Chevening Scholarship 2027/2028 for African Students: Fully Funded UK Master’s

African students and professionals can now apply for the Chevening Scholarship 2027/2028 to study for a fully funded master’s degree in the United Kingdom.

The UK Government funds Chevening Scholarships for applicants from eligible countries around the world, including many African countries. Successful scholars receive funding for tuition, travel to the UK, visa costs and living expenses while completing an eligible master’s degree.

Applications for the 2027/2028 Chevening Scholarship are currently open, and the deadline is 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC. Therefore, interested African applicants should complete their applications as soon as possible.

Chevening Scholarship 2027/2028 at a Glance

Scholarship: Chevening Scholarship
Host Country: United Kingdom
Study Level: Master’s degree
Eligible Applicants: Citizens of Chevening-eligible countries, including many African countries
Funding: Fully funded
Programme Length: Usually 9–12 months
Application Opens: 4 August 2026
Application Deadline: 6 October 2026
Study Begins: September/October 2027
Application Status: Open
Application Method: Online
Last Updated: 1 October 2026

What Is the Chevening Scholarship?

The Chevening Scholarship is the UK Government’s international scholarship programme for professionals and future leaders who want to complete postgraduate study in the United Kingdom.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office funds the programme together with partner organisations.

Chevening gives successful applicants the opportunity to complete an eligible master’s degree at a UK university. In addition, scholars join an international network of professionals, leaders and Chevening alumni.

For African applicants, Chevening can remove much of the financial burden associated with studying in the UK because the scholarship normally covers the major costs of studying and living abroad.

Can African Students Apply for the Chevening Scholarship?

Yes.

Citizens of many African countries can apply for the Chevening Scholarship.

For example, Chevening currently has scholarship programmes for applicants from countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Algeria and Angola, among others.

However, applicants should not assume that citizenship alone makes them eligible.

You must select your country of citizenship on the official Chevening website and check the scholarship options available for your country.

Furthermore, applicants from certain ODA-eligible countries must meet additional residence conditions. Therefore, always check your country’s official Chevening page before applying.

What Does the Chevening Scholarship Cover?

A full Chevening Scholarship normally covers most of the major expenses involved in studying in the UK.

Successful scholars can receive:

Full payment of eligible university tuition fees
Economy-class travel to and from the United Kingdom
UK visa application costs
A monthly living stipend
An arrival allowance
A departure allowance
A travel top-up allowance
Up to £75 toward tuberculosis testing where required

The monthly stipend helps scholars pay for basic expenses such as accommodation, food, local transportation, phone bills and normal living costs.

However, Chevening adjusts the monthly stipend depending on whether you study inside or outside London.

Important Note for MBA Applicants

Chevening places a tuition fee cap on MBA programmes.

For eligible MBA courses, Chevening currently contributes up to £22,000 toward tuition fees. Therefore, students must cover any tuition amount above the applicable cap themselves.

Chevening Scholarship Eligibility Requirements for African Students

African applicants must meet the same core Chevening eligibility requirements as other applicants.

To qualify, you must:

1. Come From a Chevening-Eligible Country

You must hold citizenship from a country or territory that participates in Chevening.

Many African countries participate in the programme.

However, always use the official Chevening country selector to confirm your country’s eligibility.

2. Have an Undergraduate Degree

You must hold an undergraduate qualification that allows you to gain admission to a master’s programme at a UK university.

In addition, you must have completed your undergraduate studies at least two years before the Chevening application deadline.

Your individual UK university will ultimately decide whether your qualification meets its master’s admission requirements.

3. Have at Least 2,800 Hours of Work Experience

Chevening requires applicants to have at least 2,800 hours of work experience.

This equals roughly two years of full-time employment.

Most importantly, for the current application cycle, Chevening only counts work experience that you gained after completing your undergraduate degree.

4. Choose Three Eligible UK Master’s Courses

You must select three eligible master’s courses when completing your Chevening application.

You can choose:

Three courses at different universities
Three different courses at the same university
Similar programmes across several universities

However, Chevening recommends choosing similar courses at different universities to improve your chances of gaining admission.

5. Return to Your Home Country After Your Studies

Chevening requires scholars to return to their country of award for at least two years after completing the scholarship.

Therefore, applicants should consider this requirement when preparing their long-term career plans.

What Work Experience Counts for Chevening?

This requirement causes confusion for many African applicants.

Fortunately, Chevening does not only count traditional office employment.

Eligible work experience can include:

Full-time employment
Part-time employment
Voluntary work
Paid internships
Unpaid internships

However, you must have gained the experience after completing your undergraduate studies.

In addition, you can combine experience from different organisations or roles to reach the required 2,800 hours.

The Chevening application system calculates your total hours after you enter your work history.

Does Your Work Experience Have to Match Your Master’s Course?

Not necessarily.

Chevening allows applicants to change career direction.

However, if your proposed master’s programme differs significantly from your professional background, you should clearly explain the reason for the change and show how your existing skills support your future career plans.

What Courses Can You Study With Chevening?

Chevening primarily funds eligible taught master’s degrees in the UK.

Your chosen programme must:

Be full-time
Take place in the United Kingdom
Begin during the autumn term
Lead to a master’s qualification
Be a taught master’s programme
Last at least nine months
Last no more than 12 months

Chevening does not normally fund:

PhD programmes
DPhil programmes
Part-time programmes
Distance-learning programmes
Research-focused MRes programmes
Courses lasting less than nine months
Courses lasting more than 12 months

Furthermore, eligible courses generally cannot involve more than one month of study outside the UK.

Do You Need University Admission Before Applying for Chevening?

No.

You do not need an unconditional UK university offer before submitting your initial Chevening application.

Instead, you must select three eligible master’s programmes in your application.

You must then apply directly to the universities separately.

If Chevening selects you after the interview stage, you must receive and submit at least one unconditional offer from one of your three selected courses by 8 July 2027 at 17:00 BST.

Therefore, do not confuse the Chevening application with your university application. They are separate processes.

Chevening Scholarship Deadline for African Students

The application deadline for the 2027/2028 Chevening Scholarship is 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC.

Because African countries use different time zones, the exact local closing time varies.

For example:

Ghana: 11:00 AM
Nigeria: 12:00 noon
South Africa: 1:00 PM
Kenya: 2:00 PM
Uganda: 2:00 PM

These times correspond to Chevening’s official 11:00 UTC deadline on 6 October 2026.

Nevertheless, applicants should submit before the final day. Waiting until the deadline can create unnecessary problems if you experience slow internet, login difficulties or application errors.

Chevening Scholarship 2027/2028 Timeline

Applicants should keep these dates in mind:

4 August 2026

Chevening opened applications.

6 October 2026

Applications close at 11:00 UTC.

From October 2026

Chevening checks applications against its eligibility criteria.

Mid-October 2026 to January 2027

Independent reading committees assess eligible applications.

Mid-February 2027

Chevening announces applicants selected for interviews.

March to April 2027

British embassies and high commissions conduct interviews.

Mid-June 2027

Chevening begins announcing final results.

8 July 2027

Successful candidates must submit at least one unconditional UK university offer by 17:00 BST.

September/October 2027

The 2027/2028 Chevening scholars begin their studies in the United Kingdom.

Documents You Need for the Chevening Scholarship

You do not need to upload every supporting document when you first start your application.

During the initial application, you will provide information about your:

Personal details
Citizenship
Education
Work experience
Three selected master’s courses
Two referees
Leadership experience
Professional relationships
Career goals

You must also answer Chevening’s application questions.

If Chevening invites you to an interview, you will need to upload supporting documents, including your undergraduate qualification, identification and reference letters.

Candidates must upload the required interview documents at least seven working days before their interview.

How to Apply for the Chevening Scholarship From Africa

Follow these steps carefully.

Step 1: Confirm That Your Country Is Eligible

Visit the official Chevening application page.

Then select your African country from the country or territory list.

Chevening will show you the scholarship opportunities available for your citizenship.

Step 2: Check Your Eligibility

Before you spend time preparing the application, confirm that you meet the key requirements.

Check your:

Citizenship
Undergraduate qualification
Graduation date
Work experience
2,800-hour work requirement
Return-home commitment

You can also use Chevening’s eligibility checker when you begin the online application.

Step 3: Research Three UK Master’s Courses

Next, identify three eligible master’s programmes.

Choose courses that connect logically with your previous experience and long-term plans.

For example, an applicant who works in renewable energy may choose programmes related to:

Renewable energy
Sustainable development
Environmental policy

Likewise, a public health professional could select programmes in:

Public health
Global health
Health policy

A clear connection between your past experience, proposed study and future plans can help make your overall application more coherent.

Step 4: Prepare Your Work History

Calculate your work experience carefully.

Remember that Chevening requires at least 2,800 hours earned after your undergraduate degree.

Include qualifying:

Full-time work
Part-time work
Voluntary work
Paid internships
Unpaid internships

Do not exaggerate your experience.

Instead, provide accurate information because Chevening may verify details later.

Step 5: Choose Two Strong Referees

Your referees should know your academic or professional abilities well.

You will provide their contact information in your initial application.

If Chevening invites you for an interview, you will later upload two reference letters.

Step 6: Complete the Application Questions

Chevening currently asks applicants about areas including:

Leadership
Relationship building
Course choices
Future career goals

Use real examples from your own life.

For instance, instead of simply saying that you are a leader, explain a situation where you identified a problem, took action and produced a measurable result.

Similarly, when discussing your career plans, explain what you want to achieve in your home country and how your proposed UK education supports that goal.

Step 7: Review Everything

Check your:

Names
Dates
Employment history
Education history
Course choices
Contact information
Referee information
Written responses

Once you submit your application, Chevening generally does not allow you to change the content of your submitted essays, course choices or work-experience details.

Step 8: Submit Before the Deadline

Finally, submit your application through Chevening’s official online system before:

6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC.

Do not wait until the final hour.

Can You Apply for Chevening Without IELTS?

Yes, Chevening itself no longer has a separate English-language test requirement.

Chevening removed its English-language requirement in 2020.

However, this does not automatically mean you can study in the UK without IELTS or another English-language qualification.

Your chosen university sets its own English-language admission requirements.

For example, one university may accept your previous education in English, while another may require IELTS, TOEFL or another form of evidence.

Therefore, check the admission rules for each of your three selected universities.

Can You Apply With a Second Class Lower Degree?

Chevening does not simply award scholarships based on one universal African degree classification.

Instead, you must hold an undergraduate qualification that allows you to enter an eligible master’s programme at a UK university.

Consequently, applicants with a second-class lower degree should check the admission requirements of their selected universities.

Some universities and courses may have different academic requirements.

Never assume that Chevening eligibility automatically guarantees university admission.

Can HND Holders Apply for Chevening?

Chevening requires a qualification that enables you to gain entry to an eligible UK master’s programme.

Therefore, the important question is whether your chosen UK universities recognise your academic qualifications for master’s admission.

HND holders should check directly with their target universities before assuming that they qualify.

Can You Apply if You Already Have a Master’s Degree?

Yes.

Having a master’s degree does not automatically disqualify you from applying for another master’s degree through Chevening.

However, you must still satisfy every other eligibility requirement and meet the admission requirements for your selected programmes.

Is There an Age Limit for Chevening?

Chevening’s core scholarship eligibility criteria do not state a general upper age limit.

However, applicants must satisfy the programme’s education, work experience, citizenship and other eligibility requirements.

Does Chevening Pay for Accommodation?

Chevening does not necessarily pay your landlord directly.

Instead, your monthly stipend aims to help you cover reasonable living expenses, including accommodation, meals, transportation and other basic costs.

The stipend rate differs depending on whether you study inside or outside London.

Therefore, successful scholars should choose accommodation that fits within their available budget.

Do You Need a Passport Before Applying?

The online application requests immigration and citizenship information, including passport details as applicable.

Applicants should follow the instructions inside the current application system and ensure that the information they provide matches their official documents.

Can You Bring Your Family to the UK?

The Chevening funding package covers the scholar.

For example, Chevening covers eligible travel and visa costs for the award recipient, not accompanying relatives.

Applicants who plan to travel with dependants should also check the current UK immigration rules independently because visa rules can change.

How Competitive Is the Chevening Scholarship?

Chevening uses a competitive selection process.

First, the programme checks whether applicants meet the eligibility rules. Then independent reading committees assess eligible applications.

After that, British embassies and high commissions shortlist selected candidates for interviews.

Therefore, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee a scholarship.

Applicants should focus on demonstrating their real achievements, leadership experience, professional relationships, career direction and potential impact.

Important Warning About Using AI for Chevening Essays

Applicants should pay close attention to this rule.

Chevening prohibits applicants from using artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT to generate answers to its application essay questions.

Chevening requires applicants to submit their own original answers. The programme states that it can disqualify applications that contain fraudulent, plagiarised or prohibited AI-generated material.

Therefore, use scholarship guides to understand the process, requirements and structure.

However, write your Chevening application answers yourself and use your own experiences.

Tips for African Chevening Applicants

Start With Your Impact, Not Big Words

You do not need complicated English to explain your achievements.

Instead, clearly describe:

What problem did you identify?

What action did you take?

Who benefited?

What changed because of your action?

Where possible, use measurable results.

Connect Your Master’s Degree to a Real African Problem

Your proposed course should make sense within your career story.

For example, you might focus on challenges involving:

Healthcare
Agriculture
Climate change
Education
Financial inclusion
Technology
Infrastructure
Public policy
Entrepreneurship
Energy
Gender equality
Economic development

However, do not choose a problem simply because it sounds impressive.

Connect your proposed studies to work you genuinely intend to pursue.

Show Evidence of Leadership

Leadership does not always mean holding a senior job title.

You can demonstrate leadership through:

Community projects
Workplace initiatives
Volunteer programmes
Businesses
Professional organisations
Social projects
Research
Advocacy
Technology projects

What matters is your ability to explain what you actually did.

Make Your Career Plan Specific

Avoid vague statements such as:

“I want to contribute to the development of Africa.”

Instead, explain:

The problem you want to solve
The country or community you want to serve
The type of organisation or sector you want to work in
What you want to achieve in five or ten years
How the master’s programme will help you achieve it

This approach creates a clearer and more credible career story.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chevening Scholarships for African Students

Is the Chevening Scholarship fully funded?

A full Chevening Scholarship normally covers eligible tuition fees, economy travel, visa costs, a monthly living stipend and several additional allowances.

When is the Chevening Scholarship 2027 deadline?

Applications close on 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC.

Can Nigerians apply for Chevening?

Yes. Nigeria currently has an official Chevening Scholarship programme for the 2027/2028 cycle.

Can Ghanaians apply for Chevening?

Yes. Ghana has an official Chevening Scholarship programme, and applications for the 2027/2028 cycle are open.

Can Kenyans apply for Chevening?

Yes. Kenya currently participates in the Chevening Scholarship programme.

Can South Africans apply for Chevening?

Yes. South Africa has an official Chevening Scholarship programme.

Can Ugandans apply for Chevening?

Yes. Uganda currently has an official Chevening Scholarship programme.

Can Zimbabweans apply for Chevening?

Yes. Zimbabwe currently has an official Chevening Scholarship programme.

How much work experience do I need?

You need at least 2,800 hours of qualifying work experience gained after completing your undergraduate degree.

Do I need three university admission offers?

No. You select three eligible courses in your Chevening application. You eventually need at least one qualifying unconditional offer by the stated university-offer deadline if you progress successfully.

When will successful applicants travel to the UK?

Successful 2027/2028 scholars are expected to begin their studies in the UK around September or October 2027.

Final Advice for African Applicants

The Chevening Scholarship 2027/2028 gives eligible African professionals an opportunity to complete a master’s degree in the United Kingdom with substantial financial support.

However, Chevening remains highly competitive.

Therefore, start by checking your eligibility, confirming your 2,800 hours of post-graduation work experience and selecting three suitable UK master’s programmes.

Next, prepare accurate information about your education, professional experience, leadership, relationships and career plans.

Most importantly, write your application answers yourself and use specific examples from your own experience.

Applications close on 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC, so eligible applicants should submit their applications before the deadline.

Always confirm the latest requirements on the official Chevening website before applying.