Chevening Scholarship Application Portal

Are you dreaming of studying in the United Kingdom but worried about the cost of tuition, accommodation, and other educational expenses?

The Chevening Scholarship could be an opportunity worth exploring. This prestigious scholarship offers talented individuals from eligible countries the chance to pursue a masters degree at a UK university while developing their leadership skills, professional networks, and capacity to make a positive impact in their home countries.

For Nigerian students and professionals, Chevening provides an opportunity to gain international exposure, acquire advanced knowledge, and build valuable relationships with people from different professional and cultural backgrounds.

However, obtaining the scholarship requires more than academic qualifications. Applicants must demonstrate leadership potential, relevant work experience, a clear career plan, and a genuine commitment to contributing to their home country after completing their studies.

In this guide or article we explain what the Chevening Scholarship is, what it covers, who can apply, the courses available, the application deadlines, and the steps prospective applicants should follow.

What Is the Chevening Scholarship?

The Chevening Scholarship is an international scholarship programme funded by the UK government through the Foreign, Common wealth and Development Office (FCDO), alongside participating partner organisations.

It enables outstanding individuals from eligible countries, including Nigeria, to study for a master’s degree at a recognised university in the United Kingdom.

Chevening is also designed to support people who have the potential to become influential leaders and professionals in their chosen fields. The programme recognizes that education, leadership, and international collaboration can help individuals address challenges in their communities and countries.

Successful applicants become part of the Chevening alumni network, a global community of professionals and leaders working across different sectors.

Unlike scholarships that focus primarily on academic performance, Chevening places considerable emphasis on leadership, networking, career development, and future impact.

What Does the Chevening Scholarship Cover?

One of the major attractions of the Chevening Scholarship is its financial support. The award is designed to help successful applicants undertake their studies in the UK without having to bear the full financial burden themselves.

Depending on the applicable award terms, the scholarship generally covers the following:

1. University tuition fees

The scholarship covers tuition fees for an eligible master’s programme, subject to the award’s conditions and any applicable limits.

2. Monthly living allowance

Scholars receive a stipend to help with everyday expenses such as accommodation, food, local transport, and other living costs.

3. Travel expenses

Eligible travel costs associated with travelling to and from the United Kingdom are covered under the programme’s terms.

4. Arrival and departure allowances

Applicable allowances may be provided to assist with certain expenses associated with starting and completing the scholarship.

5. Visa-related support

Eligible scholars receive visa related assistance in accordance with the applicable arrangements.

6. Official Chevening activities

Certain approved events and activities associated with the scholarship programme may also be covered.
Applicants should consult the official scholarship terms to understand the precise benefits, financial limits, and conditions that apply to their award.
It is also important to understand that receiving a fully funded scholarship does not necessarily mean that every personal expense will be covered.

Eligibility Requirements for the Chevening Scholarship

Before applying, interested candidates should carefully review the eligibility requirements. Meeting the minimum criteria is essential because applications that fail to satisfy the requirements may be rejected.

The principal requirements include the following:

1. Citizenship

Applicants must be citizens of a country or territory eligible for Chevening. Nigeria is one of the participating countries.
Applicants should follow the country specific instructions when submitting their applications.

2. Educational Qualification

Candidates must hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies them for admission to a masters programme at a UK university.
Applicants must also have completed their undergraduate studies at least two years before the application deadline. For the 2027–2028 cycle, applicants who completed their undergraduate studies after October 2024 were not eligible under the published work experience and graduation timing requirements.
The relevant dates and conditions should always be checked for future application cycles.

3. Work Experience

Applicants must have accumulated at least two thousand and eight hundreds (2,800) hours of eligible work experience after completing their undergraduate degree. This is approximately equivalent to two years of full time work.

Eligible experience may include:

Full time employment.
Part-time employment.
Voluntary work.
Paid or unpaid internships.

Applicants can combine eligible experience from different roles, provided they accurately document their work periods and hours.

Work experience is an important part of the application because it allows candidates to demonstrate their professional development, leadership abilities, and readiness to contribute meaningfully to their chosen fields.

4. Three Eligible UK Masters Courses

Applicants must select three different eligible masters courses at UK universities.
These choices should be carefully researched because the selected programmes must align with the applicants academic background, professional experience, and future career plans.
Candidates must obtain an unconditional offer from at least one of their three selected courses by the applicable deadline.

5. Commitment to Return Home

Successful scholars must commit to returning to their home country for at least two years after completing the scholarship.
This requirement reflects Chevenings objective of developing individuals who can use their knowledge, skills, and experience to contribute to their countries.

6. Additional Eligibility Restrictions

Certain restrictions also apply. For example, people with British or dual British citizenship are generally ineligible, subject to specific exceptions. Restrictions may also apply to individuals who have previously received certain UK government funded scholarships or who fall within specified employment-related categories.
Applicants should read the official eligibility guidance before beginning an application.

Official eligibility information:

chevening scholarships

Which Courses Can You Study Under the Chevening Scholarship?

Chevening supports eligible, full time, taught masters degrees offered by UK universities.

There is no single list of academic subjects that every applicant must choose from. Instead, candidates should identify eligible courses that suit their qualifications, professional interests, and long term ambitions.

Possible fields of study include:

1. Business and Management

Business administration management.
Entrepreneurship.
International business.
Related disciplines.

2. Public Health and Healthcare

Public health.
Health policy.
Healthcare management.

And other eligible health related masters programmes.

3. Engineering and Technology

Civil engineering.
Environmental engineering.
Renewable energy.
Information technology.

And related technical disciplines.

4. Computer Science and Data

Computer science.
Cyber security, data science.
Artificial intelligence.

And other eligible digital technology programmes.

5. Agriculture and Environmental Studies

Agricultural development.
Food security.
Environmental management.
Climate change.
Sustainability.

6. Education

Educational leadership.
Education policy.
International education.

And other relevant masters programmes.

7. Law and International Relations

International relations.
Human rights.
International law.
Diplomacy.
Public policy.

8. Economics and Development

Economics.
Development studies.
International development.

And related areas.

These are the examples of subject areas rather than a guarantee that every course within them qualifies for Chevening.

The programme generally does not fund undergraduate degrees, PhDs, part time courses, or masters courses lasting longer than 12 months. Applicants must verify their specific course choices using Chevenings official course guidance.

chevening.org/scholarships/

When Does the Chevening Scholarship Open and Close?

Application dates are among the most important details prospective applicants should know.

For the 2027–2028 Chevening Scholarship cycle, the published dates were:

1. Application opening date:

4 August 2026.

2. Application closing date:

6 October 2026, at 11:00 UTC.

3. Expected interview shortlisting:

Midnight February 2027.

4. Interview period:

March to April 2027.

5. Expected announcement of results:

From midnight June 2027.

6. Deadline to submit an unconditional university offer:

8 July 2027.

7. Expected start of studies:

September or October 2027.

As of 10 October 2026, applications for this cycle are closed.

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Those who missed the deadline should begin preparing for the next application opportunity. However, they should not assume that the next cycle will open on the same date or follow an identical schedule.

The official Chevening website is the most reliable place to confirm future opening dates, deadlines, and changes to the application process.

Application timeline: https://www.chevening.org/scholarships/application-timeline/

How to Apply for the Chevening Scholarship

Although applications for the 2027–2028 cycle have closed, prospective applicants can use the following steps to prepare for a future round.

1. Confirm Your Eligibility

Review the official requirements, paying particular attention to your nationality, undergraduate qualification, graduation date, work experience, and commitment to return home after the scholarship.

2. Research Eligible Courses

Identify three different eligible masters courses at UK universities.
Consider the course content, entry requirements, university location, professional relevance, and how each programme supports your future goals.
Avoid selecting courses simply because a university is popular. Your choices should have a clear connection to your career ambitions.

3. Prepare Your Application

When applications open, access the official Chevening application system through the appropriate country page.
Read the instructions carefully and prepare accurate information about your education, work experience, leadership achievements, and career plans.

4. Develop Your Leadership and Networking Examples

Prepare genuine examples showing how you have influenced others, solved problems, led projects, built professional relationships, or contributed to your community.
Strong examples explain your personal contribution and the results you achieved.

5. Explain Your Career Goals

Describe what you want to accomplish after completing your masters degree and how your proposed studies will help you achieve those objectives.
Your plans should be realistic, specific, and connected to meaningful outcomes in your home country.

6. Submit Your Application Before the Deadline

Complete the online application and review every section before submitting it.
Ensure that your information is accurate, your answers are your own work, and your selected courses meet the programmes requirements.
Do not wait until the final hours to submit your application.

7. Prepare for the Interview

Interested candidates shortlisted for interviews should prepare to discuss their achievements, leadership experience, professional relationships, university choices, and future plans.
Be ready to explain your examples clearly and demonstrate how you intend to use your education to make a difference.

8. Secure an Unconditional University Offer

If selected, you must satisfy the applicable conditions and obtain an unconditional qualified from at least one of your three selected courses by the specified deadline.
Receiving a scholarship offer does not remove the need to meet the universities admission requirements.

Faqs About the Chevening Scholarship

Q1. Is the Chevening Scholarship fully funded?

Yes of course Chevening is a fully funded scholarship that generally covers eligible tuition fees, a living allowance, travel, and other specified expenses under the applicable award terms.

Q2. Can Nigerians apply for the Chevening Scholarship?

Yes of course Nigeria is a participating country. Nigerian applicants must satisfy the scholarship’s eligibility criteria and follow the relevant application instructions.

Q3. Do I need work experience to apply?

Yes. Applicants must have at least 2,800 hours of eligible work experience gained after completing their undergraduate degree.

Q4. Can I apply if I already have a masters degree?

Yes. Having a masters degree does not automatically disqualify you. However, you should have a convincing reason for pursuing another master’s degree and explain how it supports your career development.

Q5. Can I apply without a university admission offer?

Yes. You can apply for Chevening before receiving a university offer. However, you must obtain an unconditional offer from at least one of your three selected eligible courses by the applicable deadline.

Q6. Does Chevening fund PhD programmes?

No. Chevening Scholarships are intended for eligible taught masters degrees, not PhD programmes.

Q7. Is IELTS compulsory?

Chevening does not impose its own English language test requirement. However, individual universities may require IELTS or another accepted form of English-language evidence.

Q8. Can I stay in the UK permanently after my studies?

Chevening scholars must commit to returning to their home country for at least two years after completing the scholarship. Applicants should carefully review this obligation before applying.

Q9. Are applications still open for the 2027–2028 cycle?

No. Applications closed on 6 October 2026. Prospective applicants should monitor the official website for announcements about the next cycle.

Q10. Does everyone who meets the requirements receive the scholarship?

No. Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee selection. Applicants are assessed competitively, and the strength of their examples, career plans, leadership potential, and overall application can influence the outcome.

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Final Thoughts

The Chevening Scholarship represents more than an opportunity to study abroad. It is an investment in individuals who have the potential to lead, build professional relationships, and contribute to positive change in their countries.

For Nigerian graduates and professionals, the programme can provide access to advanced education, international exposure, and a valuable network of people working across different sectors.

However, a successful application requires careful preparation. Candidates should confirm their eligibility, research appropriate courses, document their work experience, develop a clear career plan, and prepare genuine examples of leadership and networking.

If you missed the 2027–2028 application deadline, do not be discouraged. Use the time available to strengthen your experience, research universities, and prepare for a future application cycle.

Most importantly, remember that Chevening is looking for more than academic qualifications. It seeks people who can explain what they want to achieve, why their chosen education matters, and how they intend to use their experience to contribute to their communities and countries.