If you are a Nigerian professional with a dream of studying in the United Kingdom, the Chevening Scholarship is one of the most powerful opportunities available to you. Funded by the UK government, Chevening covers the full cost of a one-year Master’s degree at any eligible UK university. Every year, Nigerians are among the top recipients of this award globally, and with the right preparation, you could be next. This guide walks you through everything you need to know — who qualifies, what you get, and exactly how to apply.
Chevening is the UK government’s flagship international scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations. Since its launch in 1983, the programme has funded over 50,000 scholars from more than 160 countries. It targets individuals who show clear leadership potential and a strong commitment to returning home and making an impact after their studies. Nigeria is one of the countries with the highest number of Chevening alumni in the world, which means the programme is well-established here and the British High Commission in Abuja is experienced in handling Nigerian applications.
Who Can Apply — Eligibility Requirements
Before you begin your application, confirm that you meet all of the following conditions:
- You are a Nigerian citizen and currently resident in Nigeria
- You have at least two years of full-time work experience (approximately 2,800 hours) after completing your undergraduate degree
- You hold an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK upper second-class (2:1) honours degree
- You are willing to apply to at least three different eligible UK university courses
- You are prepared to return to Nigeria for a minimum of two years after your scholarship ends
- You have not previously studied in the UK on a Chevening Scholarship
Chevening does not set an upper age limit. Whether you are 26 or 46, what matters is your leadership track record and the clarity of your goals.
What the Scholarship Covers
Chevening is a fully funded award. Here is what successful Nigerian scholars receive:
- Full tuition fees for your chosen Master’s programme, paid directly to the university
- A monthly living allowance (stipend) to cover accommodation and daily expenses — the rate is higher for scholars studying in London
- Economy-class return flights between Nigeria and the UK
- An arrival allowance to help with initial setup costs when you land in the UK
- A departure allowance when you complete your studies
- Visa application fee coverage
- Access to a global alumni network of over 50,000 Chevening scholars
The total value of a Chevening award is typically between £30,000 and £50,000 for a single academic year, depending on your university and location.
How to Apply — Step by Step
Step 1: Check that you are eligible. Go through each requirement listed above carefully before you invest time in the application. Pay particular attention to the work experience requirement — Chevening is strict about this.
Step 2: Research your three UK university courses. Chevening requires you to apply to at least three different and eligible UK universities. Choose courses that align directly with your stated career goals. Inconsistency between your courses and your essays is one of the most common reasons applicants are rejected.
Step 3: Create your Chevening online account. Applications are submitted through the official Chevening application portal, which opens in August each year. Visit the Chevening website (chevening.org) to register your account ahead of the opening date.
Step 4: Write your four essays. The Chevening application requires four personal essays covering your leadership experience, networking abilities, career plan, and reasons for choosing your specific courses. These essays are the most important part of your application. Write them in your own voice — Chevening explicitly warns against using paid agents, and generic essays are easily identified by reviewers.
Step 5: Gather your supporting documents. You will need your undergraduate certificate and transcripts, a valid Nigerian passport, proof of work experience, and two professional references. References are submitted separately by your referees through the portal, so give them enough notice.
Step 6: Submit and secure your university offer. Submit your application before the deadline and then work quickly to secure an unconditional offer from at least one of your three chosen UK universities. For the 2026–2027 cycle, the university offer deadline was 9 July 2026. Future cycles will follow a similar timeline.
Deadline Information
The Chevening application window typically opens in August and closes in early October each year. The 2026–2027 window closed in October 2025, with successful applicants announced in June 2026 and studies beginning in September/October 2026. The next application window — for the 2027–2028 academic year — is expected to open in August 2026.
If you are planning to apply, use the months before August to strengthen your leadership profile, prepare your essays, and research your university courses. The people who win Chevening do not start preparing in August — they start months before. Moreschooling will update this page as soon as the next application window opens. Bookmark this page so you do not miss it.