Chevening Scholarship

UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office • Postgraduate level

International Postgraduate Open

Overview

The Chevening Scholarship is the UK government's flagship international scholarship programme, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations. Established in 1983, Chevening has supported over 50,000 outstanding emerging leaders from over 160 countries to pursue one-year master's degrees at any UK university. Nigerian Chevening scholars have included senior public servants, business leaders, academics and civil society figures — and the programme remains one of the most prestigious UK government scholarships globally. Chevening provides full tuition fees, monthly stipend, return economy airfare, arrival and departure allowances and event travel allowances. Approximately 1,500 awards are made globally each year, with Nigeria typically receiving 50-80 scholarships annually.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must: be a citizen of an eligible country (Nigeria included); return to country of citizenship for a minimum of two years after the scholarship; have completed all components of an undergraduate degree (equivalent to a UK upper second-class 2:1) before applying; have at least two years (2,800 hours) of work experience; apply for three different eligible UK university courses and receive an unconditional offer from one before the deadline; meet the Chevening English language requirement (typically IELTS 6.5 with no component below 5.5). Applicants must not be employed by the British government or be a previous Chevening scholar.

Application Process

The application process for the Chevening Scholarship typically follows these steps: (1) Monitor the scholarship's official announcement channels (provider website, official Nigerian government scholarship portals, social media) for the application window opening — most scholarships have annual application cycles with applications open for 4-8 weeks. (2) Review the detailed eligibility criteria and required documents thoroughly to confirm eligibility before investing time in the application. (3) Complete the online application form on the scholarship's official portal, providing accurate personal information, academic history, and supporting essays. (4) Upload required supporting documents in the specified formats (typically PDF for documents and JPG/PNG for photographs). (5) Where applicable, complete the relevant English language proficiency tests (IELTS/TOEFL) and the GRE/GMAT for graduate scholarships requiring them. (6) Apply separately to target universities in the providing country, securing conditional or unconditional admission offers as required. (7) Attend the scholarship's selection interview (often virtual now) at the shortlisted stage. (8) If selected, undergo pre-departure orientation and visa processing.

Important Dates

Milestone	Date
Application closes	Friday, September 25, 2026

Tips & Advice

Practical tips for a successful Chevening Scholarship application: (1) Start preparation early — at least 3-6 months before the application deadline, especially for international scholarships requiring English language tests, references, and university applications. (2) Read the scholarship guidelines and eligibility criteria carefully and ensure you meet ALL requirements before applying — partial eligibility is typically not considered. (3) Personalise your application essays and motivation statements to reflect your unique background, achievements and aspirations — generic essays rarely succeed at competitive scholarships. (4) Choose academic referees who know your work well and can write substantive recommendation letters — provide them with sufficient time and supporting information. (5) Prepare clear, well-organised supporting documents with consistent formatting and accurate file naming. (6) Keep electronic and physical copies of all submitted documents for your records. (7) Follow application instructions exactly — failure to follow instructions is among the most common reasons for application disqualification. (8) For international scholarships, build a strong profile beyond academic grades — leadership activities, community service, research experience and professional achievements substantially strengthen applications.