Chevening Scholarships 2025: Eligibility & Application Process

A final call for the Chevening Scholarships 2025, funded by the FCDO. The scholarship covers major colleges and educational institutions in the United Kingdom: International students from Chevening-eligible countries with an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, at least two years of work experience, and a commitment to return to their home country for at least two years after the scholarship ends are eligible to apply for a fully funded master’s degree at one or two of the 22 Chevening-partnered institutions across the United Kingdom.

The scholarship provides comprehensive financial aid for the duration of the degree that covers housing 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. Started way back in 1983. The program hosts some 1800-2000 Chevening students every year. The program offers opportunities for professional growth, and internships, fosters cross-cultural understanding, and provides access to some of the top-notch UK institutions.

If you’re wondering how to win yourself one, even with limited time, start by reading this article! It is completely free guidance, and you shall have a thorough understanding of how to structure and organize your application. Number two: brainstorm essay ideas using any of the AI tools. Gemini is the best tool to date, especially if you’re struggling to start. Gemini can help you polish your essays before submission and improve their fluency. In the third step, you can compile a list of various colleges, programs, and institutions that offer Chevening scholarships. In the fourth step, you can practice interview questions and receive immediate feedback. Overall, Gemini can assist you in organizing your tasks, preventing you from missing deadlines.

As far as the application process, eligibility, and timeline are concerned, here is a holistic view of the whole program. Apply before November 5, 2024.

Details – Chevening Scholarships 2025-26

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

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
• Monthly stipend
• Economy travel to and from the UK
• Arrival and departure allowances
• Visa application process
• Cash card
• Working in the UK

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 5th 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
• 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)

How to Apply?

Step 1: Find a Chevening Eligible Course: A full–time, UK–based master’s qualification starting in the autumn term is eligible for a Chevening Scholarship. Search for courses at Chevening Partner universities by name.

Step 2: 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.

Step 3: 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 while applying for the Chevening scholarship, or it is recommended to apply as soon as possible after that.

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.

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!

Chevening Scholarship 2025/2026 Application Timeline:

• Application Openson 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

Undoubtedly, the Chevening Scholarship has been enabling talented and ambitious students from all over the world for decades, and it now boasts a network of outstanding alumni. It not only opens doors to potential career prospects and opportunities but also provides a fresh perspective on the job market and placements for students across major companies and the startup ecosystem, engaging them in gaining more practical knowledge.