Chevening Scholarship

Chevening Scholarship
Name	Chevening Scholarship
Established	1983
Founder	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Location	London, United Kingdom
Website	https://www.chevening.org/

Chevening Scholarship. The Chevening Scholarship is a prestigious international awards programme funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and partner organisations, enabling outstanding emerging leaders from around the world to pursue one-year master’s degrees in the United Kingdom. Established in 1983, the programme forms a key part of the UK’s public diplomacy and soft power strategy, aiming to build a global network of future influencers who have a lasting positive relationship with the country. Each year, it brings over 1,500 scholars from more than 160 countries and territories to study at leading institutions like the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London.

Overview

The programme was launched by the British government under the administration of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, initially as the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Awards Scheme. It was renamed in 1994 to honour Chevening House, the official country residence of the UK’s Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. Managed centrally from London, the scholarship operates in collaboration with the global network of British embassies and high commissions. Its core mission is to support the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's objectives by developing lasting ties with future leaders, professionals, and influencers across fields such as politics, business, media, and civil society.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must be citizens of a Chevening-eligible country or territory and commit to returning for a minimum of two years after their award. Candidates must hold an undergraduate degree equivalent to an upper second-class 2:1 honours degree in the UK and have at least two years of work experience, which can include voluntary roles. They must apply to three different eligible master’s courses at UK universities and receive an unconditional offer from one. Proficiency in the English language is mandatory, typically demonstrated through tests like the IELTS or TOEFL. Individuals who have previously studied in the UK with funding from a UK Government scholarship are generally ineligible.

Application process

The process opens annually in August, with applications submitted through an online portal managed by the Chevening Secretariat. Candidates must complete a detailed form, selecting their preferred courses and providing evidence of their leadership potential and networking skills. A critical component is the submission of two references, often from professional or academic contacts. Following the initial review, shortlisted applicants are invited for interviews at their local British Embassy or British High Commission, conducted by panels that include diplomatic staff and alumni. Successful candidates must then secure admission to one of their chosen courses at a university such as the London School of Economics or University College London.

Selection and awards

Selection is highly competitive, based on leadership qualities, academic excellence, and a clear career plan to create positive change in the applicant’s home country. The final decision rests with the Chevening Secretariat in consultation with posts worldwide. The award is comprehensive, covering full university tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, travel costs to and from the UK, and additional grants for essential expenditures. Scholars also gain exclusive access to a programme of networking events, lectures, and workshops, often featuring prominent speakers from institutions like the BBC or the House of Commons, and undertake volunteering activities across the United Kingdom.

Notable alumni

The alumni network includes numerous heads of state, government ministers, and influential figures in various sectors. Notable former scholars include Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, the former President of Croatia; Juan Manuel Santos, the former President of Colombia and Nobel Peace Prize laureate; and Ruth Kagia, former Senior Advisor to the President of Kenya. In the arts and media, alumni include award-winning journalist Michele Norris from the United States and filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy from Pakistan. The network is actively engaged through the Chevening Alumni Alliance, which fosters ongoing collaboration and professional development.

Management and funding

The programme is funded primarily by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, with significant contributions from partner organisations, including multinational corporations like Shell and HSBC, as well as cultural institutions such as the British Council. Day-to-day management is handled by the Chevening Secretariat, based in London, which coordinates the global application and selection process. Strategic oversight is provided by the Chevening Board, which includes senior officials from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and external partners. The scholarship’s financial model and objectives are regularly reviewed to align with the UK’s broader international priorities, as outlined in strategies like the Integrated Review.

Category:Scholarships in the United Kingdom Category:1983 establishments in the United Kingdom