Chevening is the UK Government’s global scholarship programme that offers outstanding Indians the chance to pursue a fully funded master’s degree in the UK The scholarship covers tuition stipend travel and more
What Chevening Offers Indian Students
If selected as a Chevening Scholar from India you usually receive
- University tuition fees paid in full
- A monthly stipend to cover living expenses
- Return airfare between India and the UK
- Arrival allowance when you reach the UK and other allowances
- Networking opportunities exposure to UK universities academic environment and professional development
Eligibility Requirements for Indians
To apply you must meet certain criteria Below are the main ones as of 2025
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Be an Indian citizen and normally reside in India |
| Return Home Commitment | Commit to returning to India for at least two years after your scholarship ends |
| Academic Qualification | Hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies you for a UK master’s programme |
| Work Experience | Minimum of two years of relevant work experience or 2800 hours after your undergraduate degree |
| Applying to UK Courses | Must apply to three different eligible UK master’s courses At least one of them must provide an unconditional offer by the deadline for education and reference documents |
Important Dates and Timeline for India 2025-26 Cycle
Here are the key dates Indian applicants should keep in mind
- Applications open 5 August 2025 at 12:00 UTC
- Application deadline 7 October 2025 at 12:00 UTC
- Offer deadline 9 July 2026 for unconditional offers
- Interviews Expected in March or April 2026
- Results announced Around mid June 2026
- Studies begin Usually September or October 2026
Fellowships and Other Opportunities in India
Besides the master’s scholarship Indian applicants also have fellowship options Some of them are
- Chevening Gurukul Fellowship for Leadership and Excellence at University of Oxford for mid career professionals with proven leadership potential
- Chevening Cyber Security Fellowship at Cranfield University for those working in cyber policy or security
- Chevening South Asia Journalism Fellowship at University of Westminster for journalists in business or economic reporting
These fellowships are shorter often weeks or a few months and are focused on professional development
What is New and Key Changes for 2025
- Stronger focus on how your chosen course and UK university link with global priorities such as climate action inclusive societies and security in essays
- Work experience must be after graduation Experience during your studies does not count
- If you graduated after October 2023 you may not have enough work experience to apply yet
How to Apply Steps Indian Applicants Should Follow
Here is a suggested flow to make your application strong
- Check eligibility early Make sure you satisfy all criteria including work experience
- Pick three course options in UK universities aligned with your career goals and essay narrative
- Secure an unconditional offer from at least one course by the offer deadline
- Prepare essays carefully Focus on leadership networking vision and how UK study links to global issues and India
- Collect strong references Academic or professional referees who know you well and can support your application
- Get documents ready Degree transcripts employment letters passport and other proof as needed
- Prepare for interview Be ready to discuss your essays course choices and future plan for India
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Use real measurable examples in essays such as number of people you led or results you achieved
- Show leadership qualities and potential for impact in India
- Choose courses that are relevant to your country or sector and your career growth
- Keep track of deadlines in UTC time to avoid last minute issues
- Make your application consistent with a clear story connecting essays experience and references
Things to Be Careful About
- Graduates after October 2023 might not have enough work experience yet
- Getting an unconditional offer can take time apply to universities early
- UK universities may still require proof of English proficiency even if Chevening does not ask for it during scholarship application
Conclusion
The Chevening Scholarship 2025-26 is a valuable chance for Indian students with leadership potential to earn a fully funded master’s degree in the UK If you have a good academic record enough work experience and strong essays start preparing now Secure offers collect references and plan your essays early to maximize your chances