Overview
Chevening is the UK government's flagship international scholarship. It offers fully funded one-year master's degrees at UK universities to people it sees as future leaders, decision-makers, and changemakers. For readers from countries currently restricted by US visa rules, it is one of the most valuable fully funded options available.
The deadline is close. Applications close on October 6, 2026 at 11:00 UTC, and the online system cannot be accessed after that. In Nigeria (WAT, UTC+1), that is 12:00 noon. Do not leave it to the last day.
What Chevening Covers
Chevening funds a one-year master's at any eligible UK university. It covers tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, and return airfare, among other costs. The stipend differs for London and outside London and is updated every year, so check the current rate on chevening.org.
Eligibility
To apply, you must:
- Be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country. Check your country page on chevening.org/apply.
- Have at least two years' work experience. It must be gained after your undergraduate degree and equal at least 2,800 hours.
- Hold a qualifying undergraduate degree. You must have finished your undergraduate studies at least two years before the application deadline. You do not need the certificate yet, but you will need it by your interview.
- Choose three courses. You apply to three different eligible UK courses and must hold an unconditional offer from at least one by July 8, 2027 at 17:00 UK time.
- Commit to returning home. You must return to your home country for at least two years after the scholarship ends.
About English tests: Chevening itself does not require IELTS or TOEFL. Your chosen universities decide whether you need a test, so check each course's requirement early.
How the 2,800 hours are counted
Think of it as roughly two years of full-time work, but it can include part-time work, internships, volunteering, and NYSC service, as long as it came after your first degree. Keep a simple log of employer, dates, and weekly hours so you can calculate it accurately.
The Full Timeline
| Date | Stage |
| August 4, 2026 | Applications opened |
| October 6, 2026, 11:00 UTC | Applications close |
| From October 2026 | Eligibility checks |
| Mid-October 2026 to January 2027 | Reading committees assess applications |
| Mid-February 2027 | Interview shortlist |
| March to April 2027 | Interviews at British embassies and high commissions |
| Mid-June 2027 | Results |
| July 8, 2027 | Deadline to submit an unconditional offer |
| September/October 2027 | Studies begin |
Source: Chevening's official application timeline.
At interview stage, shortlisted candidates must upload photo ID, their undergraduate certificate, and reference letters at least seven working days before the interview.
The Four Essays
Chevening's essays are where most applications succeed or fail. They cover leadership, networking, your study choices, and your career plan.
Leadership. Use one specific example. Describe what you did, what changed because of it, and what you learned. Avoid job-title leadership ("As team lead, I..."). The strongest essays show influence without formal authority.
Networking. Show that you build relationships with purpose. Explain how you have used connections to get something done, and how you will engage with the UK and the Chevening network.
Studying in the UK. Name all three courses and explain why each fits your career goals. Mention specific modules or faculty. General praise of "world-class UK education" adds nothing.
Career plan. Give short-term (immediately after returning) and long-term (5 to 10 years) goals that link clearly to your country's development. Be concrete: "Lead the digital records unit at [ministry]" is stronger than "contribute to national development."
Our guide to writing a winning scholarship personal statement covers essay structure in more depth.
How to Choose Your Three Courses
- Make sure each course is one year, full-time, and eligible (check Chevening's course finder).
- Choose courses that support one coherent career story, not three unrelated fields.
- Apply to universities early. Popular courses fill up and set deposit deadlines.
- Look for courses with Chevening partner fee discounts where possible.
Common Mistakes
- Miscounting work hours or including experience from before graduation.
- Getting the time wrong. The deadline is 11:00 UTC, not midnight.
- Writing generic essays that could apply to any scholarship.
- Choosing three unrelated courses.
- Delaying university applications until after the interview, then missing the July 8, 2027 offer deadline.
FAQ
When is the Chevening 2027/2028 deadline?
October 6, 2026 at 11:00 UTC.
Do I need IELTS for Chevening?
Chevening itself does not require it, but your chosen universities might.
Can Nigerians apply for Chevening?
Nigeria has historically been Chevening-eligible. Confirm on your country page at chevening.org/apply.
Does NYSC count toward work experience?
Generally yes, since it comes after your first degree, but confirm Chevening's current guidance on eligible work.
Do I need a university offer before applying?
No. You need an unconditional offer from one of your three courses by July 8, 2027.
Practical Tips
- Submit at least 48 hours before the deadline.
- Write your essays in a document first, then paste them into the portal.
- Ask two people who know your work to review your essays.
- Start your university applications now, in parallel.
- If you are not eligible this year, start logging your hours now for the 2028/2029 cycle.
If US study is closed to you, see our US student visa ban guide for other alternatives.
Always confirm eligibility, dates, and stipend amounts at chevening.org before applying; details change each cycle.
