonstrate impact.
1. Leadership and Influence Essay
- Show how you’ve led projects, inspired change, or influenced outcomes
- Example: Leading a community clean-up that reduced local waste by 40%
2. Networking Essay
- Highlight collaboration across different teams, cultures, or sectors
- Example: Organizing regional youth conferences with NGOs from 4 countries
3. Career Plan Essay
- Present a 5–10 year roadmap
- Align your goals with your country’s development needs
4. Studying in the UK Essay
- Explain why the UK (vs. other countries) suits your academic and professional goals
- Mention specific features of your chosen courses and institutions
Tips for Essays:
- Be authentic, not overly formal
- Avoid buzzwords or vague claims
- Use real, measurable impact examples
- Connect your story to a broader purpose
Choosing the Right UK Courses
When selecting your three courses, keep in mind:
- Diversity: Choose courses at different universities for higher placement chances
- Alignment: Match your course with your career plan and development goals
- Eligibility: Only select from Chevening-approved courses
Popular Courses Among Chevening Scholars:
- MSc Public Policy – LSE
- MSc Climate Change—University of East Anglia
- MA International Development—University of Sussex
- MSc Communication—University of Leeds
- LLM International Law—Queen Mary University of London
Regional Tracks and Special Awards
Chevening also offers specialized tracks for certain countries/regions:
| Region | Award Example |
| Africa | Mandela Chevening Scholars |
| Asia | Joint Chevening-Fulbright Awards (India) |
| MENA | Gender- and policy-focused tracks (Jordan, Egypt) |
| Latin America | Climate and STEM emphasis (Brazil, Mexico) |
Always check your country page for localized opportunities.
Common Mistakes That Hurt Your Chevening Application
- ❌ Submitting vague, generic essays
- ❌ Choosing three very similar courses
- ❌ Not providing leadership with concrete results
- ❌ Ignoring word limits or required formats
- ❌ Missing university offer deadline
- ❌ Not preparing for the interview
Chevening Scholarship FAQs
Q: Is the Chevening Scholarship fully funded?
A: Yes. It covers tuition, living allowance, flights, visa fees, and more.
Q: Do I need IELTS?
A: Only if your selected universities require it. Some waive it based on previous instruction in English.
Q: Can I apply with more than 2 years of work experience?
A: Yes, but you must meet the 2-year minimum. More is often better.
Q: Is there an age limit?
A: No official limit. Most scholars are between 25 and 35 years old, but applicants of all ages are welcome.
Q: Can I apply if I’ve studied in the UK before?
A: Yes, as long as it wasn’t through a UK government-funded scholarship.
Other Fully Funded Alternatives
If you don’t get Chevening, apply to these excellent options:
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program—USA
Fully funded master’s/PhD in the U.S.—tuition, stipend, airfare, insurance
2. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees—EU
Multiple countries, full tuition, monthly stipend, travel support
3. DAAD Scholarships—Germany
For development-related fields, full tuition, monthly stipend
4. MEXT Scholarship—Japan
Full tuition, monthly allowance, airfare
5. Swedish Institute Scholarships
Leadership-focused, full funding, emphasis on sustainable development
Final Thoughts
Chevening is more than just a UK scholarship—it’s a leadership journey. Winning it requires clarity of purpose, evidence of impact, and alignment with national and global development goals.
Start early. Stay organized. Be authentic.
Let your story show that you’re not only ready to study abroad but also ready to return and lead change.
