Chevening Scholarships, highly sought-after grants provided by the UK government through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), provide financial support to chosen individuals to pursue a one-year postgraduate program in the UK.
If you’re chosen for a Chevening scholarship, you can enjoy several advantages, including coverage for university tuition, travel expenses, visa application costs, and monthly allowances for additional expenses.
There’s also support for travel to and from the UK, as well as for attending Chevening events. Candidates come from diverse backgrounds and are selected based on their leadership skills, academic excellence, and commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
Being awarded a Chevening Scholarship opens up exciting opportunities for your UK education. Joining a community of over 55,000 alumni worldwide, you’ll gain invaluable experiences, networks, and memories to take back home with you.
In this blog post, we’ll cover all the essential information regarding the Chevening Scholarship, including its deadlines, eligibility criteria, and the process for applying.
Chevening Scholarships: Requirements For Qualification
To be considered for the Chevening scholarship, you need to fulfill several criteria. Firstly, you must come from a country that is eligible for Chevening, such as India. Additionally, you need to have an undergraduate degree relevant to your chosen postgraduate course.
After completing the program, you must commit to returning to your home country for a minimum of two years. Furthermore, you should have accrued at least two years or 2,800 hours of work experience. It’s essential to have received an unconditional offer letter from at least one university.
While the English proficiency requirement was eliminated for the Chevening Scholarship in 2020, you still need to meet the English language requirements set by the universities you’re applying to.
For more information on the minimum IELTS requirements for UK universities, refer to the provided link.
The Procedure For Applying For Chevening Scholarships
The Chevening Scholarship application period runs from September to November. To apply, you must complete the online application process. Here’s what it entails:
- Select three universities eligible for the Chevening Scholarship.
- Fill out the application form on the official website.
- Provide responses to all the questions asked.
- Upload the necessary documents, which should be in PDF, JPG, or PNG format and under 5MB in size.
- If your application meets the criteria, you may be requested to provide references and subsequently invited for an interview.
Sources For Chevening Scholarships
References play a vital role in the selection process, whether it’s for a scholarship or fellowship opportunity. When applying for Chevening scholarships, you are required to nominate two individuals as referees.
These referees should be capable of assessing your suitability for the scholarship. According to Chevening’s instructions, your referees must be individuals who are acquainted with you in either an academic or professional context; they cannot be relatives or close friends.
Furthermore, these referees may be contacted by the British embassy at a later stage for verification purposes.
Chevening Scholarship Interview
If your application advances, you’ll receive an invitation for an in-person interview with the nearest British embassy representative, which signifies recognition of your competence and the quality of your application.
Interview slots can be reserved online on a first-come-first-served basis, and a confirmation email will be sent once the booking is complete.
Prior to the interview, it’s essential to upload several documents: copies of your educational certificates/transcripts in their original language, two reference letters, and a brief biography.
Universities Involved In The Chevening Scholarship Program
The following programs are eligible for Chevening Scholarships at various universities:
- Cambridge University: MBA
- LSE: MSc Finance
- Cranfield University: MSc Logistics & SCM/ Strategic Management
- Coventry University: MBA
- Durham University: MSc Management
- Brunel University: MSc or MA programs in Engineering & Management, MSc in Data Science & Analytics
Catalog Of Universities Participating In The Chevening Scholarship Program
Here is the compilation of all UK universities eligible for the Chevening Scholarship. To be considered, you must hold an unconditional offer from at least one of these institutions:
- 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
- University of East Anglia
- University of Reading
- University of Dundee
Countries That Meet The Criteria For Chevening Scholarships
The following roster includes countries endorsed by Chevening:
- Brazil
- South Korea
- Pakistan
- Indonesia
- Australia
- Mexico
- China
- Nepal
- Canada
- Egypt
- Thailand
FAQs
Is The Chevening Scholarship Inclusive Of Full Tuition Fees?
- Indeed, the Chevening Scholarship encompasses the entirety of tuition fees for a one-year master’s program in the UK, along with additional provisions for various expenses such as:
What Is Allowance For Arrival And Departure To/From The UK?
- Travel costs
- Visa application expenses
- Travel grants for attending Chevening-related events in the UK
- Monthly stipend for covering miscellaneous expenses
Does The Chevening Scholarship Offer Accommodation?
While the Chevening Scholarship does not directly cover accommodation expenses, it does provide a monthly allowance to assist with rent and other accommodation-related costs.
Additionally, it covers travel expenses and visa application fees, thereby alleviating significant financial burdens and allowing you to allocate more towards accommodation.
Is It Mandatory To Return Home After Completing The Chevening Scholarship?
Yes, upon completion of the Chevening Scholarship, it is obligatory to return home for a minimum period of two years. This condition is essential to fully benefit from the scholarship. Failure to comply with this requirement will be regarded as a policy violation, necessitating repayment of the scholarship funds.
What Is The Application Deadline For Chevening Scholarships 2024?
The application period for Chevening Scholarships commences on September 12th, with the deadline for registration falling on November 1st. Subsequently, applications undergo evaluation against eligibility criteria and are further assessed by the reading committee.
What Advantages Does Being A Chevening Scholar Offer?
Apart from covering all expenses, being a Chevening Scholar presents opportunities to network within a vast alumni community and access numerous leadership and development initiatives. Achieving the status of a Chevening Scholar signifies adherence to rigorous selection criteria, potentially enhancing one’s prospects in both academic and professional realms.
Is There An Age Restriction For Chevening Scholarships?
No, Chevening Scholarships do not have age requirements. However, eligibility for postgraduate courses in the UK typically necessitates a relevant undergraduate degree, which indirectly influences age considerations. Additionally, applicants must possess two years of work experience.
Can I REAPPLY FOR Chevening Scholarships IF I AM UNSUCCESSFUL IN A PREVIOUS YEAR?
Yes, you can reapply for Chevening Scholarships in subsequent years if you were not selected previously. Each application cycle is evaluated independently, so if you meet the eligibility criteria, you have the opportunity to submit a new application.
Can I Apply For A Chevening Scholarship If I Have Previously Accepted An Offer?
Yes, you may apply for a Chevening Scholarship if you have previously accepted an offer. However, there must be a gap of at least five years between the two applications. Applying within five years of completing your first scholarship will result in disqualification.
How Significant Are The Essays In The Application Process?
The essay questions are pivotal in your application. They provide a platform to highlight your accomplishments, aspirations, and motivations for seeking the scholarship. Chevening assigns a dedicated reading committee to evaluate these responses.
Can A Friend Provide A Reference For The Chevening Scholarship?
No, references must come from individuals who know you in a professional or academic capacity. According to the guidelines, friends or relatives cannot provide references. Your referees should clearly articulate why you are the most suitable candidate for the scholarship.
How Should I Prepare For The Chevening Interview?
Prepare for potential questions concerning your academic and professional background. Stay updated on current events and issues relevant to your field of study. Familiarize yourself with recent developments in your area of expertise. Most importantly, practice speaking confidently and articulating your opinions and ideas effectively.
Conclusion
The UK stands out as a top choice for advanced studies. If you aspire to study there but fret over the costs, scholarships such as Chevening offer a significant solution. With Chevening, over 55,000 students have realized their UK education dreams, all expenses covered.
Keep in mind, countless students vie for Chevening scholarships annually, but only a select few succeed. Apply early and meticulously prepare for the application’s potential inquiries.