What You Get
Table of Contents
Chevening is one of the most generous scholarship programmes in the world for a one-year Master's degree. It covers tuition, living costs, travel, and comes with access to one of the largest alumni networks globally. But it does not cover everything, and the living allowance has real limits depending on where you study. Here is an honest breakdown of what you actually get.
Full Tuition Fees
Chevening covers the complete cost of your Master's programme at any eligible UK university. This means your tuition is paid directly by the scholarship, regardless of which university or course you choose from the approved list.
There is no publicly stated cap on tuition fees, though the scholarship covers standard taught Master's programmes. International tuition fees at UK universities typically range from GBP 15,000 to GBP 35,000 or more, depending on the institution and subject area. Science, engineering, and business programmes tend to be at the higher end.
You do not need to worry about tuition costs when choosing your courses. Focus on finding the programme that best fits your career plan, not the cheapest one. Chevening handles the bill.
Monthly Living Allowance
Your allowance depends on where you study. Toggle to compare:
per month
Typical Monthly Expenses
Paid directly to your UK bank account each month. Covers the 12-month programme duration.
Travel
Chevening provides return economy class flights to the UK and back to your home country. The flights are booked through Chevening's designated travel agent, not by you directly.
You get one return trip during the scholarship period. That means one flight to the UK at the start and one flight home at the end. Chevening does not cover mid-year trips home, holiday travel, or flights for family visits. If you want to go home during Christmas or Easter, that comes out of your own pocket.
Additional Grants
On top of tuition, living allowance, and travel, Chevening provides several additional one-off payments and grants:
Arrival Allowance
A one-off settling-in payment to help cover initial costs when you first arrive in the UK, such as bedding, kitchen essentials, and SIM cards.
Homeward Departure Allowance
A payment at the end of your scholarship to help with departure costs, packing, and other end-of-stay expenses.
Excess Baggage Allowance
A contribution towards excess baggage fees for your return journey, recognising that you will likely have more luggage after a year in the UK.
Thesis/Dissertation Grant
A grant for research-related costs, such as printing, binding, and materials needed for your final project or dissertation.
Study Travel Grant
For UK-based study trips related to your course. If your programme includes fieldwork, site visits, or conferences within the UK, this grant helps cover travel costs.
What Chevening Does NOT Cover
This is important. Chevening is generous, but it does not cover everything. You will need to pay for the following out of your own funds:
- Dependents: If you want to bring a spouse, partner, or children to the UK, Chevening does not cover their costs. No additional living allowance, no extra flights, no visa fees for family members.
- NHS Surcharge: You must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your visa application. This is approximately GBP 776 per year for students.
- Visa Application Fee: The UK Student visa application fee is approximately GBP 490. This comes out of your own pocket.
- Pre-departure Costs: TB test (required for some countries), IELTS/TOEFL fees, document translation and certification, passport renewal. These costs add up and are all on you.
- Daily Commuting Costs: Transport to and from your university beyond what the living allowance covers. London transport is particularly expensive (GBP 150+ per month for a student Oyster card).
Living Allowance Comparison
How does Chevening's living allowance compare to other major UK scholarships? Here is a side-by-side look:
| Scholarship | Monthly Allowance (London) | Monthly Allowance (Outside) | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevening | GBP 1,516 | GBP 1,215 | Full |
| Commonwealth | GBP 1,516 | GBP 1,215 | Full |
| Gates Cambridge | ~GBP 1,400 | ~GBP 1,400 | Full |
| Clarendon (Oxford) | ~GBP 1,350 | ~GBP 1,350 | Full |
| Marshall | ~GBP 1,300 | ~GBP 1,100 | Full |
Figures are approximate and based on publicly available information for the 2026-2027 academic year. Actual amounts may vary.
Is It Enough to Live On?
The honest answer: it depends on where you study and how you live. Here is a realistic monthly breakdown:
London (GBP 1,516/month)
London is tight on GBP 1,516 per month. Rent is by far the biggest expense. If you can find university halls of residence, you may get a better deal than the private rental market. A room in a shared flat in zones 2-3 typically costs GBP 700-1,000. Central London is more. You will not have much left over for extras.
Outside London (GBP 1,215/month)
Outside London is more comfortable. Cities like Edinburgh, Manchester, Leeds, and Sheffield have significantly lower rents, and you will find the GBP 1,215 monthly allowance stretches further. Many scholars outside London can save a small amount each month.
Budget Tips
- Apply for university halls early. They are often cheaper than private rentals and include bills.
- Get a student discount card (TOTUM) for savings on food, travel, and retail.
- Cook at home. Eating out in the UK adds up fast.
- Use student bank accounts that come with free railcards and other perks.
- Shop at budget supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, and ASDA.
- Bring some savings. Having GBP 500-1,000 as a buffer is strongly recommended, especially for your first month before the living allowance starts.