Chevening Scholarships: frequently asked questions

Chevening Scholarships are the UK government’s global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organisations. The Scholarships support study at UK universities – mostly one-year Masters’ degrees – for individuals with demonstrable potential to become future leaders, decision makers and opinion formers.

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 700 scholarships were awarded in 2011-2012. There are over 41,000 Chevening alumni around the world who together comprise an influential and highly regarded global network.

The name ‘Chevening’ comes from Chevening House in Sevenoaks, Kent – currently the joint official residence of the British Foreign Secretary and the Deputy Prime Minister.

Who are Chevening Scholarships aimed at?

Chevening Scholarships are for talented people who have been identified as potential future leaders across a wide range of fields; including politics, business, the media, civil society, religion, and academia. Applicants should be high calibre graduates with the personal, intellectual and interpersonal qualities necessary for leadership.

What does a Chevening Scholarship cover?

Most Chevening Scholarships cover:

tuition fees

a living allowance at a set rate (for one individual)

an economy class return airfare to the UK

additional grants to cover essential expenditure

Some Scholarships cover part of the cost of studying in the UK; for example, tuition fees only or allowances only.

What else does a Chevening Scholarship offer?

An expanded range of Chevening events will be available to Chevening Scholars while on their awards in the UK. The purpose of these events is to engage a substantial number of current Scholars in the widening Chevening network.

Which countries are eligible?

The FCO currently offers Chevening Scholarships to citizens of the following countries:

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, British Overseas Territories, Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, DR Congo, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Falkland Islands, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Montserrat, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Palestinian Territories, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Pitcairn Island, Republic of Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South Korea, Southern Sudan, Sri Lanka, St Helena, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & Grenadines, Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Turks and Caicos, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

How to apply

How do I apply for a Chevening Scholarship?

For information on how to apply, read our guidance for applicants.

Who is eligible to apply for a Chevening Scholarship?

Applicants must:

Meet the academic requirements for their chosen course(s) of study;

Have a good standard of written and spoken English, and meet the Chevening Scholarships language requirements as well as the language requirements of their chosen course(s) of study;

Be a citizen of a Chevening country listed above, and intend to return there at the end of the period of study;

Have a minimum of two years' work experience;

Not be employees, relatives of employees, or former employees (who left within the past two years) of Her Majesty’s Government (including British Embassies and High Commissions), a partner (sponsor), a sponsoring UK university, or a staff member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities;

Not have previously studied in the UK under a UK Government-funded scholarship;

Not have dual British nationality (unless you are a Citizen of a British Overseas Territory).

Please note that there is no age limit. More information on eligibility is available in the guidance for applicants.

What applicants are we looking for?

Applicants should be high calibre graduates with the personal, intellectual and interpersonal qualities necessary for leadership. Evidence of leadership experience and potential is critical. Each country has a list of priority areas in which it is looking for Chevening Scholars.

The typical successful applicant:

Is a professional graduate, in early or mid-career, who displays both intellectual ability and clear leadership potential;

Has already worked for two/three years in his/her chosen profession;

Is committed to return to his/her home country and contribute to its socio-economic development, by implementing the new skills and knowledge acquired in the UK;

Has a proven track record of professional excellence and achievement, with the prospect of becoming a leader in his/her chosen field;

Is able to show at interview that he/she possesses the personal qualities to benefit from the Scholarship and use it to succeed in his/her chosen career;

Is keen to engage with the wider Chevening community while in the UK and on return to his/her home country;

Has a clear idea of how the Scholarship will benefit his/her country on his/her return.

This is in addition to standard and other eligibility criteria.

Can I apply for a Chevening Scholarship in the final year of my undergraduate degree?

No. Chevening Scholarships are aimed at graduates who have some experience working in their chosen career field. Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree at the time of application.

Can I apply for a Chevening Scholarship to study for an undergraduate degree?

No. Chevening Scholarships are available for taught Masters’ degrees or selected short courses of professional development only.

Can I apply for a Chevening Scholarship to study for a PhD or DPhil?

No. Chevening Scholarships are available for taught Masters’ degrees or selected short courses of professional development only.

Can I apply for a Chevening Scholarship for a part-time course?

No. Chevening scholarships are for full-time courses only.

Can I apply for a Chevening Scholarship to study at a university outside the United Kingdom?

No. Chevening Scholarships are available for study in the UK only. Short study visits outside the UK may sometimes be included as part of a course.

Can I apply for a Chevening Scholarship to study a one-month course?

No. Chevening Scholarships are available for courses of 12 weeks’ duration or longer only. Some countries offer selected short courses of professional development. These will be advertised on the relevant country page.

Is a one-year taught Master’s degree the only course supported by a Chevening Scholarship?

Usually, a one-year taught Master’s degree is the only course supported by a Chevening Scholarship, although some countries offer selected short courses of professional development. These will be advertised on the relevant country page.

Can I apply for a Chevening Scholarship if I am not living in my home country?

No. Applicants must be resident in their home country.

Can I apply if I have dual British nationality?

No. Dual British Nationals are not eligible to apply. The only exceptions are for citizens of British Overseas Territories who may apply.

Do I need to have been accepted onto a course of study at a UK university before I apply for a Chevening Scholarship?

Applicants are strongly advised to apply for a place on their chosen course(s) of study before, or at the same time as, applying for a Chevening Scholarship. Please see our information on selecting a university and course in the UK. Acceptance onto a course at a UK university is considered an asset by the Chevening selection committee at any stage of the selection process.

What is the application deadline for Chevening Scholarships?

Application deadlines vary from country to country. Further information on applying for a 2013 Chevening Scholarship will be made available later this year. Please check the relevant country page for information on application deadlines.

Scholarship terms and conditions

Can I bring my family with me to the UK during my Chevening Scholarship?

Scholars are strongly advised not to bring family members or dependants to the UK during their Scholarship. A Chevening Scholarship does not provide an additional financial allowance for dependants; the living allowance is designed to cover basic living costs for one individual only. Immigration restrictions may also apply – please check the UKBA website for further details.

Can I work during my Chevening Scholarship?

Chevening Scholars are not barred from taking part-time employment while in the UK. However, Scholars must comply with the employment conditions of their visa, university/college regulations and the conditions of the award. Scholars should remember that their academic studies are of paramount importance and should be given due priority.

Can I stay in the UK after my Chevening Scholarship to work?

No. Chevening Scholars sign an undertaking when accepting their award to return to their home countries after they have completed their studies. This will be waived in exceptional circumstances only.

What happens when I return to my home country?

The FCO is committed to ensuring that its Chevening alumni network remains one of the world’s most influential and active alumni communities. Returning scholars will be contacted by the British Embassy or British High Commission on their return to their countries and invited to take part in various events.

Where can I get more information?

Please read our detailed guidance for applicants for further information.

General

How can I find out more about studying in the UK?

Please see our information on selecting a university and course in the UK.

Find your Country/Territory

Find out more information on Chevening Scholarships in your country/territory