Chevening Scholarship 2025/2026: Fully Funded UK Government Scholarship for International Students

Chevening Scholarship 2025/2026: Fully Funded UK Government Scholarship for International Students
Are you an ambitious, future-thinking student or professional seeking a fully funded opportunity to study in the United Kingdom? The Chevening Scholarship 2025/2026 offers a prestigious and life-changing opportunity for future leaders, influencers, and decision-makers across the world to pursue a one-year master’s degree in the UK.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Chevening Scholarship—from eligibility requirements to application procedures and how to increase your chances of being selected. This article is especially useful for job seekers and students who are eager to advance their careers through international education.
Apply now and take the first step toward studying in the United Kingdom on a fully funded scholarship.
What is the Chevening Scholarship?
The Chevening Scholarship is a UK government international awards programme funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations. It offers fully funded scholarships to outstanding students from over 160 countries and territories worldwide. The scholarship enables students to pursue a one-year master’s degree in any field of study at any UK university.
What Does the Chevening Scholarship Cover?
The scholarship is fully funded, meaning it covers virtually all the financial burdens of studying abroad. Benefits include:
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Full payment of tuition fees
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Monthly living allowance
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Airfare to and from the UK
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Visa application costs
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Travel grants for attending Chevening events in the UK
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Additional funds for books, thesis, and other study materials
This makes Chevening one of the most generous and comprehensive scholarships in the world.
Chevening Scholarship 2025/2026: Fully Funded UK Government Scholarship for International Students
Who is Eligible for the Chevening Scholarship?
To be eligible for the Chevening Scholarship, applicants must:
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Be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country (Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, etc.)
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Return to your country of citizenship for at least two years after your scholarship ends
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Have completed an undergraduate degree (equivalent to a UK upper second-class 2:1 honours degree)
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Have at least two years of work experience
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Apply to three different eligible UK university courses
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Meet the English language requirements
If you are a job seeker or recent graduate with professional experience, Chevening is a golden opportunity to upgrade your qualifications on a global scale.
Eligible Courses and Universities
You can apply for almost any one-year postgraduate course, but you must choose courses that are:
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Full-time
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Based in the UK
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Begin in the autumn (typically September or October)
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Lead to a taught master’s degree qualification
Popular universities for Chevening scholars include:
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University of Oxford
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University of Cambridge
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University College London (UCL)
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University of Edinburgh
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King’s College London
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London School of Economics (LSE)
Ensure that all three course choices meet the scholarship’s eligibility criteria.
Chevening Scholarship 2025/2026: Fully Funded UK Government Scholarship for International Students
Required Documents
You must submit the following documents as part of your application:
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Valid passport or national ID
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University degree certificates and transcripts
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Two reference letters
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Unconditional offers from at least one of your three selected UK universities (submitted later)
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Curriculum Vitae (CV)
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English proficiency test results (if applicable)
Make sure all documents are clear, properly scanned, and written in English (or accompanied by certified translations).
How to Apply for the Chevening Scholarship 2025/2026
Follow these steps to submit a successful application:
Step 1: Create an Account
Visit the official Chevening website:
https://www.chevening.org/apply
Register and create a profile.
Step 2: Fill in the Online Application Form
The form includes sections on:
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Personal details
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Academic background
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Work experience
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Chosen UK courses
Step 3: Write Four Essay Responses
This is a crucial part of the application. The essays include:
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Leadership and influence
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Networking
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Studying in the UK
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Career plan
Your responses should be detailed, original, and aligned with Chevening’s values.
Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline
Applications for the 2025/2026 cycle are expected to open in August 2025 and close in November 2025. Deadlines are strict, so apply early.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Being Selected
1. Choose the Right Courses
Ensure the courses you select align with your career goals and are available for Chevening applicants.
2. Focus on Leadership
Demonstrate clear examples of your leadership and influence in your essays and reference letters.
3. Build a Strong Career Plan
Show how your UK education will benefit your home country and your future role.
4. Provide Professional References
Choose people who know your capabilities and can write a detailed reference that supports your potential.
5. Be Authentic and Concise
Avoid generic statements. Use real-life stories and stay within the word limits.
Timeline for the Chevening Scholarship 2025/2026
Activity | Expected Timeframe |
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Applications Open | August 2025 |
Application Deadline | November 2025 |
Shortlisting for Interviews | February 2026 |
Interviews Conducted | March – April 2026 |
Final Results Released | June 2026 |
Scholarship Begins | September – October 2026 |
Keep track of these dates and set reminders for each stage.
Why Apply for the Chevening Scholarship?
Chevening isn’t just about academic excellence; it is about shaping the future of global leadership. As a Chevening scholar, you’ll join a vast network of over 50,000 alumni worldwide, including politicians, business leaders, scholars, and innovators.
Benefits include:
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Exposure to world-class education
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Global networking opportunities
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Career advancement potential
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Cultural exchange and personal growth
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Being part of a respected international community
Final Thoughts
The Chevening Scholarship 2025/2026 is more than a financial aid program it is an opportunity to transform your life and career. Whether you are a graduate hoping to gain international experience or a job seeker aiming to boost your employability, Chevening can help you reach your goal. It is competitive, but with the right strategy, preparation, and authentic storytelling, you can join the next generation of global changemakers.
Apply now and begin your journey toward a fully funded master’s degree in the United Kingdom.