The Chevening Scholarship 2027–28 is a prestigious UK Government scholarship for talented and ambitious professionals from eligible countries and territories around the world. The programme gives future leaders the opportunity to pursue a one-year taught master’s degree in the United Kingdom while developing international networks, leadership skills and professional experience.
Chevening is highly competitive and is designed for applicants who can demonstrate leadership potential, strong professional experience and a clear vision for creating positive change in their home country.
For the 2027–28 cycle, applications opened on 4 August 2026 and close on 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC.
Scholarship Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Chevening Scholarship |
| Academic Year | 2027–28 |
| Study Country | United Kingdom |
| Degree | One-year Master’s |
| Study Type | Full-time, taught programme |
| Funding | Fully funded scholarship package |
| Applicants | Citizens of eligible countries/territories |
| Application | Online |
| Application Opens | 4 August 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 6 October 2026, 11:00 UTC |
What Does the Chevening Scholarship Cover?
Chevening provides a comprehensive scholarship package. Benefits can include:
- Full payment of eligible university tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance
- Travel to and from the UK
- Arrival allowance
- Homeward departure allowance
- Visa application fee reimbursement
- Travel-related support where applicable
- Opportunities to participate in Chevening events and the global alumni network
The exact terms and allowances should always be checked against the official Chevening information for your award.
Who Can Apply?
Chevening is aimed at future leaders from eligible countries and territories.
Applicants generally need to:
- Be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country or territory.
- Hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies them for admission to a UK master’s programme.
- Have at least 2,800 hours of work experience, equivalent to roughly two years of full-time work.
- Demonstrate leadership and influencing skills.
- Show strong relationship-building and networking abilities.
- Have a clear and realistic career plan.
- Meet the Chevening requirement to return to their home country for at least two years after the scholarship ends.
Chevening states that eligible work experience can include full-time employment, part-time employment, voluntary work, and paid or unpaid internships, provided the relevant requirements are met.
Work Experience Requirement
One important point for prospective applicants is the work experience requirement.
For the current cycle, Chevening requires at least 2,800 hours of work experience acquired after completing an undergraduate degree. Applicants must meet the requirement when they submit their application; they cannot rely on gaining the missing experience later.
Your work experience does not necessarily have to be directly related to your chosen master’s subject. If you are changing career direction, you should clearly explain your transferable skills and career reasoning in your application.
What Can You Study?
Chevening Scholarships support eligible one-year taught master’s programmes in the UK.
Applicants select three eligible UK master’s courses in their application.
Eligible courses must generally:
- Be full-time.
- Start in the autumn term.
- Lead to a master’s degree.
- Last at least nine months.
- Not exceed 12 months.
- Be based in the UK.
- Not be distance-learning or part-time.
Chevening does not fund undergraduate or PhD study through the standard Chevening Scholarship.
Documents and Information You Should Prepare
Before submitting your application, prepare the information you are likely to need, including:
- Passport or identification details
- Undergraduate education information
- Work experience history
- Details of three preferred UK master’s courses
- Two referees
- Leadership examples
- Networking and relationship-building examples
- Career goals
- Responses to Chevening’s application essays
If you progress to the interview stage, Chevening requires supporting documentation including reference letters and undergraduate degree documentation.
How to Apply for Chevening 2027–28
Step 1 — Check Your Eligibility
First, confirm that your citizenship, education, work experience and other circumstances meet the current Chevening requirements.
Step 2 — Select Your Master’s Courses
Research eligible UK universities and choose three master’s courses that fit your academic and career goals.
Step 3 — Prepare Your Application
Complete the online application and provide your education, employment, course and referee information.
Chevening also asks applicants to answer four essay questions covering areas such as leadership, relationship-building, course choices and future career plans.
Step 4 — Submit Before the Deadline
For the 2027–28 cycle, applications close on:
6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC
Applications cannot be accessed after the closing time, so applicants should avoid waiting until the final hours.
Step 5 — Wait for Selection
Eligible applications are assessed after the application period.
For the 2027–28 cycle, Chevening’s published timeline indicates that:
- Applications are sifted from October 2026.
- Reading committee assessments take place from mid-October 2026 to January 2027.
- Interview shortlisting is expected in mid-February 2027.
- Interviews take place from March to April 2027.
- Results begin from mid-June 2027.
- Successful candidates must submit an unconditional UK university offer by 8 July 2027 at 17:00 BST.
- Studies begin in September/October 2027.
Is Chevening Open to International Students?
Yes. Chevening is an international UK Government scholarship programme, but applicants must be citizens of a Chevening-eligible country or territory.
The eligibility list is not simply “all international students,” so applicants should select their citizenship on the official Chevening application page and confirm the award available to them.
Is There an Age Limit?
Chevening does not impose an upper age limit on applicants. However, applicants must meet all other eligibility requirements, including the work experience requirement.
Can Someone With a Master’s Degree Apply?
Yes. Having previously completed a master’s degree does not automatically prevent someone from applying for Chevening. Applicants must still satisfy the other eligibility criteria and the admission requirements of their chosen UK master’s programmes.
Important Advice for Applicants
Chevening is extremely competitive. Simply meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection.
A strong application should demonstrate:
- Real examples of leadership
- Strong communication and influencing ability
- Professional relationships and networking
- A convincing reason for studying the selected courses
- A realistic long-term career plan
- How your future work can create meaningful impact
Chevening itself recommends that applicants provide strong evidence of these areas rather than relying on general statements.
Chevening Scholarship 2027–28 Deadline
Application deadline: 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC.
The deadline applies to the 2027–28 Chevening Scholarship application cycle. Country/territory pages should still be checked because applicants need to confirm the award available to their citizenship.
Official Application
Applications are submitted through the official Chevening application system.
Official Chevening Application Page
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chevening fully funded?
Chevening provides a comprehensive funding package covering major study and living-related costs according to the scholarship’s current terms.
Can I apply from any country?
You must be a citizen of a country or territory that is eligible for a Chevening Scholarship. Check the official country/territory list before applying.
Do I need two years of work experience?
Yes. For the current cycle, Chevening requires at least 2,800 hours of work experience after completing your undergraduate degree.
Can I apply for a PhD through Chevening?
No. The standard Chevening Scholarship is for eligible one-year taught master’s programmes.
Do I need an unconditional university offer when I submit my Chevening application?
No. You can submit your Chevening application before having an offer, but if selected you must obtain an unconditional offer from an eligible UK university by the specified deadline.
Is there an application fee?
Chevening applications are submitted online through the official programme and you should not pay an agent to submit the scholarship application on your behalf.
Final Note
Chevening requirements, deadlines and eligible countries can change between application cycles. Always verify the latest information on the official Chevening website before submitting an application.
Last reviewed: 26 August 2026
