Applications for 2027-2028 Chevening Scholarships Now Open: Fully-Funded UK Master’s Degree

The Chevening Scholarships 2027-28 applications are now open for Indian students who dream of pursuing a fully-funded master’s degree in the United Kingdom. Run by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) along with partner organisations, Chevening is one of the world’s most prestigious and generous scholarship programmes, covering tuition fees, monthly living costs, return airfare and more for a one-year master’s course at any eligible UK university.

Indian applicants have a narrow window this year — the portal closes on 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC. This guide covers everything Indian students need to know: eligibility, funding coverage, required documents, the application timeline and a step-by-step process to apply successfully.

Chevening Scholarships 2027-28: Overview

Read More: Wagh Bakri Renewal Scholarship 2026-27

What Is the Chevening Scholarship?

Chevening is the UK government’s flagship international scholarship programme. Since 1983, it has supported thousands of professionals from over 160 countries and territories to study in the UK, building a global network of leaders, decision-makers, and changemakers who go on to drive impact in their home countries. For India, Chevening remains one of the most sought-after routes to a fully funded UK master’s, and it is unusually broad in scope — students from any academic background or field can apply, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.

Chevening Scholarship Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students

To be eligible for a Chevening Scholarship, Indian applicants must meet all of the following conditions:

• Be an Indian citizen (or otherwise eligible under Chevening’s country criteria) at the time of application.
• Commit to returning to India for at least two years after the scholarship ends.
• Have a minimum of two years’ work experience, equivalent to 2,800 hours, gained after completing an undergraduate degree.
• Hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies for admission to a UK master’s programme, completed at least two years before the application deadline (the certificate itself can follow later, but it is needed by the interview stage).
• Apply to three different eligible UK university courses and secure an unconditional offer from at least one of them by the specified deadline.
• Not be a UK resident at the time of application.

Who Is Not Eligible

• British citizens or dual British nationals.
• Applicants currently residing in the UK.
• Current or recent (within the last two years) employees — or their immediate relatives — of a government department, the British Council, or a partner UK university.
• Anyone who has previously studied in the UK on a UK government-funded scholarship (Chevening Fellows may reapply for a scholarship only after five years have passed since completing the fellowship).

Note: already holding a master’s degree does not disqualify you from applying for a second one through Chevening.

What Does the Chevening Scholarship Cover?

Chevening is a genuinely fully-funded scholarship. Selected Indian scholars receive:

• Full tuition fees for the chosen one-year master’s programme at the UK university.
• A monthly personal living allowance (stipend) to cover accommodation and daily expenses — the rate differs depending on whether the university is inside or outside London, and is reviewed annually by Chevening.
• Return economy-class airfare between India and the UK.
• An arrival allowance on reaching the UK and a homeward departure allowance at the end of the programme.
• The cost of one UK visa application.
• A travel grant to attend official Chevening events in the UK.
• TB test costs, where required as part of the visa process.

Important notice: Stipend amounts and coverage limits are revised by Chevening each cycle. Always confirm the current year’s exact figures on the official “What does a Chevening Scholarship cover” page before finalising your budget.

Documents Required to Apply

The initial Chevening application is essay-based, so most supporting documents are only needed if you are shortlisted for interview. Keep the following ready in advance:

• Valid passport
• Undergraduate degree certificate and transcripts
• Details of two referees (one should be a current or recent professional referee)
• Updated CV/resume detailing work experience
• Proof of work experience (offer letters, experience certificates, or payslips covering 2,800 hours)
• English language test scores, if requested by your chosen UK universities
• Unconditional offer letters from your three chosen UK university courses (submitted once received)

Chevening Scholarship Application Timeline 2027-28

Dates beyond the confirmed application window are indicative and based on Chevening’s usual annual pattern; always cross-check the live Chevening application timeline page.

How to Apply for the Chevening Scholarship: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Check your eligibility: Confirm you meet the citizenship, work experience, and academic qualification criteria before you begin.
2. Shortlist three UK university courses: Research and select three different eligible one-year master’s courses that align with your career goals.
3. Create your Chevening account: Register on the official application portal at asams.chevening.org/apply.
4. Complete the online application: Fill in your personal details and answer four required essay questions covering leadership, networking, career plan, and study choice.
5. Add your two referees: Provide their details in the portal; they will be contacted directly by Chevening to submit references.
6. Submit before the deadline: Review every section carefully and submit before 6 October 2026, 11:00 UTC. Late submissions are not accepted.
7. Apply separately to your three UK universities: Do this alongside or shortly after your Chevening application, since you’ll need an unconditional offer later.
8. Attend the interview, if shortlisted: Interviews are typically held at the British High Commission or a regional UK consulate in India between February and April.
9. Submit your unconditional offer: If successful at interview, confirm at least one unconditional university offer by the given deadline to finalise your scholarship.

Example: How an Indian Applicant Can Plan a Chevening Application

Consider Ananya Verma, a 27-year-old public health professional from Lucknow with three years of experience at a state health NGO. She wants to pursue an MSc in Global Health Policy in the UK. Ananya begins preparing two months before the portal opens: she drafts her four essays around her leadership role in a district vaccination drive, shortlists three eligible master’s courses at different UK universities, and requests references from her NGO director and a former professor.

She submits her Chevening application in early September, applies to her three chosen universities in parallel, and receives an interview call in March. With her documents and offer letters ready in advance, she comfortably meets the unconditional offer deadline after a successful interview. Ananya’s approach — early preparation, realistic course selection, and organised documentation — reflects what most successful Indian Chevening scholars do.

Important Links

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the Chevening Scholarship fully funded for Indian students?

Yes. Chevening covers tuition fees, a monthly living stipend, return airfare, arrival and departure allowances, and one visa application cost for selected Indian scholars.

2. What is the last date to apply for Chevening Scholarship 2027-28?

The application deadline is 6 October 2026, 11:00 UTC. Applications opened on 4 August 2026.

3. How much work experience is required for Chevening?

A minimum of two years’ work experience (2,800 hours), gained after completing your undergraduate degree, is mandatory.

4. Do I need an English language test score to apply?

Not for the initial Chevening application. However, individual UK universities may require IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic scores before issuing an offer.

5. Can I apply for Chevening if I already have a master’s degree?

Yes. Holding a master’s degree does not make you ineligible to apply for another one through Chevening.

Alok Kumar Singh

My name is Alok Kumar Singh ( Scholarship Content Specialist 2+ Years Experience), the editor of this website. I hold a B.Sc. in Computer Science and have spent over 2 years researching and publishing accurate scholarship, admission and education updates for students across India and world.