2026 Chevening Scholarships: Key Dates, Eligibility & Application Tips

Having explained the core details of the Chevening Scholarship and its objectives, we will now tell you about the scholarship benefits.

What does the Chevening Scholarship Cover?

The rewards of the 2026 Chevening Awards are mind-blowing! Once selected for the award, Chevening Scholars do not have to worry about any costs throughout the program.

The Chevening Scholarship covers;

• Full Tuition Fees for your chosen Master’s degree program at a UK University.
• Monthly Living Expenses to cover the costs of accommodation, meals, personal expenses, and transportation.

Q: How much does Chevening pay per month?

A: The Chevening Scholarship monthly stipend varies by the location of your institution. Scholars within London get £1,690 while scholars outside London get £1,378.

• Travel Costs in the form of an Economy Airfare Ticket to and from your home country.
• Cost of a Visa Application at the UK Embassy of your home country.
• Travel Grants to attend Chevening events hosted with the Kingdom.
• Arrival and Departure Allowances to ease your settlement in, and departure from the UK.

• What are the Requirements for Chevening Scholarship Application?

  Candidates intending to apply for Chevening Awards are required to meet the following criteria;

  • Have a passion to develop an impactful career, and a realistic plan to achieve it.
  • Have completed a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
  • Have completed or will be completing at least two years of work experience by July 2026,
  • Be committed to returning to your home country at least two years after the completion of your program.
  • Apply to 3 different UK university courses, and secure admission from at least one of them.

  How Do I Calculate my Work Hours?

  As said earlier, at least two years of work experience is required to be eligible for a Chevening Award, equivalent to about 2800 hours.

  Work experience may be from full-time or part-time employment, voluntary services, or even internships. See details HERE.

  Your two years of work experience do not have to be from one employer; you are able to include work hours gathered from up to 15 employers or work history.

  Which Courses are Eligible for a Chevening Award?

  An eligible Chevening program should;

  • be a full-time program,
  • begin in September/October (autumn) term
  • be a postgraduate-taught master’s program
  • be offered by an institution based in the UK

  All applicants are able to apply to a maximum of three (3) courses for the Chevening Scholarship Award. To view the list of eligible courses, CLICK HERE.

  Do you meet the criteria listed above? Take the eligibility test for the Chevening Scholarship and know where you stand!

  2026 Chevening Scholarship Application Dates

  For the 2026 Chevening Scholarship Application, intending Chevening scholars will be able to apply for the scholarship from August 6th, 2025.

  The application, according to the Chevening timeline, will begin on August 6th and close on October 7th, 2025.

  Will you be one of the next 1000 Chevening scholars for the 2026-2027 application round? Now is the time to begin your steps.

  In the subsequent paragraphs, we will provide you with some application tips to help make your application for the Chevening Awards a competitive one.

  Tips for a Competitive Chevening Scholarship Award

  We thought it would be nice to round off this article by providing you with essential tips for a stellar application.

  1. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the scholarship, especially the work experience.
  2. Prepare, practice, and proofread your essays. Your essays should be authentic, highlighting your clear vision, commitment, and leadership potential.
  3. Ensure your essays are well thought out, according to Simin Ibnat Dharitree, a Chevening Scholar at the University of Sussex. “When writing your essays, take some time to think about the stories you can use from your life or experiences that align with the essay topics. Personal examples always help to make your writing genuine and real.”
  4. Provide a holistic view of your voluntary services, extracurricular activities, and professional experiences.
  5. Demonstrate confidence in the interviews. If shortlisted for the Chevening interview, you should exhibit a belief in your capacity to be a Chevening Scholar.

  Several Chevening Scholars have written more about the top tips that help them win the Chevening Scholarship Award over the years.

  Conclusion

  We have been able to highlight the details, eligibility, benefits, and application dates of the Chevening Scholarship Award. We hope you also benefit from the tips we shared to help your application.

  Chevening Awards are one of the UK Government’s (and by extension, the world’s) most prestigious scholarships for international students.

  Prepare your application, gather your documents, review, and proofread your essays for ensure you submit a stellar application.

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Chevening Scholarship Awards

  • When is the 2026 Chevening Scholarship open?

  The 2026 Chevening Scholarship will open on Monday, August 4th, 2025

  • When is the deadline for the Chevening Scholarship Application 2026?

  Applications for the 2026 Chevening Awards will close on Tuesday, October 7th, 2025.

  • Does the Chevening Scholarship require IELTS?

  Chevening Scholarships do not require IELTS or TOEFL. The requirement is however, depends on the universities/programs candidates apply for.

  • How much is the Chevening Scholarship monthly stipend?

  The monthly stipend for Chevening Awards depends on the city the awardee lives in. Chevening Scholars outside London get £1,378 per month, or £1,690 for those in the city of London.

  • Must I have two years of work experience before I apply?

  Yes, two years of work experience, an equivalent of ~2800 hours, is required to apply for the scholarship.