UK Government Chevening Scholarships 2026-2027

Omran Aburayya
3 days ago
3 min read

If you’re a future leader aiming for a fully funded master’s degree in the UK, the Chevening Scholarship 2026‑27 intake is will begin 5 August  2025 and close 7 October 2025 at 12:Celtic/GMT. Here's everything you need to know.

🌍 Chevening Scholarship Summary

Location: United Kingdom
Host Institution: Any accredited UK university
Study Level: One-year full-time Master’s
Target Group: Emerging leaders and influencers from 160+ Chevening‑eligible countries/territories
Fields of Study: Any subject offered by UK universities
Value & Coverage:
- Tuition fees
- One return economy-class airfare
- Visa application fee
- Monthly living allowance (stipend)
- Arrival and departure allowances; travel grants for official events
Duration: Typically 12 months (one academic year)
Application Deadline: 7 October 2025 at 12:00 UTC/GMT
Start Date: Studies commence September /October 2026
Eligible To: Citizens of Chevening‑eligible countries (not British or dual British unless special cases apply)

🏛 Scholarship Overview

If you have completed your bachelor’s degree (equivalent to UK 2:1 honours), possess at least two years (≈2,800 hours) of work experience, and demonstrate leadership potential, the Chevening UK Scholarship offers not just top-tier education but a once-in-a-lifetime network. Since 1983, over 60,000 alumni have emerged as ministers, CEOs, scientists, authors, and changemakers across the globe.

🧩 Structure & Activities:

Pursue one-year taught master’s in the subject of your choice at any eligible UK university
Join leadership and networking events, scholar communities, and structured social and academic initiatives while in the UK

🎁 Scholarship Benefits

Full tuition coverage (often capped; e.g., MBA programs may have caps around £22 000)
Economy‑class round‑trip airfare
Visa fees and arrival/departure allowances
Monthly stipend to support living costs
Access to grants for official Chevening events
Entry into a global alumni network spanning politics, business, science, and the arts

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Must hold citizenship of a Chevening‑eligible country and commit to returning home for at least two years after the award
Bachelor’s degree completed prior to applying (UK 2:1 equivalent typically required)
Minimum of two years or 2,800 hours work experience, accumulated after graduation via full‑time/part‑time jobs, internships or volunteer work (up to 15 periods allowed)
Apply to three different eligible UK university master’s programs, and secure an unconditional offer from at least one by the offer deadline (9 July 2026, 17:00 BST)
Not eligible if you hold British citizenship (unless specific exceptions), are affiliated with British government agencies in the last two years, or previously studied in the UK with UK government funding

📝 Application Procedure

From now until 5 August 2025: Research UK master’s programs, consider your personal & leadership narratives, gather referees
Review full eligibility requirements including eligible countries on this eligibility webpage,
5 August 2025: Applications open at chevening.org/apply
7 October 2025, 12:00 UTC: Final deadline to submit online application
Oct 2025–Jan 2026: Applications assessed by independent committees
Mid‑February 2026: Candidates are notified of shortlisting and interviews begin
March–April 2026: Interviews held by British embassies/high commissions globally
Mid‑June 2026: Final selection results released
9 July 2026 (17:00 BST): Deadline to submit unconditional offer letter from UK university
September/October 2026: Scholars begin studies in the UK

🎯 Eligibility Tips & FAQs

Can I apply while still studying? No – your bachelor’s must be fully completed before applying
Already have a master’s degree? You may still apply, but must clearly explain how a second degree fits into your career plan & national impact goals
Age limit? None – as long as academic and experience criteria are met
English requirement? You need to meet your chosen university’s English standards, not Chevening’s separately (Chevening removed its own requirement in 2020)

🚀 What You Should Do Now

Visit chevening.org to verify your country eligibility, also take this eligibility quiz for the time b6
Identify three UK programs aligned with your career vision
Begin drafting your four Chevening essays (leadership, networking, career plan, why UK)
Secure strong professional references
Mark your calendar for the 5 August 2025 opening date and 7 October 2025 closing date
Prepare for potential interviews held between March and April 2026