Chevening Scholarship for Studies in the UK

Who can apply

• You must be a South African citizen (students who are citizens of other Chevening-eligible countries or territories may also apply)
• You must NOT have dual citizenship from the UK
• You must have completed Grade 12/ Matric
• You must have completed an undergraduate degree which enables you to gain entry into a post-graduate programme in the UK
• You must intend on studying full-time towards a Master’s degree qualification in the UK
• You must apply to 3 different Master’s courses (these can be 3 different courses at the same institution or 3 similar courses at up to 3 different universities)
• Your selected courses must be full-time, start in the autumn term (September/October), taught master’s (i.e. not research-focused MRes programmes), lead to a master’s degree qualification and be based in the UK
• You must receive an unconditional offer from 1 of 3 university courses by 8 July 2027
• You must have at least 2-years of work experience (read about the work experience requirement here)
• You must return to South Africa for a minimum of 2 years after the scholarship has ended

How to apply

Applications are submitted directly to Chevening - we do not collect applications. Read the eligibility criteria, prepare your supporting documents, then complete your application on the official page.

Full details

Chevening Scholarship for Studies in the UK 2027-2028

WHAT FIELDS OF STUDY DOES THE CHEVENING SCHOLARSHIP COVER?

The UK Government is inviting students to apply for the Chevening Scholarship, for the 2027-2028 academic year.

The scholarship will cover 1-year Master’s Degree studies in ANY subject, at any university within the United Kingdom, start in September/ October 2027. Applicants can use the Chevening course finder to find a suitable qualification.

The award is aimed at students who demonstrate outstanding academic ability. The programme aims to allow students the opportunity to focus on achieving both their academic and professional goals whilst having the opportunity to study abroad. Chevening hopes to foster passionate individuals who have a clear vision of how to change the world.

WHAT EXPENSES DOES THE CHEVENING SCHOLARSHIP COVER?

The Chevening scholarship will provide cover for the following expenses: tuition fees, monthly stipend, visa application costs, arrival allowance, homeward departure allowance, travel costs to and from the UK and travel grant to attend Chevening events in the UK.

Scholars will also receive the following benefits: experiencing UK culture, establishing valuable relationships abroad, networking, developing your professional and academic skills and living and studying abroad for a year.

WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR THE CHEVENING SCHOLARSHIP?

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR THE CHEVENING SCHOLARSHIP?

Applications must be submitted online at: Chevening Scholarship for Studies in the UK 2027

Note: you must apply separately for your course through the university that offers it.

Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the Chevening Scholarship.

WHAT DOCUMENTS MUST I SUBMIT FOR THE CHEVENING SCHOLARSHIP?

Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your online application (the submission of these documents is compulsory - if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):

• Identity Document (certified copy)
• Matric Certificate (certified copy)
• Full academic record (certified copy)
• 2 references: people known to you in an academic or professional capacity (read about Chevening’s reference requirement here)
• 1 unconditional UK university offer

WHAT IS THE SELECTION PROCESS FOR THE CHEVENING SCHOLARSHIP?

The Chevening selection timeline will go as follows:

• 6 October 2026: applications close.
• October 2026: applications are assessed against the eligibility criteria.
• Mid-October 2026 to January 2027: applications are assessed by independent reading committees, whose scores and rankings are then returned to local British embassies/ high commissions.
• Mid-February 2027: shortlisted applicants are invited to an interview.
• March-April 2027: shortlisted applicants are interviewed by panels at British embassies and high commissions.
• Mid-June 2027: interview results are announced.
• 8 July 2027: the deadline for selected applicants to submit at least 1 unconditional UK university offer.
• September to October 2027: scholars commence their studies in the UK.

WHEN IS THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE CHEVENING SCHOLARSHIP?

6 October 2026 (at 13:00 South African Standard Time (SAST)).

(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted - please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)

HOW CAN I CONTACT THE SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDER?

For any queries related to this scholarship programme, please contact Chevening directly:Contact page: https://www.chevening.org/about/contact-us/Applicants are encouraged to read the Chevening FAQ’s before submitting a query.For technical issues, visit the Chevening technical support page

WHAT DOES CHEVENING DO?

The Chevening Scholarship is the UK Government’s flagship international scholarship programme, designed to support talented and ambitious individuals from around the world. Established in 1983, the programme provides exceptional professionals with the opportunity to pursue postgraduate study in the United Kingdom while developing their leadership skills, professional networks and global perspectives.

Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), together with partner organisations, Chevening supports scholars who have the potential to make a meaningful contribution to their communities, countries and professions. Through access to world-class education and a global network of like-minded professionals, the programme aims to help develop future leaders who can drive positive change both locally and internationally.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

This page summarises information published by: