The UK government has opened applications for the 2026-27 Chevening Scholarships and Fellowships, with registrations live now and the final deadline set for October 7, 2025 at 12:00 UTC. These awards fund a one year master’s degree at any UK university and offer short term professional fellowships for mid to senior level leaders across sectors including leadership, science, journalism, and cyber security.
| Key Stage | Date or Details |
|---|---|
| Applications open | August 5, 2025, 12:00 UTC |
| Applications close | October 7, 2025, 12:00 UTC |
| Sift against eligibility | From October 2025 |
| Reading committee | Mid October 2025 to January 2026 |
| Shortlist for interviews | Mid February 2026 |
| Interviews | March to April 2026 |
| Results | Mid June 2026 |
| Offer deadline | July 9, 2026, 17:00 BST |
| Course start | September to October 2026 |
Eligibility At A Glance
Chevening Scholarships are open to Indian citizens who hold an undergraduate degree, have at least 2,800 hours of post graduation work experience which is roughly two years, and agree to return to their home country for at least two years after study. Applicants must apply to three eligible UK master’s courses and secure at least one unconditional offer by the programme’s offer deadline. Those with British citizenship except limited exceptions, those previously funded by a UK government scholarship, and employees of certain UK government bodies and their close relatives are not eligible.
What The Scholarship And Fellowship Cover
Chevening Scholarships provide full financial support for one year master’s programmes including tuition fees, travel, and living costs. Chevening Fellowships are intensive 8 to 12 week fully funded professional programmes at leading UK institutions, featuring lectures, workshops, site visits, and engagement with sector experts. Fellowships target mid to senior level professionals and are designed to accelerate leadership and domain expertise in priority fields.
Core Timeline For The 2025 To 2026 Cycle
Applications opened on August 5, 2025 and close on October 7, 2025 at 12:00 UTC, followed by eligibility checks from October 2025 and reading committee assessments through January 2026. Shortlisting is expected in mid February 2026, with interviews scheduled for March to April 2026, final results in mid June 2026, and the unconditional offer deadline on July 9, 2026. Scholars are due to arrive in the UK for courses commencing in September to October 2026.
How To Prepare A Competitive Application
Candidates should confirm eligibility, line up three suitable UK master’s courses, and assemble strong evidence of leadership, networking, and career impact ahead of the October 7 deadline. Work experience must total at least 2,800 hours and can be accumulated across multiple roles. Applications missing the minimum experience are rejected automatically. Finalists must secure at least one unconditional offer by July 9, 2026 to remain eligible for funding.
Uttar Pradesh Chevening Partnership For Five Fully Funded Master’s Each Year
The Uttar Pradesh government, in partnership with the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, has launched the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Chevening UP State Government Scholarship Scheme to sponsor five meritorious students annually for a one year master’s in the UK. The scheme runs for 2025 to 26, 2026 to 27, and 2027 to 28. It covers tuition, research and exam fees, a monthly living allowance, and round trip economy airfare. The UP government will pay about 23 lakh rupees per student and the UK side will cover the remaining costs.
Who Should Consider Chevening
Chevening targets emerging and established professionals with demonstrable leadership potential, strong academic readiness for UK master’s study, and clear plans to translate the UK experience into broader impact upon return. The fellowships route suits mid to senior level professionals seeking focused, high impact development over 8 to 12 weeks aligned to sector priorities.
Key Steps Before The Deadline
Applicants should complete the eligibility quiz, choose three eligible degree programmes, and prepare essays, references, and documentation well ahead of October 7, 2025. Those shortlisted must be ready for interviews in March to April 2026 and plan to secure an unconditional offer by July 9, 2026 to meet programme conditions.
With full funding for master’s study and high calibre fellowships, Chevening offers Indian candidates a path to world class education and professional growth, with applications open now and closing on October 7, 2025 at 12:00 UTC. For aspirants from Uttar Pradesh, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Chevening scholarship further expands access by underwriting five fully funded UK master’s each academic year through 2027 to 28.