Chevening Scholarship 2027, Requirements & Application

Key facts

Status: Applications open Closes 6 October 2026
Provider: Chevening
Study level: Postgraduate
Academic year: 2027
Last checked: September 2026

The 2027/28 round is open and closes on 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC (13:00 South African time).

Reviewed & verified by Sipho NdlovuSenior Editor and Content ManagerVerified

Chevening is the UK government’s flagship international scholarship, funding a one-year master’s degree at any UK university for emerging leaders from more than 160 countries. It is one of the most sought-after awards for South African professionals, covering everything from tuition to flights, and it looks for people who will return home and lead in their field.

About the Chevening Scholarship

A one-year master’s degree at any UK university, in any subject.
Covers full tuition fees, a monthly living stipend, economy return flights, arrival and departure allowances, visa costs and up to £75 for TB testing where required.
Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and partner organisations, with access to the global Chevening alumni network.

Chevening eligibility requirements

South African citizen who will return to South Africa for at least two years after the scholarship.
A bachelor’s degree that qualifies for UK postgraduate admission, completed at least two years before the deadline.
At least two years of work experience (2 800 hours) gained after graduating, including paid, voluntary or internship work.
Not previously funded by the UK government to study in the UK, and not a UK citizen or dual national.

How to apply for Chevening

Choose three eligible master’s courses at UK universities and apply online at chevening.org before 6 October 2026.
Answer the four essay questions on leadership, networking, why you chose your courses and your career plan, and upload your degree certificate, transcripts and passport. Two references are requested later.
Shortlisted candidates are interviewed at the British High Commission in Pretoria around February or March 2027. Results are announced in June 2027, and you need an unconditional offer from one of your courses by July 2027.

Chevening closing date

6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC (13:00 South African time) for the 2027/28 academic year.

Contact details

Chevening Secretariat: chevening.org/about/contact-us
DHET international scholarships: 012 312 5393, internationalscholarships@dhet.gov.za

South Africans looking at UK study should also see the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship and the Rhodes Scholarship.

FAQs

1. When does the Chevening scholarship close for 2027/28? +

6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC, which is 13:00 South African time. The online system closes at that moment, so submit early.

2. What is Chevening? +

The UK government's international scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, which funds a one-year master's degree at any UK university for emerging leaders from around the world, including South Africa.

3. What does it cover? +

Full tuition fees, a monthly living stipend, economy return flights, arrival and departure allowances, visa costs and up to £75 for TB testing where required.

4. Who qualifies? +

South African citizens with a bachelor's degree that qualifies for UK postgraduate admission, at least two years (2 800 hours) of work experience gained after graduating, who have not received UK government funding before and who commit to returning to South Africa for at least two years after the scholarship.

5. How do I apply? +

Online at chevening.org between August and 6 October 2026, choosing three master's courses at UK universities and answering four essay questions on leadership, networking, study plans and career goals. Shortlisted candidates are interviewed at the British High Commission in Pretoria around February or March 2027, with results in June 2027.

6. Do I need a university offer first? +

No. You need at least one unconditional offer from one of your three chosen courses by July 2027 to take up the scholarship.

Update note (checked September 2026): the 2027/28 round is open and closes on 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC (13:00 South African time). The online system shuts at that moment, so submit early.

Checked the requirements and closing date? Apply directly with the provider.

Apply on the provider’s website

About Chevening

UK government scholarship programme

Chevening is the UK government's global scholarship programme. Chevening funds emerging leaders from more than 160 countries to complete a one-year master's degree at any UK university, and the programme has supported South African postgraduate students for more…

Read the full Chevening profile →

Address: British Council, 76 Juta Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2001
Phone: 011 403 3316
Email: johannesburg.enquiries@british.org.za
Website: chevening.org

Student funding in numbers

2025811 011students funded by NSFAS580 000 at universities, 231 000 at TVET colleges, on a budget of R48.7 billion.

20261 026 091students approved for NSFAS funding609 403 first-year applicants qualified and 416 688 continuing students met the progression criteria, out of 893 847 applications.

2027 projectedR53.4bnbudgeted for NSFASThe allocation rises from R48.7 billion in 2025 to R51 billion in 2026 and R53.4 billion in 2027. Student numbers for 2027 are not published yet.

Figures from the Minister of Higher Education’s Budget Vote of 3 July 2025 and the NSFAS statement of 2 January 2026. NSFAS is the largest funder, not the only one – we track the rest.