UK FOREIGN, COMMONWEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICE (FCDO)
Chevening Scholarships
full · masters
- Fully FundedScholarship type
- Any UK universityHost institutions
- ~1,500 / yearAwards
- ~160 countriesEligible
- One-year master’sStudy level
- ~60,000 alumniGlobal network
At a glance
full
Funding
€45k
Max amount
Nov 3, 2026
Deadline
~160 Chevening-eligible countries (see the official country list)
Country
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)
Provider
Chevening is the UK government's flagship international scholarships programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations. It funds a fully-funded one-year master's degree at any UK university for emerging leaders, professionals, and change-makers from around the world. Each year ~1,500 scholars are selected from more than 65,000 applicants across ~160 countries, making Chevening one of the most competitive scholarships globally. The programme is explicitly about leadership: it seeks people who already have a track record of influence and the clear potential to shape their countries' futures, and who will form part of a global network of ~60,000+ Chevening alumni. Beyond funding, scholars join a year of networking, cultural exchange, and professional development across the UK, returning home with a UK master's, a global network, and a lasting relationship with the UK.
What's covered
- Tuition fees — Full tuition for your one-year UK master's (MBA fees are capped — Chevening pays up to the cap).
- Monthly stipend — A living allowance (~£1,400–£1,600/month depending on whether you study inside or outside London).
- Return airfare — Economy-class return flights between your home country and the UK.
- Arrival & departure allowances — One-off grants to help with settling in and returning home.
- Visa costs — The UK student visa application fee is covered.
- Travel grant — A contribution toward travel to attend Chevening events in the UK.
How to apply
Applications are made online through the Chevening website during the open window (typically August to early November). You select three UK master's courses and answer four essay questions; you do not need a university offer at the point of application.
- Check eligibility — Confirm your country is eligible and you meet the work-experience and degree requirements.
- Choose three courses — Select three different eligible one-year master's courses at UK universities.
- Write four essays — Answer the Leadership, Networking, Studying in the UK, and Career Plan essay questions (~500 words each).
- Submit the application — Complete the online form before the November deadline.
- Interview — Shortlisted candidates interview at the British Embassy/High Commission in their country.
- Secure an offer & references — Provide references and obtain an unconditional offer from one of your three courses by ~mid-July.
Eligibility
CitizenshipCitizen of a Chevening-eligible country (~160 countries; not UK, EU institutions staff, or dual UK nationals in some cases).
Work experienceAt least 2 years (~2,800 hours) of work experience — paid, voluntary, internships, or part-time all count.
Undergraduate degreeA completed undergraduate degree that qualifies you for a UK postgraduate (master's) course.
Three course choicesApply to three eligible, different one-year UK master's courses and receive an unconditional offer from one by ~mid-July.
Return homeCommit to returning to your home country for a minimum of 2 years after your scholarship ends.
You cannot hold British or dual British citizenship (with some exceptions), be an employee/relative of an employee of FCDO or a partner organisation, or have previously studied in the UK with UK government funding.
Eligible countries
~160 Chevening-eligible countries (see the official country list)
Deadlines
2027/28 UK master's2026-11-03
Selection
Applications are scored against Chevening's leadership and networking criteria and a clear, credible career plan with demonstrable impact in the home country. Shortlisted candidates are interviewed by a panel at the local British Embassy or High Commission. Reading committees and interview panels look for genuine leadership track record, the ability to build and use networks, and a focused reason for the chosen courses.
Verified sources
- Chevening Scholarships — official sitechevening.orgofficial
About the provider
Chevening is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations. Launched in 1983, it delivers the UK government's international scholarships and fellowships, building a global network of leaders with lasting ties to the UK. It is administered centrally with selection support from British Embassies and High Commissions worldwide.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the Chevening Scholarship?
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The UK government's international scholarship, funded by the FCDO, that pays for a fully-funded one-year master's at any UK university for emerging leaders. ~1,500 scholars are chosen each year from ~160 countries.
Who is eligible?
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Citizens of an eligible country with an undergraduate degree, at least ~2 years (2,800 hours) of work experience, and a commitment to return home for 2 years afterward. You must also secure an eligible UK master's offer by mid-July.
What does Chevening cover?
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Full tuition (MBA capped), a monthly living stipend (~£1,400–£1,600), return economy airfare, arrival/departure allowances, the visa fee, and a travel grant for Chevening events.
How many scholarships are awarded each year?
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~1,500 globally, allocated across ~160 eligible countries. Volumes per country vary with FCDO and partner funding.
When is the deadline?
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Applications usually open in ~August and close in ~early November for study starting the following September/October. Confirm the exact date on chevening.org.
Do I need a university offer when I apply?
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No. You apply with three course choices and no offer is required up front. If selected, you must hold an unconditional offer from one of the three by ~mid-July.
How many courses do I choose?
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Three different eligible one-year master's courses at UK universities. This improves your chance of meeting the offer condition.
How competitive is Chevening?
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Very — over 65,000 people apply for ~1,500 awards (~2–3% globally), though it varies by country. Strong leadership and networking evidence and a clear career plan matter most.
What are the four essays about?
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Leadership and influence; networking; why your chosen courses and universities; and your career plan and how Chevening fits. Each is ~500 words and central to the assessment.
Do I have to return to my home country?
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Yes — Chevening requires scholars to return home for at least 2 years after the scholarship. This is a core condition of the award.
Can my family come with me?
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You can bring dependants, but Chevening does not fund them — you must show you can support family members financially and meet visa requirements separately.
What is the Chevening alumni network?
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A global community of ~60,000+ alumni, including ministers, ambassadors, CEOs, and senior figures across sectors. Alumni events and chapters operate in most eligible countries.