Chevening Scholarship 2027–28:UK (Fully Funded)
- July 13, 2026
- 9:11 am
Table of Contents
The Chevening Scholarship is one of the world’s most prestigious fully funded scholarship programmes, giving outstanding professionals the opportunity to study for a one-year Master’s degree at a UK university. Backed by the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations, it supports talented individuals who have demonstrated leadership potential and a commitment to creating positive change. Along with full financial support, Chevening offers valuable networking opportunities, leadership development, and lifelong membership in a global community of influential alumni. This guide explains everything you need to know about the Chevening Scholarship 2027, including eligibility, benefits, application steps, important dates, and expert tips for a successful application.
This guide covers everything you need to know: what the scholarship actually covers (with current 2025–26 figures), who is eligible, how to apply, what selectors look for — and crucially, what happens after Oxford, including your UK visa options once the scholarship ends.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Funding Status
- Fully Funded (Tuition, living allowance, flights, and visa)
- Eligible Degree
- 1-Year Taught Master’s Degree
- Eligible Countries
- 160+ Countries and Territories
- Application Opens
- August 4, 2026 (11:00 UTC)
- Application Closes
- October 6, 2026 (11:00 UTC)
- Work Experience Req.
- Minimum 2 years (2,800 hours) post-graduation
- Mandatory Condition
- Must return to home country for at least 2 years post-degree
- Scholars Arrive
- Official Website
What Is the Chevening Scholarship?
The Chevening Scholarship is the UK government’s flagship international scholarship programme. It is funded by the FCDO along with a network of partner organisations, and it has run since 1983. Since then, it has supported nearly 60,000 professionals from around the world to study in the UK.
The programme was created to build long-term relationships between the UK and future leaders in other countries. Rather than being a general academic scholarship, Chevening looks for applicants who already have real-world leadership experience and a clear plan for how a UK master’s will help them create change back home.
Chevening funds a one-year, full-time taught master’s degree at any UK university, in any subject. Scholars are chosen by British embassies and high commissions in their home country or region, based on leadership potential, networking ability, and the strength of their study proposal.
This scholarship suits professionals who already have at least two years of work experience and want to move into a more senior or influential role. It is not designed for undergraduates or for people planning to settle permanently in the UK, since scholars commit to returning home for at least two years after their studies end.
Note: This is not a scholarship for recent graduates with zero work history. It is specifically tailored for
professionals who are already driving positive change in their communities and seek a UK Master degree to
amplify their work.
What the Rhodes Scholarship Covers
Full Benefits
The scholarship covers all major costs associated with studying at Oxford. Here is exactly what is included, based on confirmed 2025–26 figures from the Rhodes Trust:
Financial
Coverage
- Payment of university tuition fees, paid directly to the university.
- A monthly personal living allowance (stipend), with the rate depending on whether you study inside or outside London (rates are reviewed annually and published on chevening.org).
- A travel top-up allowance.
- Visa renewal assistance and additional IHS fees if you transition to a second Oxford course.
Travel and
Health
- Economy-class return airfare between your home country and the UK, by an approved route.
- An arrival allowance.
- A departure allowance.
- The cost of your UK visa (entry clearance) application.
- A contribution of up to £75 towards TB testing, where this is required.
Duration: The basic tenure is two years. Scholars may not apply for a single one-year course, but may pursue two consecutive one-year courses within the two-year tenure. In certain cases — most commonly DPhil (PhD) candidates — scholars may apply for a third year or more of funding, subject to approval by the Rhodes Trust.
- Eligibility Criteria
- Must hold citizenship, permanent residency, or a qualifying national connection to your constituency; apply only through that designated constituency; confirm via the official Eligibility Checker; dual citizens/multi-country residents should apply through their strongest connection.
- Main track age: 18–23 on 1 Oct 2026 (born after 1 Oct 2002, on/before 2 Oct 2008)
- Older candidate pathway: Under 27 on 1 Oct 2026 (born after 1 Oct 1999) AND first undergraduate degree completed on/after 1 Oct 2025
Important: Age cut-offs are strictly enforced. There are very limited exceptions and these are only considered for candidates directly affected by specific qualifying circumstances (e.g. active military service). Always verify the exact dates for your constituency on the official website.
- Required Documents
- Completed online Rhodes Scholarship application form (submitted through the constituency's application portal)
- Official academic transcripts and degree certificate — or certified provisional proof of expected graduation
- Curriculum Vitae / Resume in the format specified by your constituency (typically 2 pages maximum, no photograph for most constituencies)
- Personal Statement: your achievements, values, leadership experience, and long-term vision for impact
- Academic Statement: your proposed Oxford programme, academic rationale, and how it connects to your broader goals
- Four to eight referee letters (number varies by constituency) — referees must submit directly through the secure portal
- Valid passport or other proof of citizenship / residency for your constituency
- A recent head-and-shoulders colour photograph (as specified by your constituency's guidelines)
- Institutional endorsement or nomination letter (required by USA, Canada, and certain other constituencies)
For constituencies requiring institutional endorsement (including USA and Canada), you must apply through your university’s internal nomination process first — with a separate campus deadline that is typically 2–3 months before the national submission date. Check with your institution’s fellowships or honors office immediately.
Application, Selection Timeline & How to Apply
| Stage | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Application Opens |
June 1, 2026 |
Most constituencies. USA opens July 1, 2026. |
|
Campus Deadlines |
Varies (Jun–Sep 2026) |
Institutions with endorsement requirements (USA, Canada) have earlier internal deadlines. Check with your fellowships office. |
|
Application Deadline |
July 23, 2026 |
Varies by constituency. USA/Canada deadlines are in October 2026. Always verify your exact deadline on the official site. |
|
Shortlisting |
Aug–Oct 2026 |
Shortlisted candidates are notified and invited to a regional social engagement event and final panel interview. |
|
Selection interviews |
Oct–Dec 2026 |
Panel interviews vary by constituency. Some are in-person; others may include virtual components. |
|
Scholars announced |
Nov 2026 – Jan 2027 |
Successful scholars (Scholar-Elects) are notified. Support to apply to Oxford begins immediately. |
|
Oxford application |
Jan–Feb 2027 |
Scholar-Elects apply to Oxford with full support from the Rhodes Trust team. |
|
Studies begin |
October 2027 |
Scholars arrive at Oxford in late September 2027 for the start of the academic year. |
Step by Step
- Step 1: Check your constituency eligibility
- Step 2: Check for institutional endorsement requirements
- Step 3: Choose your Oxford programme in advance
- Step 4: Register your referees early
- Step 5: Complete and submit the online application
- Step 6: Prepare for the selection interview
Visa During the Rhodes Scholarship
As a Rhodes Scholar, you will study in the UK on a Student visa. The Rhodes Trust covers your Student visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), ensuring you can remain in the UK for the full duration of your approved Oxford programme.
Option 1
Graduate Route Visa
Stay in the UK after graduation to work or look for employment.
- No job offer required
- Up to 2 years for Master's graduates (18 months for applications from 1 Jan 2027)
- 3 years for DPhil (PhD) graduates
- Apply before your Student visa expires
- Does not directly lead to UK settlement (ILR)
Option 2
Skilled Worker Visa
Ideal for graduates pursuing a long-term career in the UK.
- Requires a job offer from a licensed UK employer
- Must meet salary and eligibility requirements
- Can switch from the Graduate Route
- Eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years
Option 3
Innovator Founder Visa
For graduates planning to start an innovative business in the UK.
- Requires an endorsed business idea
- Business must be innovative, viable, and scalable
- Potential route to UK settlement after 3 years
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an Oxford offer before applying for the Rhodes Scholarship?
No. You apply for the Rhodes Scholarship first. If selected as a Scholar-Elect, the Rhodes Trust will then actively support and fast-track your University of Oxford graduate application. You should, however, research your intended programme thoroughly before applying, as your Academic Statement must clearly explain your choice.
Can I apply if my country has no Rhodes constituency?
The Global Scholarship track was suspended for the 2026-27 cycle (entry October 2027). If your country is not covered by an established constituency, check the official Rhodes Trust website for the current status of the Global track and any alternative application options before the deadline.
Are the age limits flexible?
No. The Rhodes Trust enforces strict age cut-offs. The only documented exceptions are for candidates directly impacted by qualifying circumstances such as active military service in certain constituencies. There are no exceptions based on extenuating academic or personal circumstances.
Can I apply to more than one Rhodes constituency in the same year?
No. You may only submit a single application globally per year, through a single constituency. Choose the constituency with which you have the strongest connection.
Can I apply a second time if I was unsuccessful?
Yes, but only once more — the maximum number of Rhodes applications you can make in your lifetime is two. Note that any second application must still meet the age and other eligibility requirements at the time of reapplication.
Does the stipend cover my partner or family?
No. The £20,400 annual stipend is for the scholar only. The Rhodes Trust explicitly states this is not sufficient to cover partners or dependants. Family members would need to fund their own visa and living costs independently.
Can I defer the scholarship if I win it?
No. The Rhodes Scholarship cannot be deferred to a later academic year. Scholars who are selected in 2026 begin at Oxford in October 2027 — this is fixed.
Can I apply to both the Rhodes Scholarship and Chevening in the same cycle?
Yes. These two scholarships have different deadlines (Rhodes in July, Chevening in November) and are administered by separate organisations. You may apply to both simultaneously if you meet the eligibility requirements of each. If you are awarded both, you must accept only one.
After Oxford, do I automatically get a UK work visa?
No. The Graduate Route visa is a separate application you must submit after completing your Oxford degree — it is not automatic. You must apply from inside the UK before your Student visa expires. See the ‘After Oxford: Your UK Visa Options’ section of this guide for full details.
Who were some famous Rhodes Scholars?
The Rhodes community includes former US President Bill Clinton, former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke, musician Kris Kristofferson, and leaders across government, law, medicine, journalism, and academia worldwide. Over 4,500 living scholars represent more than 100 countries.