UK FCDO • Global Leaders • Master’s
Chevening funds outstanding leaders for a one-year, full-time taught Master’s in the UK. Below are the exact 2025/26 dates, what’s covered, eligibility (including the three course choices rule), the references you’ll need, and a practical step-by-step plan.
2025/26 key dates (global)
| Milestone | Date & time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Applications open | 5 August 2025 | Submit online via Chevening portal. |
| Applications close | 7 October 2025 | Late submissions aren’t accepted. |
| Interviews | March–April 2026 | At British embassies/high commissions. |
| Results announced | Mid-June 2026 | Email notification & portal update. |
| Unconditional offer deadline | 9 July 2026 — 17:00 BST | At least one UK university offer must be uploaded by this time. |
Source: Chevening application timeline (official)
What Chevening covers (fully funded)
- Tuition fees (for your eligible UK Master’s)
- Economy return travel to/from your country
- Arrival & departure allowances
- Visa application cost (you only)
- TB test contribution (where required)
- Travel top-up allowance
- Monthly stipend (set by Chevening)
- Support & events via the Chevening community
Source: Official Chevening coverage page.
Eligibility (who can apply)
- Citizen of a Chevening-eligible country/territory
- Undergraduate degree that qualifies you for a UK Master’s
- Work experience: minimum 2,800 hours (≈2 years) — counted after graduation
- Two-year home-return commitment after the award
- Provide two referees’ names in the application
- If invited to interview, upload two reference letters by the timeline date
Sources: Chevening eligibility & references guidance (official).
English language: Chevening removed its own English test requirement; you must meet your university’s language rules.
Visa condition: You must return to your home country for at least two years after school.
Course rules (you must list three choices)
On your Chevening form you must list three UK Master’s courses (in order of preference) that meet Chevening’s course criteria. You apply to universities separately. To win the award, you must secure an unconditional offer from at least one of your three courses by 9 July 2026 (17:00 BST).
- Courses must be full-time, start in autumn (Sep/Oct), be taught Master’s, 9–12 months, and based in the UK.
- Use the official Course Finder to confirm eligibility.
Sources: Chevening course guidance & finder (official).
How to apply (step-by-step)
- Shortlist three courses. Check eligibility (full-time, taught, autumn start) and your entry requirements. Use the Course Finder.
- Prepare your application. You’ll answer four short prompts that evidence leadership, networking/relationship-building, study in the UK, and career plans (see official advice).
- Add two referees. Enter names in the form; if shortlisted, upload letters before your interview per the timeline. \
- Submit between 5 Aug and 7 Oct 2025. Keep copies of everything.
- University offers. Apply to your courses (some fill early). Upload one unconditional offer by 9 July 2026 (17:00 BST).
- Interviews (Mar–Apr 2026). Prepare leadership/networking examples; use STAR. Results from mid-June 2026.
Documents checklist
- Valid passport
- Undergraduate degree & transcript(s)
- Two referees (names in application; letters to upload before interview if shortlisted)
- Four short essays (leadership, networking, UK study, career plan)
- Course applications submitted early (rolling deadlines)
- Evidence for entry requirements (incl. English per university)
- At least one unconditional offer uploaded by 9 July 2026
FAQs (short & straight)
Is Chevening really fully funded?
Yes — tuition, return flights, visa fee, arrival/departure allowances, TB test contribution (where required), a monthly stipend, and more are covered.
Do I need IELTS?
Chevening does not require a separate English test. You must meet your university’s language requirements.
Can I list fewer than three courses?
No. Your application must list three eligible Master’s courses, and you need an unconditional offer from at least one by the deadline.
Do I have to return home after my studies?
Yes — you must return to your home country for two years after the award ends (Chevening terms & conditions).
Final word: Start now: pick three solid courses, line up your referees early, and work backwards from the 7 Oct 2025 deadline and 9 July 2026 offer cut-off. Use clear outcomes in your essays and prepare STAR leadership/networking stories for interview.
• Always verify the latest details on the official Chevening website and your chosen universities.