Chevening Scholarship 2025: How to Apply, Eligibility, & Deadline

Dreaming of studying in the UK without worrying about tuition fees, accommodation costs, or living expenses? The Chevening Scholarship 2025 might just be your golden opportunity. Funded by the UK Government, Chevening gives talented, ambitious students from around the world the chance to pursue a fully funded one-year master’s degree at any top UK university—including big names like Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, and UCL.

Every year, around 1,500 students from over 160 countries earn their spot in this prestigious program. In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about applying for the Chevening Scholarship 2025—right from eligibility and required documents to application steps, deadlines, and tips to boost your chances. So, if you’re ready to take your career to the next level and make your study abroad dreams come true, let’s get started. 

What Is the Chevening Scholarship and Who Is It For?

The Chevening Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and competitive fully funded scholarships in the world, offered by the UK Government through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Launched in 1983, it aims to support students by giving them a chance to pursue a one-year master’s degree in the UK—with all expenses covered. Through this, students get the opportunity to study at top UK universities like Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, and UCL and join a powerful international network of over 55,000 alumni across 160+ countries. Each year, around 1,500 Chevening Scholarships are awarded, giving bright individuals with strong academic backgrounds, at least two years of work experience, and a desire to make a difference the chance to shine on a global stage. Below is the overview of Chevening Scholarship: 

What Are the Eligibility Criteria for the Chevening Scholarship 2025?

If you’re planning to apply for the Chevening Scholarship 2025, it’s crucial to first understand who qualifies. The program is designed to support individuals who not only have a strong academic background but also demonstrate leadership potential and a clear vision for how they’ll create impact in their home country after their studies in the UK. Following is the key eligibility criteria that a student must meet: 

1. To be eligible, applicants must be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country or territory, which includes over 160 nations across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. 

2. In terms of academic qualifications, you’ll need to hold an undergraduate degree that is equivalent to a UK upper second-class 2:1 honours—which is typically required for admission into most UK master’s programs. 

3. Work experience is also a key requirement. You must have completed at least two years of professional experience, which translates to a minimum of 2,800 working hours. This experience can be full-time, part-time, voluntary, or paid—so long as it’s relevant and well-documented in your application. 

4. In addition, applicants are expected to apply to three different eligible UK master’s programs as part of the scholarship process. These must be full-time, one-year taught postgraduate courses at UK universities. 

5. And finally, one of the core requirements of the Chevening program is the commitment to return to your home country for at least two years after completing your studies. This clause ensures that scholars use their UK-acquired knowledge and networks to drive change and development back home. 

What Documents Are Required for the Chevening Scholarship Application?

Preparing a successful Chevening Scholarship application isn’t just about writing compelling essays—it also means submitting all the required documents in the correct format and on time. The application process is highly competitive, and missing even a single document could lead to disqualification. That’s why it’s essential to be organized and begin collecting these materials well before the application deadline. Below are the key documents that are required for the Chevening scholarship: 

• First and foremost, you will need a valid passport or national ID as proof of your identity and nationality. This is required at the initial stage and must match the personal details you provide in your application form. 
• You’ll also need to upload your undergraduate degree certificate along with official academic transcripts that clearly show your course title, grades, and the date of graduation. These documents serve as proof that you meet the academic requirements for master’s programs in the UK. 
• In addition, you must submit two reference letters. These references should ideally come from academic or professional contacts who can speak to your leadership qualities, character, and potential. 
• Chevening is very particular about the format and content of these letters, and both referees must submit their letters via the online reference system. 
• Language proficiency is another requirement. If the university you’re applying to requires an English language test, you’ll need to provide scores from recognized exams such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic. 
• Another key part of the process is uploading conditional or unconditional offers from the three UK master’s courses you’ve selected. You don’t need to have all your offers secured by the time you apply, but you will need to upload at least one unconditional offer by the deadline stated on the Chevening website to remain eligible for final selection. 
• Finally, a well-structured and updated CV or resume is required. This should highlight your academic background, professional experience, leadership activities, volunteer work, and relevant skills. 

How to Apply for the Chevening Scholarship 2025 Step by Step?

Applying for the Chevening Scholarship 2025 is a structured process, but one that requires thought, preparation, and attention to detail. As one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world, it attracts thousands of applicants each year, so a strong, timely application is essential. Following are the steps that one should follow in order to apply for Chevening Scholarship: 

1. To begin your application journey, you’ll need to visit the official Chevening website at chevening.org once applications open—typically around August. You’ll start by creating a personal account and filling out the online application form, which includes sections on your personal background, education history, work experience, and leadership achievements. 

2. A crucial part of your application involves selecting your three preferred UK master’s programs. These must be full-time, one-year courses taught at accredited UK universities. Make sure your chosen programs align with your career goals and are eligible under Chevening guidelines. 

3. The application will also ask for your professional references, which means you’ll need to enter the contact details of two referees who can later submit formal letters through the system. 

4. Next comes the document upload stage. At this point, you should upload your academic transcripts, degree certificates, and CV or resume. 

5. You’ll also need to draft and submit four well-crafted Chevening essays covering your leadership experience, career goals, study in the UK, and networking plans. These essays are arguably the most important part of your application, as they allow you to showcase your story, achievements, and ambitions in a compelling and personal way. 

6. After submitting your application, the waiting game begins. If your application is shortlisted—which usually happens around February—you’ll be invited for an interview. 

7. Interviews are typically held between March and May and may be conducted either in person at the British embassy or virtually. You’ll be asked about your academic interests, leadership experience, course choices, and how you plan to contribute to your country after completing your studies. 

8. If selected, you’ll then be required to submit your unconditional university offer for one of your chosen courses along with your English language proficiency scores, if not already submitted. 

9. Final results are announced by June 2025, and if everything is in place, your course in the UK will begin in September or October 2025. 

Below are the key details of tentative Chevening Application Process Timeline 2025:

Which Courses and Universities Are Covered Under Chevening?

One of the great things about the Chevening Scholarship is the flexibility it offers in terms of academic options. As a Chevening applicant, you are free to choose any full-time, one-year taught master’s program at any accredited university in the UK. There’s no restriction to one specific course or institution—as long as your chosen programs meet the eligibility criteria set by Chevening, you’re good to go.  

Applicants must select three different eligible master’s courses during the application process. These courses should not only be aligned with your academic background but also reflect your long-term career goals and how you plan to contribute to your country upon returning. Some of the top universities frequently chosen by Chevening scholars include the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, London School of Economics (LSE), University College London (UCL), King’s College London, and the University of Edinburgh.  

In terms of fields of study, Chevening scholars come from a wide range of academic disciplines. However, certain areas tend to be more popular due to their relevance to leadership and policy-making. These include Public Policy, International Relations, Environmental Science, Human Rights Law, Data Science, and Business Management. Regardless of your academic focus, the key is to select programs that resonate with your professional vision and show how they will help you make a meaningful difference in your home country. 

Conclusion

And there you have it—a complete guide to everything you need to know about the Chevening Scholarship 2025. From eligibility and required documents to choosing the right courses and understanding the application process, this scholarship opens the door to a life-changing academic and professional experience in the UK. But remember, this opportunity is highly competitive—so the earlier you start, the stronger your application will be.

If you’re planning your UK study journey and need help with student accommodation near your chosen university, University Living is here to help you find trusted, affordable, and student-friendly housing across all major UK cities. Because when your accommodation is sorted, you can focus on what matters most—your future. Ready to take the first step? Your UK adventure starts now—with Chevening.

Frequently Asked Questions