Chevening Scholarships 2025: Eligibility & Application Process

Applications are invited for the Chevening Scholarships 2025-26, one of the most outstanding foreign academic awards available in the UK. Chevening scholarships are offered to pursue fully funded master’s degree programs in the UK. Applications are invited from applicants belonging to one of the 160 nations and territories who are members of Chevening.

The program was started way back in 1983 and is now rated as one of the most reputed award ceremonies in the world. The program hosts some 1800-2000 Chevening students every year. Professional growth opportunities, internships, cross-cultural understanding, access to some of the top-notch UK institutions that guarantee quality education, for instance, the Russell Group universities; and lastly, a lifetime chance to join the Global Community of Chevening Scholars. The UK contains England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

International students from Chevening-eligible countries having an undergraduate degree or postgraduate degree with at least two years of work experience, and committing to return to their country for at least two years after the scholarship ends, are eligible to apply for the Chevening scholarship. A full Chevening Scholarship will cover tuition up to 22,000 GBP, a monthly stipend, a round-trip economy-class ticket, an arrival allowance, a contribution toward tuberculosis testing, a travel top-up allowance, housing, and a departure allowance. This makes education in the UK so accessible.

The application process for the 2025/2026 Chevening Scholarship opened on August 6, 2024, and will close on November 7, 2024. Once you’ve checked that you’re eligible, initiate your Chevening scholarship application. Complete the Chevening scholarship after uploading an unconditional acceptance letter from at least one university that you have applied to. Apply, and the list of selected candidates shall be announced around June 2025. In the middle of all of this stay up to date regarding all the requirements documents and important dates. Read this article twice or thrice to not miss out on anything!

Details – Chevening Scholarship 2025-26

• Scholarship: Chevening scholarship
• Country: United Kingdom
• Funded By: FCDO
• Award: Fully funded.
• Application Deadline: 7th November 2024

Also, Check: University of Sydney International Scholarship

Why the Chevening Scholarship?

Here are five reasons why we at Opportunities Radar think, you should apply for a Chevening Scholarship:

1. You are in charge here; Chevening offers you 1500 Master’s study programs from 22 institutions to choose from.
2. British Libraries are at your disposal; students shall have access to all libraries in a network of 22 institutions, 18th Century buildings are majestic; it’s not an overstatement!
3. ‘’Diversity is a journey, not a destination” Elena Pruvli, a Chevening alumna, shares her experience in her blog where she describes how studying an MA in communication at the University of Westminster has shaped and expanded her journey as a business journalist, travel writer, and researcher.
4. Britain, in general, promises a very diverse social life; when you study in the UK, the world’s best art and entertainment are right outside your doorstep, a perfect interplay between art and public spaces. The UK will capture your heart during your Chevening year and inspire your study.
5. International students can leverage this experience and set realistic career goals in the 2025-26 Chevening cohort.

Chevening Scholarship Benefits

• University tuition fees: Chevening scholarship offers an award to study a postgraduate (Master’s) degree, the contribution to the tuition fee is capped at 22,000 pounds. Note: you are expected to fund the difference if the fee for your chosen program exceeds 22,000 pounds. Make sure you apply for the programs that are the best fit for you in case of insufficient monetary means.
• Monthly stipend: a monthly personal living allowance (stipend) to cover basic living costs in the UK, including accommodation, meals, personal expenses, phone bills, and required course resources. This includes NHS health charges. The amount depends on what city in the UK you are studying in. This shall be made available to you around the 21st of the month for the following full month.
• Economy travel to and from the UK: Confirmation of scholarship binds the travel agents designated by the Chevening organizers when booking your ticket to the UK.
• Arrival and departure allowances: As a Chevening scholar, an arrival allowance consisting of the police registration fee, taxi cost, and excess baggage fee on your flight shall be awarded to you. Additionally, after the completion of the Chevening year, your final stipend and departure allowance will be given to you.
• Visa application process: The embassy shall receive your one-time visa application fee.
• Cash card: All the related amounts shall be credited to your bank account through a cash card, which shall be available to you after the scholarship’s confirmation (view the timeline mentioned below for further insight)
• Working in the UK: As a Chevening scholar, you are permitted to undertake any authorized work that can be beneficial for your career and overall experience within the conditions of a student visa.

Eligibility Criteria:-

• Chevening-Eligible Countries: Nationals from Chevening-eligible countries or territories are eligible to apply.
• Academic Qualification: Undergraduate or Graduate degree from a recognized university, relevant to the master’s course(s) you are applying to. In case your undergraduate degree is not relevant to the Master’s program you wish to apply to, you can demonstrate relevant work experience, skills, or additional education. Note the CGPA requirements vary with the individual university requirements.
• Work Experience: Students must have at least 2 years of work experience (2,800 hours).
• Unconditional Offer: Apply to three different and eligible courses and receive an unconditional offer from at least one of them by 5^th November 2024. Applications between 6th August and 5th November 2024.
• Commitment to Return to Home Country: students must return to their home countries for at least 2 years after the scholarship ends.

Ineligibility:

The following provisions apply to ineligibility whilst applying to Chevening

• Applicants with British or dual British citizenship. (unless you are a citizen of British Overseas territory or hold BN(O) and are applying from Hong Kong)
• Holding refugee status in a Chevening-eligible country.
• Former employee or relative of an employee of the UK government, British Embassies, the British Council, the Association of Commonwealth Universities, or sponsoring UK universities.
• Previously studied in the UK on a UK government-funded scholarship.

Documents Required:

• Educational documents: copies of your original certificates or transcripts.
• Reference letters: two reference letters to demonstrate your suitability for a Chevening scholarship (endorsement), a referee should be someone who knows you in a professional or personal capacity. Your reference letter must be written in English, addressed to the British embassy in the applicant’s country, and include the contact details of the referee(s).
• National ID or a valid passport.
• Unconditional offer letter from one of the selected universities.
• Work portfolio (work experience requirements are listed below)
• TOEFL / IELTS (If required by the university)

Don’t Miss:

• University of Miami Stamps Scholarship 2025
• Italian Marche Polytechnic University PhD Scholarships 2024

How to Apply?

Find a Chevening Eligible Course: UK–based full-time, starting in the autumn term, a master’s qualification is eligible for a Chevening Scholarship. Check courses at Chevening Partner universities by the name of the course.

Prepare your Chevening Scholarship application: after fulfilling the eligibility criteria (mentioned above), start your application online, complete each section of personal details, immigration details, education, and work history, Programmes of study, Referees, and Essay questions, and submit your application.

Note: build your portfolio that demonstrates your potential and influencing skills. Develop a clear narrative on how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals that align with Chevening’s objectives. Develop a strong network of references. Pay close attention to essay questions, and effectively communicate your qualifications and commitment to return to your home. Don’t forget to mention the diversity of the backgrounds you come from, Chevening would love to hear that!

Prepare your UK University Application: Find and select three UK university courses, check entry requirements and deadlines for each course, apply directly to your chosen universities, and secure an unconditional offer. Note: This step can be done whilst applying for the Chevening scholarship, or after that, it is recommended to apply at the earliest.

English language skills: Chevening does not require you to submit an English language score, but many UK universities do (applies to the English language requirements of the university you will apply to)  you can strengthen your English language skills through the support resources and guidance provided by Chevening, so you can write a successful Chevening application.

Common Application errors: Some of the major application errors include; plagiarism and AI, repetition of answers to any of the essay questions, exceeding the 500–word count limit, or writing shorter than 500 words for each of the four Chevening essay questions, and not understanding the overall requirements.

Preparing for your Chevening Interview: Once shortlisted, you will receive instructions on how to book your interview (slots are first – come – first served). Practice your interview skills. Research the field you have chosen inside out. Highlight your achievements and accomplishments. Learn about the UK culture. Be aware of the current issues your home country is facing.

Work experience requirement: 2 years of relevant experience comprising of

• Full–time employment
• Part-time employment
• Voluntary work
• Paid or unpaid internships

Note: Applicants can submit up to fifteen different employment periods to meet the requirement.

Check out the guide on How to Write Winning Chevening Scholarship Essays!

APPLY FOR CHEVENING SCHOLARSHIP

Chevening Scholarship 2025/2026 Application Timeline:

• Application Opens on 6^th August 2024.
• Application closes: 7th Nov, 2024.
• Reading committee assessments: Mid-Nov to Dec 2024
• Applicants shortlisted for interview: Feb 2025.
• Interviews: 26 Feb – 26 April’ 25
• Final announcement:  June 2025.
• Offer deadline: 11th July, 2025.
• Studies begin in the UK in September / October 2025.

Final Words

Chevening studying abroad experience may prove to be one of the most beneficial experiences for international students. By opting for the Chevening scholarship, you will have a chance to enroll in a study abroad program that you may not have been exposed to at home.

The program gives a new perspective on culture, language skills, a great education, and a willingness to learn. Needless to say, these are valuable attributes for potential career prospects. Furthermore, Chevening year is a golden opportunity to see the world, find new interests, make lifelong friends, take in new cultures, hone your language skills professionally, develop yourself, and get a hold of the job market across Europe.