Chevening Scholarship 2027/28 — Fully Funded UK

Chevening is the UK Government’s flagship global scholarship and fellowship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). It funds a one year master’s degree at any UK university for early to mid career professionals with demonstrated leadership potential. Since 1983, Chevening has supported over 60,000 scholars from more than 160 countries and territories, building an alumni network of leaders, influencers, and decision makers across government, business, media, and civil society. For African students, it remains one of the most competitive and sought after scholarships on the continent, with Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya consistently among the largest applicant pools worldwide.

Applications for the 2027/28 cycle open August 4, 2026 and close October 6, 2026 at 11:00 UTC. That is roughly a nine week window, so candidates who start preparing their essays, referee details, and course choices before the portal opens tend to submit stronger applications than those who begin once the clock is already running.

Unlike many degree scholarships, Chevening is not built around academic transcripts alone. The independent reading committees that assess applications are looking for evidence of leadership potential, a clear career plan, and the ability to build networks that outlast the scholarship year itself. That means your four essay responses, covering leadership, networking, career plan, and study choice, carry as much weight as your grades. This is also why Chevening welcomes applicants from a wide range of professional backgrounds: civil servants, journalists, entrepreneurs, healthcare workers, engineers, and nonprofit leaders have all been awarded scholarships in past cycles.

Chevening scholars are not required to have secured a university place before applying. You can submit your Chevening application first and confirm your unconditional offer from one of your three chosen courses later, typically by early July of the year you intend to start, which makes the scholarship accessible to applicants who want funding certainty before committing to a specific programme.

What It Covers

• Full tuition fees at any UK university
• Monthly living allowance (stipend) to cover accommodation and day to day costs
• Return economy class flights to and from the UK
• An arrival allowance and a homeward departure allowance
• The cost of one UK visa application
• A travel grant to attend Chevening events and networking sessions held throughout the year in the UK

Because the award is fully funded rather than partially funded, successful applicants do not need to source separate tuition or living-cost funding, which is a major reason Chevening remains one of the most sought-after scholarship opportunities among African postgraduate applicants each year.

Who Can Apply

• Citizen of a Chevening eligible country (most African nations qualify; check the full list on chevening.org)
• Hold an undergraduate degree that was completed by October 6, 2024 (at least two years before the 2026 deadline)
• At least 2,800 hours of work experience (roughly two years), acquired after completing your undergraduate degree. This can come from full time or part time employment, voluntary work, or paid or unpaid internships, and can be combined across up to 15 employers
• Applying to three different eligible master’s programmes at UK universities
• Able to secure an unconditional offer from one of your three chosen courses by the university deadline (early July 2027 for the 2027/28 intake)
• Intend to return to your home country for at least two years after your studies
• No IELTS or other English test required by Chevening itself, though your chosen UK university may require one before issuing an offer

Study Levels: Master’s (one year, full-time)
Host Country: United Kingdom.

Number Available: Approximately 1,500 scholarships are awarded each year globally
Deadline: October 6, 2026, 11:00 UTC (applications open August 4, 2026)

How to Apply

1. Check your country’s eligibility and country specific guidance at chevening.org
2. Research and shortlist three eligible master’s programmes at UK universities that match your career goals
3. Create an account on the Chevening online application portal from August 4, 2026 and record your unique access code
4. Complete the application, including four essay questions covering your leadership experience, networking skills, career plan, and study choice, plus details of two referees
5. Submit before the October 6, 2026, 11:00 UTC deadline. Late applications are not accepted
6. If shortlisted, attend an interview at your local British High Commission or Embassy, typically held between February and April 2027
7. Results are usually announced around June 2027, with studies beginning September or October 2027