Chevening Scholarships are the UK government’s global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organisations. The programme makes awards to outstanding scholars with leadership potential from around the world to study postgraduate courses at universities in the UK.
The Chevening programme began in 1983 and has developed into a prestigious international scheme. Chevening Scholars come from over 116 countries worldwide (excluding the USA and the EU), and this year the Scholarships will support approximately 700 individuals. There are over 41,000 Chevening alumni around the world who together comprise an influential and highly regarded global network.
The programme provides full or part funding for full-time courses at postgraduate level, normally a one-year Master’s degree, in any subject and at any UK university
Chevening Scholarships are for high-calibre graduates with the personal, intellectual and interpersonal qualities necessary for leadership. You will need to demonstrate that you:
- have the personal, intellectual and interpersonal qualities necessary for leadership in your home country
- are motivated to develop your career in order to establish a position of leadership in your own country within ten years of your Scholarship
- have a clear post-Scholarship plan, outlining your career objectives and how you plan to achieve them
- are committed to networking to find global solutions
- are committed to networking within the Chevening community, via online engagement and attending Chevening events in the UK and engaging with the alumni network in your home country
- are able to use your studies and experience in the UK to benefit yourself, your country and the UK
- are capable of successfully undertaking and completing your proposed course of study in the UK
Eligibility
There are no age restrictions for Chevening Scholarships. To qualify for a Chevening Scholarship, you must:
- demonstrate that you have achieved a minimum English language requirement (set out below) at the time that you submit your application
- be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country at the time of applying for the award, and intend to return there at the end of the period of study
- hold a degree that is equivalent to at least a good UK second-class honours degree. Further information on UK degree equivalency can be found from UK NARIC
- have completed at least two years’ work or equivalent experience by 30 September 2012
If you do not meet the above criteria please do not apply. Your application will not be considered.
University admissions
You are expected to submit applications to UK universities before, or at the same time as, applying for a Chevening Scholarship. It is your responsibility to pay for any fee relating to your university applications, (including administration fees, English tests and GMAT tests). The courses to which you apply must be:
- a one year postgraduate Master’s course,
- the University of Oxford Certificate in Diplomatic Studies, or
- an approved short course (as advertised from time to time on the Chevening website and/or your local British Embassy or High Commission website).
You may be able to apply for other courses through our partner organisations. .
The following courses will not be accepted under the Chevening Scholarships programme:
- Undergraduate degrees
- Distance learning courses
- Part-time courses
- Courses over one year in length including PhDs or DPhils
- Supervised research not leading to a Master’s degree qualification
- Courses with more than one month of study outside the UK
You can find further information about postgraduate courses at UK universities from Education UK and Prospects, or read Chevening information on studying in the UK.
Application and selection procedure
Registering your interest:
You should register your interest in the Chevening Scholarships programme and sign up to receive notifications of application opening and closing dates for your country via the country pages of the Chevening website.
Applying through eChevening:
To apply for a Chevening Scholarship, you must complete and submit an online eChevening application form.
You will be asked to state the names of three chosen UK Masters’ courses and universities on the Chevening application form, in order of preference. You must include on the Chevening application form the full name of the university/universities and the exact name of your preferred courses (as set out on the university website or prospectus). Only Masters’ courses starting in September/October 2013 are eligible for funding. Courses starting later in 2013 or in 2014 are not eligible for funding.
Applications will open in October 2012 and close in December 2012. If you have registered on the Chevening website you will be notified when the eChevening site is open for applications.
The opening and closing dates for each country will be available on the country pages of the Chevening website. Applications received after the closing date for your country will not be considered. In some countries paper applications may also be accepted. If, exceptionally, paper applications are accepted in your country this will be stated on your country page of the Chevening website. Please note that the closing date for receipt of paper applications, if allowed, may be earlier than for electronic applications.
Value of the award
A full Chevening Scholarship award normally comprises:
- payment of tuition fees;
- travel to and from your country of residence by an approved route for you only;
- an arrival allowance;
- a grant for the cost of preparation of a thesis or dissertation (if required);
- an excess baggage allowance;
- the cost of an entry clearance (visa) application for you only
- a monthly personal living allowance (stipend) to cover accommodation and living expenses. The monthly stipend will depend on whether you are studying inside or outside London. It is currently £917 per month outside London and £1134 per month inside London (subject to annual review).
For Information on Applying for the 2013/2014 Chevening Scholarship Check the Guidance for Applicants Page.
