Chevening Scholarship [Fully Funded] 2026 | Life at UK

The Chevening Scholarship 2026 provides a fully funded opportunity for talented professionals and emerging leaders from more than 160 eligible countries to pursue a master’s degree in the UK. Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), this prestigious program covers tuition fees, living allowance, travel expenses, visa costs, and more, allowing scholars to complete a one-year MSc or MA at any recognized UK university.

Aimed at ambitious individuals with solid academic achievements and proven leadership qualities, the Chevening Scholarship seeks to develop future leaders who will contribute to positive change in their home countries. While there is no age restriction, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, including holding an undergraduate degree, having at least two years (around 2,800 hours) of work experience, and committing to return to their home country for a minimum of two years after finishing their studies.

Host Country: UK
Host Organization: Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organizations.
Course Level: Masters/MPhil
Course Duration: 1-year Master Degree
Financial Benefits: Fully Funded
Deadline: 7^th October 2025

Benefits:

Tuition Fee Coverage: All tuition fees for your selected UK master’s program are fully funded.
Living Allowance: A monthly stipend is provided to cover accommodation, meals, local transport, and daily expenses.
Round-Trip Airfare: An economy class return flight from your home country to the UK is included.
UK Student Visa: All visa application costs are waived.
Arrival Support: Upon arrival, scholars receive a pre-loaded cash card to help manage initial expenses.
Health & Safety Support: If required, costs for a tuberculosis test (for visa purposes) will be reimbursed, and quarantine expenses—when applicable—are fully covered if arranged through Chevening’s official partner, Diversity Travel.
Academic & Study Grants: Additional allowances may be provided for essential expenses, such as thesis preparation or academic travel within the UK.

Scholarship Requirements:

Citizenship: Must be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country or territory.
Return Commitment: Required to return to the home country for at least two years after completing the scholarship.
Eligible Program: Must apply for a full-time master’s degree in the UK lasting exactly 12 months.
Academic Background: Hold a bachelor’s degree equivalent to a UK upper second-class (2:1) honours.
University Applications: Apply to a minimum of three eligible UK master’s programs and secure at least one unconditional offer.
Work Experience: Possess at least two years of professional experience (around 2,800 hours).
Exclusion of British Nationals: Dual British citizens and British nationals are not eligible, except for British Overseas Territory citizens applying from Hong Kong.
Refugee Status: Only individuals with refugee status in Chevening-eligible countries may apply; those in non-eligible countries are not eligible.
Restrictions on Government Affiliations: Employees, former employees, or close relatives of staff from the UK Government or Commonwealth universities are ineligible.
Partner Organization Applicants: Those employed by a Chevening partner organization may apply, but cannot receive funding from the same organization.
Other UK Scholarships: Candidates currently studying in the UK under UK government funding are not eligible.

Chevening Application Guidelines:

Application Language: All applications must be completed and submitted in English only.
Login Information: Keep your username and password safe to re-access the Online Application System (OAS) at any time.
Personal Details: Provide accurate contact information and an active email address to avoid communication issues.
System Navigation: Avoid using your browser’s back or forward buttons. Use the application form’s internal navigation menu to prevent errors or accidental logouts.
Essay Requirements: Four mandatory essay questions are included in the application. Each response must be between 100 and 500 words; exceeding or falling short of this limit may result in disqualification.
Saving Progress: The system does not auto-save. Make sure to save your work regularly. Note: sessions expire after 60 minutes of inactivity.
Flexible Access: You can log out and return later using your login credentials and the application link sent to your email.
Eligibility Form: Applicants have only three attempts to correctly complete the eligibility form. If unsuccessful, you must wait until the next application cycle.
Submission Rules: Once submitted, applications cannot be edited or updated. Only one application per candidate per year is permitted, and the first submission is considered final.
References: Two reference letters are required. Ensure your referees are contactable, as the British High Commission may verify them.