Chevening Scholarship 2027/28: requirements, timeline and what it covers

Quick answer: The Chevening Scholarship is a UK government award for a one-year master’s degree at a UK university. It is fully funded and covers tuition, travel, visa costs and a monthly living allowance. However, for the 2027/28 cycle, applications close on 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC, and you need at least two years’ work experience (2,800 hours) after your undergraduate degree.

This guide explains the Chevening Scholarship requirements, the full 2027/28 timeline and exactly what the award covers.

Last verified: 4 October 2026 against chevening.org.

What is the Chevening Scholarship?

Chevening funds outstanding emerging leaders from around the world to take a one-year master’s degree in the UK. In addition to funding, scholars join an engagement programme with networking events, alumni and UK government officials.

Chevening Scholarship requirements

According to Chevening, you must meet all of these requirements at the same time:

1. Citizenship: first, be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country or territory.
2. Return home: also, commit to returning to your home country for at least two years after your award ends.
3. Degree: next, hold an undergraduate degree that lets you enter a UK master’s, finished at least two years before the deadline.
4. Work experience: in addition, have at least two years’ work experience after your degree, equal to 2,800 hours.
5. Course choices: then, apply to three different eligible UK courses and hold an unconditional offer from one by the deadline.
6. No previous UK government scholarship: finally, you must not have studied in the UK on a UK government-funded scholarship before, with a limited exception for Chevening Fellows.

On the other hand, British and dual British citizens are generally not eligible. Likewise, some people with links to the UK government or the British Council are not eligible.

Chevening Scholarship 2027/28 timeline

If you miss this deadline, prepare early for the next cycle and check the official timeline for its dates.

What does a Chevening Scholarship cover?

Specifically, Chevening states that the award covers:

• tuition fees.
• economy travel to and from your country of residence, for you only.
• an arrival allowance and a departure allowance.
• the cost of one visa application, for you only.
• up to £75 for a TB test, where required.
• a travel top-up allowance.
• a monthly living allowance (stipend), at London or non-London rates.

Since travel and visa costs are for you only, plan any family costs separately.

Chevening for Nigerian, Ghanaian, Indian and Pakistani applicants

Eligibility is set by country. Therefore, select your country on chevening.org to confirm it is eligible and to see local details. After that, the same core requirements apply wherever you apply from.

Tips for a stronger Chevening application

• First, give specific examples of leadership and networking from your work.
• Next, link your three UK courses clearly to your career plan.
• Also, explain what you will do in your home country after the award.
• Finally, apply to your universities early so you can meet the July offer deadline.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Chevening scholarship deadline?

For 2027/28, the deadline is therefore 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC.

Is Chevening fully funded?

Yes. Chevening describes its scholarships as fully funded, covering tuition, travel, visa costs and a monthly stipend.

Do I need IELTS for Chevening?

Chevening’s eligibility list does not include a separate English test. However, your UK university sets its own English requirements, so check each course.

Compare Chevening with other options in our guide to fully funded masters scholarships.

Official sources

• Chevening: Eligibility
• Chevening: Application timeline
• Chevening: What does a scholarship cover?

This is general information. Always confirm the rules on chevening.org before you apply.