Chevening Scholarships are among the most popular scholarships the UK government offers. Funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Chevening Scholarships award selected students funds to study a one-year post-graduate course in the UK.
You can avail of the following benefits if you’re selected for a Chevening scholarship.
- University Tuition
- Allowance for arrival to the UK and a homeward departure
- Travel expenses
- Cost of Visa application
- Travel grants to arrive in the UK for Chevening events
- Monthly allowance to cover any other expenses
Students are selected from a diverse range of ethnicities, nationalities and backgrounds. Chevening candidates must show strong leadership qualities, a good academic background and a vision to shape a better world.
Chevening Scholarships are an opportunity to make your education in the UK much more exciting. You can become a part of a community of over 55,000 alumni from all over the world and carry invaluable experiences, networks and memories back home.
| Scholarship Name | Chevening Scholarships |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Funded by | FCDO |
| Official Website | https://www.chevening.org/scholarship/india/ |
| Nature | Fully-funding |
In this blog, we’ll discuss everything you need about the Chevening Scholarship, including the deadlines, eligibility and application process.
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Chevening Scholarships: Eligibility Criteria
You must meet the following requirements for a successful application and consideration for the Chevening scholarship.
- You must belong to a Chevening-eligible country. India is eligible.
- You must hold a relevant (to the PG course) undergraduate degree
- You must return to your country of citizenship for at least two years after completing the program
- You must have a work experience of a minimum of two years or 2,800 hours
- You must have an unconditional offer letter from at least one university
English proficiency requirements have been removed for the Chevening Scholarship in 2020. However, you must meet university-specific English requirements to secure an offer letter from them.
Read all about minimum IELTS requirements for UK universities here.
Application Process for Chevening Scholarships
The application opens for the Chevening Scholarship on 12th September 2023 and closes on 1st November 2023. You can complete the application process online.
The application process is as follows.
- Apply to any three universities covered by the Chevening Scholarship
- Complete your online application form on the official website
- Answer all the questions asked
- Upload the required documents. File formats accepted include PDF, JPG, or PNG under 5MB.
If your profile is shortlisted, you will be asked to submit referrals and further required to attend an Interview.
References for Chevening ScholarshipsÂ
References are crucial for the selection process, whether for scholarship or fellowship. You must provide two names as referees while applying for Chevening scholarships. Your referees must be able to comment on how well-suited you are to receive the scholarship.
As per the guidelines provided by Chevening, your referees have to be people who know you in an academic or professional capacity. It cannot be a relative or a close friend. These referees may be contacted later by the British embassy for verification purposes.
Interview for Chevening Scholarships
If your application is shortlisted, you’ll be called to attend an in-person interview with the British embassy representative nearest to you. Making it to the interview round is an excellent sign of your competence, and it means your application is one of the best.
You can book your interview slot online on a first-come-first-served basis. Once the booking is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation mail.
You must also upload the following documents before your interview.
- Education documents (copies of your original certificates and/or transcripts in their original language).
- Two reference letters.
- A short bio
Universities Participating in Chevening Scholarships
The table below shows the names of Universities that participate in Chevening Scholarships along with their eligible programs:
| Name of University | Eligible Programs |
|---|---|
| Chevening Scholarship in Cambridge University | MBA |
| Chevening Scholarships in LSE | MSc Finance |
| Chevening Scholarships in Cranfield University | MSc Logistics & SCM/ Strategic Management |
| Chevening Scholarships in Coventry University | MBA |
| Chevening Scholarships at Durham University | MSc Management |
| Chevening Scholarships in Brunel University | MSc or MA programs in Engineering & Management, MSc in Data Sc & Analytics |
List of Universities Under the Chevening Scholarship
Here is the list of all the Universities in the UK that are eligible for the Chevening Scholarship. For your application to be considered, you must have an unconditional offer from at least one of these universities.
| University of Oxford | Queen Mary University of London |
| Brunel University London | University of Southampton |
| University of Cambridge | University of Stirling |
| Durham University | Oxford University Diplomatic Studies Programme |
| St George’s, University of London | Cranfield University |
| University of Leeds | University of Exeter |
| University of Birmingham | University of Bath |
| Newcastle University | Schumacher College |
| University of Salford | University of Sussex |
| Birkbeck, University of London | Robert Gordon University |
| LSE University of Glasgow | Swansea University |
| University of Nottingham | University of Central Lancashire |
| University of Surrey | Bournemouth University |
| Bangor University | University of Bradford |
| University of South Wales | University of Bristol |
| University of Warwick | Coventry University |
| Bournemouth University | University of East Anglia |
| University of Reading | University of Dundee |
Countries Eligible Under Chevening Scholarships
The list below has the names of Chevening-approved countries:
Final Thoughts
The UK is an excellent destination for higher education. If you dream of pursuing an education in the UK but are worried about the expenses, scholarships like Chevening are an excellent relief.
Chevening scholarships have allowed more than 55,000 students to pursue a fulfilling education in the UK while covering all their expenses.
Remember that lakhs of students apply for Chevening scholarships each year, but only a few get selected. Try to apply as early as possible, and pay special attention to preparing for the possible questions asked during the application process.
We wish you good luck!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. Does the Chevening scholarship cover full tuition fees?
A. Yes, the Chevening Scholarship covers the one year cost of studying for a master’s degree in the UK. It also covers the following expenses.
-Allowance for arrival to the UK and a homeward departureÂ
-Travel expenses
-Cost of Visa application
-Travel grants to arrive in the UK for Chevening events
-Monthly allowance to cover any other expenses
Q. Does the Chevening Scholarship provide accommodation?
A. The Chevening Scholarship does not cover accommodation costs. But it provides a monthly allowance to cover your rent and other accommodation costs. Chevening Scholarships also cover your travel expenses and visa application. Therefore, you can save a lot of major expenses and contribute it towards your accommodation.
Q. Do I have to return home after the Chevening Scholarships?
A. Yes, you need to return home for at least 2 years after completing the scholarship. It is mandatory to do this to avail yourself of all the benefits of the Scholarship. If you don’t abide by their policy, it will be considered a breach of policy, and you will be liable to pay them back.
Q. What is the application deadline for Chevening Scholarships 2023?
A. Chevening Scholarships opens its application process on the 12th of September. The last date to register for the scholarship is on the 1st of November. After this, the applications will be evaluated against eligibility criteria and further assessed by the reading committee.
Q. What are the benefits of being a Chevening Scholar?
A. Besides covering all your expenses, Chevening Scholarships offers you opportunities to connect with a huge alumni network and access many leadership and development programs. Being a Chevening Scholar is a great recognition as you need to pass through their strict guidelines to get there. This can increase your prospects in the education and professional sphere.
Q. Is India eligible for the Chevening Scholarship?
A. Yes. India is eligible for Chevening Scholarships. Other countries in the list include:
-China
-Thailand
-Brazil
-South Korea
-Pakistan
Q. Is there an age limit for Chevening Scholarships?
A. No. There are no age specifications for Chevening. However, it’s mandatory for post-graduate courses in the UK to have a relevant undergraduate degree, which directly dictates your age specifications. You must also have two years of work experience.
Q. Can I reapply for Chevening Scholarships if I am not selected in a previous year?
A. Yes. You can reapply for Chevening Scholarships in subsequent years if you were not selected in a previous application cycle. Each year’s applications are assessed independently, so if you meet the eligibility criteria, you have the opportunity to apply again.
Q. Can I apply for a Chevening Scholarship if I have previously taken up an offer
A. Yes. You may apply for Chevening Scholarship if you have previously taken up an offer. However, you must ensure a gap between the two applications of at least 5 years. If you apply 5 years before completing your first scholarship, your application will be disqualified.
Q. How important are the essays in the application process?
A. Essay questions are crucial to your application. They allow you to showcase your achievements, goals, and reasons for applying for the scholarship. Chevening has a reading committee dedicated to evaluating your answers.
Q. Can a friend write my reference for the Chevening Scholarship?
A. No. They cannot. You must choose two people to write your references. As per guidelines, the people who write your reference need to know you in a professional or academic setting. They cannot be your friend or relative. Your references must explain clearly why you are most fit for the role.
Q. How can I prepare for the Chevening interview?
A. Prepare for possible questions related to your academic and professional background. Research current events and issues related to your field. Study some subject-related developments as well. Mostly, practice your speaking skills and confidently express your opinions and thoughts.
