Overview
The Chevening Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and competitive fully funded Master’s programmes in the world. Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations, it offers exceptional individuals from Nigeria and over 160 other countries the chance to pursue a one-year taught Master’s degree at any eligible university in the United Kingdom.
More than just financial support, Chevening is a leadership development programme. Scholars are selected for their academic excellence, proven leadership potential, and commitment to creating positive change in their home countries. Successful candidates join a powerful global network of over 50,000 alumni, many of whom now hold influential positions in government, business, academia, and civil society across Africa and beyond.
For Nigerian and African applicants, Chevening represents a life-changing opportunity to gain world-class education, expand professional networks, and return home equipped to drive development and innovation. With full coverage of tuition fees, living expenses, airfare, and other allowances, the scholarship removes financial barriers and allows scholars to focus entirely on maximising their potential.
Open to: Citizens of Nigeria and over 160 eligible countries (including most African nations).
Focus: One-year taught Master’s at any eligible UK university.
Benefits: Full tuition, monthly living allowance, return economy airfare, arrival allowance, and other grants.
Key requirements:
– Undergraduate degree that qualifies you for a UK Master’s (typically equivalent to a UK 2:1; a 2:2 may work if universities accept it).
– At least two years (2,800 hours) of work experience (NYSC counts; paid/unpaid roles, internships, and volunteering can be combined).
– Leadership potential and commitment to return home for at least two years after the scholarship.
– Not previously studied in the UK on a UK government-funded scholarship.
How to apply:
Apply via the official Chevening portal
Application Closing Date:
Applications for the 2026 cycle (for 2027 entry) opened on 4 August 2026 and close on 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC. Interviews typically occur in early 2027.
