Want to Study in the UK for Free? Don’t Miss These New Chevening Application Rules!

Your Complete Guide to Applying for the 2026-2027 Chevening Scholarship

The United Kingdom has officially opened applications for its world-renowned Chevening Scholarships, giving aspiring leaders a chance at a fully funded master’s degree. The application period runs from August 5 to October 7, 2025. This is a highly competitive program, so it’s crucial to get every detail right.

Chevening offers more than just a scholarship; it’s a chance to join a global network of influential individuals. The program provides a fully paid, one-year master’s degree at a UK university for people who have already shown strong leadership potential and a desire to make a real difference in their home countries. According to Emma Hennessey, who heads the scholarships unit, Chevening alumni use their education and connections to create “lasting change,” tackling global issues and making a tangible impact in their communities.

Richard Montgomery, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, stressed that this is an opportunity for Nigerians with leadership potential to become part of a network of “leaders, innovators, and changemakers.” Since its beginning over 40 years ago, Chevening has supported more than 60,000 professionals from 160+ countries with funding from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and other partners.

Who Can Apply? The Eligibility Checklist

Before you begin, make sure you meet the key requirements:

• You must be a citizen of a country or territory eligible for the Chevening Scholarship.
• You must promise to return to your home country for at least two years after finishing your studies.
• You need a minimum of two years (or 2,800 hours) of work experience. A new rule states that only experience gained after your graduation date is considered.
• You must have an undergraduate degree that qualifies you for a master’s program in the UK.
• You must apply to three different eligible UK university courses and get at least one unconditional offer before the Chevening application deadline.

What the Scholarship Provides

This is a fully funded program, covering:

• All university tuition fees.
• A monthly living allowance (stipend).
• Round-trip airfare to and from the UK.
• An allowance to help you settle in upon arrival.
• A departure allowance when you head home.
• The cost of your visa application.
• A travel grant to attend special Chevening events in the UK.

How to Navigate the Application Process

Follow these steps to submit your application successfully:

Step 1: Get Started Online Go to the official Chevening portal and select “Apply” from the menu. You’ll be asked to choose your country and the “Scholarship” program. Click “Apply Today” to start.

Step 2: Register Your Information You’ll land on the online application page. Read and agree to the terms, then register your email and phone number. An email will be sent to you with a link to the main application portal.

Step 3: Confirm Your Eligibility Once you click the link, you’ll be taken to an eligibility quiz. Answer the questions to confirm that you meet all the basic requirements. If you pass, you’ll receive another email with a link to continue.

Step 4: Your Unique Access Code After following the link, you’ll see an access code on your screen. This is your personal key to your application, so save it somewhere safe! You’ll need it every time you log in.

Step 5: Fill Out the Application Form This is the most important part. You’ll need to complete these sections:

• Personal Details: Your full name as it appears on your passport, your date of birth, address, and your preferred interview location.
• Immigration Details: Your country of citizenship, passport number, and other relevant info.
• Education History: List all your past education, including the schools you attended, courses studied, and your results. You can add up to 15 entries.
• Work History: Add up to 15 past work experiences. The system will automatically calculate your total work hours to confirm you meet the 2,800-hour requirement.
• Course Choices: You must list three different UK master’s programs you want to study. You can use the platform’s course finder to find eligible options. You don’t have to have applied to these courses yet, but you must do so and receive an unconditional offer before the final deadline.
• Referees: Provide the names and contact details of two people who can give you a professional reference. Do not use friends or family.
• Essay Questions: This is your chance to shine. You’ll write four essays (with a 300-word limit each) on your leadership skills, networking ability, choice of courses, and future career goals. Avoid using AI tools to write your answers, as Chevening uses software to detect plagiarism and AI-generated content.
• Equal Opportunities: You’ll provide some basic background information to help Chevening ensure diversity. This section has no impact on your application outcome.

Step 6: Submit Your Application Once you’ve filled out every section and confirmed everything is correct, give your final consent to the scholarship conditions, then click “submit application” and “confirm submission.”

Important Reminders:

• Always save your progress as you go to avoid being logged out after 15 minutes of inactivity.
• You can save and return to your application as many times as you like before the deadline.
• Seek advice from mentors and others who have been through the process. A strong application is a carefully reviewed one.

The Application Timeline

The selection process is long, so be patient. Here’s a quick look at the schedule:

• August to October 2025: The application window is open.
• November 2025: Applications are checked for eligibility.
• Mid-November to January 2026: Applications are reviewed by an independent committee.
• Mid-January to February 2026: Candidates are shortlisted for interviews.
• Mid-February to April 2026: Interviews are conducted at British embassies and high commissions worldwide.
• June 2026: Results are announced.

You will receive email updates at each stage, and you can also check your status by logging into the online portal.