Chevening Required Documents 2027/28
Every document a Chevening 2027/28 application needs, in the order you need it: what goes in by 6 October 2026, what you upload before your interview, and what follows once you are selected.
ScholarshipUnion Editorial
3 min read
Updated Oct 5, 2026
Document Tracker
Tick off each item as you get it ready. The list follows the order you need things, from the application itself to the months after shortlisting. Chevening asks for no uploads to submit the form: you type in your education, work history and referees, and upload documents only if you are shortlisted.
Phase 1: At application (4 August – 6 October 2026)
The four essays (500 words each)
For detailed essay guidance, see the Chevening Essay Guide.
Phase 2: After shortlisting (from mid-February 2027)
If you're shortlisted, you upload your passport or national ID, your undergraduate degree certificate and both reference letters to the online system no later than seven working days before your interview. Bring the same photo ID on the day.
Common Document Mistakes
Every year, strong candidates lose out because of avoidable document errors.
- Expired English test scores. IELTS and TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years. If yours expire before your university needs them, retake the test.
- Wrong passport details. Your name must match your passport exactly — middle names, spellings, everything. A mismatch causes visa problems.
- Reference letters not uploaded on time. If the letters aren't in seven working days before your interview, you are removed from consideration. Always have a backup referee in mind.
- No unconditional university offer. Conditional offers don't count. All conditions must be cleared before the 8 July 2027 deadline.
- Insufficient work experience evidence. Letters need job title, dates and hours worked. Vague “to whom it may concern” letters aren't enough.
- Wrong file formats or sizes. Convert to PDF, check file sizes and test uploads before the last minute. The system gets slow near the deadline.
Reference Tips
Full guide →Referees are busy people. Early notice prevents last-minute stress.
Leadership, networking, career ambition. Give them specific talking points.
Chevening does not contact referees for you. You upload both letters, in English or with a notarised translation.
Referees forget. Send a gentle reminder a week before you need the letter.
Related Guides
Step-by-step application walkthrough.
How to write all four Chevening essays.
Structure your CV for Chevening.
How to choose and prepare referees.