What is the Chevening Scholarship?
Chevening is the UK government's international scholarships programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations. It funds a fully-funded, one-year taught master's degree at any UK university for future leaders, influencers, and decision-makers from eligible countries, including Nigeria.
What does it cover?
- Full tuition fees for a one-year taught master's degree
- A monthly stipend of £1,378–£1,690 (higher in London) to cover living costs
- Return economy airfare to and from the UK
- An arrival allowance, a departure allowance, and a travel allowance to attend a Chevening event
- The cost of one UK visa application
Who is eligible?
- Be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country (Nigeria is eligible) and intend to return there for at least two years after your award ends
- Hold an undergraduate degree that will enable you to gain entry onto a postgraduate programme at a UK university
- Have at least two years of work experience (approximately 2,800 hours), which can be full-time, part-time, voluntary, or paid
- Apply to three different eligible UK master's courses and have received an unconditional offer from one by the university deadline
- Not currently be studying on another UK-government-funded scholarship
Application timeline
- 4 August 2026 – Applications open
- 6 October 2026, 11:00 UTC – Application deadline
- From October 2026 – Eligibility sifting begins
- Mid-October 2026 to January 2027 – Reading committee assessments
- Mid-February 2027 – Interview shortlist announced
- March–April 2027 – Interviews
- Mid-June 2027 – Results announced
- 8 July 2027 – Deadline to submit an unconditional university offer
- September/October 2027 – Studies begin
How to apply
- Create an account on the official Chevening online application system.
- Complete the application form, including your personal statement, career plan, and leadership/networking essays.
- Submit before the deadline — the form cannot be edited after submission, so draft your essays in advance.
- If shortlisted, apply to three eligible UK master's courses and secure an unconditional offer from at least one.
- Attend an interview if selected, then await results.
Application tips
- Start your essays early — strong Chevening essays are specific, not generic, and clearly connect your past experience to your future plans in your home country.
- Research your three UK course choices properly; admissions officers can tell when a course choice isn't a genuine fit.
- Have someone review your personal statement for clarity and impact before you submit.
FAQs
Is Chevening only for certain subjects? No, Chevening funds most subjects, though a small number of restricted subjects (such as clinical medicine) are excluded — check the official course search tool.
Can I apply if I'm already studying in the UK? Generally no — Chevening is intended for applicants applying from outside the UK who are not already studying there.