Eighteen questions people ask most often, with straight answers based on official Chevening rules.
No official age limit. Most successful applicants are 25+ due to the 2,800-hour work experience requirement. Scholars in their 30s and 40s are common.
No. You need a completed undergraduate degree plus 2,800 hours of work experience. Finish your degree, gain professional experience, then apply.
Approximately 2 years full-time. Part-time, voluntary, and self-employment all count proportionally. It doesn't need to be continuous or at one job. Calculate hours carefully — falling short means automatic disqualification.
No. You must apply from your country of citizenship. Chevening is strictly citizenship-based, not residency-based. Dual citizens may choose which eligible country to apply through.
IELTS 6.5 overall (no section below 5.5), or equivalent TOEFL/PTE. You don't need scores at application time — submit later before the final deadline. Check university requirements too, as some demand higher scores.
No. Chevening funds one-year taught Master's degrees only. For PhD funding, consider Commonwealth Scholarships, Gates Cambridge, or university-specific doctoral studentships.
Most UK universities participate. Your course must be a one-year taught Master's. Select 3 choices ranked by preference. Pick courses that connect to your career plan — the panel evaluates this closely.
Generally, no. Specific Chevening partnership awards with certain business schools fund MBAs, but they have their own application tracks. Check the Chevening website for current partnerships.
Your application is incomplete and won't be reviewed. Choose reliable referees, brief them early, send reminders, and have backups. Chevening won't chase them for you.
No. Select 3 course preferences without offers. But if awarded, you must secure an unconditional offer from one by July. Start university applications early, in parallel with Chevening.
Yes, but Chevening won't pay for any of it. No flights, living costs, or visa fees for dependents. You must prove you can financially support them. Many scholars leave families at home for the one-year programme.
Your visa allows up to 20 hrs/week during term. But Chevening recommends focusing on studies. The living allowance should cover expenses, and they monitor academic performance.
You may be required to repay the full scholarship — tuition, living costs, flights, everything. If struggling, contact your university's support services and Chevening early.
Not in the UK (scholarships for full-time study are generally tax-free). But check your home country's tax laws — some countries tax foreign income or scholarship grants.
Yes. Non-negotiable. No Graduate visa, no Skilled Worker visa. If staying in the UK is your primary goal, Chevening is the wrong scholarship.
No. One-year taught Master's only. No extensions. Courses running 15 or 18 months don't qualify.
Generally, no. Deferral only for exceptional circumstances (serious illness, family emergency). If you can't go, decline and reapply next cycle.
No limit. Many scholars were rejected on their first attempt. Each application is judged on its own merits. Use each cycle to genuinely strengthen your essays and career plan.