Chevening Scholarship 2027 Now Open: Fully Funded UK Master's — Apply by October 6

Chevening — the UK government's flagship international scholarship programme — has opened applications for the 2027-2028 cycle. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC. This scholarship fully funds a one-year master's degree at any UK university and is available to citizens of over 160 countries, including most Arab and MENA nations.

What Is the Chevening Scholarship?

Chevening is the international scholarship programme run by the UK government through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and partner organisations. Since its launch in 1983, the programme has produced over 50,000 alumni worldwide, forming a global network of leaders in politics, business, academia, journalism, and media.

What sets Chevening apart from other scholarships is that it does not just give you money — it gives you:

A master's degree from a UK university (one year)
Full tuition fees regardless of cost (up to £40,000 or more)
Monthly living stipend (approximately £1,500-£1,700 depending on location)
Return flights from your country to the UK
Arrival allowance for settling in
Thesis grant (contribution toward research costs)
Exclusive access to Chevening Alumni network events and opportunities

Who Can Apply? Eligibility in Detail

Citizenship

You must be a citizen of an eligible country. Eligible Arab countries include:

North Africa: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Mauritania
Middle East: Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen
Gulf: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman

Academic Qualification

You must hold a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) that qualifies you for entry into a UK master's programme. This typically means at least an upper-second-class degree or equivalent.

Work Experience

This is one of the most misunderstood requirements. The minimum is:

2,800 hours of work (approximately one and a half years of full-time work)
Experience can be from any field: paid work, volunteering, internships, or documented freelancing
The experience must be after you graduated from university

Tip: Do not self-eliminate if your experience seems short. Practical training during studies, if paid and properly documented, may count toward the required hours.

English Language Requirement

You must meet the minimum score on one of the accepted English tests:

IELTS Academic: minimum 6.5 (with no sub-skill below 5.5)
TOEFL iBT: minimum 79
Pearson PTE Academic: minimum 62

You can apply for the scholarship before getting your test results, but you must submit them if selected for interview. If you need a preparation plan, see our guide to preparing for IELTS and TOEFL in one month.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Choose Three Master's Programmes

Chevening requires you to submit three choices of master's programmes at different UK universities. These choices reflect the seriousness of your application and help the selection committee understand your goals.

When choosing programmes, consider:

Specialisation: Does it serve your career path upon return?
University ranking: Not the only factor, but important
Location: London is more expensive than other cities, but offers broader networking opportunities
Entry requirements: Make sure you meet them before applying

Step 2: Create an Account on the Chevening Portal

Go to chevening.org/apply and create an account. You will need:

An active email address
Basic personal information
A valid passport

Step 3: Complete the Application

The application includes:

Personal and educational information: Your degrees and academic history
Work experience: Previous positions with dates and task descriptions
Personal statement (4 essays):
- Why do you want to study these three programmes in the UK?
- How will your studies help you achieve your career goals?
- How will you benefit your home country after graduation?
- How will you contribute to the Chevening Alumni network?
References: Two references required (academic and professional)
Networking: Connections to organisations that might nominate you

Step 4: Wait for Results

After applying, the process goes through several stages:

Stage	Approximate Timing
Application closes	6 October 2026
Initial screening (Longlisting)	November-December 2026
Shortlisting	January-February 2027
Interviews	February-March 2027 (at the British Embassy in your country)
Final results	May-June 2027
Study begins	September-October 2027

Tips to Maximise Your Chances

1. Start Early

The deadline is 6 October, but do not wait. The four personal statement essays need time to craft and revise. Start at least a month before the deadline.

2. Be Specific About Your Goals

The Chevening committee is not interested in creating "future leaders" in general — they are looking for people with a clear plan for how they will use the knowledge gained. If you say "I want to improve education in my country" without details, you will not stand out. Say instead: "I want to develop adaptive AI-driven learning methodologies for rural schools in Morocco."

3. Connect with the Chevening Network

Former Chevening Scholars (Chevening Alumni) can be referees or supporters of your application. Search for Chevening alumni in your country and connect with them via LinkedIn or local events.

4. Choose Programmes Wisely

Not every UK master's programme is equally accessible through Chevening funding. Look for programmes that:

Offer clear value for your career path
Are reasonably priced within Chevening's budget
Last one year (two-year programmes may not be fully funded)

5. Avoid Common Mistakes

Review our guide on why scholarship committees reject applications before hitting submit.

What This Means For You

If You Are a Recent Graduate

Chevening requires work experience. If you just graduated, invest the next two years in:
- Building relevant professional experience
- Developing your leadership skills
- Engaging in documented community initiatives

Then apply. Many people win the scholarship on their second or third attempt.

If You Are a Mid-Career Professional

This is your ideal time. The professional experience you bring is your greatest strength. Focus your essays on how the programme will transform your expertise from a local to a regional or international level.

If You Are Considering Alternatives

Chevening is not the only option for studying abroad. You can also consider:
- Gates Cambridge Scholarship — University of Cambridge
- Erasmus Mundus vs DAAD — Europe and Germany
- Other study and funding opportunities

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I do not have a university offer yet?

Yes! Chevening does not require a pre-existing offer at the time of application. But you must have identified three programmes you intend to apply to. If selected, you will have time to confirm admission.

Does the scholarship cover visa fees?

Yes, it covers the UK Student Visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

Can I work while studying?

You can work part-time according to UK Student Visa conditions (up to 20 hours per week). However, Chevening recommends focusing on studies and network events.

What happens after graduation?

The core requirement is returning to your home country for at least two years after the scholarship ends. This is not a penalty — it is part of Chevening's vision of building leadership capacity in home countries.

How many scholarships are awarded annually?

It varies by country, but globally Chevening awards approximately 1,500-2,000 scholarships per year. Competition is strong, but not impossible — every year, candidates from across the Arab world succeed.

Conclusion

The Chevening Scholarship 2027-2028 is now open, and the deadline is 6 October 2026. If you dream of studying for a master's degree in the UK fully funded, this is your opportunity. Do not delay your application — start today by reading the requirements and preparing your essays.

Remember: winning a Chevening Scholarship does not require you to be a genius — it requires you to be someone with a clear vision, a specific plan, and persuasive writing. Start now, and make October 2026 the beginning of your journey to the UK.

Financial Details: What Exactly Does the Scholarship Cover?

To understand the true value of the Chevening Scholarship, let us calculate the total cost of studying in the UK without a scholarship:

Item	Annual Cost (approximate)
Tuition fees (master's)	£20,000 - £35,000
Rent and accommodation	£8,000 - £15,000
Food and living	£4,000 - £6,000
Transportation	£1,000 - £2,000
Visa and health surcharge	£1,500 - £2,500
Books and supplies	£500 - £1,000
Total	£35,000 - £61,500

Chevening covers all of these costs. In other words, the actual value of the scholarship ranges between $45,000 and $80,000 USD for a single year. This makes it one of the most generous scholarships in the world.

Monthly Stipend Details

The monthly stipend varies based on where you live in the UK:
- London: approximately £1,700 per month (due to higher living costs)
- Outside London: approximately £1,350 - £1,500 per month

This stipend is sufficient for dignified living, but do not expect to save much. Alumni recommend careful budgeting and not overspending on entertainment.

Quick Comparison: Chevening vs Other Major Scholarships

Criterion	Chevening	Erasmus Mundus	DAAD
Duration	One year	Two years	1-2 years
Destination	United Kingdom	Multiple EU countries	Germany
Funding	Full (tuition + living + travel)	Full	Full or partial
Experience required	Two years	Varies	Varies
Return requirement	Two years after graduation	Usually none	Usually none
Annual awards	~1,500-2,000	~2,000+	~1,000+

To learn more about European scholarships, see our detailed comparison of Erasmus Mundus vs DAAD.

The Chevening Alumni Advantage

Beyond the degree itself, becoming a Chevening Scholar opens doors that few other programmes can match:

Global Network: Over 50,000 alumni across 160+ countries, including heads of state, CEOs, Nobel laureates, and media leaders
Lifelong Engagement: Chevening is not just a one-year scholarship — it is a lifetime membership in an exclusive global community
Funding for Alumni Projects: Chevening offers small grants for alumni initiatives that create impact in home countries
Professional Development: Ongoing access to workshops, conferences, and mentorship opportunities throughout your career

For professionals who aspire to leadership roles in their home countries, the Chevening Alumni network can be as valuable as the degree itself — sometimes more so.