The United Kingdom has officially opened the application portal for the 2026–2027 Chevening Scholarship, offering a fully funded opportunity for emerging leaders from over 160 eligible countries, including Nigeria and other African nations, to pursue a one-year master’s degree at top UK universities.
According to the Chevening Secretariat, the application window runs from August 5, 2025, to October 7, 2025, at 12:00 GMT.
The highly competitive award, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), covers full tuition, monthly stipends, return flights, visa costs, and additional allowances.
The Chevening Scholarship is regarded as one of the most prestigious global awards for postgraduate study, targeting mid-career professionals who demonstrate leadership potential, academic excellence, and a commitment to making a positive impact in their home countries.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must:
-
Be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country or territory
-
Possess an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK 2:1 honours (upper second-class)
-
Have at least two years of full-time work experience (equivalent to 2,800 hours)
-
Apply to three different UK master’s programmes and receive at least one unconditional offer by 9 July 2026
-
Return to their home country for a minimum of two years after completing the scholarship
Programme Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
-
Full university tuition fee coverage
-
Monthly living allowance
-
Return economy class airfare to the UK
-
Visa application fee reimbursement
-
Arrival and departure allowances
-
Additional travel grant for attending Chevening events in the UK
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online through the official Chevening platform at www.chevening.org/apply. Candidates are advised to prepare four structured essays demonstrating:
-
Leadership and influence
-
Networking capabilities
-
Career plans and impact
-
Reason for selecting specific courses and institutions
Applicants are also required to provide the contact information of two referees. If shortlisted, candidates will be invited for an interview at the British High Commission in their country between March and April 2026. Final results are expected to be announced in June 2026.
Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 7 October 2025 (12:00 GMT) |
| Shortlisting and Interviews | February – April 2026 |
| Course Offer Deadline | 9 July 2026 (17:00 BST) |
| Programme Commencement | September – October 2026 |
Focus on Nigeria and West Africa
Nigeria continues to be one of the top recipients of Chevening awards globally. The UK government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening educational partnerships in Africa, with over 1,400 Nigerian alumni recorded as of 2024.
Applicants are strongly advised to research eligible courses via https://www.chevening.org/scholarships and start early to meet document submission and academic offer deadlines.
Warning Against Plagiarism and AI Use
In a recent update, Chevening warned that the use of AI-generated content, including tools like ChatGPT, is prohibited in applications. All submissions are screened for plagiarism and authenticity.
Conclusion
The Chevening Scholarship remains one of the best opportunities for talented young professionals to access world-class education and return home to drive change. With competition increasing annually, Global Japa encourages applicants to begin preparations immediately and seek guidance where necessary.