2025 Fully Funded Chevening UK Government Scholarships Programme for Study in the United Kingdom
Chevening Scholarships are esteemed awards provided by the UK Government to exceptional future leaders from across the globe. This program allows recipients to undertake a one-year master’s degree at any accredited university in the United Kingdom. The Chevening initiative targets individuals who possess a strong commitment to effecting positive change, innovative ideas, and the capacity to inspire and influence others. Scholars are encouraged to contribute to the solutions and leadership necessary for building a brighter future worldwide.
Although there is no specific profile for a Chevening Scholar, the program seeks candidates who exhibit outstanding leadership qualities and a strong dedication to returning to their home countries to create a lasting impact.
Chevening UK Government Scholarships Program: Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Chevening UK Government Scholarships Program, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens of a Chevening-eligible country or territory.
- Return Commitment: Candidates must commit to returning to their home country for a minimum of two years after completing their scholarship.
- Professional Experience: Applicants must have at least two years of work experience, equating to approximately 2,800 hours of work.
- Educational Background: Candidates should hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies them for entry into a master’s program in the UK.
- Course Selection: Applicants are required to apply to three eligible UK university courses. By the deadline specified in the application timeline, at least one of these courses should have issued an unconditional offer.
Ineligibility Criteria:
You are ineligible for the Chevening Scholarship if you satisfy any of the following conditions:
- British or Dual British Citizenship: Except if you hold British Overseas Territory citizenship or BN(O) status and are applying from Hong Kong.
- Refugee Status: Individuals with refugee status in non-eligible countries cannot apply. However, those with refugee status in an eligible country are still eligible, provided they are citizens of a Chevening-eligible country.
- Employment Restrictions: Current or former employees (including relatives) of the UK Government, British Embassies/High Commissions, the British Council, or sponsoring UK universities are not eligible. Employees or relatives of Chevening Partner organizations can apply, but if their employment was within the last two years, they cannot receive a Partner Award from the specific organization where they or their relatives were employed.
- Previous UK Government-Funded Scholarship: Candidates who have previously received a UK Government-funded scholarship to study in the UK are ineligible.
Note: Possessing a master’s degree does not disqualify you from applying for a second master’s program in the UK, as long as you can demonstrate how it aligns with your career goals and contributes to fostering positive change in your home country.
Benefits of the Chevening Scholarship
Chevening provides extensive financial assistance along with a personalized engagement program designed to help scholars make the most of their academic and professional journeys. The scholarship includes coverage for:
- Full Payment of Tuition Fees: Scholarship recipients will have their tuition fees fully covered by the Chevening program.
- Travel Costs: Economy travel to and from the UK for the scholar only.
- Arrival Allowance: A one-time allowance upon arrival in the UK.
- Visa Application Cost: Covers the cost of the entry clearance (visa) application for the scholar.
- Departure Allowance: Provided at the end of the study period.
- TB Testing Allowance: A contribution of up to £75 if tuberculosis (TB) testing is required.
- Travel Top-Up Allowance: To support additional travel-related expenses.
- Monthly Living Allowance: A monthly stipend to cover accommodation and living expenses, which varies depending on whether the scholar is studying in London or outside. The rates are subject to annual review.
Additionally, scholars benefit from a structured engagement program that offers networking opportunities with fellow Chevening Scholars, alumni, partner organizations, and influential stakeholders.
Application Timeline for the 2025/2026 Chevening Scholarships
Key Dates to Remember:
- 6 August 2024: Applications open at 12:00 BST.
- 5 November 2024: Application deadline at 11:59 UTC/GMT.
- 6 November 2024 – January 2025: Sifting against eligibility criteria.
- Mid-November 2024 – January 2025: Reading committee assessments. Independent reading committees review eligible applications, and their scores and rankings are passed on to local British embassies/high commissions.
- Mid-February 2025: Shortlisting for interviews. If you are shortlisted, you will receive an invitation to attend an interview at your local British embassy/high commission.
- 19 February 2025: Deadline to submit references and educational documents.
- 26 February – 25 April 2025: Interviews take place. Panels at British embassies and high commissions will conduct interviews with candidates from around the world.
- From June 2025: Interview results are announced. Successful candidates will receive their results, paving the way for preparations to study in the UK.
- 11 July 2025: Offer acceptance deadline. Candidates must have received and accepted at least one unconditional offer from their chosen UK universities by 17:00 BST.
- September/October 2025: Course commencement. The academic year begins, and the 2025/2026 Chevening Scholars start their studies in the UK, becoming part of an esteemed global network.
Application Deadline: 5 November 2024.
How to Apply
For a comprehensive guide on applying for the Chevening Scholarship and to access the application portal, please visit the official Chevening website.
Be sure to review all eligibility requirements, prepare your application materials, and submit your application before the deadline. Best of luck!
