Chevening Scholarships: Overview, Eligibility & Application Process

Chevening Scholarships: Overview, Eligibility & Application Process

Posted on 10 Jul 2024

What are Chevening Scholarships?

Chevening Scholarships are prestigious international awards funded by the UK government and partner organizations. These scholarships are awarded to individuals with strong academic backgrounds and demonstrable leadership potential. Chevening Scholarships offer full financial support to pursue any eligible master's degree at any UK university, allowing scholars to experience UK culture and build lasting positive relationships with the UK.

Eligibility Criteria for Chevening Scholarships

To be eligible for a Chevening Award Scholarship, applicants must:

  • Be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country.
  • Return to their country of citizenship for a minimum of two years after the scholarship has ended.
  • Have completed all components of an undergraduate degree that will enable entry into a postgraduate program at a UK university by the time they submit their application. This is typically equivalent to an upper second-class 2:1 honors degree in the UK.
  • Have at least two years (equivalent to 2,800 hours) of work experience.
  • Apply to three different eligible UK university courses and receive an unconditional offer from one of these choices by July.

English Language Requirement for Chevening Scholarship

Chevening no longer requires applicants to meet the English language requirement as part of the application process. However, individual universities may still have their own language requirements.

The Chevening Scholarship in India

The Chevening Scholarship India accepts the following types of work experience:

  • Full-time employment
  • Part-time employment
  • Voluntary work

Paid or unpaid internships

  • Applicants do not need to meet the work experience requirement in a single period. They can submit up to 15 different employment periods to meet the requirement.

Documents Required for Chevening Scholarships

Applicants must submit the following documents:

  • Valid passport/national ID card
  • University transcripts (undergraduate, postgraduate, and any other relevant qualifications)
  • Three different UK master's course choices
  • References from two referees
  • Unconditional offer from one of the UK universities by the deadline listed on the application timeline.

How to Apply for the Chevening Scholarship?

  1. Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet all the Chevening scholarship requirements.
  2. Research Courses: Choose three eligible UK master's courses.
  3. Prepare Documents: Gather all necessary documents, including academic transcripts, reference letters, and a valid passport.
  4. Submit Application: Complete the online Chevening scholarship application form on the Chevening website, providing all required information and documents.
  5. Interview: If shortlisted, attend an interview at the British embassy/high commission.

What is the Deadline for Chevening Scholarships Applications?

The application cycle for Chevening Scholarships usually opens in August and closes in early November each year. Applicants should check the official Chevening website for the exact dates, as they can vary annually.

Countries Eligible for Chevening Scholarship Programs

Chevening Scholarships are offered to citizens of over 160 countries and territories worldwide. The complete list of eligible countries can be found on the Chevening website.

Chevening Scholarship Interview

The interview process involves a face-to-face interaction where candidates are assessed on:

  • Leadership and relationship-building skills
  • Studying in the UK
  • Career plan
  • Personal and professional development

Universities Listed for the Chevening Scholarship Program

Applicants can apply to any UK university that offers their chosen master's course, provided the course meets Chevening's criteria. Some of them are:

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

Universities Taking Part in the Chevening Scholarship Program

Many prestigious UK universities actively participate and welcome Chevening scholars, including:

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

Partnership Awards from Chevening-Nottingham

Chevening partners with the University of Nottingham to offer joint scholarships. The university welcomes applications from all Chevening- eligible countries in any subject area and co-funds a selection of successful candidates with a Chevening Nottingham Partnership Award. Preference for Chevening Partner Awards will be given to candidates from the following countries:

  • Egypt
  • Ghana
  • Indonesia
  • Mexico
  • Nigeria
  • Pakistan

Applicants who wish to be considered for a Chevening-Nottingham award should list the University of Nottingham as their first choice.

Summary & Conclusion

Chevening Scholarships provide a unique opportunity for outstanding individuals to pursue their academic and professional goals in the UK. By offering comprehensive financial support, the program ensures that talented individuals from across the globe can benefit from a world-class education and contribute to their home countries upon returning. Proper planning and saving for a child's education are essential for securing such opportunities, highlighting the importance of financial planning tools like HDFC Life International's Child Education Plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who gets the Chevening Scholarship?

The scholarship is awarded to individuals who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a strong vision for their future.

2. Are Indians eligible for the Chevening Scholarship?

Yes, Indian citizens are eligible to apply for the Chevening Scholarship.

3. Is it difficult to get a Chevening Scholarship?

Yes, the Chevening Scholarship is highly competitive due to the large number of applicants and the stringent selection criteria.

4. How much do Chevening scholars get?

Chevening scholars receive full financial support, including tuition fees, a monthly stipend, travel costs, an arrival allowance, and a departure allowance.

5. Chevening scholar's age limit

There is no specific age limit for applying to the Chevening Scholarship.

6. How many students get the Chevening Scholarship in India?

Approximately 60-65 Indian students receive the Chevening Scholarship each year.

7. Is the Chevening Scholarship hard to get?

Due to its competitive nature and the high calibre of applicants, securing a Chevening Scholarship is challenging.

8.How to get a Chevening Scholarship?

To improve your chances of getting a Chevening Scholarship, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, have a strong application showcasing your leadership potential and career vision, and prepare thoroughly for the interview process.

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