Chevening Scholarship Last Chance
Offered by UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (Chevening)
About This Scholarship
Chevening is the British government's flagship international scholarship, and American professionals are on the eligible list. The award fully funds a one-year master's degree at any UK university — tuition, a monthly living stipend, and travel — for people with demonstrated leadership potential and at least two years of work experience.
What makes Chevening unusual among UK awards is that it targets early-career professionals rather than graduating seniors, and it requires no institutional nomination: you apply directly online. Applicants choose three UK master's courses and interview at the US Embassy or consulates if shortlisted.
The trade-off is a commitment to return to your home country for at least two years after the degree, since the program's purpose is building a global network of leaders connected to the UK. For US applicants who plan an American career anyway, that condition is easy to meet.
Eligibility
- Citizens of Chevening-eligible countries and territories, which include the United States
- Hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies for entry to a UK master's program
- At least two years (2,800 hours) of work experience
- Apply to three eligible UK university courses and receive an unconditional offer from one by the program's offer deadline
- Agree to return to your home country for a minimum of two years after the scholarship ends
How To Apply
- Create an account on the Chevening online application system and select the United States as your applying country
- Complete the application essays on leadership, networking, career plans, and why the UK
- Submit before the deadline — 11:00 UTC on October 6, 2026
- If shortlisted, provide references and education documents, then complete an in-person interview at a US location in spring 2027
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Chevening Scholarship cover?
The award is fully funded: university tuition, a monthly living allowance, an economy round-trip flight to the UK, and additional grants for visa costs and arrival. Because UK master's tuition and London living costs vary, the total value is commonly in the $50,000-$70,000 range for the year.
Are Americans really eligible?
Yes — the United States is on Chevening's eligible country list, though the US allocation is competitive and small. You apply through the same online system as every other country, selecting the United States as your country of citizenship.
Do I need to be admitted to a UK university first?
No. You apply to Chevening first, listing three eligible UK courses, and you need at least one unconditional admission offer later in the process, by the program's mid-July deadline.