After Chevening Selection 2027: From Conditional Offer to Arrival
You've been selected — but the work is not over. A conditional offer becomes real only when you complete every step below, starting with an unconditional university offer by 8 July 2027.
ScholarshipUnion Editorial
7 min read
Updated Oct 5, 2026
Results for the 2027/28 cycle are announced from mid-June 2027. From that moment, the clock is running. Use the checklist to keep track as you go.
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The conditional offer
When Chevening tells you you've been selected, what you receive is a conditional offer. Your place on the scholarship is held for you, but it isn't confirmed until you meet a set of conditions. Think of it as a provisional "yes" that becomes a full "yes" only when you tick every box.
Typical conditions you must meet
- Secure an unconditional offer from one of your three chosen UK university courses by 8 July 2027, 17:00 BST
- Meet your university's English language requirement (Chevening itself has no English test requirement, but the university will make it a condition of your offer)
- Confirm your university choice to the Chevening Secretariat
- Successfully obtain a UK Student visa
Every year, a number of conditionally selected scholars lose their places because they fail to meet one or more conditions by the deadline. The most common reasons are failing to secure an unconditional university offer, often because a university's English language condition wasn't met in time. Take every condition seriously and act fast.
Confirm your university choice
During your Chevening application, you listed three university and course preferences. Now you need to pick one and secure an unconditional offer from that university. This is non-negotiable — Chevening cannot issue your scholarship until the university has formally accepted you.
- 1Check all three applications
Contact all three universities immediately to check the status of your applications. If you haven't applied yet (some applicants wait for Chevening results first), do it now — urgently.
- 2Convert conditional to unconditional
If any university has given you a conditional offer (for example, pending your English test score), work to convert it to unconditional as quickly as possible.
- 3Confirm with Chevening
Once you have an unconditional offer, confirm your final choice with the Chevening Secretariat through the online portal.
Can you change your university choice?
In some cases, yes. If your first-choice university rejects you or you have a strong reason to switch, contact the Chevening Secretariat. Changes are handled case by case and are not guaranteed, but the team is generally reasonable if you communicate early and have a valid reason.
Meet your university's English language requirement
Chevening removed its own English language requirement in 2020, so you don't submit a test score to Chevening. Your university, however, almost certainly sets one, and an unmet English condition keeps your offer conditional. If you haven't already met it, take an IELTS, TOEFL or PTE test now.
Many UK master's courses ask for scores in this range (always check your own course page, as some require more):
| Test | Typical university minimum |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Overall 6.5, no section below 5.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | Overall 79 (Reading 18, Listening 17, Speaking 20, Writing 17) |
| PTE Academic | Overall 58, no section below 42 |
Book your test early. Test centres fill up quickly, especially during the Chevening selection season. Leave enough time for results to come through (usually 2–3 weeks for IELTS) and for a potential retake if you don't hit the required scores on the first attempt.
If your university offer is still conditional at the Chevening deadline (8 July 2027, 17:00 BST), your award is withdrawn. No extensions are granted. An unmet English condition is one of the most common reasons scholars lose their places after conditional selection.
Apply for your UK Student visa
Visa guide →Once your university place is confirmed, the university issues a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies). Chevening issues your Financial Award Letter (FAL) by August. You need both to apply for your UK Student visa (formerly Tier 4).
| Item | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee | GBP 558 from outside the UK — not paid by Chevening scholars |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | GBP 776 per year — not paid by Chevening scholars |
| Biometrics | Fingerprints and photo at a visa application centre |
| CAS number | Provided by your university after confirming your place |
Documents you'll need
- Valid passport (with at least one blank page)
- CAS number from your university
- Chevening Financial Award Letter (proving your scholarship covers tuition and living costs)
- English language test results, if your university used them for your offer
- TB test certificate (required for applicants from certain countries)
Chevening scholars don't pay the visa fee or the Immigration Health Surcharge. When the online visa form asks whether you hold a Chevening scholarship, select "yes" and both payment pages are skipped. Answer this wrongly and the costs cannot be reimbursed. See Chevening's visa guidance.
Pre-departure preparation
Once your visa is approved, it's time to prepare for your move to the UK. This is when things start feeling real.
TB test
If you're applying from a country where tuberculosis testing is required (most countries in Africa, Asia, and parts of Latin America), you'll need a TB test from an approved clinic before your visa appointment. Results are usually available on the same day. Chevening advises organising it as soon as you receive your conditional offer, because the overall process can take time, and you'll receive a contribution towards the cost once you're in the UK.
UK bank account
Some UK banks allow you to open an account online before you arrive. Barclays and HSBC have been popular choices for international students. Having a UK bank account ready means you can receive your Chevening stipend payments from day one. If you can't open one before arrival, most universities have partnerships with banks that make the process easier during Freshers' Week.
Accommodation
Start looking for accommodation as soon as your university is confirmed. University halls of residence are the easiest option — apply early as they fill up fast. Private accommodation is another option, but navigating the UK rental market from abroad can be tricky. Many Chevening scholars use university-managed housing for their year. Our UK accommodation guide covers the options.
Pre-departure briefing
The British High Commission or Embassy in your country typically organises a pre-departure briefing for all Chevening scholars. This is where you'll meet fellow scholars from your country, receive practical advice about living in the UK, and get answers to last-minute questions. Attendance is strongly recommended — and in some countries, expected.
Arrive in the UK
You've met all the conditions, secured your visa, packed your bags. Now you're actually going. Here's what the first few weeks look like.
- 1Chevening orientation
The Chevening Secretariat organises an orientation programme for all new scholars, usually held in London around the start of the academic year. You'll meet scholars from over 160 countries and territories, attend workshops, and learn what's expected of you as a Chevening scholar.
- 2University registration
Head to your university city, register for your course, get your student ID, and access university services. This is also when you'll set up your IT accounts and library access, and meet your department.
- 3Check your eVisa
The UK no longer issues Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs). Your immigration status is an eVisa, which you access through your UKVI account — set it up before you travel and keep it linked to the passport you use.
- 4Register with a GP
Register with a local doctor's surgery (GP) near your accommodation. The NHS is available to you because the Immigration Health Surcharge is covered with your visa. Don't wait until you're sick to register.
The first few weeks are intense but exciting. You're meeting people from all over the world, adjusting to a new academic system, and figuring out how to navigate a new country. Lean into the Chevening community — your fellow scholars are going through the exact same thing, and many will become lifelong friends and professional contacts.
Important deadlines after selection
Timing is everything after you're selected. Missing any of these deadlines can cost you the scholarship. Here's the timeline for the 2027/28 cohort (official dates where Chevening has published them; the rest are typical windows):
| Task | Deadline or window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Results announced | From mid-June 2027 | Official Chevening timeline |
| Unconditional offer and university choice confirmed | 8 July 2027, 17:00 BST | Official; includes meeting the university's English condition. No extensions |
| Financial Award Letter issued | By August 2027 | Needed with your CAS for the visa |
| Apply for UK visa | June – August | After receiving your CAS and FAL |
| Pre-departure briefing | July – August | Organised by the local British Embassy |
| Arrive in the UK | Late August – September | In time for orientation and registration |
| University term starts | September/October 2027 | Varies by university |
Keep a calendar with all these dates marked. Set reminders. Share the timeline with a trusted friend or family member who can help keep you on track. The period between selection and departure is one of the busiest of your life, and staying organised is the difference between a smooth start and a panicked scramble.
Related guides
Detailed UK Student visa application guide.
Tips for making the most of your time in the UK.
What the Chevening scholarship covers.
Cost of living, accommodation, student life and top cities.