Fully Funded Chevening Scholarships for International Master’s Students In UK

The Chevening Scholarship is one of the most prestigious, competitive, and globally respected UK government-funded awards for international students who wish to pursue a one-year master’s degree at a UK university. Administered by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Chevening exists to support exceptional individuals who demonstrate leadership potential, a passion for community development, and the ability to influence positive change.

The programme operates in over 160 countries and territories, making it one of the most inclusive postgraduate scholarship initiatives in the world. Chevening Scholars gain access not just to world-class academic training but also to a powerful global community of professionals, innovators, policymakers, and future leaders. For students seeking fully funded opportunities in the UK, Chevening remains a top choice due to its generous funding and emphasis on long-term personal and national development.

Why Chevening Scholarships matter

Chevening is more than just a scholarship; it is a prestigious platform for transformation. Scholars gain access to world-renowned universities, international networks, and invaluable leadership experiences that shape their careers long after their studies. The programme is designed to identify individuals with vision, drive, and passion for impact.

It matters because it invests in future changemakers. Thousands of Chevening alumni have returned home from their UK studies to assume leadership roles in government, business, humanitarian work, education, technology, and global development. From influencing national policies to launching innovative organisations, Chevening graduates contribute significantly to progress in their communities and countries.

For many applicants, Chevening represents the chance to access opportunities they could never have afforded on their own. For others, it is a launchpad to expand their global perspective, deepen their expertise, and strengthen their professional networks.

Chevening Scholarships for African students

African students form one of the largest and most vibrant groups within the Chevening community. Each year, scholars from Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Malawi, Zambia, and many more countries secure the award to study diverse master’s programmes across the UK.

The selection process values leadership, community engagement, innovation, and a strong commitment to creating change; qualities many African applicants have demonstrated through work in public service, health, education, business, technology, and international development.

Many African alumni return to strengthen key sectors such as public health, governance, agriculture, technology, social development, and environmental sustainability. Their success stories serve as inspiration to new applicants, proving that the scholarship is not only attainable but also transformative.

What Chevening Scholarships cover

Chevening is a fully funded scholarship, meaning the UK government covers all major expenses associated with studying and living in the UK. This makes it ideal for students who require financial support to pursue postgraduate study abroad.

The award includes:

Full UK university tuition fees
Monthly living stipend
Round-trip economy airfare to and from the UK
Arrival allowance
Departure allowance
Visa application fee
Travel funds for attending official Chevening events

With no hidden charges or repayment requirements, the scholarship provides an extraordinary opportunity for talented individuals who need financial backing to advance their careers.

Who can apply?

To qualify for Chevening, applicants must:

Be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country
Hold a bachelor’s degree equivalent to at least a UK upper second-class (2:1)
Have a minimum of two years (2,800 hours) of work experience
Apply to three eligible UK master’s courses
Return to their home country for at least two years after completing the award

While you do not need an offer from a UK university before submitting your Chevening application, you must secure one by the final offer deadline (usually July).

Countries eligible for Chevening

Chevening covers more than 160 countries, including:

Nigeria
Kenya
Ghana
Rwanda
Uganda
South Africa
Tanzania
Ethiopia
Malawi
Zambia

For the full updated list, applicants should check their country’s status on the Chevening website.

Chevening application timeline and deadlines

A typical Chevening application cycle follows:

August: Applications open
November: Applications close
February: Shortlisted candidates announced
March – May: Interviews conducted
June: Final results released
July: Deadline for UK university offers and English language requirements
September – October: Scholars travel to the UK and begin their studies

Applicants must always verify deadlines for their specific country, as they may vary.

How to apply for Chevening Scholarships

Follow these steps carefully:

Check your eligibility to ensure you qualify.
Select three UK master’s programmes that fit your academic and career goals.
Prepare all supporting documents, including academic records and references.
Write the four Chevening essays, demonstrating your leadership journey, networking skills, career plans, and reasons for studying in the UK.
Submit your application online through the official Chevening website before the November deadline.
If shortlisted, prepare for the interview, which will be held in person at the British Embassy or High Commission in your country.

All submissions must be in English.

Required application documents

Applicants will need:

Valid passport or national ID
Academic certificates and transcripts
Two reference letters
Conditional or unconditional offer letters from UK universities (by July deadline)

Missing documents can be added later but only within the specified timeframe.

Chevening essay questions (and what they mean)

Applicants must write four strong essays addressing:

Leadership and influence – How you have led, influenced decisions, or solved problems.
Networking – How you build and use professional relationships.
Career plan – What you intend to achieve after the scholarship, and the impact on your home country.
Studying in the UK – Why you chose the UK and your specific courses.

Each essay has a 500-word limit. You must be clear, personal, and action-oriented.

What makes a strong Chevening application?

Successful Chevening applications typically reflect:

A clear, achievable long-term career plan
Evidence of leadership potential
Strong academic background
Commitment to home-country development
Ability to communicate clearly and confidently
An understanding of how studying in the UK aligns with personal and national goals

Avoid vague statements. Be specific, honest, and focused on measurable impact.

Selecting the right UK master’s courses

You must apply for three UK master’s programmes that are:

Full-time
One year in duration
Starting in autumn
Leading to a master’s qualification
Not distance learning

Popular fields among African Chevening applicants include:

Public Health
Public Policy
International Relations
Development Studies
Engineering
Renewable Energy
Business, Finance, and Management
Data Science and Technology

Choose courses that align with your professional path.

What happens after you submit your application?

Once submitted:

Your application undergoes an eligibility check.
Shortlisted candidates progress to interviews.
Interviews take place in British embassies or High Commissions.
Final decisions are released in June.

Successful scholars finalize university offers, prepare for travel, and join orientation programmes.

Why Chevening is unique among UK scholarships

Feature	Chevening	Other UK Scholarships
Fully funded	Yes	Varies
Open to all fields	Yes	Often restricted
Leadership development	Yes	Not always
Global alumni network	Strong	Varies
Return-home requirement	Yes	Not always

Chevening is uniquely structured to ensure that scholars gain value and return home with purpose.

Interview tips for Chevening finalists

Review your essays thoroughly
Be calm, confident, and clear
Highlight measurable achievements
Show how your goals align with your country’s development
Understand your selected courses in detail
Practice mock interviews with mentors

Can you work in the UK after Chevening?

No. Scholars must return home for at least two years, in compliance with the visa and scholarship agreement. This ensures that scholars use the knowledge gained in the UK to contribute to their home countries.

Alumni opportunities and networks

Chevening alumni enjoy access to:

Leadership and professional development workshops
Funding and grant opportunities
Networking events and global conferences
Collaboration opportunities in development, policy, research, and business

Your Chevening journey does not end when the scholarship ends—it expands into a lifetime community.

What fields of study are covered?

Chevening supports any full-time master’s programme as long as it runs for one year and is offered by a UK university. Scholars have the freedom to select courses that match their passions, career goals, and national development needs.

Examples:

An economist may choose a development finance programme.
A lawyer may pursue human rights or international law.
An engineer could specialize in renewable energy or data systems.
A teacher may study educational leadership.

The flexibility makes Chevening attractive to diverse professionals.

Final advice

The Chevening Scholarship for International Master’s students in the UK is a life-changing opportunity that provides full financial support, exceptional academic exposure, and access to a global leadership network. Competition is tough, but the rewards are extraordinary.

Start preparing early, craft compelling essays, choose courses wisely, and remain authentic. If you are dedicated, visionary, and driven by impact, Chevening can open doors that reshape your future and accelerate your contribution to your country.

Now is the best time to begin your application journey.