The Chevening Scholarship is the UK government’s flagship international scholarship, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. Each year it brings future leaders from around the world to study a fully-funded one-year Master’s degree at any UK university. For ambitious students, Chevening is one of the most prestigious awards you can win.
What does Chevening cover?
Chevening is fully funded, which means it typically covers:
- Full university tuition fees for a one-year Master’s course
- A monthly living allowance (stipend) to cover accommodation and expenses
- Return economy airfare to and from the UK
- Additional grants for arrival, visa and study-related costs
Eligibility criteria
To be considered, you generally must:
- Be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country (which includes India and many others)
- Hold an undergraduate degree good enough for postgraduate study in the UK
- Have at least two years (about 2,800 hours) of work experience
- Apply to three eligible UK Master’s courses and receive an unconditional offer from one by the given deadline
- Agree to return to your home country for at least two years after the scholarship
How to apply
Applications open every year, usually around August, and close in early November. You apply online through the official Chevening website. The heart of the application is four essays covering leadership, networking, your choice of course, and your career plan. Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview at a UK embassy or high commission.
Writing a winning application
Chevening looks for leadership potential, a clear career vision and strong networking ability. Use concrete examples in your essays — describe real projects you led, measurable results you achieved, and exactly how a UK degree connects to your future goals. Generic answers rarely progress; specific, personal stories stand out.
Why choose Chevening?
Beyond the funding, Chevening gives you access to a global alumni network of leaders in government, business and civil society. Studying in the UK for a year also builds international exposure that can transform your career. Because it is highly competitive, start preparing your essays and shortlisting courses months in advance.
Always confirm the exact application dates and eligible countries on the official Chevening website before applying.