Quick answer: Applications for the Chevening Scholarship 2027–2028 opened on 4 August 2026 at 11:00 UTC and close on 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC. Chevening funds eligible applicants to study a one-year taught master’s degree in the UK. Applicants need at least 2,800 hours of qualifying work experience gained after completing their undergraduate degree, must choose three eligible UK master’s courses, and must later secure at least one unconditional offer.
Chevening Scholarship 2027–2028 at a glance
| Destination | United Kingdom |
| Study level | One-year taught master’s |
| Applications opened | 4 August 2026, 11:00 UTC |
| Application deadline | 6 October 2026, 11:00 UTC |
| Work experience | At least 2,800 hours after undergraduate completion |
| Course choices | Three eligible UK master’s courses |
| Unconditional offer deadline | 8 July 2027, 17:00 BST |
| Study begins | September/October 2027 |
What is the Chevening Scholarship?
Chevening is the UK government’s international scholarship programme for emerging leaders. The scholarship supports one-year taught master’s study in the UK and is designed for applicants who can connect postgraduate education with a credible plan to create impact after returning home.
Chevening describes its scholarships as fully funded. Competition is high, so meeting the eligibility rules is only the starting point.
Chevening 2027–2028 eligibility
Key official requirements include:
- Be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country or territory.
- Commit to returning to your home country for at least two years after the scholarship ends.
- Have at least two years of work experience, equivalent to 2,800 hours, acquired after completing your undergraduate degree.
- Hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies you for a UK master’s programme.
- Have completed your undergraduate studies at least two years before the application deadline. For this cycle, Chevening says applicants must have completed their undergraduate degree by October 2024.
- Apply to three different eligible UK university courses.
- Secure an unconditional offer from at least one course by 8 July 2027 at 17:00 BST if successful through the interview stage.
Chevening also lists circumstances that make applicants ineligible, so check the official eligibility page before submitting.
What counts as Chevening work experience?
Chevening requires at least 2,800 hours of experience gained after completing your undergraduate degree. Eligible experience can include full-time work, part-time work, voluntary work, and paid or unpaid internships.
You can combine multiple periods of experience. Chevening currently allows applicants to enter up to fifteen employment periods toward the requirement.
Which courses can you choose?
Applicants choose three eligible UK master’s courses. Chevening Scholarships are for taught master’s degrees, not undergraduate degrees or PhDs. Use the official Chevening course finder to confirm that each programme qualifies.
How to choose your three courses strategically
- Start with your career objective. Define the problem or sector you want to work on after returning home.
- Choose programmes that build the missing capabilities. Your course choices should strengthen the same overall career story.
- Check university entry requirements separately. Chevening eligibility does not guarantee university admission.
- Use realistic choices. Consider your academic profile and professional background.
- Apply to universities early. Scholarship and university applications are separate processes.
What does Chevening cover?
Chevening describes the scholarship as fully funded. The exact financial package is governed by the award terms, but the programme is designed to cover the major costs associated with studying and living in the UK during the scholarship year.
Chevening 2027–2028 application timeline
| 4 August 2026, 11:00 UTC | Applications open |
| 6 October 2026, 11:00 UTC | Applications close |
| From October 2026 | Eligibility screening |
| Mid-October 2026 to January 2027 | Independent reading committee assessments |
| Mid-February 2027 | Interview shortlist expected |
| March–April 2027 | Interviews |
| Mid-June 2027 | Results expected |
| 8 July 2027, 17:00 BST | Deadline for at least one unconditional UK university offer |
| September/October 2027 | Studies begin |
How to build a stronger Chevening application
- Use evidence, not leadership buzzwords
- Prepare specific examples showing how you influenced outcomes, solved problems, built professional relationships or created measurable impact.
- Make your career plan concrete
- Explain what you want to change, the role you expect to play, and why postgraduate study in the UK is relevant to that plan.
- Make the course choices coherent
- Your three programmes should support one overall direction rather than appearing as unrelated choices.
- Prepare for later stages while applying
- Keep evidence, documents and examples organised so that you can use them naturally if shortlisted for interview.
Chevening application checklist
- Confirm country and personal eligibility.
- Verify at least 2,800 qualifying post-graduation work hours.
- Select three eligible UK taught master’s courses.
- Check each university’s admission requirements.
- Prepare strong evidence of leadership, influence and relationship building.
- Develop a realistic short-, medium- and long-term career plan.
- Identify two referees.
- Submit before 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC.
- Continue university applications after submitting Chevening.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Chevening Scholarship 2027–2028 deadline?
The official deadline is 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC.
Is Chevening fully funded?
Yes. Chevening describes its scholarships as fully funded.
Do I need work experience?
Yes. The current requirement is at least 2,800 hours of qualifying experience acquired after completing your undergraduate degree.
Can internships count?
Yes. Chevening lists paid and unpaid internships among the types of work experience that can qualify, along with full-time work, part-time work and voluntary work.
Can I use Chevening for a PhD?
No. Chevening Scholarships are for taught master’s degrees.
Do I need an unconditional university offer when I first apply?
No. However, successful applicants later need at least one unconditional offer from an eligible UK university course by the deadline in the official timeline.
Official sources
- Chevening application timeline
- Chevening eligibility criteria
- Chevening work experience guidance
- Chevening application guidance