Chevening Scholarships 2027–28: prepare for the August application

Current status and timeline

Chevening applications are not open on 14 July 2026. The official timeline states that the 2027–28 window opens at 11:00 UTC on 4 August and closes at 11:00 UTC on 6 October. Starting early is useful because the deadline is fixed and the application system closes at the stated UTC time.

After closing, applications are checked, assessed and shortlisted. Interviews and final decisions follow the official timeline. Applicants should use the country page because local interview and document instructions can differ.

What the scholarship supports

Chevening Scholarships fund eligible one-year taught master’s study in the United Kingdom. The award normally covers tuition within the scheme’s rules, travel, visa-related support and a living allowance. Exact terms appear in the award documentation.

The scholarship is highly competitive. Meeting minimum eligibility does not guarantee an interview or award.

Citizenship and return requirement

Applicants must be citizens of an eligible Chevening country or territory and commit to returning there for at least two years after the award. British or dual British citizens are generally ineligible except for the limited categories listed by Chevening.

Read the country-specific page before preparing an application.

Degree and work experience

Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree that enables entry to a UK postgraduate programme and must have finished undergraduate studies at least two years before the application deadline. The current eligibility guidance requires at least 2,800 hours of work experience gained after completing the degree.

Eligible experience can include full-time, part-time, voluntary work and paid or unpaid internships, subject to the official calculation rules. Keep dates, hours and employer details consistent.

Choosing three courses

The application requires three eligible UK master’s course choices. They can be three similar courses at different universities or three eligible courses at one institution. Each must meet Chevening’s full-time, autumn-start and taught-master’s conditions.

Applicants later need at least one unconditional offer by the deadline in the timeline. Course applications are separate from the Chevening form.

Application preparation

Before 4 August, prepare employment dates, leadership examples, networking evidence, career plans and course reasoning. Chevening assesses the substance and coherence of the examples, not decorative language.

Do not invent achievements or use generic answers. The application should connect past evidence, UK study and a credible return-home plan.

References and documents

The initial application may not require every final document, but shortlisted candidates must follow the timetable for references, degree evidence and offers. Names and dates should match passports and academic records.

Use the application portal only through the official site and save copies of submitted answers.

Common eligibility mistakes

• Counting work experience gained before completing the undergraduate degree.
• Selecting a course that is not eligible.
• Missing the two-year return commitment.
• Holding disqualifying UK government funding history.
• Submitting after 11:00 UTC because of a local-time conversion error.

Grantalia is not part of the selection process.