Chevening is the UK Government’s prestigious international scholarships programme that offers the Chevening Scholarships which is now open for South African Students only to enable them study with a fully funded Master’s Degree in the UK.
Applications are now being accepted for the Chevening Scholarships 2027 – 2028 in South Africa. This fully funded opportunity enables outstanding professionals and emerging leaders to complete a one-year master’s degree at a university in the United Kingdom. The programme is financed by the UK Government through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) together with partner organisations. The application window closes on 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC.
Chevening is widely regarded as one of the most competitive international scholarship schemes in the world. It is designed to identify and support future leaders, influencers, and decision-makers who will return home ready to drive sustainable development and strengthen ties between the United Kingdom and their countries of origin.
Successful scholars receive complete financial support while studying at leading UK universities and join a powerful global network of professionals working to create positive change across many fields.
About the Chevening Scholarship Programme
Chevening Scholarships give exceptional individuals the chance to pursue a fully funded one-year taught master’s degree at eligible universities throughout the United Kingdom. The programme looks for people who have already shown leadership ability, strong academic performance, and a clear commitment to contributing to the progress of their communities and countries after their studies end.
Over the years, Chevening has built a worldwide community of scholars and alumni who are making a real difference in areas such as:
- Climate action and environmental sustainability — Developing practical solutions to reduce emissions, protect natural resources, and help communities adapt to a changing climate.
- Economic development and prosperity — Advancing policies and initiatives that create jobs, stimulate growth, and improve living standards.
- International diplomacy — Strengthening relationships between countries and promoting peaceful, constructive engagement on global issues.
- Public policy — Designing and implementing evidence-based policies that improve government effectiveness and public services.
- Governance and leadership — Building stronger institutions and cultivating ethical, effective leadership at every level of society.
- Conflict prevention and recovery — Supporting efforts to prevent violence, resolve disputes, and rebuild societies after conflict.
- Innovation and technology — Harnessing new technologies and creative approaches to solve development challenges.
- Healthcare and education — Expanding access to quality health services and learning opportunities that transform lives.
They offer exceptional future leaders the opportunity to further their education in the UK, so that they can drive impact in areas of shared priority for the UK and their home countries. At a time of unprecedented global challenges, the Chevening network offers a real cause for hope. The community of leaders and decision-makers is already making a measurable impact in areas like climate action, economic prosperity, and conflict recovery. Therefore, by combining advanced academic training with global exposure and professional networks, Chevening aims to equip scholars for long-term impact while deepening international partnerships.
Scholarship Benefits
Chevening recipients receive a comprehensive package of support so they can concentrate fully on their studies and leadership development. Typical benefits include:
- Full coverage of tuition fees for an approved one-year master’s programme at a UK university.
- Return international airfare between the scholar’s home country and the United Kingdom.
- A monthly living allowance to cover accommodation, food, and everyday expenses.
- Arrival and departure allowances to help with initial settling-in costs and final departure expenses.
- Assistance with the UK visa application process.
- Additional travel grants for approved academic conferences, research visits, or related activities.
- Invitations to exclusive networking events that connect scholars with peers, alumni, and UK professionals.
- Structured leadership development opportunities, including workshops and skills training.
- Lifetime membership of the global Chevening alumni network, which continues to offer collaboration and career support long after the scholarship ends.
These benefits allow scholars to make the most of both their academic experience and their personal and professional growth while in the UK.
Chevening Scholarships 2027–2028 Now Open for South African Students: Fully Funded UK Master’s Degree (Apply by 6 October 2026)
Who Should Apply?
The scholarship targets ambitious professionals who want to become influential leaders in their fields. Ideal candidates typically:
- Show clear evidence of leadership potential through past achievements or community involvement.
- Hold strong academic qualifications that prepare them for postgraduate study.
- Demonstrate a genuine commitment to serving their communities and contributing to national development.
- Have well-defined professional goals and a clear sense of how the master’s degree will help them achieve those goals.
- Can explain how studying in the UK will support development priorities relevant to South Africa.
- Are ready to engage actively with the international Chevening community during and after their studies.
People from many professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including public service, business, academia, civil society, healthcare, education, law, media, technology, environmental sciences, engineering, and entrepreneurship.
Eligibility Requirements
Before starting an application, candidates must confirm they meet all official Chevening eligibility criteria. Key points to keep in mind include:
- Satisfying every official eligibility requirement published by Chevening.
- Applying for an eligible one-year taught master’s programme at a recognised UK university.
- Preparing a high-quality, compelling application that clearly demonstrates leadership potential and future impact.
- Using a valid email address and providing a working telephone number.
- Safely storing the unique online application access code issued during the process.
Applicants are strongly advised to read the full eligibility guidelines and application instructions carefully before submitting any materials.
Additional Partner Scholarships
Alongside the main Chevening Scholarships, candidates may also be considered for partner-funded awards offered through collaborations with various organisations. These partner scholarships often attract fewer applications than the core programme, which can improve an applicant’s overall chances of receiving funding. Prospective scholars are therefore encouraged to explore the available partner awards when completing their applications.
Choosing an Eligible Master’s Course
A critical step in the application is selecting an appropriate one-year taught master’s programme at a UK university. Applicants should take time to research courses that:
- Align closely with their long-term career objectives.
- Match their previous academic background and professional experience.
- Support their leadership ambitions and planned future contributions.
- Address development priorities that are relevant to South Africa.
Choosing well-matched programmes strengthens the overall application and shows a clear academic and professional vision.
Chevening’s Global Leadership Network
One of the programme’s most lasting advantages goes beyond the financial support. Successful applicants join an international community of leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, researchers, and professionals spanning more than 160 countries and territories.
Chevening alumni continue to work together across sectors to address some of the world’s most urgent challenges, including climate resilience, economic transformation, digital innovation, healthcare, governance, peacebuilding, and sustainable development. This lifelong network offers ongoing opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and further leadership growth long after scholars return home.
South African Success Stories
South African Chevening scholars continue to illustrate the programme’s impact through their leadership and public service.
One recent example is Buhle Phiwe Hlatshwayo, who has helped amplify Africa’s voice in artificial intelligence governance, diplomacy, and leadership while remaining actively engaged with the Chevening community.
Another scholar, Sibabalwe “Bea” Mama, is currently completing an MSc in Global Health Policy. She has spoken about how the Chevening experience deepened her commitment to improving rehabilitative healthcare and patient advocacy in South Africa.
These stories show how the scholarship enables individuals to create meaningful change both within their home country and on the international stage.
Application Deadline
Applications for the 2027–2028 Chevening Scholarships in South Africa are open now.
Deadline: 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC
Interested candidates are encouraged to begin preparations early. This allows enough time to research eligible master’s programmes, draft strong application essays, gather supporting documents, and refine every part of the submission.
Chevening remains one of the United Kingdom’s flagship international scholarship programmes. It offers exceptional professionals the chance to gain a world-class education, expand their global networks, and return home equipped to drive sustainable development and transformative leadership.
For full details, eligibility criteria, and the official application portal, visit the Chevening website and apply.