Chevening Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded UK Masters for International Students (Nigeria & Africa Eligible)

The Chevening Scholarship 2026 is the UK government’s flagship global scholarship programme, offering fully funded one-year Master’s degrees at any UK university to outstanding emerging leaders from over 160 countries, including Nigeria and African nations.

Funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations, this is one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarships in the world. Applications for the 2027/2028 academic session opens 4th August 2026.

Chevening Scholarship 2026 Summary

Details

• The Chevening Scholarship 2026 funds a one-year taught Master’s degree at any eligible UK university in any subject
• Since 1983, Chevening has awarded scholarships to over 60,000 professionals from more than 160 countries and territories
• Around 1,800 scholarships are awarded each year globally
• The programme targets emerging leaders with demonstrated work experience and leadership potential, not purely academic merit
• Acceptance rate is approximately 2-3% globally, making it highly competitive
• Nigerian, Ghanaian, Kenyan, South African, and other African citizens from Chevening-eligible countries are welcome to apply

Eligibility Requirements

• Be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country or territory (check your country page on the official website)
• Hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies you for entry onto a UK Master’s programme, completed at least two years before the application deadline (i.e., completed by 6 October 2024)
• Have a minimum of two years of work experience (equivalent to 2,800 hours) acquired after completing your undergraduate degree — full-time, part-time, voluntary, or internship experience all count
• Commit to returning to your home country for a minimum of two years after the scholarship ends
• Apply to three different eligible UK university courses and receive at least one unconditional offer by the references and education documents deadline
• Have a clear and realistic career plan demonstrating how the UK degree will create positive impact
• Meet the English language requirements of your chosen UK universities (Chevening itself does not require a specific English test)

Benefits

• Full university tuition fees
• Monthly living allowance (stipend) throughout the study period
• Travel costs to and from the UK
• Arrival allowance
• Homeward departure allowance
• Cost of one visa application
• Travel grant to attend Chevening events in the UK

Required Documents

• Completed Chevening online application form
• Undergraduate degree certificate and transcripts
• CV/Resume with evidence of work experience and leadership
• Four application essays (leadership, networking, career plan, study in the UK)
• Two references (submitted separately by referees)
• English language proficiency proof (as required by chosen universities)
• Passport copy
• Unconditional university offer (required before the references and education documents deadline, not at initial application)

How to Apply (Step by Step)

1. Visit the official Chevening website at chevening.org and navigate to your country or territory page
2. Review your country-specific eligibility criteria, requirements may vary by country
3. Use the Chevening course finder to identify three eligible UK university Master’s programmes you wish to apply for
4. Submit your application through the Chevening online application system, applications open 4 August 2026
5. Complete all four essays: leadership and influence, networking, career plan, and study in the UK
6. Nominate two referees who will submit references independently through the portal
7. Apply to your three chosen UK universities separately and secure at least one unconditional offer before the references and education documents deadline
8. Submit your application no later than 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC

Deadline

⚠️ Application Deadline: 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC For the 2027/2028 Autumn academic session.

Summary