Chevening Scholarship Eligibility Criteria 2025/26: Who Can Apply?

The Chevening Scholarship programme seeks individuals with a vision to create positive change in their home countries and beyond. Sponsored by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations, Chevening offers fully funded master’s degree opportunities at UK universities.

Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements to be considered. Applications that do not meet these criteria will not be accepted.

Core Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a Chevening Scholarship, applicants must:

• Be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country or territory.
• Commit to returning to their home country for a minimum of two years after completing the scholarship.
• Hold an undergraduate degree that meets the academic requirements for a UK master’s programme.
• Apply to three eligible UK university courses. An unconditional offer from at least one of these choices must be received by the deadline for references and educational documents, as specified in the Chevening application timeline.

Important Updates to 2025/26 Criteria

Two key changes have been introduced to the eligibility framework for this application cycle:

1. Work experience will only be considered if it was gained after graduation. Experience acquired before the completion of an undergraduate degree will not count toward the two-year (2,800-hour) requirement.
2. The application form has been updated to align more closely with Chevening’s mission and its commitment to addressing evolving global challenges.

These changes are designed to ensure that selected scholars demonstrate not only academic excellence but also a readiness to lead initiatives that contribute to real-world impact.

Rationale for These Updates

Chevening aims to build a diverse, solutions-oriented global network of future leaders. These recent changes support that goal by enhancing the selection process to better identify candidates who are equipped to drive change in critical areas such as:

• Climate action
• Economic development
• Inclusive governance
• Social innovation

As global challenges intensify, the Chevening network serves as a platform for collaboration, resilience, and long-term impact. Adapting the programme’s eligibility and assessment processes ensures that it continues to empower individuals who are capable of delivering meaningful results within their communities and sectors.

Ineligibility Criteria

Applicants will not be eligible for a Chevening Scholarship if they:

• Hold British or dual British citizenship, unless they are citizens of a British Overseas Territory or hold BN(O) status and are applying from Hong Kong.
• Have refugee status in a non-Chevening eligible country. However, individuals with refugee status in a Chevening-eligible country who are citizens of an eligible country are permitted to apply.

• Are employees, former employees, or close relatives of employees of the UK government, British Embassies/High Commissions, the British Council, or participating UK universities.
  • Applicants who are associated with Chevening partner organisations can apply, but if the employment occurred within the last two years, they cannot receive a Chevening partner award from the same organisation.
• Have previously received a UK Government-funded scholarship to study in the UK.

It is important to note that holding a master’s degree does not disqualify a candidate from applying for a second master’s degree under Chevening.

Additional Eligibility for Fellowships

Candidates interested in Chevening Fellowships should consult the separate eligibility criteria outlined specifically for those programmes.

How to Check Your Eligibility

Prospective applicants who are unsure of their status are encouraged to use the Chevening eligibility quiz, a quick tool that can help determine whether they meet the basic requirements before applying.

Final Thoughts

Chevening is more than just a scholarship—it is a global network of future influencers, change-makers, and decision-makers. By refining its eligibility criteria, the programme continues to ensure it selects candidates with the greatest potential to contribute to the development of their countries and to collaborate internationally on the world’s most pressing issues.

For complete guidance and timelines, including information on how to apply and avoid common application errors, visit the official Chevening website or consult the Resource Hub.

FAQs

The Chevening Scholarship is a prestigious UK government-funded program that offers fully-funded master’s degrees to outstanding individuals worldwide. If you’re considering applying for the 2025/26 academic year, it’s crucial to understand the eligibility criteria to ensure your application stands out.

1. What Are the Basic Eligibility Requirements for the Chevening Scholarship?

To be eligible for the Chevening Scholarship, applicants must:

• Be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country or territory.
• 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.
• Hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies you for a UK master’s programme.
• Apply to three different and eligible UK university courses and have received an unconditional offer from at least one by the references and education documents deadline.

Note: Only work experience gained after the date of your graduation counts towards the two-year requirement. Experience gained while studying is not eligible.

2. How Is Work Experience Defined for Chevening Applicants?

Chevening defines work experience as:

• Full-time employment
• Part-time employment
• Voluntary work
• Paid or unpaid internships

Experience gained during your studies does not count. The total must be equivalent to at least 2,800 hours, which is approximately two years of full-time work.

3. Are There Specific Degree Requirements for Applicants?

Yes, applicants must:

• Hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies them for a UK master’s programme.
• Meet the specific entry requirements of the courses they apply for at UK universities.

It’s essential to check the entry requirements of your chosen courses to ensure you meet all necessary qualifications.

4. Can Applicants Apply to Any UK University?

Applicants must:

• Apply to three different and eligible UK university courses.
• Ensure these courses are full-time, UK-based, and lead to a taught master’s qualification.

You can use the Chevening course finder to identify eligible courses.

5. Are There Any Restrictions on Previous UK Government Funding?

Yes, applicants must:

• Not have received UK Government scholarship funding (including Chevening) within the last five years.
• Not be an employee, a former employee, or relative of an employee of His Majesty’s Government or have been within the last two years from the opening of Chevening applications.

Immediate relatives are defined as parents or step-parents, siblings or step-siblings, children or step-children, spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partners in a relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years.

For more detailed information and to apply, visit the official Chevening Scholarships website.