The Chevening Scholarship 2026-2027 is now open to international applicants looking to pursue a fully funded master’s degree in the United Kingdom. This opportunity is a life-changing experience for ambitious professionals who are ready to make a positive impact on their communities and countries.
The Chevening Scholarship is a fully funded program that covers tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, economy class return airfare to the UK, and various additional grants to cover essential expenses. It is more than just a scholarship; it is a gateway to a world of learning, professional development, networking, and cultural exchange.
Every year, around 1,500 Chevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding individuals from across the globe, enabling them to study in the UK and build a lasting relationship with the country.
Funded by the UK Government through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and its partner organizations, the Chevening program offers two main types of awards:
Chevening Scholarships and Chevening Fellowships. While fellowships are often aimed at mid-career professionals, the scholarships are specifically designed for graduate students aiming to pursue a one-year master’s degree at any UK university.
Chevening is not restricted to any specific academic field or university, allowing scholars to choose from a wide range of courses at any eligible UK university. The flexibility and breadth of options make Chevening one of the most accessible and dynamic scholarship programs in the world.
Through Chevening, future leaders and influencers are given the unique chance to grow professionally and academically, experience UK culture, and forge global networks that last a lifetime.
Chevening Scholarship Summary
The Chevening Scholarship is available for full-time, taught master’s programs at any UK university in any subject. The scholarship is tenable for one academic year only, which aligns with the UK’s typical master’s degree duration.
The application cycle for the Chevening Scholarship 2026 opens on August 5, 2025, and closes on October 7, 2025.
Chevening Scholarship Benefits
The Chevening Scholarship is a comprehensive financial package designed to remove all financial barriers to studying in the UK. Recipients of the scholarship receive:
1. University Tuition Fees
One of the most significant and valuable components of the Chevening Scholarship is the full coverage of university tuition fees. Tuition fees in the United Kingdom can be prohibitively expensive for international students, especially for top-tier universities.
Master’s programs at UK universities typically range from £10,000 to £35,000 or even more, depending on the subject and institution.
The Chevening Scholarship removes this barrier entirely by paying the full tuition fees directly to the university on behalf of the scholar.
This applies to any full-time taught master’s course at an eligible UK university. Scholars are free to choose any program that fits within the scholarship guidelines, giving them access to top-notch education without worrying about financial limitations.
2. Monthly Stipend
To ensure that scholars can live comfortably during their time in the UK, the Chevening Scholarship provides a monthly stipend. This allowance is designed to cover living expenses such as accommodation, food, transport, and other daily necessities.
The amount of the stipend may vary depending on the city or region where the scholar is based, as the cost of living can differ significantly across the UK.
For example, scholars based in London typically receive a higher monthly allowance than those in other parts of the UK to account for the city’s higher living costs. The stipend ensures that scholars can focus on their studies and leadership development activities without the distraction of financial hardship.
This financial support also provides a sense of independence and security, allowing scholars to immerse themselves fully in academic and social life. It covers not only basic needs but also gives the flexibility to engage in cultural activities, participate in university events, and explore the UK during breaks and holidays.
3. Travel Costs to and from the UK
Another vital component of the Chevening Scholarship coverage is the reimbursement or direct payment of round-trip travel expenses.
The scholarship provides an economy class airfare from the scholar’s home country to the United Kingdom at the beginning of the program, and another economy class ticket for the return journey at the end of the academic year.
Travel arrangements can be a significant expense for international students, especially those coming from distant countries. By covering these costs, Chevening ensures that no scholar is discouraged from pursuing their academic dreams due to transportation challenges.
Moreover, scholars can travel with peace of mind, knowing that all necessary arrangements will be either made or reimbursed by the program.
The scholarship administration usually coordinates closely with scholars to book tickets or provide the necessary funds for travel, ensuring that the journey to the UK is smooth, timely, and aligned with the scholar’s university start dates.
4. Arrival Allowance
Moving to a new country involves several one-time expenses that can quickly add up. These may include purchasing household essentials, setting up a phone and internet connection, buying appropriate clothing for the UK climate, and securing deposits for rental accommodations.
To help with these initial expenses, the Chevening Scholarship provides an arrival allowance. This is a lump sum granted at the beginning of the scholar’s stay in the UK, aimed at covering costs associated with settling in. It gives scholars the financial freedom to get everything in order during their first few weeks in the country.
The arrival allowance reflects Chevening’s commitment to ensuring that scholars are not financially strained as they transition into life in the UK. It eases the burden of relocation and enables scholars to start their academic journey smoothly and confidently.
5. Homeward Departure Allowance
Just as there are expenses associated with arriving in a new country, there are also costs when preparing to leave. These may include transportation to the airport, shipping personal belongings, and other end-of-stay logistics. The Chevening Scholarship takes care of this as well through the homeward departure allowance.
This allowance helps cover the necessary costs of concluding a scholar’s stay in the UK. It ensures that scholars can return to their home countries without financial stress.
This is particularly important for scholars who may be transitioning into new jobs, internships, or further studies and need to manage their finances carefully at the end of their academic program.
The provision of this allowance underlines the holistic nature of the Chevening Scholarship. It supports scholars not only during their study period but also during the transitional phases before and after their academic program.
6. Visa Application Fees
To study in the UK, international students must obtain a student visa, which involves costs such as the visa application fee and the immigration health surcharge. These expenses can total several hundred pounds and can be a financial burden for many applicants.
Recognizing this, the Chevening Scholarship includes the cost of one visa application in its coverage. Scholars either receive reimbursement or are assisted directly in processing their visa application at no cost.
This benefit ensures that all selected scholars can enter the UK legally and begin their studies without the added stress of visa-related financial obstacles.
Additionally, the Chevening Secretariat offers support and guidance throughout the visa application process, helping scholars avoid common pitfalls and ensuring that their application is handled efficiently and successfully.
7. Travel Grant for Chevening Events
Beyond academics, Chevening emphasizes the importance of networking, leadership development, and cultural exchange.
Throughout the academic year, the Chevening Secretariat organizes various events, workshops, conferences, and networking opportunities. These events are often held in different cities across the UK and may involve travel.
To facilitate participation in these enriching experiences, the Chevening Scholarship includes a travel grant. This grant covers the cost of travel to attend official Chevening events, ensuring that all scholars, regardless of their location or financial background, can benefit from the full range of opportunities provided by the program.
These events are an integral part of the Chevening experience. They provide scholars with platforms to share ideas, collaborate on projects, and interact with fellow scholars, alumni, UK government officials, and leaders from various sectors. The travel grant ensures that financial limitations do not prevent scholars from engaging in these formative experiences.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet a strict set of eligibility criteria to qualify for the Chevening Scholarship. The criteria are designed to identify individuals with leadership potential, academic merit, and a clear vision for their future.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country or territory.
- Return to their country of citizenship for a minimum of two years after completing their scholarship.
- Have completed an undergraduate degree that meets the UK requirements for entry into a master’s program. This is usually equivalent to a UK upper second-class 2:1 honours degree.
- Have at least two years (equivalent to 2,800 hours) of work experience, which may include full-time, part-time, voluntary, or internship roles.
- Apply to three different eligible UK university courses and have received an unconditional offer from one of these choices by July 2026.
Applicants are not eligible if they:
- Hold British or dual British citizenship, unless they are applying from Hong Kong and hold BN(O) status or are citizens of a British Overseas Territory.
- Hold refugee status in a non-Chevening eligible country. However, those who are refugees in a Chevening-eligible country are eligible.
- Are employees, former employees, or relatives of employees of Her Majesty’s Government or the Association of Commonwealth Universities within the last two years of the application opening.
- Are employees or former employees of Chevening Partner organizations if the employment occurred within the last two years. In such cases, the individual cannot receive a Chevening Partner Award from that organization.
- Have previously studied in the UK with funding from a UK Government-funded scholarship.
Application Process
The Chevening application process is a multi-stage and competitive procedure. It requires detailed preparation, strong documentation, and clear articulation of personal goals. Below is the step-by-step guide for applying to the Chevening Scholarship 2026:
Step 1: Choose Your Country: Go to the Chevening official website and select your country or territory from the list of eligible countries. This will guide you to the specific application portal and relevant details applicable to your region.
Step 2: Create an Online Account: Register and create an account on the Chevening application portal. Ensure that all your personal information is accurate and up-to-date. This portal will serve as your primary platform for the application, submission of documents, and updates.
Step 3: Complete the Eligibility Quiz: Before you can access the application form, you must complete an eligibility questionnaire. This quiz will assess whether you meet the basic criteria for Chevening.
Step 4: Fill in the Application Form Once eligible, begin completing the detailed online application form. You will be required to provide:
- Personal details
- Educational background
- Work experience (at least 2,800 hours)
- Details of the three selected UK master’s programs
- Responses to four key essay questions related to leadership, networking, studying in the UK, and your career plan
The essay responses are one of the most critical components of the application and require careful thought and authenticity.
Step 5: Upload Required Documents You will need to upload the following documents:
- Valid passport or ID document
- All academic transcripts and certificates
- English language qualification (if available or required by the chosen university)
- Conditional and unconditional offers for up to three master’s courses (at least one unconditional offer must be submitted by July 2026)
- Two references (if invited to interview, you will be required to upload the letters from your referees)
Step 6: Submit the Application After reviewing all information and documents, submit your completed application before the October 7, 2025 deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Conclusion
The Chevening Scholarship 2026 offers an unparalleled opportunity to study at one of the world’s most respected academic destinations while joining a community of future global leaders.
It is a fully funded initiative that not only supports your academic aspirations but also fosters long-term personal and professional growth. With its robust support system, wide choice of universities and courses, and commitment to excellence, Chevening empowers individuals to transform their lives and communities.
If you are an ambitious, visionary, and committed professional ready to lead and make a difference, then the Chevening Scholarship is for you. Mark your calendar for August 5, 2025, begin your preparations today, and take the first step toward your future in the UK.