Chevening Scholarship 2027/2028 (Fully Funded) | Complete Study Guide

The Chevening Scholarship 2027/2028 cycle is a prestigious and fully funded opportunity for international students aiming to pursue a master’s degree in the United Kingdom. Sponsored by the UK government, this scholarship opens doors to study at leading UK universities across diverse academic fields. Recipients benefit from comprehensive financial support including tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, return economy airfare, and additional grants covering essential expenses. Beyond financial aid, Chevening offers scholars the chance to develop professionally and academically, build a global network, engage with UK culture, and foster lasting relationships with the UK.

Applicants should note that the application period for the 2027/2028 cycle opened on 4 August 2026 and closes on 6 October 2026, requiring careful preparation to meet all eligibility and documentation requirements.

• DAAD Scholarship
• Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship
• Chinese Government Scholarship
• Top Fully Funded Government Scholarships

Chevening Scholarships Summary

• Level of Study: Master’s degree
• Host Country: United Kingdom
• Institutions: Various UK universities
• Courses Offered: Full-time taught master’s programs in any subject
• Program Duration: One year
• Funding: Fully funded (tuition, stipend, travel, allowances)
• Deadline: 6 October 2026

The three scholarships covered in this guide are:

1. Chevening Scholarship
2. DAAD Scholarship
3. Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship

Chevening Scholarships Deadline

Scholarship deadlines can vary each year. For the Chevening Scholarship 2027/2028 cycle, applications opened on 4 August 2026 and close on 6 October 2026. It is essential to submit all materials before the deadline to be considered.

Chevening Scholarship Deadline

The application window for the Chevening Scholarship 2027/2028 opened on 4 August 2026. The final submission deadline is 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC. Applicants must also secure unconditional offers from UK universities by 8 July 2027 at 17:00 BST.

Chevening Scholarship Coverage

Chevening Scholarship

This scholarship fully finances recipients’ studies and living costs while in the UK. It covers:

• University tuition fees
• A monthly stipend for living expenses
• Economy-class round-trip airfare to the UK
• An arrival allowance
• A homeward departure allowance
• Visa application costs
• Travel grants for attending Chevening events in the UK

Eligibility Criteria for Chevening Scholarships

Applicants must meet both the university admission standards and the Chevening Scholarship requirements to qualify.

Chevening Scholarship Eligibility

• Be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country (refer to the official list)
• Have completed an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK upper second-class honours (2:1) by the application deadline
• Have at least two years (2,800 hours) of work experience gained after undergraduate completion
• Apply to three different eligible UK master’s courses and obtain an unconditional offer from one by 8 July 2027
• Commit to returning to your home country for at least two years after completing the scholarship
• Prohibited from applying if holding British or dual British citizenship (except British Overseas Territories citizens or BN(O) holders applying from Hong Kong)
• Not eligible if holding refugee status in a non-Chevening-eligible country
• Excluded if employed by HM Government or closely related entities within two years before application
• Previous recipients of UK government-funded scholarships for study in the UK are not eligible

How to Apply for Chevening Scholarships?

Application procedures differ by scholarship. Below is the step-by-step process for Chevening Scholarship candidates.

How to Apply for the Chevening Scholarship?

1. Visit the Chevening application portal and select your country to find the relevant scholarship.
2. Create an account and complete your profile with accurate personal details.
3. Take the eligibility quiz provided on the application platform.
4. Begin the application form, entering required information carefully.
5. Prepare and upload necessary documents including education certificates, language qualification evidence, conditional and unconditional offers, references (if invited), and your passport or ID.
6. Submit the completed application before the deadline.

Documents Required for Chevening Scholarships

Document requirements vary by scholarship. For Chevening, applicants must be ready to provide the following:

Chevening Scholarship Documents

1. Completed education certificates and transcripts
2. Proof of English language proficiency as required by selected universities
3. Conditional offers for up to three UK master’s course selections
4. Unconditional offers for at least one course by 8 July 2027
5. References (two, if invited to interview)
6. Passport or national ID document

Tuition Fees for International Students in the UK

While the Chevening Scholarship covers full tuition fees, prospective students should be aware that tuition fees for master’s degrees in the UK vary widely depending on the university and program. Typical fees for international students can range significantly, but exact amounts are not specified by Chevening. Applicants should check university websites for detailed tuition information.

MBA and Master’s Programmes Costs

Chevening supports a wide range of master’s programs, including MBA degrees offered by various UK universities. MBA programs typically last one year. Although Chevening covers tuition fees, some MBA fees may exceed the scholarship coverage, requiring additional funding from the student.

True Total Cost of Study

Besides tuition, students should consider living costs, insurance, visa fees, and other expenses. Chevening provides a monthly stipend to cover living expenses and allowances for travel and visa costs, but exact living cost amounts are not specified. Applicants should budget carefully and consult the official Chevening website and UK university resources for detailed cost estimates.

Funding Options to Cover the Gap

Chevening is a fully funded scholarship covering tuition, living expenses, and allowances. For any costs not covered, students may explore education loans, assistantships, employer sponsorships, or other scholarships. It is advisable to research these options early to ensure full financial support during studies.

Official Resources

• Official Chevening Website
• Master’s Courses Eligible for Chevening
• Application Timeline and Deadlines

Frequently Asked Questions

Can final-year undergraduate students apply for Chevening?

No. Applicants must have completed all undergraduate degree requirements by 6 October 2026 to be eligible for the 2027/2028 scholarship cycle.

Does work experience gained before graduation count?

No. The required minimum of 2,800 hours of work experience must be acquired after completing the undergraduate degree. Eligible experience includes paid or unpaid employment, internships, and voluntary work.

Do I need IELTS to apply for Chevening?

Chevening does not require a specific English test, but applicants must meet the English language criteria of their chosen universities, which may require IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, or other tests before issuing unconditional offers.

Do I need a university offer before applying?

No. You can apply for the scholarship before securing university offers. However, you must submit at least one unconditional offer by 8 July 2027.

Can I select three courses at the same university?

No. You must apply to three different eligible courses. While these can be at the same university, the courses themselves must be distinct and eligible.

Does Chevening fully cover an MBA?

Chevening offers full tuition coverage; however, some MBA programs may have tuition fees exceeding the scholarship amount. Applicants should verify specific program costs and prepare for additional funding if necessary.

Can I apply if I already have a master’s degree?

Yes. Holding a master’s does not disqualify you as long as you meet all other requirements and can justify how the new course advances your career.

Are family expenses covered by Chevening?

No. The scholarship covers only the scholar’s expenses. Costs for spouses or children, including visas, travel, health, and living costs, must be borne by the applicant.

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Reviewed by Muhammad Faizan, PhD Researcher · Last verified June 2024. Muhammad Faizan is a PhD researcher in Mechanical Engineering at Adelaide University and founder of Scholarship Roar. He provides expert advice on scholarships and international study opportunities.