One app for all your study abroad needs
Chevening India Scholarship is one of the most prestigious fully-funded scholarships provided by the Government of the UK to Indian students who want to pursue master’s degree courses in the country. It covers comprehensive financial support by covering full academic fees, living expenses, and other essential costs such as round-trip travel to the UK, arrival allowance, homeward departure allowance, visa application fees, a travel grant to attend Chevening events in the UK, and a monthly stipend. For the 2026-27 session, the application process is already underway and will soon be closed. For an effective application, it is required that you stick to the timeline and follow the necessary steps so that you don’t miss your chance to study in the UK. This blog will discuss the application checklist and timeline for the Chevening India Scholarship.
This Blog Includes:
Eligibility Criteria for the Chevening India Scholarship
To be eligible for the Chevening India Scholarship, applicants must fulfill specific requirements related to nationality, education, work experience, course selection, and post-study commitments. Below is a detailed breakdown:
Nationality
- Must be a citizen of India (a Chevening-eligible country).
- Applicants cannot hold British or dual British citizenship (with a few rare exceptions).
- Applications must be made from the applicant’s country of citizenship.
Undergraduate Degree
- Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies them to enter a UK master’s programme.
- This is typically equivalent to a UK upper-second class (2:1), though requirements vary by university and course.
- All components of the undergraduate degree must be completed before submitting the Chevening application.
Work Experience – The 2,800 Hours Rule
- Applicants must have at least 2,800 hours of work experience gained after completing their undergraduate degree.
- This is roughly equivalent to two years of full-time work.
- Eligible experience includes:
- Full-time jobs
- Part-time work
- Voluntary roles
- Internships (paid or unpaid)
- All experiences must be verifiable through references, payslips, or letters.
Example Calculation:
- Full-time: 40 hours/week × 35 weeks/year = 1,400 hours/year → 2,800 hours in two years.
- Part-time: Add up actual hours worked per week × total weeks worked.
Course Choices and Offers
- Applicants must apply to three different eligible UK master’s courses (usually in similar subject areas).
- The courses should be full-time, one-year master’s programs.
- An unconditional offer from at least one of these three courses must be secured by the Chevening deadline.
- An unconditional offer means there are no pending academic, language, or visa requirements. (Financial conditions, like a deposit, may still be acceptable.)
Return Requirement
- Applicants must commit to returning to India for at least two years after completing their studies in the UK.
- This is a non-negotiable condition, as the scholarship is meant to develop leaders who will contribute to their home country.
Ineligibility Conditions
Applicants are not eligible if they:
- Hold British or dual British citizenship.
- Have previously received UK government-funded scholarships (including Chevening) for study in the UK.
- Are current or former employees of the UK government, British embassies/high commissions, the British Council, or sponsoring UK universities (including their immediate relatives).
English Language Requirement
- Chevening no longer has a separate English test requirement.
- However, applicants must still meet the English proficiency requirements of their chosen universities (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc.) and satisfy UK visa conditions.
Also Read: Chevening India Scholarship for 2026-27: A Complete Guide
Required Documents for Chevening India Scholarship
Applicants are not required to upload most documents during the initial application stage. However, shortlisted candidates must provide a set of mandatory documents within the specified timeline. Submitting these on time is crucial, as incomplete documentation can lead to disqualification.
Educational Documents
- Undergraduate degree certificate
- Official transcripts/mark sheets of all years of study
- Proof that the degree qualifies you for admission into a UK master’s program
Identity Document
- A valid passport (or another official travel document)
- The passport must be valid for the duration of your UK study period
University Offers
- An unconditional offer letter from at least one of the three chosen UK master’s courses
- The offer must be uploaded by the deadline set by Chevening
- Conditional offers (e.g., pending English test or final results) will not be accepted at this stage
References
- Two reference letters from professional or academic contacts
- Referees should know you well and be able to comment on:
- Your leadership qualities
- Networking ability
- Academic or professional achievements
- Career potential
- References must be written in English, signed, and on official letterhead (if possible)
Additional Documents (If Applicable)
- Marriage or name change certificates (if there’s a mismatch in documents)
- Any supporting documents for internships or work experience (only if requested during verification)
Chevening India Scholarship Application Checklist
Before submitting your Chevening India Scholarship application, make sure you have completed the following steps and prepared all essential requirements:
Before You Apply
Before you apply for the Chevening India Scholarship, you must have the following things in mind:
- Confirm you are an Indian citizen (not holding British/dual British nationality).
- Ensure you meet the work experience requirement (minimum 2,800 hours ≈ over 2 years).
- Hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies you for a UK master’s program.
- Identify and shortlist 3 eligible UK master’s courses (full-time, one-year programs).
- Prepare a career plan that aligns with India’s development priorities and Chevening’s objectives.
During the Application
During the application process for the Chevening India Scholarship, you must have the following things in mind:
- Register on the Chevening application portal and complete the eligibility checker.
- Fill in personal details, educational background, and work experience accurately.
- Provide details of the 3 chosen UK master’s courses.
- Enter information for two referees (academic or professional).
- Write and upload your 4 mandatory essays:
- Leadership and influence
- Networking skills
- Studying in the UK (why this course, why this university)
- Career plan (short-term and long-term goals)
- Review your application carefully and submit it before the deadline.
After Submission (Shortlisting Stage)
Post-application submission, you must have the following things in mind:
- Keep the following documents ready for upload when requested:
- Degree certificate and transcripts
- Valid passport
- Two signed reference letters
- At least one unconditional offer letter from a UK university
- Prepare for the Chevening interview (usually conducted at the British High Commission/online).
Final Checks Before Deadline
The final check before the deadline is as follows.
- Submitted application on time (well before the 7 October 2025 deadline).
- Saved backup copies of your essays, application, and reference details.
- Verified consistency of personal details (name, date of birth, passport number) across all documents.
- Ensured your referees are aware and ready to submit references when contacted.
Also Read: Requirements for Scholarships in the USA for International Students
Chevening India Scholarship Timeline (2025–26 Cycle)
Chevening follows a fixed annual cycle. Applications open once a year in August, and the entire process, from applying to starting classes in the UK, takes about 12–14 months.
August 2025 – Applications Open
- Chevening application portal goes live.
- Register, complete the eligibility checker, and start filling out the online form.
- Begin drafting your essays and inform referees early.
September–October 2025 – Application Window
- Applications remain open for about 8 weeks.
- Submit your completed application (including essays and referee details).
- Deadline: 7 October 2025 (11:59 PM UK time).
- Late submissions are not accepted.
November 2025 – Screening Stage
- Applications are initially screened for eligibility and completeness.
- Any applications with missing information or ineligible criteria are rejected at this stage.
December 2025 – Reading Committee Review
- Independent committees review eligible applications.
- Applications are scored based on leadership, networking, study goals, and career plans.
January–February 2026 – Shortlisting & References
- Shortlisted candidates are contacted via email.
- You’ll be asked to submit reference letters and educational documents.
- Prepare for your upcoming interview.
March–April 2026 – Interviews
- Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews (at the British High Commission or virtually).
- Interviews are conducted in English and last about 30–40 minutes.
- Topics include leadership, networking, course choice, and career goals.
June 2026 – Final Results
- Chevening announces the final list of scholars.
- Conditional offers are made (subject to submitting unconditional university offers).
July 2026 – University Offer Deadline
- Deadline to upload at least one unconditional offer letter from your chosen UK universities.
- Make sure you’ve cleared all conditions (academic transcripts, English test, deposits, etc.).
August 2026 – Pre-Departure Formalities
- Attend Chevening pre-departure briefings in India.
- Begin UK student visa application process.
- Arrange accommodation, travel, and packing.
September–October 2026 – Departure & Classes Begin
- Fly to the UK with your Chevening scholarship.
- Attend orientation events and official Chevening networking sessions.
- Begin your one-year master’s course at the university.
FAQs
The Chevening application cycle opens in August each year and remains open for about 8 weeks. For the 2025–26 cycle, applications will close on 7 October 2025 (11:59 PM UK time). Late submissions are not accepted.
Applicants must have at least 2,800 hours of work experience (equivalent to around 2 years of full-time work). This can include full-time jobs, part-time work, internships (paid/unpaid), or voluntary roles.
No, you do not need an unconditional offer at the time of initial application. However, you must secure and upload at least one unconditional offer letter from your chosen universities by July 2026 to remain eligible.
etween March–April 2026 at the British High Commission or online. Final results are announced in June 2026, and selected scholars begin pre-departure formalities in August 2026 before traveling to the UK.
Related Reads:
This was all about UK Masters scholarships for international students. Still not sure how to go about it? Let the professionals at Leverage Edu take care of your academic journey! You may enlist the assistance of Leverage Edu specialists to assist you with the application process so that you can realize your goals. Call us immediately at 1800 57 2000 for a free 30-minute counselling session.
60,000+ students trusted us with their dreams. Take the first step today!