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 | Postgraduate (Master's) · 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
Chevening Scholarship 2027-28 UK guide: Essay writing tips, eligibility, 100% funding benefits, and British Council selection process.
Benefits & Financial Support
GBP 1,175/mo (approx. ₹35.0 Lakh+)
The Chevening Scholarship is fully funded and covers the following: full tuition fees (uncapped for most programmes, though some MBA programmes historically had a cap, current details largely indicate uncapped coverage), a monthly living allowance (approximately GBP 1,175/month outside London and GBP 1,516/month in London for 2025-26 rates, subject to annual adjustment), return economy airfare from India to the UK, an arrival allowance to help with initial settling-in costs, a homeward departure allowance when leaving the UK, the cost of one standard visa application, and a travel grant to attend Chevening-related events and networking opportunities in the UK. Funds are disbursed to cover these costs directly, rather than as a lump sum annual amount in INR.
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 | No income bar |
| 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
- —
Candidates are selected through a multi-stage process focusing on leadership potential and a commitment to positive change
- —
The process involves:an online application submission, including essays, work history, and three chosen UK university courses
- —
an initial eligibility sifting and review by independent reading committees
- —
shortlisting for interviews at local British embassies or high commissions
- —
a panel interview (in person or virtual)
- —
and finally, successful candidates receiving an award offer
- —
Key selection criteria include demonstrated leadership skills, a strong academic background, a clear career plan, and a well-articulated vision of how the UK education will contribute to India's development and benefit their home country upon return.
Renewal Policy
- —
The Chevening Scholarship is awarded for a one-year Master's degree program in the UK and does not have renewal conditions as it is a one-off award for the specified program duration
- —
A critical condition for scholars is the commitment to return to their country of citizenship, India, for a minimum of two years immediately after the scholarship ends
- —
This is strictly enforced.
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.
- 1Visit the Official Portal
Go to the official Chevening website (chevening.org/apply) and click on the 'Apply Today' button.
- 2Register an Account
You will be prompted to register for a new account using your email address. Make sure to note down your unique access code for the online application system, as you will need it for subsequent logins.
- 3Complete Eligibility Checker
Answer the initial eligibility questions to confirm you meet the basic requirements for a Chevening Scholarship.
- 4Fill Application Form
Complete all sections of the online application form. This includes personal details, citizenship and travel documents, higher education history (an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK upper second-class honours degree or 2:1 is required), work history (at least 2,800 hours of post-graduation work experience is mandatory), and contact details for two professional referees.
- 5Write Essays
Respond to four mandatory essay questions, each with a word limit of 300 words. These essays cover your leadership potential, networking ability, reasons for studying in the UK, and future career plans. It is highly recommended to draft these essays offline before pasting them into the application form.
- 6Select Courses
Choose three different eligible one-year taught Master's courses at UK universities that align with your career goals.
- 7Submit Application
Submit your completed online application before the deadline, which for the 2027-28 cycle is October 6, 2026, at 11:00 UTC (4:30 PM IST).
- 8Document Submission (If Shortlisted)
If your application is shortlisted for an interview (typically around mid-February 2027), you will be asked to upload your academic documents and ensure your referees submit their letters through the online system by the specified deadline (e.g., February 19, 2026, for a prior cycle, so expect similar for 2027).
- 9Attend Interview
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview at the British Embassy or High Commission (usually March-April 2027).
- 10Secure University Offer
If successful, you must obtain an unconditional offer from at least one of your three chosen UK universities by the offer deadline (July 8, 2027, for the 2027-28 cycle). Status Tracking: You can track the status of your application through the online application portal using your unique access code. Important updates and invitations for subsequent stages are typically communicated via email.
Common Questions (FAQs)
Does the Chevening Scholarship cover expenses for family members or dependents?
No, the Chevening Scholarship is exclusively for the awarded scholar. It does not provide any financial support or allowances for family members or dependents. Any partners or children accompanying the scholar must self-fund their visas, accommodation, and living costs.
Do I need an unconditional university offer or an English language test (like IELTS) before applying for Chevening?
No, you do not need an unconditional university offer to apply for the Chevening Scholarship initially. You apply to Chevening with your three preferred UK university course choices. The unconditional offer from one of these universities is only required later in the selection process, typically by a specific deadline (e.g., July 8, 2027, for the 2027-28 cycle). Regarding English language proficiency, Chevening itself removed its standalone English language requirement in 2020. However, you must still meet the specific English language requirements set by your chosen UK universities for their admissions processes.
Does work experience gained during my undergraduate degree count towards the Chevening requirement?
No, Chevening explicitly requires a minimum of two years (2,800 hours) of work experience that must be accumulated strictly *after* you have completed your undergraduate degree. Work experience gained during your bachelor's degree, such as casual internships, does not count. This experience can be accumulated through full-time employment, part-time work (calculated pro-rata), voluntary work, or paid/unpaid internships.
Scholarship News
Scholarship Guides
Similar Opportunities You Can Apply For Today
UGC Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
Applications OpenUniversity Grants Commission (UGC)
S.N. Bose Scholars Program (International Research)
Applications OpenIUSSTF, SERB & WINStep Forward
Khelo India Sports Scholarship Scheme
Applications OpenMinistry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India
Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)
Applications OpenMinistry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India
Discover More
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 Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), UK website before final submission.