UK Postgraduate Study Abroad Scholarships - Guide to Chevening Scholarships

Pursuing a postgraduate degree in the UK can be a transformative and rewarding experience. However, the associated costs can be a significant barrier for many students. This is where study abroad scholarships come in, making your dream of studying in the UK more achievable. In this blog, we’ll explore different types of study abroad scholarships available for postgraduate students in the UK, with a specific focus on the Chevening Scholarships, one of the most prestigious international scholarships funded by the UK government. We’ve got you covered with information and insights on how to apply and maximise your chances of success. Let’s get started!

Types of Study Abroad Scholarships in the UK

There are numerous study abroad scholarships available for postgraduate students, providing full or partial funding to support your studies in the UK. These scholarships usually come from the UK government or the universities where you’ll be studying.

The UK government offers hundreds of scholarships to students from various countries. The three most popular ones are:

• GREAT Scholarships: A UK government initiative in partnership with the British Council and participating UK universities, supporting students from specific countries seeking higher education in the UK. These scholarships are primarily merit-based, and each scholarship’s value differs depending on the university and programme.
• Commonwealth Scholarships: Aimed at outstanding students from Commonwealth countries who have the potential to contribute to their home countries’ development by pursuing postgraduate degrees in the UK.
• Chevening Scholarships: Targeting future leaders from a wide range of countries worldwide. You can find more details about this scholarship in the later section.

Many universities also provide various types of study abroad scholarships, from merit-based to performance-based, and even those for specific fields of study. Universities also have specific scholarships for refugees, asylum seekers, students with physical or mental disabilities, learning difficulties, or other special needs.

Chevening Scholarships

Funded by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office and partner organisations, Chevening Scholarships help develop future global leaders by granting them free access to higher education in the UK. These study abroad scholarships provide comprehensive funding, covering tuition fees, return flights, accommodation, and living expenses. 

Who Can Apply?

With an emphasis on leadership development, Chevening Scholarships are designed for emerging leaders, who have the passion and ambition to influence positive change in their home countries. Any aspiring students can apply regardless of their gender, age, religion, class, marriage and parenthood status. However, there are a few criteria that applicants must meet before applying:

• Be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country/ territory. (e.g. a US citizen is not eligible for a Chevening Award). You can check Chevening’s website to see if this scholarship is available in your country.
• Hold an undergraduate degree relevant to the postgraduate course you are applying for.
• Apply to three eligible master’s courses and receive at least one unconditional offer by the deadline listed on the application timeline. The Chevening Course Finder can help you determine which courses are eligible.
• Have at least two years of work experience, equivalent to 2,800 hours, including full-time employment, part-time employment, voluntary work, or internships.
• Return to your home country for at least two years once the award has ended.

Application and Selection

As one of the most popular study abroad scholarships in the UK, the competition for Chevening Scholarships is intense. So, understanding the Chevening application and selection process is crucial for maximising your chances of success. Here, we guide you through the key steps and expectations to help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence. 

Step 1: Submit an online application

All applicants must apply through Chevening’s online application system. You need to answer a set of application questions thoughtfully to demonstrate that you are capable of excelling in an intense master's course in the UK and that you have a clear vision for your future. You’ll also need to supply the names of two referees when you submit your application. Once submitted, applications are first sifted against the eligibility criteria listed above. All eligible applications are then assessed by independent reading committees.

Step 2: Submit documents

If you are shortlisted, you’ll be invited to a face-to-face interview. However, before your interview, you’ll need to upload your education documents, two reference letters, and a short biography to the online application system by the deadline. Your education documents include copies of your graduation certificates and/or academic transcripts. The reference letters should be provided by two referees who can either be in an academic or professional relationship with you.

Step 3: Attend an interview

If you are shortlisted for an interview, you’ll be interviewed by a panel of representatives from the British embassy or high commission in your home country. You’ll receive an email to schedule your interview, and your slot cannot be changed once booked. The interview is a competency-based panel assessment conducted in English. Questions about your personal and professional goals will be asked, and the panel will score your answers against the global Chevening criteria. The outcome of your interview will usually be announced from early to mid-June.

Step 4: Submit an unconditional offer

If you reach this stage, congratulations! You have been selected as a Chevening scholar. However, before you commence your study in the UK, you must complete one more step: submit at least one unconditional offer from a UK university by the given deadline.

It typically takes a minimum of eight months for the scholarship to be granted. Keep up with Chevening's social media and newsletter to stay informed!

Dreaming of studying in the UK? Study abroad scholarships are valuable resources that open doors to your international academic adventure. If you're interested in applying, it's important to research the options, understand the requirements, and prepare a strong application to increase your chances of success. UAPP provides up-to-date information about scholarships and funding opportunities, helping you make informed decisions. Follow us, book a free consultation, and find out more!