Applications for the prestigious 2026 Chevening Scholarship are set to open on August 5, 2025, offering fully funded opportunities for emerging leaders from around the world to study in the United Kingdom.
Funded by the UK Government through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Chevening Scholarships cover tuition fees, travel costs, monthly stipends, visa fees, and even additional allowances. With over 60,000 alumni from 160+ countries, Chevening is more than a scholarship—it’s a gateway to leadership, global networks, and lifelong impact.
What Is the Chevening Scholarship?
Chevening offers a one-year, fully funded Master’s degree at any UK university. It is aimed at individuals with a clear vision for the future and a commitment to creating positive change in their communities and professions.
Successful applicants join a powerful global network of influencers, policymakers, innovators, and change-makers—many of whom have gone on to occupy positions of national and international significance.
What the 2026 Chevening Scholarship Covers
Recipients of the 2026 award will benefit from:
- Full tuition fees for a Master’s degree at a UK university
- Monthly living stipend for accommodation, meals, and personal expenses
- Round-trip airfare to and from the UK
- Visa application cost coverage
- Arrival and departure allowances
- Travel grants for official Chevening events
Eligibility Criteria for Chevening 2026
Applicants must:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree (minimum upper second-class equivalent)
- Have at least two years (or 2,800 hours) of work experience (including internships, volunteering, or paid roles)
- Commit to returning to their home country for at least two years after the scholarship ends
- Apply to three eligible UK Master’s programs and receive at least one offer of admission
- Demonstrate leadership potential and a clear career vision
Note: Applicants must not hold British citizenship, permanent residence, or dual nationality with the UK, and must not have previously studied in the UK with a UK Government-funded scholarship.
What Courses Are Eligible?
To qualify, your chosen program must:
- Be a full-time taught Master’s degree (not research-based)
- Begin in the Autumn term (September/October 2026)
- Be offered by a UK-based university
Applicants can select up to three different courses across multiple universities.
Key Dates for Chevening Scholarship 2026
- Applications Open: August 5, 2025
- Deadline to Apply: October 7, 2025
- Interviews & Selections: March–May 2026
- Results Announced: June 2026
- Program Start Date: September/October 2026
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
- Start early: Prepare your essays, documents, and course selections well before the deadline.
- Show depth: Tell powerful, personal stories that reflect your leadership, impact, and purpose.
- Highlight experience: Include all relevant work, volunteer, or leadership roles that demonstrate your contribution to society.
- Be specific: Clearly define your career goals and how the UK degree will help you get there.
- Prepare for the interview: If shortlisted, be ready to confidently articulate your ideas, motivations, and plans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Do I need IELTS to apply for Chevening?
Chevening doesn’t require IELTS directly, but your chosen university might. - What’s the monthly stipend for Chevening Scholars?
It depends on the city. Scholars outside London receive £1,378/month, while those in London receive £1,690/month. - Can I apply without full-time job experience?
Yes—work experience can include part-time jobs, volunteering, internships, or freelance work. - Can I apply if I already have a Master’s degree?
But you must explain clearly why this new degree is essential for your career path.
How to Apply for the 2026 Chevening Scholarship
- Visit the Chevening Scholarship Website.
- Check your eligibility using the online assessment tool
- Prepare your application documents: education certificates, references, essays, course choices
- Submit your application online between August 5 and October 7, 2025
The Chevening Scholarship is more than a financial award—it’s an investment in your potential to lead change. Whether you’re dreaming of shaping policy, driving social innovation, or building impactful enterprises, this is your chance to study in the UK with all expenses covered.
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