Chevening Scholarship Benefits 2027/28

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 your visa, and comes with access to one of the largest alumni networks anywhere. 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.

What Chevening Officially Covers

Chevening's own list of what a scholarship includes:

• Payment of tuition fees
• A monthly personal living allowance (stipend) for accommodation and living expenses
• Economy travel to and from your country by an approved route, for you only
• An arrival allowance and a departure allowance
• The cost of one entry clearance (visa) application, for you only
• A contribution of up to GBP 75 for TB testing, where required
• A travel top-up allowance

On top of that, scholars get a tailored programme of events for networking with peers, alumni, the FCDO, prominent speakers and partner organisations.

Full Tuition Fees

Chevening covers the complete cost of your master's programme at any eligible UK university. Your tuition is paid directly by the scholarship, regardless of which university or course you choose from the approved list.

Tuition for eligible taught master's courses is paid in full. The one exception is the MBA: MBAs are eligible, but Chevening caps MBA tuition at GBP 22,000, and you pay anything above that. International tuition fees at UK universities typically range from GBP 15,000 to GBP 35,000 or more, depending on the institution and subject. Science, engineering and business programmes tend to be at the higher end.

Focus on finding the programme that best fits your career plan, not the cheapest one. Chevening handles the bill.

Your allowance depends on where you study. It's paid directly to your UK bank account each month and covers the 12-month programme.

Chevening does not publish stipend rates on its website. These are the reported 2026/27 rates; Chevening reviews them every year, and your Final Award Letter confirms the 2027/28 rate.

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: 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 at Christmas or Easter, that comes out of your own pocket.

Additional Allowances and Grants

On top of tuition, living allowance and travel, Chevening provides several one-off payments:

The excess baggage, thesis and study travel grants were part of earlier Chevening packages but are not named on Chevening's current published list, so check your award letter for what applies to you.

The “Hidden” Benefits

The financial package is significant, but many Chevening alumni say the non-financial benefits are even more valuable. These are harder to quantify, but they can shape the trajectory of your entire career:

• Chevening alumni network: over 60,000 members worldwide, including government ministers, diplomats, CEOs, academics and civil society leaders. The network operates in virtually every country and opens doors that money cannot buy.
• Exclusive networking events: during your year in the UK, Chevening organises events, receptions and gatherings for current scholars. You meet people from 150+ countries who are in the same position as you.
• Career development workshops: leadership, public speaking, media training and professional development. Practical skills, not just lectures.
• UK Parliament events: invitations to events at the Houses of Parliament, giving you first-hand exposure to how UK democracy and policymaking work.
• Cultural trips and leadership seminars: organised trips to historical sites, cultural institutions and leadership seminars across the UK.

These networking opportunities are often cited by alumni as more valuable than the financial benefits. The connections you make during your Chevening year can lead to job opportunities, collaborations and partnerships that last decades.

What Chevening Does NOT Cover

Chevening is generous, but you will still pay for some things yourself:

• Dependants: if you bring a spouse, partner or children, Chevening does not cover their costs — no extra living allowance, no extra flights, no visa fees or health surcharge for family members.
• Pre-departure costs: English test fees for your universities, document translation and certification, passport renewal. The TB test is only partly covered (up to GBP 75). These costs add up.
• Daily commuting: transport beyond what the living allowance stretches to. London transport is particularly expensive (GBP 150+ per month for a student Oyster card).

Living Allowance Comparison

How does Chevening's living allowance compare with other major UK scholarships?

Chevening figures are the reported 2026/27 rates. Commonwealth figures are its published 2027/28 rates. Gates Cambridge (GBP 23,152 a year) and Clarendon (at least GBP 21,805 a year) are 2026/27 annual rates divided by 12. Check each programme's own site.

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

London is tight on GBP 1,516 a 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

Outside London is more comfortable. Cities like Edinburgh, Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield have significantly lower rents, and 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. A buffer of GBP 500–1,000 is strongly recommended, especially for your first month before the living allowance starts.

For a deeper look at UK prices, see our UK cost of living and accommodation guides.

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