Overview / About the Scholarship
The Chevening Scholarship is the UK government’s international awards program, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). For Nigerian students, it represents a prestigious opportunity to join a global network of future leaders while pursuing a fully funded Master's degree at any world-class UK university.
Scholarship Value / Benefits
As a fully funded scholarship, it includes:
Full University Tuition Fees: Coverage up to £22,000.
Monthly Stipend: A personal living allowance of approximately £1,133 (rate subject to location and annual review).
Travel Costs: Economy airfare to and from the UK.
Allowances: Arrival and homeward departure allowances.
Visa Application: Coverage for the cost of one entry clearance application.
Additional Grants: Funding for thesis research, TB testing, and travel to Chevening events.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, Nigerian applicants must:
Citizenship: Be a citizen of Nigeria.
Residency Requirement: Commit to returning to Nigeria for at least two years after the award ends.
Academic Background: Holds an undergraduate degree that allows entry into a UK postgraduate program.
Work Experience: Have at least two years of work experience, including full-time, part-time, or voluntary roles.
University Offers: Apply to three different eligible UK university courses and receive an unconditional offer from one of them by the mid-July deadline.
Level & Field of Study
Level: Taught Master’s degrees only.
Duration: Full-time courses between 9 and 12 months.
Field: Open to any subject, provided it is a standard taught Master's program starting in the autumn term (September/October)
Host University / Provider Info
The scholarship is valid at any UK university. For Nigerian students, popular institutions frequently chosen for their strong research and employability ties include:
- University of Chester
- Middlesex University
- University of East London
- Birmingham City University
- Anglia Ruskin University
Required Documents
Applicants must upload the following to the online portal:
- Academic Transcripts and Degree Certificates.
- English Language Proficiency: While Chevening no longer has a global English requirement, most UK universities require IELTS (typically 6.5 overall) or equivalent.
- Two References: Professional or academic reference letters.
- Valid Passport/ID.
- Unconditional Offer Letter: Required at the later stages of the selection process.
How to Apply
Online Application: Create an account on the official Chevening website when applications open (typically August to November).
Essay Writing: Complete four 500-word essays covering Leadership, Networking, Study in the UK, and Career Plans.
Submit University Applications: Simultaneously apply to your three chosen UK master's courses.
Interview: If shortlisted (announced around February), attend an interview at the British High Commission in Nigeria between March and April.
Final Results: Successful candidates are typically notified in June.
