The Chevening Scholarship is the UK Government’s flagship international scholarship programme for emerging leaders. It supports outstanding professionals from eligible countries to undertake a one-year taught Master’s degree at a UK university.
The programme is designed for people who can demonstrate leadership, influence and a clear commitment to creating positive change in their home countries. Chevening particularly values applicants who can show how their studies will contribute to addressing important local, national or global challenges.
Malawi is eligible, and applications for the 2027–2028 cycle are currently open.
What does the scholarship cover?
Chevening is a fully funded scholarship, allowing successful scholars to focus on their studies and professional development in the UK.
The scholarship supports a one-year Master’s program and provides scholars with the opportunity to build professional networks, gain academic and practical knowledge, and join the global Chevening alumni community.
Who can apply?
Applicants must generally:
- Be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country, including Malawi.
- Intend to return to their country of award for at least two years after completing the scholarship.
- Have at least two years of work experience, equivalent to 2,800 hours.
- Hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies them for a UK Master’s program.
- Have completed their undergraduate studies at least two years before the application deadline.
- Apply to three different eligible UK Master’s courses.
- Obtain an unconditional offer from at least one of their selected courses by the relevant deadline.
Chevening does not require applicants to already hold a Master’s degree, and having one does not automatically prevent someone from applying for another Master’s in the UK.
What courses can you study?
Chevening does not restrict applicants to one particular academic field. Applicants can choose eligible one-year taught Master’s programs that align with their professional goals.
When applying, you must select three eligible courses. The three choices should have a clear connection to your career plans and future impact. Applicants apply separately to the universities for admission.
For applicants interested in climate change, environmental management, disaster risk reduction, sustainability, development, climate policy, international development, environmental governance or related fields, Chevening can be particularly relevant.
What makes a strong application?
Chevening looks beyond academic performance. A strong application should demonstrate:
- Leadership and influencing skills
- Meaningful professional experience
- Clear career goals
- A strong reason for choosing the UK and the selected courses
- Evidence of impact in your community, organization or country
- A realistic plan for using your knowledge and networks after returning home
- A clear commitment to contributing to positive change in your country.
Application timeline
- Applications opened: 4 August 2026
- Applications close: 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC
- Applications assessed: October 2026 – January 2027
- Interview shortlisting: Mid-February 2027
- Interviews: March–April 2027
- Results: From mid-June 2027
- UK studies begin: September/October 2027
How to apply
Applicants should:
- Review the Chevening eligibility requirements.
- Research eligible one-year Master’s courses in the UK.
- Select three suitable courses.
- Apply to the chosen universities separately.
- Complete the Chevening online application.
- Prepare strong evidence of leadership, influence, work experience and future impact.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
Deadline
6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC
Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.
