British Chevening Scholarships for International Students

Overview

The Chevening Scholarship is the UK government's flagship international scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations. It offers fully funded one-year Master's degree scholarships at any UK university to outstanding professionals with demonstrated leadership potential from around the world.

Nepal is a Chevening-eligible country. Nepali applicants are assessed by the British Embassy in Kathmandu, and interviews for shortlisted candidates are conducted in Nepal. Chevening is one of the most competitive and most respected scholarships available to Nepali professionals — past Nepali Chevening scholars have gone on to hold senior positions in government, civil society, journalism, and the private sector.

Unlike most academic scholarships, Chevening selects on leadership potential and professional track record rather than academic grades alone. If you have two or more years of work experience, a clear vision for contributing to Nepal's development, and the ability to articulate that vision compellingly, you are a potential Chevening candidate regardless of your field of study.

Approximately 1,500 scholarships are awarded globally each year across all eligible countries. The number of awards allocated to Nepal varies by year and is determined by the British Embassy Kathmandu in consultation with the FCDO.

Eligibility

• A citizen of a Chevening-eligible country — Nepal is eligible
• Hold an undergraduate degree equivalent to at least an upper second-class honours (2:1) degree from a UK university — you must have completed your undergraduate studies at least two years before the application deadline
• Have at least 2,800 hours of work experience after graduating from your undergraduate degree (roughly equivalent to two years of full-time work, though it may have been completed over a different time period)
• Apply to three different eligible UK university courses — you must receive an unconditional offer from at least one of these by 9 July 2026
• Commit to returning to Nepal for at least two years after your scholarship ends
• Demonstrate leadership potential — this is the central selection criterion

Who is Not Eligible

• Current or former British citizens or those holding dual British nationality
• British Council employees and their close relatives
• Those who have previously received a Chevening Scholarship or Chevening Fellowship
• Applicants already studying or living in the UK at the time of application
• Applicants who do not intend to return to Nepal after completing the scholarship

Note on Work Experience

The 2,800-hour requirement does not need to be continuous full-time employment. Freelance work, part-time roles, and NGO work all count provided they can be documented. Chevening assesses the quality and relevance of your experience, not just the hours.

How to Apply

Chevening has a multi-stage process spanning nearly a full year from application to scholarship start.

1. Read the eligibility criteria carefully — before applying, confirm you meet all requirements, particularly the work experience threshold and the two-year return commitment. Visit the Nepal-specific Chevening page at chevening.org/scholarship/nepal for country-specific guidance.
2. Choose your university courses — you must apply to three different eligible UK university courses. Research your options carefully as your course choices signal your academic seriousness to the selection committee. Apply for university admission in parallel with your Chevening application — you do not need an offer before submitting your Chevening application, but you must have at least one unconditional offer by 9 July 2026.
3. Complete the online Chevening application — apply through the Chevening online portal. The application includes four essays covering leadership, networking, study in the UK, and career plan. These essays are the core of your application and require significant preparation. The application window typically opens in August and closes in early October.
4. Application review — independent reading committees assess all eligible applications. The British Embassy Kathmandu produces a shortlist from Nepal-based applicants.
5. Interview in Nepal — shortlisted candidates are invited for interview at the British Embassy in Kathmandu, typically in March to April. The interview assesses leadership, motivation, and how the UK Master's connects to your professional goals.
6. Final selection and award notification — successful candidates are notified in June. Winners then confirm their UK university place and proceed with their visa application.
7. Studies begin — Chevening scholars begin their UK Master's degree in September or October.

Key dates for the 2026-27 cycle (applications for September 2026 entry — now closed):

• Applications opened: 5 August 2025
• Application deadline: 7 October 2025 at 12:00 UTC
• Interviews: March–April 2026
• Award notification: June 2026
• University offer deadline: 9 July 2026
• Studies begin: September/October 2026

For the 2027-28 cycle, the application window is expected to open in August 2026 and close in early October 2026.