Chevening Scholarships for Indian Students is one of the top scholarships to study in the UK for Indian students. It is an international scholarship programme funded by the UK government to let aspiring students pursue a year fully funded master’s degree course. The applications open in September each year and the deadline to apply for the year 2024-2025 is until 5 November 2024. To know more about eligibility, documentation and application process, read this blog further.
Table of contents
Overview of Chevening Scholarships
Though education loans for Master’s in the UK can be availed easily, applying for Chevening Scholarships is the best choice. It is a fully-funded scholarship that offers up to GBP 18,000 (approximately INR 20 lakh). It covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs to and from the UK, an arrival allowance, and a departure allowance.
Those who demonstrate passion, vision, and skills and fulfil the eligibility criteria are selected for the scholarship. Make sure to choose a full-time master’s course of your interest. It’s a highly competitive scholarship, with thousands of Indian applicants each year competing for around 100 awards.
However, only successful scholars gain a prestigious UK education and valuable international experience. You also get to avail other benefits like access to exclusive network opportunities and the chance to explore the UK’s diverse culture.
Some key points to remember before applying for the Chevening Scholarship are-
- The application window opens in September and closes in early November each year.
- Applicants must have at least 2 years of work experience (2,800 hours).
- English language requirements are set by the universities, not Chevening.
- Referees should be professional or academic contacts, not friends/family.
- Interviews are conducted by the British High Commission in the applicant’s home country.
Also Read: Know all about LLB education loans to study abroad and the best public banks, private banks, and NBFCs providing education loans for LLB students
Eligibility Criteria for Chevening Scholarships
One of the basic eligibility criteria to be eligible for the Chevening Scholarship is to pursue a one-year postgraduate taught master’s degree course in the UK. It excludes MBA programs and joint courses with other institutions. Check out the other criteria that must be fulfilled-
- Be a citizen of India at the time of application and intend to return there after the scholarship.
- Have an undergraduate degree that is equivalent to a UK 2:1 honours degree or above.
- Have at least 2 years (2,800 hours) of work experience which can be full-time, part-time, voluntary work, or paid/unpaid internships
- You must commit to return to your home country for at least 2 years after the Chevening Scholarship.
- Apply to 3 eligible UK university courses and receive an unconditional offer for one by July 11th.
- Meet any relevant English language requirement of the university.
- Be enrolled in a full-time program that must begin in September or October to be taught at a UK university.
- Must apply for a student visa and maintain a minimum bank balance for a UK visa.
Courses that are not eligible:
- Part-time or distance learning programs.
- Programs shorter than 9 months or longer than 12 months.
- PhD or DPhil programs.
- Programs with more than one month of study outside the UK.
Please note that if you have previously studied in the UK on a UK government-funded scholarship, then you are not eligible for Chevening Scholarships.
Also Read: Check all the details about non-collateral loans for the UK. The blog includes details of loan amounts and interest rates for collateral free from public banks, private banks, and NBFCs.
Documents Required for Chevening Scholarships
To apply for the Chevening Scholarship as an Indian student, you will need to prepare and submit several key documents. These include educational documents, a passport, reference letters, and a short biography of yourself. Besides, you must attach the unconditional offer letter, English language proficiency test results, and CV along with the application form. Let’s check these documents in detail-
- Education Documents- Copies of your original certificates and transcripts from your undergraduate degree and any other relevant qualifications.
- Passport/National ID- A valid passport or national identification document to verify your identity and citizenship.
- Reference Letters- Two reference letters from individuals who can comment on your academic or professional abilities. These should not be from relatives or close friends.
- Short Biography- A brief personal biography that outlines your background, achievements, and motivations for applying for the scholarship.
- Unconditional Offer Letter- Proof of acceptance from at least one UK university for a master’s program, which is a prerequisite for the scholarship.
- English Language Proficiency- While the Chevening Scholarship no longer mandates an English language test, you must meet the specific English language requirements of your chosen university. This may include tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)- A current CV that outlines your academic qualifications, work experience, and relevant skills.
- Application Form- Complete the online application form available on the Chevening website, ensuring all sections are filled out accurately.
- Additional Supporting Documents- Any other documents that may be required by the specific university or that can support your application, such as publications or certificates of achievement.
Chevening Scholarships Application Process
The first important step is to check your eligibility. Make sure that you fulfil criteria related to citizenship, work experience, and academic qualifications. Now, use the Chevening course finder to select 3 eligible one-year taught master’s courses at UK universities. Fill out the application form at the official website and secure the university offer letter.
- Applications open in September and close on November 1st each year.
- Apply online directly through the Chevening website,
- Submit supporting documents like transcripts, references, and proof of English proficiency.
- Shortlisted applicants are interviewed by the British High Commission in India.
- Final selections will be announced by June.
This was all about the Chevening Scholarships. Make sure to simultaneously apply for GREAT Scholarships and Charles Wallace Trust Scholarships to study in the UK as it is a highly competitive one. All these scholarships are designed to provide comprehensive financial support, enabling you to focus on your studies without the burden of financial constraints.
To know more about education loans, the best bank accounts for students, forex and banking experience for global students or international money transfers, reach out to our experts at 1800572126 to help ease your study abroad experience.
FAQs
The Chevening Scholarship covers up to GBP 18,000 (approximately INR 20 lakh), which covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs to and from the UK, an arrival allowance, and a departure allowance.
Eligible candidates must be citizens of a Chevening-eligible country, hold an undergraduate degree, have at least two years of work experience (2,800 hours), and possess an unconditional offer from a UK university.
The selection process involves submitting an online application, followed by shortlisting candidates for interviews conducted by the British Embassy or High Commission. Final selections are announced in June.
Yes, it is highly competitive, with only about 2% to 3% of applicants receiving the scholarship due to the large number of candidates from over 160 countries. Follow these steps to prepare for international scholarships.
Yes, India is a Chevening-eligible country, allowing Indian students to apply for the scholarship.
To obtain a Chevening Scholarship, ensure you meet eligibility criteria, apply to three eligible UK universities, complete the online application, and secure an unconditional offer.
While IELTS is commonly accepted, it is not mandatory for the Chevening application itself. However, you must meet the specific English language requirements of your chosen university.
Yes, after completing your course, you can work in the UK, but you will not receive a monthly allowance from Chevening post-study, so ensure you have sufficient funds or income sources.
