The Chevening Scholarship is the UK Government's international scholarship programme for emerging leaders from around the world. It provides an opportunity to pursue a one-year master's degree at a UK university while becoming part of a global network of Chevening scholars and alumni.
For applicants from Nepal, applications for the 2027–28 Chevening Scholarship are currently open. The application deadline is 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC.
Overview
Chevening is the UK Government's prestigious international scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations.
The programme supports individuals who demonstrate leadership potential, professional experience and a clear vision for creating positive change in their home countries. Chevening scholars study in the UK for a one-year master's degree and join an international alumni network after completing their studies.
For Nepali applicants, the scholarship provides an opportunity to study at eligible UK universities and develop academic, professional and leadership skills that can be applied after returning to Nepal.
What Does the Chevening Scholarship Cover?
Chevening is a fully funded scholarship. The award is designed to support scholars throughout their eligible master's study in the UK.
The scholarship generally provides support for:
Tuition fees for the eligible master's programme
Living expenses
Travel to and from the UK
Visa-related costs
Other allowances and financial support specified under the Chevening award
The scholarship is normally tenable for 12 months, although the actual duration may be shorter if the master's course lasts less than 12 months.
In addition to financial support, scholars become part of the international Chevening community and alumni network, providing opportunities for professional and academic networking.
Who Can Apply?
Nepali citizens who meet Chevening's eligibility requirements can apply for the scholarship.
Applicants must meet the following key requirements:
1. Be a Citizen of an Eligible Country
Applicants must be citizens of a country or territory that is eligible for the Chevening Scholarship. Nepal is among the participating countries.
2. Have at Least Two Years of Work Experience
Applicants must have at least 2,800 hours of work experience, equivalent to two years, acquired after completing their undergraduate degree.
Chevening accepts different forms of work experience that meet its requirements, rather than limiting eligibility to a single type of employment.
3. Hold an Undergraduate Degree
Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies them for admission to a UK master's programme.
The undergraduate degree must have been completed at least two years before the Chevening application deadline. Applicants do not necessarily need to have received their physical degree certificate by the application deadline, but they must have the certificate by the time of their interview.
4. Choose Three Eligible UK Master's Courses
Applicants must select three different eligible UK master's courses as part of their Chevening application.
At least one of these choices must result in an unconditional university offer by the Chevening offer deadline.
5. Return to Your Home Country
Successful scholars must agree to return to their home country for at least two years after completing their Chevening Scholarship.
Is There an Age Limit?
There is no upper age limit for applying for a Chevening Scholarship.
Chevening states that age does not determine eligibility as long as the applicant meets the required criteria.
Is IELTS Required for Chevening?
Chevening itself does not require applicants to submit an IELTS or other English-language test score.
However, applicants must meet the English-language requirements of their chosen UK university and master's programme. Therefore, applicants should check the language requirements of each university before applying.
Eligible Master's Courses
Chevening applicants must choose eligible one-year, full-time taught master's courses in the UK.
An eligible course must generally:
Be full-time
Start in the autumn term, usually September or October
Lead to a master's degree
Last at least nine months
Last no more than 12 months
Chevening does not normally accept:
Part-time courses
Distance-learning courses
Courses lasting less than nine months
Courses lasting more than 12 months
Courses starting in January
Research-based programmes
Applicants should use the official Chevening course finder to check whether their intended programme is eligible.
Application Process
Applications for Chevening must be completed online through the official application system.
The application process generally involves the following steps:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Applicants should first review Chevening's eligibility requirements and complete the online eligibility checker.
Step 2: Register Online
Applicants need an email address and phone number to register for the application system.
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
The application includes sections covering:
Personal information
Immigration details
Education history
Work experience
Three preferred UK master's courses
Referees
Chevening essay questions
Equal opportunities information
Applicants can include multiple education and employment records in the application system.
Step 4: Prepare the Essays
Applicants must answer four essay questions covering areas such as:
Leadership and influencing
Networking and relationship-building
Choice of UK courses
Career plans and future goals
The essays should demonstrate the applicant's own experiences, achievements and future plans.
Step 5: Submit the Application
Once all sections are complete, applicants must submit the application through the online system before the deadline.
Paper applications are not accepted.
Work Experience Requirement
Work experience is an important part of Chevening eligibility.
Applicants need at least 2,800 hours of work experience after completing their undergraduate degree.
The application system calculates the total work experience based on the information provided by applicants. Applicants can enter multiple work experiences, and the system calculates the total number of qualifying hours.
Applicants should therefore maintain accurate records of their employment and other qualifying professional experiences before submitting their application.
References
Applicants are required to provide details of two referees during the application process.
If shortlisted for an interview, applicants will be required to upload reference letters from their chosen referees.
Chevening's application system asks applicants to provide the referees' names, job details and contact information.
Selection Process
Chevening applications go through several stages.
First, applications are checked against the eligibility criteria. Eligible applications are then assessed by independent reading committees.
Applicants who progress to the next stage are shortlisted for interviews conducted by panels at British embassies and high commissions.
Shortlisted applicants must upload the required documents before their interview. These documents include identification, undergraduate education documents and reference letters.
2027–28 Chevening Scholarship Timeline
Stage | Date |
Applications open | 4 August 2026 |
Applications close | 6 October 2026, 11:00 UTC |
Eligibility screening | From October 2026 |
Reading committee assessment | Mid-October 2026 – January 2027 |
Interview shortlist | Mid-February 2027 |
Interviews | March–April 2027 |
Results | From mid-June 2027 |
Unconditional university offer deadline | 8 July 2027, 17:00 BST |
Studies begin in the UK | September/October 2027 |
These dates apply to the 2027–28 Chevening Scholarship cycle.
Application Deadline for Nepal
Applications for the 2027–28 Chevening Scholarship in Nepal close on:
6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC
Applicants should check the deadline in their local time zone and submit their application before the system closes. Chevening states that the online application system will not be accessible for submissions after the deadline.
Partner Awards
In addition to the main Chevening Scholarship, partner organisations offer additional Chevening awards in some countries and fields.
Chevening notes that some partner awards receive fewer applications than others and that some opportunities have previously gone unfilled. Applicants should therefore review the available partner awards when preparing their application.
Tips for Applicants
A strong Chevening application should clearly connect the applicant's past experience, leadership activities, professional goals and proposed course of study.
Applicants should consider the following when preparing their application:
Start researching eligible master's courses early.
Choose courses that are closely connected to your academic and professional background.
Prepare specific examples of leadership and influence from your own experience.
Explain how you have developed and maintained professional relationships.
Develop a realistic career plan.
Explain how your UK study will contribute to your future goals.
Select referees who know your professional or academic work well.
Check every eligibility requirement before submitting the application.
Write and review the four essays carefully before entering the final responses into the application system.
Chevening describes the application process as competitive and challenging and recommends that applicants conduct substantial research before submitting their applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Chevening Scholarship?
The Chevening Scholarship is the UK Government's international scholarship programme for emerging leaders. It provides eligible applicants with the opportunity to pursue a one-year master's degree in the UK.
Can Nepali students apply for the Chevening Scholarship?
Yes. Nepal is a participating country in the Chevening Scholarship programme, and applications for the 2027–28 cycle are currently open.
Is the Chevening Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. Chevening is a fully funded scholarship programme designed to support scholars during their eligible master's study in the UK.
How long is a Chevening Scholarship?
The scholarship is normally available for up to 12 months and is intended for eligible one-year master's programmes.
How much work experience is required for Chevening?
Applicants need at least 2,800 hours of work experience, equivalent to two years, acquired after completing their undergraduate degree.
Can I apply if I already have a master's degree?
Yes. Having a master's degree does not automatically make an applicant ineligible for Chevening or prevent them from applying for a second master's degree in the UK.
Is there an age limit for Chevening?
There is no upper age limit for Chevening Scholarship applicants.
Do I need IELTS to apply for Chevening?
Chevening does not have its own English-language test requirement. However, your chosen UK university may require IELTS or another accepted English-language qualification.
Do I need to have applied to a UK university before submitting the Chevening application?
No. Chevening requires applicants to list three eligible UK master's courses, but applying to those courses before submitting the Chevening application is not a requirement.
Do I have to return to Nepal after completing the scholarship?
Yes. Chevening scholars must commit to returning to their country of award for at least two years after their scholarship ends.
When is the application deadline for the 2027–28 Chevening Scholarship?
The application deadline is 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC.
Where can I apply?
Applications must be submitted online through the official Chevening application system.
Official Chevening Nepal page: Chevening in Nepal
Official application page: Apply for a Chevening Scholarship
Eligibility criteria: Chevening Eligibility Criteria
Application timeline: Chevening Application Timeline
Application guidance: How to Apply to Chevening
Last Updated: October 2026