Chevening Scholarship: Eligibility, Deadline & How to Apply

The Chevening Scholarship is a world-renowned program run by the UK government and sponsored by the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office. It is designed to reward outstanding emerging leaders from all over the world and enable them to pursue a fully funded one-year master’s degree in the UK. If you have the passion and influence to tackle pressing local, national, or global challenges, this scholarship gives you the opportunity to develop professionally and academically while building a network of global contacts.

For the 2025-26 academic year, the application window opened on 5 August 2025 and will close on 7 October 2025. This guide will walk Indian students and other applicants through every step of the process, including eligibility criteria, how to apply, details of the funding, the paperwork required, and the interview schedule. You can be fully prepared to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study, live, and experience UK culture while working toward your professional goals.

The Chevening Scholarship is one of the most prestigious fully funded scholarships for Indian students to pursue a full-time master’s degree in the United Kingdom. It provides access to more than 12,000 postgraduate courses at any accredited UK university, giving you the chance to gain a world-class education and expand your global network.

The scholarship covers a wide range of expenses to ensure you can focus fully on your studies. The support includes:

• Full tuition fees at your chosen UK university.
• Economy-class travel to and from your home country via an approved route.
• Arrival allowance to help you settle in upon reaching the UK.
• Visa application costs.
• Departure allowance when returning to your home country.
• Contribution for required tuberculosis (TB) testing of up to £75.
• Travel top-up allowance for additional journeys during your scholarship.
• Monthly personal living allowance to cover accommodation and daily expenses, with rates varying depending on whether you study in London or elsewhere. These rates are reviewed annually.

Chevening Scholarship Amount

Chevening Scholarships are widely offered across many UK universities, but the scholarship amount can differ from one institution to another.

For Imperial College London, the Chevening Scholarship provides £22,000 (INR 26.5 Lakhs) towards master’s degree programs.

Chevening Scholarship Benefits

Beyond financial coverage, Chevening offers unparalleled professional advantages. You join a global community of influential leaders and professionals. The experience is transformative.

You must be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country for this scholarship. This is a mandatory requirement for all applicants. The criteria are strict and must be met fully.

The application process is completed online through the official portal. It is highly competitive and involves multiple stages of assessment. You must follow each step carefully.

1. Check Your Eligibility: Check the official Chevening website to ensure you meet the requirements for citizenship, work experience, and academic qualifications.

2. Choose Your Courses: Select three eligible master’s courses aligned with your career goals. These can be at three different UK universities or three courses at the same institution.

3. Complete the Online Application: Fill out the online form before the deadline. This includes:

• Essays demonstrating leadership, networking skills, and career plan.

• Updated essay questions now focus on global priority areas such as:

  • Promoting growth and prosperity

  • Building resilience in a climate-vulnerable world

  • Strengthening security and stability in a volatile world

  • Supporting development for more inclusive and effective societies

• Word limit for essays is 300 words, encouraging clear, focused personal examples.

4. Submit and Await Initial Assessment: Your application is evaluated by an independent reading committee. Only shortlisted applicants move to the interview stage.

5. Receive an Interview Invitation: Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview at the British embassy or high commission in their country, typically between February and March.

6. Provide Required Documents: Upload your reference letters and educational documents to the online portal before your interview.

7. Attend Your Interview: Present your application and ambitions in person to the Chevening panel.

8. Await the Final Decision: Results are announced from June onwards. All applicants are notified via the online system.

9. Receive Your Award: If successful, receive the official award letter and start preparations for studying in the UK, including student visa applications and securing your university place.

Please note: The application process began on 5th August 2025, but you have until 7th October 2025 to complete and submit your forms

Application Timeline for Chevening Scholarship

The entire process from application to starting your studies takes a year. Adhering to the timeline is critical for success. Mark these dates for the 2025 intake.

You need to prepare several documents for your application. These are crucial for the eligibility check and interview stage. Start gathering them early.

• Valid Passport or National ID Card: Must be current and valid for the duration of your studies.
• Undergraduate Degree Certificate: An official document from your university confirming your degree and grades. Chevening requires original documents, which do not need translation into English.
• University Transcripts: Detailed academic records from your undergraduate studies.
• English Language Test Results: If required by your chosen UK universities.
• Two References: Letters written by referees who know you in a professional or academic capacity (friends or relatives cannot be referees). These letters must:

  • Be in English or have a notarized English translation.

  • Be addressed to the British embassy or high commission in your country.

  • Include your contact details, how long the referee has known you, in what capacity, and the last time they had regular contact.

  • Provide a brief endorsement covering your leadership, networking skills, interpersonal qualities, and ability to complete a demanding UK master’s program.

• Unconditional Offer Letters: From your chosen UK universities (to be submitted later).
• Additional Requirements: Any other documents requested by Chevening or the universities.

Chevening Scholarship Interview

If you are shortlisted, you will be called for an in-person interview. This interview is typically at the British embassy or high commission in your home country. It is a key part of the selection process.

You can book your interview slot online. The slots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. You will receive a confirmation email with details.

You must upload two reference letters and your education documents before your interview date. The interview will assess your skills and leadership potential.

In summary, the Chevening Scholarship is more than financial aid it’s a gateway to world-class education, global connections, and career growth. If you’re eligible, make sure to apply and take the next step toward your future.

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