Chevening Scholarship (India – UK Govt Partnered)
Chevening Secretariat · All India
| Scheme Name | Chevening Scholarship (India – UK Govt Partnered) |
| Provided By | Chevening Secretariat |
| Eligibility Summary | Postgraduate · No income limit |
Status check
The previous application cycle (2025–26) closed on 6 October 2026. The upcoming 2026–27 cycle is expected to open soon. We will update the links here as soon as the official notification is released.
View active scholarships you can apply for today →About the Program
The Chevening Scholarship is the UK Government's flagship international awards programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). For Indian students, Chevening offers a fully funded one-year Master's degree at any UK university. With around 1,500 Chevening Scholarships awarded globally each year and ~8–10% acceptance for Indian applicants, it is one of the most prestigious and competitive awards available.
Benefits & Financial Support
GBP 22,000,/mo (approx. ₹25.0 Lakh+)
The Chevening Scholarship is a fully-funded award, covering comprehensive costs for a one-year Master's degree at any UK university. This includes full tuition fees (with an MBA tuition fee cap of GBP 22,000, where scholars may need to cover any additional amount). Scholars receive a monthly living allowance (stipend), which for 2025-26 rates was approximately GBP 1,175/month for studies outside London and GBP 1,516/month for studies in London, subject to annual adjustment. Additionally, the scholarship covers return economy airfare from India to the UK, an arrival allowance, a homeward departure allowance, the cost of the UK Student visa application, and a travel grant for Chevening-related events and networking. This scholarship, being a UK government initiative, does not involve Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar-seeded accounts.
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Full tuition fees (MBA up to £22,000)
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Monthly living stipend
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Economy class return airfare
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Visa application costs
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Travel allowance to arrival destination
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Exclusive networking, workshops, internships[2][4][6]
Eligibility Criteria & Income Limit
| Education Level | Postgraduate |
| Course / Stream | Relevant courses |
| Income Limit | No income bar |
| Category / Caste | Open to all |
| Domicile State | All India |
Mandatory Documents Checklist
- ✓Online application with education history
- ✓work experience (min 2,800 hours)
- ✓4 essays
- ✓references (if shortlisted)
- ✓university offers[2][4]
Selection Process
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Candidates for the Chevening Scholarship are selected based on demonstrating leadership potential, professional achievements, and the ability to contribute positively to society, rather than solely academic excellence. Key eligibility criteria include: being an Indian citizen, committing to return to India for at least two years after completing the one-year master's course, holding an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK upper second-class (2:1) honours degree, and having a minimum of two years (2,800 hours) of work experience acquired after completing the undergraduate degree. Applicants must also apply to three different eligible UK master's courses and secure at least one unconditional offer from them by a specified deadline.
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The selection process involves several stages: an initial online application and eligibility check, assessment by reading committees (comprised of Chevening alumni, UK government officials, and education professionals), shortlisting for interviews, and a panel interview. The interview typically lasts about 30 minutes and covers career plans, leadership experience, networking goals, and the rationale for a UK education.
Renewal Policy
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The Chevening Scholarship is typically awarded for a one-year Master's degree program
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Therefore, it is not subject to annual renewal in the traditional sense.
How to Apply Online
Applications are submitted online via the official portal. Complete eKYC, upload scanned documents, and submit before the closing date.
- 1Register Online
Visit the official Chevening application portal (via the 'Apply Today' link on your country's page) and complete the online registration form.
- 2Pass Eligibility Check
Answer the eligibility questions to confirm you meet the criteria for a Chevening Scholarship.
- 3Note Access Code
Make a note of your unique access code. You will need this code at each stage of the application process to log in to your application portal. If lost, you may need to restart the application.
- 4Complete Application Form
Fill in all sections of the application, which typically include: * Personal Details: Full name matching your passport, citizenship information, and preferred interview location. * Education History: Provide details of your undergraduate degree and any other higher education (up to 15 entries). * Work Experience: Detail your work history (up to 15 entries). The system automatically calculates if you meet the 2,800-hour requirement. * Course Choices: List three different eligible one-year Master's programmes at UK universities. * Referees: Provide contact details for two professional referees who can attest to your leadership potential. References are typically submitted directly by referees through the online system. * Essays: Respond to four essay questions (up to 500 words each) covering leadership and influence, networking, studying in the UK, and your career plan. It's recommended to prepare these offline first.
- 5Submit Application
Review all sections carefully and submit your application online before the deadline. Status Tracking: After submission, your application will undergo eligibility sifting and assessment. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. Results are typically announced after interviews, and successful candidates must secure an unconditional offer from one of their chosen universities by the offer deadline (e.g., July 8, 2027, for the 2026-27 cycle).
Common Questions (FAQs)
What is the work experience requirement for the Chevening Scholarship?
Applicants must have a minimum of two years (2,800 hours) of work experience, acquired after completing their undergraduate degree. This can include full-time employment, part-time work (calculated pro-rata), voluntary work, or paid/unpaid internships. Work experience gained during undergraduate studies does not count.
Do I need an English language test (like IELTS) to apply for Chevening?
Chevening removed its own English language requirement in 2020. However, you must meet the English language requirements set by your chosen UK universities as part of their admissions process and secure an unconditional offer. You cannot use a pre-sessional English course to meet this requirement.
Do I need a university offer before applying for the Chevening Scholarship?
No, you apply for the Chevening Scholarship first with your three chosen eligible UK Master's courses. You do not need to have a university offer at the time of your Chevening application. If you are shortlisted and eventually selected, you will need to secure an unconditional offer from at least one of your chosen universities by a specific deadline (e.g., July 8, 2027, for the 2026-27 cycle).
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Legal Disclaimer
IndiaScholarships.in attempts to provide accurate information manually curated from official sources. Scholarship details, timelines, and eligibility can change without notice as per the provider's discretion. Applying for a scholarship does not guarantee selection. Always verify all information on the official Chevening Secretariat website before final submission.