The British Chevening Scholarship 2026-27 offers a fully funded opportunity for exceptional candidates from eligible countries to pursue a master’s degree in the UK. This prestigious award covers all tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs, providing recipients with the chance to experience world-class education and personal growth. Designed for future leaders, influencers, and visionaries, the scholarship allows applicants to choose from a wide range of eligible master’s programs at their preferred UK university.
Eligibility
- Be a citizen of a country eligible for the Chevening Scholarship;
- Commit to returning to your home country for at least two years after completing the scholarship;
- Hold a bachelor’s degree that qualifies you for entry into a UK postgraduate program, usually equivalent to a UK upper second-class (2:1) honours degree;
- Have a minimum of two years’ professional work experience (up to five years for fellowship programs—check your country’s specific requirements);
- Apply to three different eligible UK university courses and receive an unconditional offer from at least one by July after submitting your application;
- Fulfill the Chevening English language proficiency requirements by July following your application.
Program Benefits/Location
- Application Deadline: October 7, 2025
- Interviews: March to April 2026
- Results Announced: Mid-June 2026
- After being awarded the scholarship, successful candidates will begin their studies in the UK in September or October 2026.
Program Benefits
- Coverage of tuition fees (note: Chevening sets a maximum tuition fee of £22,000 for MBA programs—any costs above this amount must be paid by the applicant);
- Economy-class travel to and from your home country via an approved route, for your use only;
- An allowance to help with arrival expenses;
- Payment for your visa (entry clearance) application fee;
- A departure allowance when you leave the UK;
- Up to £75 contribution toward mandatory TB testing, if required;
- An additional travel allowance;
- A monthly personal living allowance (stipend) to help cover accommodation and day-to-day expenses. The amount varies depending on whether you study inside or outside London and is reviewed annually. Stipends are usually paid around the 21st of each month for the upcoming month. If you arrive or leave the UK partway through a month, your stipend for that month will be adjusted accordingly.
Required Documents
- Valid Passport or National ID: Proof of citizenship and identity.
- Academic Transcripts and Degree Certificate(s): Official records from your previous university or college showing your academic performance and completion.
- Work Experience Proof: References, contracts, or letters from employers verifying your job roles and duration.
- English Language Test Results: (If required by your country or chosen universities), such as IELTS and TOEFL.
- University Offers: Although you don’t need unconditional offers at application, you will need to apply to three eligible UK university courses separately during the application process and provide your offers by July.
- References/Letters of Recommendation: Not always mandatory, but some universities or programs may request these.
Application Process
- Gather Required Documents
- Select Your University Courses
- Choose three different eligible master’s programs from UK universities.
- Make sure the courses are Chevening-approved.
- Apply to these universities independently through their admission systems.
- You must have received at least one unconditional offer from your chosen courses by July after applying for Chevening.
- Register and Start Your Online Application
- Create an account on the official Chevening application portal: chevening.org.
- Complete all sections, including personal details, education history, and work experience.
- Write Your Essays
- You’ll need to write four personal statements (essays) that are crucial to your application:
- Leadership and Influence: Describe your leadership experience and impact.
- Networking: Explain how you build and use networks professionally and personally.
- Career Plan: Detail your short-term and long-term career goals and how Chevening fits into these.
- Why Chevening and Why the UK?: Explain why you want to study in the UK and how Chevening will help you achieve your goals.
- Submit Your Application
- Review all parts carefully.
- Submit your complete application before the deadline
- Late or incomplete applications are not accepted.
- Application Review and Shortlisting
- Your application will be assessed by the Chevening team.
- Only the strongest applications proceed to the interview stage.
- Attend the Interview
- If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to an interview (usually virtual or at the British embassy/high commission in your country).
- The interview tests your motivation, leadership potential, and suitability for the scholarship.
- Prepare by reviewing your essays, career plans, and knowledge about the UK and your field of study.
- Receive Final Results
- Interview results are usually released by mid-June.
- Successful candidates will receive an official scholarship offer.
For more detailed information, visit the official website.
