Chevening Scholarships 2026: Fully Funded Master’s Degrees in the UK

The Chevening Scholarships are a major fully funded opportunity for future master’s students who want to study in the United Kingdom. The programme is provided by Chevening, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and partner organisations. It supports eligible applicants from Chevening-eligible countries and territories to complete a UK master’s degree and build professional, academic, and leadership networks.

For the 2026 application cycle, the deadline is very close: 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC. Since today is 2026-10-02, applicants have only a few days left to review the requirements, prepare their materials, and submit through the official Chevening online application system. The official scholarship page is available at https://www.chevening.org/scholarships/.

What the scholarship pays for

Chevening is described as a fully funded scholarship. The award is designed to cover the major costs connected with studying for a master’s degree in the UK, as well as essential travel and settlement support.

  • Tuition fees for the eligible UK master’s programme.
  • Economy travel to and from the scholar’s country of residence.
  • Arrival allowance to help with initial costs after reaching the UK.
  • Departure allowance at the end of the award period.
  • Visa application cost.
  • TB testing contribution of up to £75 where this is required.
  • Travel top-up allowance.
  • Monthly living stipend for accommodation and living expenses.

This level of support makes the award especially valuable for students who are academically ready for a UK master’s degree but need full funding to make study abroad possible.

Who can apply

Chevening Scholarships are open to citizens of Chevening-eligible countries or territories. Applicants must commit to returning to their home country, or country of award, for at least two years after completing the scholarship.

Applicants also need an undergraduate degree that qualifies them for admission to a UK master’s programme. In addition, Chevening requires at least 2,800 hours of post-undergraduate work experience, which is equal to at least two years of work experience.

Another important requirement is course selection. Applicants must apply to three different eligible UK master’s courses. If selected, applicants must have at least one unconditional offer by the later Chevening offer deadline. Country-specific availability can vary, so applicants should check the page for their own country or territory before starting.

How to apply

  1. Go to the official Chevening website. Start from the scholarship page and navigate to the country or territory page that applies to your citizenship or award country.
  2. Open the online application system. Chevening applications are submitted through the online application system connected to the applicant’s country or territory page.
  3. Complete the eligibility checker. The system includes an eligibility checker before applicants move forward with the full form.
  4. Enter your personal and immigration details. Provide the required identifying and background information accurately.
  5. Add your education and work history. Include your undergraduate education and enough post-undergraduate work experience to meet the 2,800-hour requirement.
  6. List three UK master’s course choices. Choose three different eligible UK university courses. Chevening states that it is not required to apply to those course choices before submitting the Chevening application.
  7. Provide referees and essay responses. The form asks for referees and essay questions, so leave enough time to write clear, specific answers.
  8. Submit before the deadline. Applications must be submitted by 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC. Chevening states that applying for a Chevening Scholarship is free.

Key dates

  • Application deadline: 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC.
  • Unconditional offer requirement: Selected applicants must have at least one unconditional offer by the later Chevening offer deadline.

Practical tips for applicants

  • Do not wait until the final hours. Because the deadline is only days away, complete the eligibility checker and online form as soon as possible to avoid technical or document issues.
  • Choose courses carefully. Your three UK master’s choices must be eligible and different, so check each programme before entering it into the form.
  • Use your work history strategically. Make sure your post-undergraduate experience clearly supports the 2,800-hour requirement and connects with your future plans.

Before applying, readers should confirm every detail, including eligibility, country-specific rules, course requirements, funding coverage, and deadlines, on the official Chevening website.