Chevening

Chevening is the UK Government's flagship international scholarship, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and partner organisations. It pays for one year of Master's study at any UK university. Selection leans towards people with a few years of work experience and some evidence of leadership, and grades are only one part of the picture.

Programmes

• Chevening Scholarships: one-year fully funded UK Master's
• Chevening Fellowships: shorter programmes run with partner organisations

When it opens

The application window normally opens in early August and closes in early October for study starting the following September. The exact dates change each cycle, so check the official timeline.

Who qualifies

Citizens of a Chevening-eligible country or territory (nearly 200, including most of Europe but not the United States), with typically at least two years of work experience, a bachelor's degree strong enough for a UK Master's, and a commitment to return home for at least two years after the award.

What it pays for

Full tuition, a monthly living allowance, return flights, visa costs, and grants for Chevening events. It funds the scholar only, with no dependant allowances.

How the application works

You apply to Chevening online and, separately, to three eligible UK Master's courses. You must hold at least one unconditional offer by the stated offer deadline.

Where applications go wrong

• Writing the four essays as a formality, when they are the main basis for selection
• A career plan that stays general instead of naming a role, sector or timeframe
• Three course choices in unrelated fields, which makes the plan hard to follow
• Booking the English test or asking referees too close to the deadline

Fake calls and fees

Chevening never charges an application fee and only contacts you through chevening.org addresses and your national British embassy or high commission. Ignore anyone asking for payment to "process" or "guarantee" an award.