Last checked: 7 October 2026. Dates for the next round are not yet announced, so confirm everything at chevening.org.
The Chevening application window for 2027-28 opened on 4 August 2026 and closed on 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC. If you missed it, do not be discouraged. Chevening runs every year, and the strongest winners usually spend many months preparing. Use this time to build the profile the selectors look for.
What is the Chevening Scholarship?
Chevening is the UK government’s international scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). It funds a one-year master’s degree at a UK university for future leaders from eligible countries, including Pakistan. Awards generally include tuition fees, a living allowance and travel costs. Check the official site for the exact package each year.
Chevening eligibility rules in plain English
| Citizenship | You must be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country or territory |
|---|---|
| Degree | You must have an undergraduate degree that allows entry to a UK master’s course |
| Work experience | At least 2,800 hours (around two years) of work experience, gained after your undergraduate studies |
| Course choices | You apply to three eligible UK master’s courses |
| University offer | You must receive an unconditional offer from one of them by the published date (8 July 2027 in the last cycle) |
| Return home | You agree to return to your home country for at least two years after the scholarship |
| Cost | Applying is free |
The scholarship application and the university applications are separate. You do not need an offer on the day you submit your Chevening form, but you will need one if you are selected.
The four Chevening essays
Most of your score comes from your essays. They ask about the following themes:
- Leadership and influencing: a specific time you led or persuaded others.
- Networking: how you build relationships and what you will bring to the Chevening community.
- Studying in the UK: why these courses and universities fit your goals.
- Career plan: what you will do in the short, medium and long term, and how it benefits your country.
Use real examples with numbers and results. Our guide to writing a winning scholarship essay shows you how to structure each answer.
A realistic preparation plan
- Now to December: Check your work hours. Start a document listing achievements with dates and results.
- January to March: Research UK courses. Shortlist at least five and note entry requirements and English test needs.
- April to June: Take IELTS or another accepted test if needed. Ask two referees early and brief them.
- July: Write first drafts of all four essays and get feedback from a mentor or past scholar.
- When the portal opens: Submit at least a week before the deadline, not on the final day.
Mistakes that sink applications
- Too little work experience, or counting hours gained before your degree ended.
- Essays that describe duties instead of impact.
- Choosing courses that do not match your career plan.
- Submitting in the last hour. The portal locks at the deadline.
Other scholarships you can apply for now
Chevening is not your only route to the UK. The Commonwealth Scholarship 2027-28 is still open for Pakistani students until 20 October 2026. Looking at Europe and Turkey instead? Read about Türkiye Burslari and the Stipendium Hungaricum.
FAQ
When will Chevening 2028-29 open?
The official dates are not yet announced. The last round opened in early August and closed in early October, so expect a similar pattern. Watch the Chevening website.
Can I reapply if I was not selected?
Yes. Many successful scholars applied more than once and improved their essays and experience.
Do I need an IELTS score to apply?
Chevening has its own English requirement, and UK universities set theirs too. Read both on the official pages.
Official source: Chevening Scholarships.
