Chevening is the UK government’s flagship fully-funded master’s scholarship, and it’s one of the most competitive — but also most transparent — scholarships open to African applicants, with a clear published timeline and eligibility criteria every year.
Dates reflect the 2026–2027 cycle as published as of August 2026 — always confirm current dates and full eligibility criteria directly at chevening.org before applying, since Chevening updates its guidance each cycle.
What Chevening actually covers
Chevening funds a one-year master’s degree at any UK university, and typically covers tuition fees, a monthly living stipend, return airfare, and additional allowances (such as an arrival allowance and, in many cases, a thesis grant, depending on your course). It’s a genuinely comprehensive award, not a partial-tuition scholarship.
2026–2027 application timeline
- Opens: August 4, 2026 at 11:00 UTC
- Closes: October 6, 2026 at 11:00 UTC
- Interviews: March–April 2027
- Results: From mid-June 2027
- Studies begin: September/October 2027
The application window is roughly two months, and it does not typically reopen if you miss it — mark the closing date now if you’re planning to apply.
Core eligibility
Chevening’s published criteria have consistently centered on a few requirements: holding an undergraduate degree that meets the equivalent of a UK 2:1 or above, having a minimum amount of work experience (Chevening has historically required at least two years, though you should confirm the current exact requirement), returning to your home country for a minimum period after the scholarship ends, and applying to up to three eligible Chevening-participating master’s courses. Because these specifics can shift slightly between cycles, treat this as a starting checklist and confirm the exact current wording at Chevening’s eligibility page before you invest time in an application.
How To Apply Chevening – Step by Step Application Procedure
Applying for the prestigious Chevening Scholarship requires careful planning and precise execution. Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), this fully funded award allows emerging global leaders to pursue a one-year master’s degree at any UK university. Here is a step-by-step guide to navigating the application process.
Step 1: Check Eligibility & Prepare Documents
Before starting, ensure you hold an undergraduate degree, have at least two years (2,000 hours) of work experience, and meet Chevening’s citizenship requirements. Prepare your academic transcripts, reference letters, and updated CV.
Step 2: Choose Your Courses
Select three eligible master’s courses at accredited UK universities. You must apply directly to these universities separately from your Chevening application.
Step 3: Complete the Online Application
When applications open in August, create an account on the official Chevening online portal. You will fill out personal details, work history, and course choices.
Step 4: Write the Essay Questions
The core of your application consists of four 500-word essays covering:
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Leadership & Influence: Demonstrating your ability to lead and make an impact.
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Networking: Proving your ability to build and maintain professional relationships.
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Studying in the UK: Explaining why you chose your specific courses and universities.
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Career Plan: Outlining clear short-term and long-term goals post-scholarship.
Step 5: Submit and Await Review
Submit your application before the early November deadline. Independent committees review submissions to create a shortlist.
Step 6: Interview Phase
If shortlisted in February, you will be invited for an interview at the British Embassy or High Commission in your home country between March and April. You must upload two reference letters and your education documents prior to the interview.
Step 7: Final Selection & Unconditional Offers
Conditional awards are announced starting in June. To receive a final scholarship offer, you must secure at least one unconditional university offer by mid-July.
What makes a Chevening application competitive
Chevening selects for leadership potential and a clear plan for how your studies connect to influence back home — not just academic strength. The application essays specifically ask about leadership and networking experience, and reviewers are looking for concrete examples, not general statements. This is a different emphasis than a typical university application essay, so don’t reuse your statement of purpose content directly — Chevening’s essay prompts need their own tailored answers.
The interview stage
Chevening interviews are conducted separately from your chosen universities’ own admissions decisions — you can be admitted to a UK university and still not receive Chevening, or vice versa in terms of timing, since the two processes run independently. Treat your Chevening application and your university applications as two separate tracks that both need to go well.
Once you’re in
A Chevening award covers your master’s year, but you’ll still need a UK student visa to enter — see UK Student Visa Financial Requirements for what else is involved, though Chevening’s funding generally satisfies the visa’s financial requirement directly. For other funding options if Chevening isn’t the right fit, see Scholarships for Ghanaian Students and Fully-Funded Scholarships for Nigerian Students.