The United Kingdom Government has announced that applications for the 2026 Chevening Scholarship are now open, offering Nigerians and other eligible candidates the opportunity to pursue a fully funded one-year master’s degree at universities across the UK.
According to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), applications will remain open from August 4 to October 6, 2026. The scholarship is designed for professionals who have demonstrated leadership potential and a commitment to driving positive change in their communities.
Funded by the UK Government in partnership with various organisations, the Chevening Scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs and provides access to a global network of professionals.
Established in 1983, the Chevening Scholarship is the UK Government’s flagship international scholarship programme. It supports outstanding professionals from more than 140 countries and territories to undertake a one-year taught master’s degree at eligible UK universities.
More than 60,000 individuals have benefited from the programme, with many alumni going on to occupy leadership positions in government, business, academia and civil society.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- Full tuition fees for an eligible master’s programme
- Monthly living allowance
- Return economy airfare to the UK
- Arrival and departure allowances
- Travel grants for approved Chevening events
- Access to exclusive networking and leadership opportunities
- Membership of the global Chevening alumni network
Eligibility Requirements
The scholarship is open to professionals who:
- Demonstrate strong leadership and influencing skills
- Show the potential to contribute to sustainable development
- Possess excellent networking and relationship-building abilities
- Are committed to creating positive change in their communities and countries
- Meet the academic and general eligibility requirements
The UK Government also encouraged applications from underrepresented groups as part of its commitment to diversity and inclusion.
How to Apply
Interested applicants are expected to:
- Visit the official Chevening application portal between August 4 and October 6, 2026
- Register through the Nigeria country application page
- Complete the eligibility checker
- Save their unique application access code
- Provide personal, educational and professional details
- Select three eligible UK master’s degree programmes
- Submit details of two referees
- Complete the required essays on leadership, networking, study plans and career goals
- Submit their applications before the closing date
Applicants are advised to prepare their essays in a separate document before completing the online application and to save their work regularly, as inactive sessions may automatically time out.
Selection Timeline
The UK Government outlined the following timeline for the scholarship process:
- Applications open: August 4, 2026
- Applications close: October 6, 2026
- Application review: October 2026 onwards
- Interviews: March–April 2027
- Successful applicants notified: Mid-June 2027
- Programme begins: September/October 2027
Selection Criteria
Applicants will be assessed based on:
- Leadership potential
- Academic excellence
- Professional experience
- Ability to build strong professional networks
- Commitment to creating lasting impact in their communities and globally
The Chevening Scholarship seeks individuals who can apply the knowledge, skills and international connections gained in the UK to contribute meaningfully to national development and help address global challenges.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to begin preparations early and carefully review all eligibility requirements before submitting their applications.
