Chevening Scholarship 2027/2028 for Nigerians

If you are looking for the Chevening Scholarship 2027/2028 in Nigeria, this guide explains who can apply, the work experience requirement, documents, official deadlines, funding, UK university choices, application steps, and common mistakes.

Chevening is the UK Government’s flagship international scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and partner organisations. It supports outstanding emerging leaders to complete a one-year taught master’s degree in the UK. Nigerian applicants can apply for the 2027/2028 cycle, provided they meet all eligibility requirements and follow the official application process.

Chevening Scholarship 2027/2028 Overview

• Host country: United Kingdom
• Study level: One-year taught master’s degree
• Funding: Fully funded
• Eligible applicants: Citizens of Chevening-eligible countries, including Nigeria
• University choices: Three different eligible UK master’s courses
• Study period: September or October 2027

Chevening is highly competitive, so applicants should research their courses, prepare strong evidence of leadership and influence, and complete the application well before the final deadline. If you are comparing major international funding opportunities, you can also explore the Commonwealth Scholarship 2027/2028 guide alongside this Chevening guide.

Chevening Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

You must meet every applicable eligibility requirement. According to Chevening’s current guidance, applicants must:

• Be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country or territory and apply through the relevant country award.
• Commit to returning to your country of award for at least two years after the scholarship ends.
• Have at least two years of work experience gained after completing your undergraduate degree, equivalent to 2,800 hours.
• Hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies you for entry to a UK master’s programme and have completed the undergraduate degree at least two years before the application deadline.
• Apply to three different and eligible UK university courses.
• Obtain an unconditional offer from at least one of those three choices by the deadline specified by Chevening.
• Not hold British or dual British citizenship, subject to Chevening’s stated exceptions.
• Not be resident in the UK at the time of application, subject to the programme’s published rules.
• Not be an ineligible employee or immediate relative of an employee of a government department, the British Council, or a partner UK university under the stated restrictions.
• Not have previously studied in the UK on a UK government-funded scholarship, subject to Chevening’s rules for previous Chevening Fellowship recipients.

Does having a master’s degree disqualify you?

No. Chevening states that holding a master’s degree does not by itself prevent you from applying for another master’s degree in the UK, provided you meet the other eligibility criteria.

Chevening Scholarship Requirements and Documents

Prepare your application carefully because shortlisted candidates must provide supporting documents through the online system. Common requirements include:

• Proof of your undergraduate education, including the required degree certificate or official documentation.
• Academic information covering your undergraduate studies.
• Details of your work experience showing the required 2,800 hours.
• Details of two referees who know your work or academic performance.
• Information about your three preferred eligible UK master’s courses.
• Supporting identification documents required by the application or interview process.

Chevening itself does not impose a general English-language test requirement, but individual UK universities may require IELTS, TOEFL, or another accepted qualification for admission. Therefore, check the English-language requirements of each university and course you choose.

Chevening Scholarship 2027/2028 Deadline

The official Chevening timeline confirms the following dates for the 2027/2028 scholarship cycle:

• Applications open: 4 August 2026 at 11:00 UTC.
• Applications close: 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC.
• Application assessment: Mid-October 2026 to January 2027.
• Interview shortlisting: Mid-February 2027.
• Interviews: March to April 2027.
• Results: From mid-June 2027.
• Unconditional university offer deadline: 8 July 2027 at 17:00 UK time.
• Studies begin: September or October 2027.

The application deadline is strict. For Nigerian applicants, the current Chevening country page confirms that applications for the 2027/2028 cycle close on 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC. Always verify the live deadline on the official Chevening website before submitting.

What Does the Chevening Scholarship Cover?

Chevening describes its scholarships as fully funded. The award package is designed to allow successful scholars to focus on their studies and professional development in the UK.

• University tuition fees.
• A monthly living allowance.
• Return economy airfare to the UK.
• Arrival and departure allowances.
• Applicable additional grants or allowances under the scholarship terms.
• Opportunities to participate in Chevening events and become part of the global Chevening alumni network.

How to Apply for the Chevening Scholarship

1. Check the official Chevening eligibility criteria before beginning your application.
2. Research eligible one-year taught master’s courses in the UK and select three suitable choices.
3. Register through the official Chevening application system during the application window.
4. Complete the eligibility checker and securely save your unique application access code.
5. Enter your education, work experience, course choices, and referee information accurately.
6. Prepare and answer the four required application essay questions on the themes specified by Chevening.
7. Apply separately to your chosen UK universities because Chevening does not replace the university admission process.
8. Submit the completed Chevening application before 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC and keep evidence of successful submission.

Use the official Chevening application system

All Chevening Scholarship applications must be completed through the official online application system, which applicants access from their country or territory page during the application window. Before submitting, review every section carefully and make sure your answers are complete.

Common Chevening Application Mistakes

• Choosing three courses without checking whether each course meets Chevening’s eligibility rules.
• Writing generic essays instead of giving specific examples of leadership, influence, networking, and measurable results.
• Waiting until the final hours and misunderstanding the 11:00 UTC deadline.
• Waiting for a Chevening decision before applying to UK universities.
• Leaving referee requests until the last minute.
• Failing to keep copies of your application answers and supporting information.

Chevening Scholarship 2027/2028 for Nigerians: Final Advice

For Nigerian applicants, the strongest approach is to start early, verify every eligibility condition, choose three realistic UK master’s courses, prepare evidence-based application essays, and submit before the official deadline. Because Chevening updates its guidance and application timeline, use the official Nigeria page and application portal as the final authority whenever information on another website differs.

Official Chevening Nigeria Page