The Chevening Scholarship 2027/28 is now open, and it’s one of the most competitive fully funded opportunities in the world for students who want to study a master’s degree in the UK. Applications opened on August 4, 2026, and the deadline to apply is October 6, 2026, at 11:00 UTC.
If you have been thinking about applying, this guide walks you through everything — eligibility, funding, required documents, the application steps, and what actually gets you selected.
What Is the Chevening Scholarship?
Chevening is the UK government’s flagship scholarship programme. It is funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) along with partner organisations. Since it started in 1983, Chevening has supported more than 60,000 professionals from over 160 countries.
Unlike a typical academic scholarship, Chevening is not just about grades. It is built for people who already have some work experience and want to grow into leadership roles. The programme funds a one-year taught master’s degree at any eligible UK university, in almost any subject.
You can read Chevening’s official overview here to explore more about the programme’s history and mission.
Key Dates for the 2027/28 Cycle
Here are the dates you need to know right now:
- Applications opened: August 4, 2026
- Application deadline: October 6, 2026, at 11:00 UTC
- Interviews (for shortlisted candidates): March–April 2027
- Results announced: Mid-June 2027
- Deadline to submit an unconditional university offer: Early July 2027
- Scholars begin their studies: September/October 2027
You can check the exact timeline on the official Chevening application timeline page, since exact hours can shift slightly by time zone.
Who Can Apply? Chevening Eligibility Criteria
Chevening has clear, non-negotiable eligibility rules. Missing even one of these can disqualify your application, so check each point carefully before you start.
To apply, you must:
- Be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country or territory
- Hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies you for a UK master’s programme (roughly equivalent to a UK upper-second-class honours degree)
- Have completed your undergraduate degree at least two years before the application deadline
- Have a minimum of two years of work experience, equal to around 2,800 hours, gained after your undergraduate studies
- Apply to three different eligible UK master’s courses and secure at least one unconditional offer by the set deadline
- Commit to returning to your home country for at least two years after the scholarship ends
One helpful thing to know: Chevening does not set a fixed GPA cutoff. What matters more is whether your degree qualifies you for admission into a UK master’s programme. Chevening also does not require IELTS or TOEFL scores itself, though the UK university you apply to might still ask for one.
You can review the full details on Chevening’s official eligibility page.
What Does the Chevening Scholarship Cover?
Chevening is a fully funded scholarship, meaning it covers nearly every major cost of studying in the UK for one year. This includes:
- Full tuition fees, paid directly to your university
- A monthly living stipend (around £1,347–£1,378 outside London, or higher for scholars based in London)
- Return airfare to and from the UK
- Visa application costs
- A travel allowance for mandatory Chevening events
- Access to networking events and professional development opportunities throughout the year
This makes Chevening one of the most generous scholarships available for international students, since almost nothing is left for the scholar to pay out of pocket.
How Chevening Selects Scholars
Chevening uses a holistic selection process. Good grades alone will not get you selected. The panel looks closely at four things:
- Leadership and influence — real examples of when you led or influenced positive change
- Networking ability — how you build and use professional relationships
- Career plan — a clear, realistic plan showing how your UK degree will help you make an impact back home
- Study choice — why your chosen course and university fit your goals
Around 1,500 to 1,800 scholarships are awarded globally each year, and the acceptance rate is estimated at just 2–3%. That means your essays need to be specific, honest, and well thought out rather than generic.
Must read this article “How to Write a Winning Statement of Purpose”
How to Apply for Chevening Scholarship 2027/28: Step-by-Step
Here is the full application process, broken down into simple steps:
Step 1: Check your eligibility Go through the eligibility list above carefully before you invest time in the application.
Step 2: Create an account on the Chevening online portal You will apply directly through Chevening’s official application system.
Step 3: Fill in your personal and professional details This includes your education history, work experience, and contact information.
Step 4: Answer the four required essays These cover leadership, networking, career plan, and study choice. This is the part that matters most, so give yourself enough time to draft, revise, and proofread.
Step 5: Choose three eligible UK master’s courses Research programmes that genuinely match your career goals. This step should not be rushed.
Step 6: Add your two referees One should be a professional referee, such as a current or recent employer. The other can be academic or professional. Chevening contacts your referees directly through the portal, so give them plenty of notice.
Step 7: Submit your application before the deadline The portal closes on October 6, 2026, at 11:00 UTC. Late applications are not accepted, so avoid waiting until the last day.
Step 8: Attend an interview, if shortlisted Interviews happen between March and April 2027 at your local British Embassy or High Commission.
Step 9: Secure an unconditional university offer If you are conditionally selected, you must apply separately to your chosen universities and get at least one unconditional offer by the July deadline. Chevening does not handle university applications for you.
Step 10: Complete pre-departure requirements Once confirmed, you will complete visa applications, travel arrangements, and orientation sessions before heading to the UK.
Documents You Will Need (Later, Not at First Application)
The good news is that Chevening’s initial application is essay-based, so you do not need to upload most documents right away. But it helps to start preparing these early, since they are required if you are shortlisted:
- Undergraduate degree certificate and transcripts
- Two reference letters (submitted directly by your referees through the portal)
- Unconditional offer letter from a UK university
- Passport-sized photograph meeting UK visa requirements
- English language documentation, if required by your chosen university
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A few small mistakes cause many strong candidates to lose their chance:
- Submitting essays that sound generic instead of specific to your own experience
- Choosing referees who do not know your work well
- Waiting too long to research and shortlist UK university courses
- Missing the exact submission time due to time zone confusion
- Assuming a high GPA alone will guarantee selection
Must read and get help in writting scholarship application“7 Essential Documents Required for Scholarship Applications (2026-2027 Guide)” or related evergreen guide here
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Chevening Scholarship 2027/28 applications close?
The deadline is October 6, 2026, at 11:00 UTC.
Is there a minimum GPA requirement for Chevening?
No. Chevening does not set a fixed GPA cutoff, but your degree must qualify you for admission to a UK master’s programme.
Does Chevening require IELTS or TOEFL?
Chevening itself does not require these scores, though your chosen UK university might.
How much work experience do I need?
A minimum of two years, equal to about 2,800 hours, completed after your undergraduate degree.
What does the Chevening scholarship cover?
Full tuition, a monthly stipend, return airfare, visa costs, and additional allowances for mandatory Chevening events.
Final Thoughts
The Chevening Scholarship 2027/28 offers a genuinely fully funded path to a UK master’s degree, but it is highly competitive. Success depends less on perfect grades and more on how clearly you can show your leadership experience, your career plan, and why a UK degree fits into that plan.
Since the deadline is October 6, 2026, the smartest move right now is to check your eligibility, start researching UK courses, and begin drafting your essays early rather than close to the deadline.
Disclaimer: Scholarship details, timelines, and requirements can be updated by Chevening at any time. Always verify the latest information on the official Chevening website before applying.