Step-by-step guide to applying for the 2026-2027 Chevening Scholarship 

The United Kingdom has announced the commencement of applications for its Chevening Scholarships for prospective scholars across the world. Applications will be open between August 5 and October 7, 2025.

A statement released on Tuesday by the British High Commission in Abuja described the programme as highly competitive, selecting only the most outstanding candidates from across the globe. The Head of the Scholarships Unit at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Emma Hennessey, made the announcement. 

The Chevening programme offers fully funded one-year master’s degrees at UK universities to individuals who have demonstrated leadership potential and a strong commitment to driving positive impact both in their home countries and globally. For the application process, candidates are expected to demonstrate their outstanding skills in leadership, influence, and networking. 

“Chevening Alumni use their world-class education, global networks, and confidence gained in the UK to create meaningful, lasting change when they return home, whether by tackling global challenges or making a tangible impact in their own communities,” Hennessey noted.

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, also urged Nigerians with leadership potential to take advantage of the opportunity. He noted that the program is more than a scholarship and it’s a gateway to a global network of leaders, innovators, and changemakers.

Since its launch over 4 decades ago, the Chevening programme has supported over 60,000 professionals from over 160 countries and territories. The scholarship is funded by the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and partner organisations.

Eligibility Criteria 

For the Scholarship, it’s important to take note of the eligibility criteria and gauge if you qualify for the program 

• Be a citizen of a fellowship-eligible country or territory for the Chevening Scholarship (nearly all 54 African countries are eligible).
• Commit to returning to your home country for at least two years after your scholarship ends.
• Have at least two years (equivalent to 2,800 hours) of work experience. Chevening has now pointed out that only experience gained after the date of graduation counts. Meaning work hours while studying will no longer be eligible.
• Hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies you for a UK master’s programme. 
• Apply to three different and eligible UK university courses. Before the final date of the Chevening Application Timeline, you must have at least one school say, “We want you!” (unconditionally), and you must send all your important papers.

What the Chevening scholarship offers 

As Chevening Scholarships are fully-funded, the program includes the following:

• University tuition fees
• A monthly stipend
• Travel costs to and from the UK
• An arrival allowance
• A homeward departure allowance
• The cost of one visa application
• A travel grant to attend Chevening events in the UK.

Also Read: How to check your 2025 WAEC result via SMS, App or website

How to apply

• Navigate to the Chevening portal on your browser and click on ‘Apply’ under the Menu section. 
• You’ll be asked to search for your country and program (Scholarship).
• Click on Apply Today to kick start the application journey.

Step 1: Complete the online registration form

Once you’ve clicked ‘apply today’, you will be directed to the online application system. There, you’ll consent to the Chevening terms and conditions and privacy notice, then register your email address and mobile phone number.

After which you will then receive an email with a link to the application portal.

Step 2: Eligibility checker

After you have clicked on the link to the application portal, answer the eligibility questions to confirm you’re eligible for a Chevening Scholarship.

Once you pass the eligibility checker, you will receive an email to your registered email address with a link to continue your application.

Step 3: Your access code

Once you have followed the link in your email to continue your application, you will see an access code displayed on your screen. This access code is unique, as you’ll need it every time you want to access your application.

Step 4: Application form

After successfully opening an account, here is where you begin the application.  You will be required to complete each section of the application form, such as:

a. Personal details: Full name as written in your passport, date of birth, address, and preferred interview location. 

b. Immigration details: Country of citizenship, passport number, and other relevant details. 

c. Education history: Details of your education, including names of institutions attended, courses studied, and results received. You can add up to 15 entries. 

d. Work History: You will be required to add a max of 15 entries of past work experiences to the application form. 

The system will then calculate if you meet Chevening’s requirement for 2,800 hours of work experience by multiplying the number of weeks by the number of hours worked for each entry. You will also be able to view your total number.

e. Programme of Study: You’ll submit details of your top three UK master’s degree course choices. You can find a full list of Chevening-eligible courses using the platform’s course finder.

You will also be asked if you have already applied to each of your course choices. However, it is not a requirement to apply to your course choices before submitting your Chevening application. 

f. Referee: You will be required to submit the names and contact details of two referees.

Note that a referee should be someone who knows you in a professional or personal capacity, but not a friend or relative. Ensure that they have enough time to write a strong reference letter for you. 

If you are invited to interview, you will need to upload your reference letters to the application system.

g. Essay questions: Here’s where you’ll prove skills via four essays covering your leadership, relationship-building, your course choices, and future career goals. Don’t use AI-generated software to tailor your answers, as Chevening uses tools and software to identify fraud, plagiarism, and AI-generated answers in applications.

The word limits (now reduced from 500 to 300 words), and make sure you answer in English.

h. Equal opportunities: You’ll simply share your background information, which helps Chevening monitor diversity and accessibility. This does not in any way affect your application outcome. 

Step 5: Submit your Application 

Once you’re ascertained that all sections have been filled and marked as ‘complete’, consent to scholarship conditions, click on ‘submit application’ and ‘confirm submission’.

Quick Note: 

1. When completing the form, keep in mind that you will be logged out of the system if you are inactive for 15 minutes, so remember to save your progress as you work through each stage! 

2. You can save your application and return to it as many times as you like during the application period. Just remember to click ‘save’ on each page before logging out. You can access your application using your email address and your unique access code.

3. Chevening Scholarship is one of the most competitive study programs in the world. Seek guidance and further tips from experienced persons and ensure you cross-check your entries before final submission.   

Application Timeline 

The process of selecting Chevening Scholars takes at least eight months from the application deadline to when applicants are conditionally selected for an award. Below is a look at the timeline.

• August to October 2025 – Application Window.
• November 2025 – Applications are vetted against eligibility compliance.
• Mid-November to January 2026 – Independent reading committees assess all eligible applications.
• Mid-January to February 2026 – Applicants are shortlisted for interview
• Mid Feb to April 2026 – Candidates from all over the world are interviewed by panels at British embassies and high commissions.
• June 2026 – Results 

You will receive email updates about your application status at each step of the selection process. You can also check your status on the online application system. Log in using your registration details.