Everything you need to know about the Chevening Scholarship 2026: funding, eligibility, official links, timelines and a repeatable strategy to submit a strong, competitive application.
The Chevening Scholarship is the UK government’s global scholarship programme funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations. It offers a fully funded one-year master’s degree at an eligible UK university, including tuition fees, a monthly stipend, visa costs and return flights.
Official Chevening Scholarship 2026 apply links
Always use official portals when applying. Bookmark these pages and check them regularly as the 2026 call approaches.
- Main Chevening website: https://www.chevening.org/
- Scholarships overview: Chevening Scholarships – introduction, who can apply and benefits.
- Application guidance: Application timeline & guidance – explains stages from opening date to final selection.
- Course search: Use the official Chevening course finder to confirm if your desired programme is eligible.
- Country page: Select your country on the Chevening home page to see local priorities, quotas and any extra requirements.
Scholarshiplisting.com is an independent guide. We never charge application fees and always redirect you to the official Chevening portal for submission.
What does the Chevening Scholarship 2026 cover?
The Chevening Scholarship is designed as a fully funded package so that you can focus on your studies and leadership development while in the UK.
Tuition & fees
- Full tuition fees for a one-year eligible master’s degree at a UK university.
- Mandatory university registration and examination fees.
Living support
- Monthly stipend (varies by city and year) to cover accommodation, food and local transport.
- Arrival allowance to help you settle in during the first weeks.
Travel & other costs
- Return economy flight from your home country to the UK.
- Visa application fee reimbursement and, where applicable, contribution towards TB test costs.
- Access to Chevening events, networking opportunities and leadership programme activities.
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Chevening Scholarship 2026 eligibility criteria
You must satisfy both the general Chevening rules and any additional conditions set by your home country.
Core eligibility
- Be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country or territory.
- Return to your country of citizenship for at least two years after the award ends.
- Hold an undergraduate degree equivalent to at least an upper second-class (2:1) in the UK system.
- Have at least two years of work experience (paid work, unpaid internships and volunteering can count).
Programme & application
- Apply to three eligible master’s courses in the UK and secure at least one unconditional offer by the Chevening deadline.
- Meet the English language requirements specified by Chevening and your university (where still required).
- Do not hold British or dual British citizenship (with limited exceptions) and have not previously studied in the UK with UK government funding.
Always check your country page on the official Chevening website. Requirements, eligible courses and language rules can change each year.
Chevening 2026 application timeline & deadlines
Official dates for the 2026/27 intake will be updated on the Chevening website. Based on recent cycles, you can expect a timeline similar to the one below.
| Stage | Typical period | What you should do |
|---|---|---|
| Applications open | Early August 2025 | Create your Chevening account, review country priorities and shortlist three UK master’s programmes. |
| Applications close | Early November 2025 | Submit the online form, including all four essays and contact details for referees. |
| Shortlisting | February 2026 | Eligible candidates are longlisted and then invited to submit references. |
| Interviews | February – April 2026 | Attend an in-person or online panel interview at your local British embassy or high commission. |
| Final results | June 2026 | Successful candidates receive conditional award offers, pending proof of degree, references and unconditional university offer. |
| Arrival in the UK | September 2026 | Apply for your UK student visa, book flights and attend Chevening orientation events. |
Tip: submit at least 7–10 days before the deadline. The Chevening portal can be extremely busy in the final 48 hours, and late or incomplete applications are automatically rejected.
Documents you need for a complete Chevening application
Chevening is strict about documentation and deadlines. Prepare your materials early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Valid passport (or national ID where accepted).
- Full academic transcripts and degree certificate for your undergraduate studies.
- Up-to-date CV (maximum two pages) focusing on leadership, impact and professional experience.
- Two references from academic or professional contacts who can comment on your leadership potential.
- Proof of work experience – job descriptions, contracts or letters demonstrating at least two years’ experience.
- English language test results if required by your chosen universities and country policy.
- Unconditional offer letter from at least one eligible UK master’s course by the specified deadline.
Name your files clearly, for example: Lastname_Firstname_CV_Chevening2026.pdf or Transcript_UniversityName_2019.pdf. This small detail makes it easier for panel members to navigate your application.
How to apply for the Chevening Scholarship 2026 – step by step
Use this workflow as a checklist while preparing your application. Many strong candidates are rejected simply because they miss a step or a deadline.
- Confirm eligibility. Read the official Chevening guidelines and your country page.
- Shortlist three master’s programmes. Choose courses closely aligned with your career goals and your home country’s development needs.
- Map your leadership story. List moments where you led a team, influenced a decision, solved a problem or delivered measurable results.
- Draft the four Chevening essays. Leadership & influence, networking, studying in the UK, and career plan. Use concrete examples rather than generic claims.
- Request references early. Inform referees 4–6 weeks in advance and share your CV and essay drafts.
- Complete the online form carefully. Double-check work-experience dates, course selections and contact details.
- Prepare for interview. Rehearse 3–4 key stories that demonstrate leadership, resilience and public-interest impact.
- Secure your unconditional offer. Continue applying to universities while Chevening processes your application.
Pro tip: treat your Chevening application like a small project. Set weekly milestones for essays, references and university offers instead of doing everything in the final week.
Writing strong Chevening essays (without sounding generic)
Your four essays are the heart of your application. Panels read thousands of responses every year, and they quickly recognise copy-paste templates and overused phrases.
Leadership & influence essay
- Open with a specific situation where you took initiative, not with a dictionary definition of leadership.
- Show how you motivated others, made a decision under pressure or changed a process.
- Include outcomes: new users reached, funds raised, policies influenced or people trained.
Networking essay
- Describe real communities you belong to: professional associations, volunteer networks, campus groups.
- Explain how you maintain long-term relationships, not just attend events.
- Mention how you would contribute to and benefit from the Chevening alumni network.
Studying in the UK essay
- Connect UK strengths (research, policy, industry) with your specific goals.
- Name particular universities, modules, labs or centres that matter to your project.
- Avoid generic phrases like “world-class education” – be concrete.
Career plan essay
- Show a realistic 5–10 year plan: roles, sectors and impact.
- Clarify how you will use your master’s degree to solve a problem at home.
- Emphasise your commitment to returning to your country after the scholarship.
Before you submit, read your essays aloud. They should sound like something you would say in an interview, not like a generic AI-generated statement.
Visa sponsorship & living in the UK as a Chevening scholar
One reason the Chevening Scholarship is so attractive is that it effectively functions as a visa-sponsored, fully funded UK master’s pathway for international students.
- Chevening provides guidance and pays the visa fee for the appropriate UK student visa route.
- You receive official documentation confirming your status and funding, which supports your visa application and border checks.
- The monthly stipend is calculated to cover typical living costs in your study city; however, you should still budget carefully, especially in London.
- Scholars are expected to respect UK immigration rules and return home at the end of their award period.
For detailed immigration requirements, always consult the official UK government student visa page in addition to Chevening guidance.
Related fully funded UK scholarships on Scholarshiplisting.com
Build a strong UK scholarship strategy by applying to more than one programme. After Chevening, explore these fully funded options:
Chevening Scholarship 2026 – Frequently asked questions
Yes. Chevening normally covers full tuition fees for one eligible UK master’s course, a monthly living stipend, travel to and from the UK, visa fees and participation in official Chevening events. You are responsible for any additional personal spending.
Yes. You submit your Chevening application first and then apply separately to UK universities. However, you must secure at least one unconditional offer from an eligible course by the deadline stated on the Chevening website.
Chevening is extremely competitive. In many countries, fewer than 3 % of applicants are selected. Focus on authentic leadership stories, strong references and a clear, realistic career plan to stand out.
Chevening is primarily designed to support future leaders who return to their home countries after the award. Some scholars later return to the UK under other immigration routes, but you should frame your application around impact at home rather than permanent migration.
There is no strict upper age limit. As long as you meet the academic and work-experience requirements, you can apply. Your profile should demonstrate recent leadership and community impact.
Information in this guide is based on recent Chevening cycles and official public sources. Always confirm exact dates, coverage and rules on the official Chevening website and your country page before applying.
