The Chevening Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and competitive international scholarship programs in the world. Funded by the UK government through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations, the Chevening Scholarship provides fully funded opportunities for outstanding individuals from across the globe to pursue one-year master’s degrees in the United Kingdom. Each year, thousands of applicants compete for the opportunity to study at some of the UK’s leading universities, making the selection process both challenging and rewarding.
If you are considering applying, you might be asking: How difficult is it to get a Chevening Scholarship? In this article, we’ll explore what makes the Chevening Scholarship so competitive, who is eligible, what criteria are used to evaluate candidates and tips on how to increase your chances of success.
Understanding the Chevening Scholarship
The Chevening Scholarship is not just about academic achievement; it seeks individuals who have demonstrated leadership potential, strong networking skills, and a vision for contributing to their home country’s development after graduation. The program attracts future decision-makers, influencers, and change-makers from over 160 countries and territories.
The scholarship covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance
- Economy class return airfare to the UK
- Additional grants to cover essential expenditure
Given the full financial coverage and the prestige associated with being a Chevening Scholar, the competition is understandably intense.
How competitive is the Chevening Scholarship?
Each year, the Chevening program receives over 50,000 applications globally, but only around 1,500 scholarships are awarded. That equates to an approximate success rate of just 2-3%. This figure alone illustrates how selective the program is.
But beyond the numbers, the competitiveness of the Chevening Scholarship lies in its comprehensive selection process. It is not enough to simply have strong academic credentials or relevant work experience. You must also possess a compelling story, a clear career plan, leadership potential, and the ability to articulate your goals and ambitions in a way that aligns with Chevening’s mission.
Key eligibility criteria
Before applying, it is essential to check the official eligibility criteria. These include:
- Being a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country
- Returning to your home country for a minimum of two years after your scholarship ends
- Having completed an undergraduate degree that enables entry into a UK postgraduate program
- Having at least two years (equivalent to 2,800 hours) of work experience
- Applying to three different eligible UK university courses
- Not having previously received UK Government funding to study in the UK
Core components of the application
The Chevening application process includes several major components that determine your chances of being shortlisted and selected.
- Online application form: The initial application includes personal details, work experience, academic background, and your chosen UK university courses.
- Four essay questions: This is where applicants demonstrate their suitability. You’ll be asked to write about:
- Leadership and influence
- Networking
- Career plan
- Why do you want to study in the UK
- References: Two professional or academic referees who can comment on your suitability must submit letters of recommendation.
- Interview (if shortlisted): Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview at the British embassy or high commission in their country. The interview typically lasts 30–60 minutes and is conducted by a panel.
What makes the Chevening Scholarship difficult to get?
There are several factors that contribute to the difficulty of obtaining a Chevening Scholarship:
- High number of applicants: With tens of thousands of highly qualified candidates from around the world, the sheer volume of competition makes it difficult to stand out.
- Holistic evaluation process: Chevening looks at a range of qualities beyond academics. The selection committee evaluates leadership potential, community involvement, career progression, and the ability to influence change.
- Requirement of work experience: Unlike some scholarships for recent graduates, Chevening requires at least two years of professional experience, making it more suitable for early- to mid-career professionals.
- Demanding essays: The four required essays form a critical part of the application. Each must clearly and concisely convey your experiences, goals, and motivations. Weak essays often lead to immediate disqualification.
- Strategic choice of courses and universities: Candidates are expected to demonstrate thoughtful selection of UK universities and programs that align with their career plans. Choosing irrelevant or overly generic programs can weaken an application.
- Limited slots per country: Each eligible country or region has a limited number of scholarships allocated, meaning that even exceptional candidates may not succeed due to limited availability.
- Mandatory return requirement: The two-year home country return requirement may discourage some candidates who hope to remain in the UK post-study, potentially making the scholarship less attractive for some, but also more targeted.
How to increase your chances of winning a Chevening Scholarship
Despite the challenges, many applicants successfully secure the scholarship each year. Here are key strategies to help boost your chances:
1. Start early and plan well:
The Chevening application process takes several months. Start gathering documents, refining your essays, and researching universities well ahead of time.
2. Tell a compelling story:
Your leadership journey, your career goals, and how studying in the UK will help you make an impact back home should all connect logically. Authenticity matters.
3. Highlight leadership and community engagement:
Whether it’s through work, volunteering, or extracurricular activities, show how you’ve taken initiative, solved problems, or influenced others.
4. Choose your courses wisely:
Pick programs that align directly with your career goals. Mention specific modules, professors, or features that make these programs essential to your development.
5. Prepare for the interview:
If shortlisted, prepare thoroughly. Practice answering questions about your essays, leadership experience, networking skills, and career goals.
6. Select strong referees:
Choose referees who know your work well and can speak to your leadership, character, and suitability for Chevening. Brief them on your goals so their letters can reflect your aspirations.
7. Avoid common mistakes:
Plagiarism, poor grammar, vague responses, or submitting late can all ruin your chances. Proofread and ensure all answers are original and specific.
Is the Chevening Scholarship worth the effort?
Absolutely. The Chevening Scholarship offers more than just financial support. As a Chevening Scholar, you’ll gain access to:
- A global alumni network of over 50,000 professionals
- Professional development opportunities
- Invitations to exclusive UK government events and conferences
- Cultural and academic exposure in the UK
- Recognition and prestige in your home country
The long-term value of being a Chevening Scholar extends beyond your degree. It opens doors in both your personal and professional life.
Conclusion
So, how difficult is it to get a Chevening Scholarship? The answer is: very competitive, but entirely achievable for the right candidate. The key lies in preparation, clarity of purpose, leadership ability, and a genuine passion for making a difference. If you meet the eligibility criteria and are committed to putting in the work, the opportunity is well within reach.
Aspiring scholars should focus on telling their unique story, aligning their academic and professional goals with Chevening’s values, and demonstrating how they will use their education to create positive change in their countries. With determination, a strategic approach, and the right mindset, you could be among the next group of global leaders shaping the future through the Chevening network.
Visit our scholarship section to explore more opportunities
