Returning home

Your final stipend payment will be calculated on a pro-rata basis using either your course end date (as stated in your Final Award Letter) or your UK departure date, whichever is earlier.

Your stipend will be paid only up to your departure date. Please note this means your final payment may be lower than previous monthly stipends.

If you book a flight after receiving your final stipend and the flight date is earlier than your course end date, you may be required to repay any overpaid stipend.

Examples

• If your course end date is 3 September and your flight date is 10 September, you will receive a prorated stipend for the first three days of September only.
• If your course end date is 20 September and your flight date is 15 September, you will receive a prorated stipend up to 15 September only.

You are eligible to receive a stipend up to your course end date.

If you leave the UK before your course ends, your stipend will stop on your departure date. Leaving the UK early is considered an early end to your Chevening Scholarship. This decision cannot be reversed once your homeward flight has been booked.

You may travel before your course end date, but only after the mandatory Farewell event.

Before making any arrangements, you must confirm with your university that leaving early is allowed and that any remaining academic requirements can be submitted remotely. Please request written confirmation and share this with your programme officer for approval.

Chevening Scholarships are awarded for a maximum of 12 months. Extensions beyond this period are only considered in exceptional cases where there are strong academic or welfare reasons and where completion of the current course would otherwise not be possible.

Any extension is subject to approval by the UK Government and the availability of funds. You should not assume that an extension will be granted.

Extensions granted for dissertation completion will not exceed three months.

If you wish to apply for an extension, you must inform the Chevening Secretariat before your original course end date, as stated in your Final Award Letter.

Before leaving the UK, we strongly recommend that all scholars:

• Close your UK bank account after receiving your final Chevening stipend payments.
• Notify utility providers (e.g. electricity and gas) and settle any final bills.
• Cancel any active direct debits or standing orders.
• Check your accommodation contract for notice periods and how your deposit will be returned.
• Consider selling or donating any items you no longer need.
• Research shipping companies in advance if you plan to send belongings home.
• Tell your GP surgery and any other registered services that you’re leaving the UK.

In line with the terms and conditions of your award, you are required to return to your home country for a minimum of two years following completion of your scholarship.

The Chevening Secretariat is unable to provide letters of support for individuals wishing to remain in the UK to work or study. Scholarship funding cannot be used to support requests to bypass this requirement.

Once your award has ended, the Welfare and Immigration Team is no longer able to provide immigration advice. You should contact your university for any post-award queries.

Returning home can sometimes feel more complicated than expected. Even when you’re going back to familiar people and places, you may notice unexpected feelings or changes in how things feel. This is a normal experience and many people go through it after spending time abroad.

Your time in the UK may have shaped new perspectives, and adjusting to that change can take time for both you and those around you.

These feelings are known as reverse culture shock, and they are common and manageable. Being aware of them can help you feel more prepared. You may also find it helpful to check whether your university offers workshops or support to help you prepare for your return.

Your Programme Officer and the Chevening Welfare Team are here for you and available to support you until the end of your scholarship.

Once your scholarship ends, you become part of a global network of influential leaders.

We encourage you to explore our alumni resources, which provide information on the support, opportunities, and professional development available to you as you progress in your career and take on leadership roles.

We would love to hear about your journey and stay updated on your achievements and future plans.