Looking for an opportunity to benefit from world class education for free while making a difference in the world and immersing yourself in UK culture? The 2025-2026 Chevening Scholarship might just be your golden ticket.
Chevening is the UK Government’s international scholarships programme for talented and inspiring leaders from around the globe. The Chevening scholarship programme is funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and partner organisations. The programme offers selected candidates awards to study in the UK for one year, on a fully funded master’s degree course.
Candidates from a diverse range of countries and backgrounds are welcome to apply for the scholarship. Imagine studying for a master’s degree in the UK without worrying about tuition fees or living costs. That’s what Chevening offers. You’ll join a global network of talented individuals and gain the skills to become a leader in your field.
What is the 2025-2026 Chevening Scholarship about ?
Chevening is more than just a scholarship. It’s an opportunity to be part of a global network of leaders. You will have the opportunity to study at a top UK university, meet amazing people from different cultures, and gain skills that will help you succeed in your career.
It also provides participants the opportunity to network with influential people and to also explore the UK and experience its culture. At the end of the programme, candidates are invited to join Chevening’s diverse community of over 60,000 global alumni, quite a number of whom are Presidents are national leaders. Upon returning home, successful post-graduates will be equipped with the knowledge and networks to bring their ideas to life and thrive in their chosen field of endeavour.
What does the 2025-2026 Chevening Scholarship cover?
Tuition fees: Your course costs are completely covered.
Living expenses: You’ll receive a monthly allowance to cover your living costs.
Travel costs: Get financial support for your journey to the UK.
Arrival allowance: A one-time payment to help you settle in.
Chevening Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a Chevening Scholarship, you need to:
- Be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country. Check the list on the Chevening website.
- Have at least two years of work experience. This can be full-time, part-time, or volunteer work.
- Hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies you for a master’s program in the UK.
- Apply to three different UK universities and get an unconditional offer from at least one.
- Agree to return to your home country after your studies.
- Important: You can’t apply if you are a British citizen or have already studied in the UK on a UK government scholarship.
How to calculate work experience
Work experience from jobs required for your degree does not count. Applicants can combine up to 15 different work periods to meet the requirement.
In the application form, applicants will be required to enter the number of weeks and hours they have worked for each job listed in their employment history.
The system will multiply the weeks by the hours worked for each job to see if you meet Chevening’s requirement of 2,800 hours of work experience. Applicants will then be able to see their total hours.
Some countries on the eligibility list include: Albania, Algeria, Angola, Benin, Belize, Botswana, Burundi, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, South Africa, Togo, Uganda etc. For the full list of participating countries, please visit Chevening website.
How to apply for the 2025-2026 Chevening Scholarship
- To check if you are eligible for the scholarship, feel free to use the online eligibility checker on the Chevening website.
- Prepare your documents: You’ll need academic certificates, work experience details, and a university offer.
- Complete the application form: Be honest and detailed in your answers.
- Wait for the results: Chevening will contact you about the next steps.
Chevening Scholarship Required documents
All Chevening applicants must provide their education certificates, references, and one unconditional offer from a UK university. The deadlines for these documents are listed below. If you are chosen for a Chevening Scholarship, it’s critical that you submit these documents to stay in the selection process.
Tips for a strong Chevening scholarship application:
- Choose your courses wisely: Pick programs that align with your career goals and the UK’s strengths.
- Write a compelling personal statement: Explain why you deserve a Chevening Scholarship and how it will impact your career.
- Build a strong network: Connect with alumni and current Chevening Scholars for advice.
What happens after you apply for the 2025-2026 Chevening Scholarship Programme?
The Chevening selection process is competitive. If you ate shortlisted, you will be invited for an interview. If successful, you will be invited to join a global network of influential leaders.
2025-2026 Chevening Scholarship Programme Timeline
• Applications open – 6th august, 12:00 UTC
• Applications close – 5th November 11:59 UTC/ GMT (midday UK time).
• Applications are sifted against eligibility criteria – 6th November, 2024
• Reading committee assessments – Independent reading committees assess all eligible applications. Scores and rankings are then passed back to local British embassies/high commissions – Mid-November 2024 to January 2025
• Applicants shortlisted for interviews. Once applications have been reviewed, a shortlist of candidates to be interviewed is produced. This activity commences mid-February 2025
More programme dates and milestones
• 19 February 2025 – References and education documents deadline. Shortlisted candidates will be requested to submit two references and their education documents prior to their interview date.
• 26 February to 25 April 2025 – interviews take place all over the world by panels at British embassies and high commissions.
• From June 2025 – interview results are announced.
• 11 July 2025, 7:00 BST (UK time) – Deadline to receive and submit at least one unconditional UK university offer.
Note that the deadline for submitting applications is November 5th each year. Start planning early to give yourself the best chance of success.
Want to learn more? Visit the official Chevening website for detailed information and support.
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