Chevening UK Government Scholarship 2027-28
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), UK · All India
| Scheme Name | Chevening UK Government Scholarship 2027-28 |
| Provided By | Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), UK |
| Eligibility Summary | Class 11-12, Graduation, Engineering (< ₹8L Income) |
About the Program
Chevening Scholarship 2027-28 UK guide: Essay writing tips, eligibility, 100% funding benefits, and British Council selection process.
Benefits & Financial Support
£1,300-£1,400/mo (approx. ₹35.0 Lakh+)
The Chevening Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship, covering the full cost of a one-year Master's degree at any UK university. This typically includes full tuition fees (paid directly to the university, with an MBA fee cap if applicable, though recent sources indicate uncapped for India). Scholars receive a monthly living allowance (stipend), which varies based on whether they study inside or outside London (e.g., approximately £1,300-£1,400 per month for London and £1,100-£1,200 per month outside London, subject to annual review). Other benefits include return economy airfare from India to the UK, an arrival allowance for initial settling-in costs, a homeward departure allowance, the cost of a UK student visa application, and a travel grant to attend Chevening-related events. The total value for a single scholar can exceed £30,000-£40,000 annually, with some estimates for a 1-year Master's worth up to Rs. 63.84 lakh+. Disbursement of tuition fees is direct to the university, and stipends are paid monthly to the scholar. There are no details regarding Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar-seeded accounts, as this is an international scholarship.
Full university tuition fees, monthly living stipend, economy return flights, and visa allowance.
Note: Must hold an unconditional UK university offer by July 2027.
Eligibility Criteria & Income Limit
| Education Level | Postgraduate (Master's) |
| Course / Stream | All Streams |
| Income Limit | Up to ₹NaN Lakh/year |
| Category / Caste | All |
| Domicile State | All India |
Mandatory Documents Checklist
- ✓Passport
- ✓Degree Transcript
- ✓2 Reference Letters
- ✓3 UK University Choice Offers
- ✓English Test (if required by uni)
Selection Process
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Candidates for the Chevening Scholarship are selected through a rigorous multi-stage process
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Applicants must first meet the eligibility criteria, including being an Indian citizen, holding an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK upper second-class (2:1) honours degree, and possessing at least two years (2,800 hours) of post-graduation work experience
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The application requires submitting four essays on leadership and influence, networking, studying in the UK, and career plans
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Following the initial application, a reading committee assesses applications, and top candidates are shortlisted for interviews by British embassies and high commissions
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Shortlisted candidates are invited for a panel interview at British High Commissions in cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, or Kolkata, where they are assessed on their leadership potential, networking ability, clear career plan, and how their proposed UK education will contribute to India's development
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Applicants must also secure an unconditional offer from one of their three chosen UK university Master's courses by a specified deadline.
Renewal Policy
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Chevening Scholarships are generally awarded for a one-year Master's degree programme and are not typically renewable or extended beyond 12 months, except in exceptional circumstances such as pregnancy
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Extensions for dissertations will not exceed three months and are subject to fund availability
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Scholars who are unable to take up their award, outside of pregnancy, must normally withdraw and re-apply in a subsequent year
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A core condition of the scholarship is the commitment to return to India for a minimum of two years after completing the scholarship
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Failure to return may result in the repayment of the full scholarship amount.
How to Apply Online
Applications are submitted online via Online via chevening.org/apply. Complete eKYC, upload scanned documents, and submit before the closing date.
- 1Check Eligibility
Ensure you meet all Chevening eligibility criteria, including being an Indian citizen, holding an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK 2:1 honours degree, and having at least 2,800 hours (two years) of work experience post-graduation. You must also commit to returning to India for a minimum of two years after your scholarship.
- 2Research UK Master's Courses
Identify three different eligible one-year taught Master's programmes at UK universities that align with your career goals. Note that MREs, PhD, and DPhil programmes are ineligible.
- 3Create an Online Account
Visit the official Chevening application portal (link provided below) and create an account. Make a note of your unique access code.
- 4Complete the Application Form
Fill in your personal details, education history, and work history (up to 15 entries for work experience).
- 5Write Essays
Draft four compelling essays (approximately 300-500 words each) addressing leadership and influence, networking, studying in the UK, and your career plan. These should be specific, evidence-based, and tailored to your story. Avoid AI-generated content.
- 6Provide Referee Details
Submit the names and contact details of two professional referees who can attest to your leadership potential. Reference letters are only required if you are shortlisted for an interview.
- 7Submit Application
Ensure all sections are completed accurately and submit your online application by the deadline (6 October 2026, 11:00 UTC for the 2027-28 cycle). Once submitted, changes are not possible.
- 8Apply to UK Universities
Simultaneously apply to your three chosen UK Master's programmes. You must secure an unconditional offer from at least one of these universities by the Chevening deadline (usually July of the following year).
- 9Interview (if shortlisted)
If shortlisted, you will be invited for an interview at a British High Commission/Embassy in India. You will need to upload academic documents and reference letters before your interview.
- 10Track Status
You can track the status of your application through the online application system. The selection process typically runs from December to June, with results announced in June.
Common Questions (FAQs)
What does the Chevening Scholarship fully cover?
The Chevening Scholarship is fully funded and covers tuition fees, a monthly living allowance (stipend), return economy airfare to and from the UK, an arrival allowance, a homeward departure allowance, the cost of a UK student visa application, and a travel grant for Chevening-related events.
What are the key eligibility requirements for Indian students?
To be eligible, Indian students must be citizens of India, hold an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK upper second-class (2:1) honours degree, and have at least two years (2,800 hours) of work experience gained after their undergraduate studies. They must also commit to returning to India for a minimum of two years after completing their scholarship.
Can I defer my Chevening Scholarship, or is it renewable?
Chevening Scholarships are typically for one-year Master's degrees and are not renewable. Deferrals are generally only granted in cases of pregnancy. For all other reasons, candidates unable to take up their award must normally withdraw and re-apply in a future cycle.
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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 Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), UK website before final submission.