AlertNaija247 Scholarship Guide
Chevening Scholarships 2027/28 for Nigerians: Fully Funded UK Master’s Opportunity
The Chevening Scholarships programme, funded by the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations, is now open for applications for the 2027/28 academic year. This is one of the most prestigious international scholarship schemes available to Nigerian citizens who want to pursue a one-year taught master’s degree at a UK university. Applications close on 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC (12:00 noon West Africa Time).
This AlertNaija247 guide explains the scholarship in clear language for Nigerian applicants. You will find verified details on eligibility, what the award covers, the documents and preparation needed, the application process, common mistakes to avoid, and practical steps to strengthen your application. All official requirements are based on current Chevening information. Practical tips from AlertNaija247 are clearly marked as guidance so you can separate official rules from helpful advice.
Scholarship Quick Overview
- Scholarship name: Chevening Scholarships
- Provider: UK Government (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) and partners
- Study destination: United Kingdom
- Degree level: One-year taught master’s degree
- Eligible nationalities: Citizens of Chevening-eligible countries, including Nigeria
- Nigerian eligibility: Yes – Nigerian citizens can apply
- Application deadline: 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC
- Application fee: Not specified as required; applications are submitted through the official online system
- Official application portal: asams.chevening.org/apply
What This Scholarship Is About
Chevening is the UK Government’s flagship international scholarships programme. It selects outstanding emerging leaders from around the world and supports them to study a one-year master’s degree in the UK. The goal is to equip scholars with knowledge, skills, networks and UK connections so they can return home and drive positive change in areas of shared priority between the UK and their countries.
For Nigerian applicants, this means the chance to study almost any eligible one-year taught master’s course at a UK university, join a global network of Chevening scholars and alumni, and later contribute to Nigeria’s development while maintaining links with the UK. The programme is competitive. Selection focuses on leadership potential, networking ability, a clear study plan and a realistic career plan that shows impact after the scholarship ends.
Chevening is not a general student funding scheme. It is designed for people who already have work experience and can demonstrate that they are ready to lead. If you are a fresh graduate with little or no professional experience, you will almost certainly not meet the eligibility rules this cycle. The programme expects applicants who can show concrete examples of leadership and influence in their work or community.
Many Nigerian students also explore other UK opportunities while preparing for Chevening. If you are comparing options for master’s study, you may find it useful to review the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2027/28 UK as another major fully funded route for eligible candidates.
What the Scholarship Offers
A Chevening Scholarship is designed to remove the main financial barriers to studying a master’s degree in the UK for one year. According to official Chevening information, award recipients normally receive:
- Payment of tuition fees for the approved master’s course
- Economy-class return travel to and from the UK (for the scholar only)
- An arrival allowance
- The cost of the UK entry clearance (visa) application for the scholar
- A departure allowance
- A contribution of up to £75 towards TB testing where required
- A travel top-up allowance in certain cases
- A monthly personal living allowance (stipend) to cover accommodation and living expenses. The rate is higher for scholars studying in the London area and is subject to annual review
The scholarship covers the scholar only. Partners, spouses or children are not funded. Accommodation is not provided as free housing; the monthly stipend is intended to help cover rent and daily living costs. Scholars are expected to budget carefully.
Chevening also provides a tailored engagement programme. Scholars take part in events, networking opportunities and activities organised by the Chevening Secretariat, the FCDO and partners. This network continues after the scholarship ends through the global Chevening alumni community.
Important note on “fully funded”: Chevening covers the major costs listed above for the scholar. It does not automatically cover every possible expense (for example, personal travel outside approved routes, family costs, or graduation-related travel). Always check your Final Award Letter for the exact package confirmed for your award.
Who Is Eligible?
Official Chevening eligibility rules are strict. Applications that fail any of these criteria are normally rejected early. To be eligible you must:
- Be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country or territory. Nigeria is eligible.
- If applying from an ODA-eligible country, be resident in an ODA-eligible country and show a clear intention to support the country of award.
- Commit to returning to your home country (country of award) for at least two years after the scholarship ends.
- Have at least two years’ work experience acquired after completing your undergraduate degree, equivalent to 2,800 hours.
- Hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies you for entry to a UK master’s programme. You must have finished your undergraduate studies at least two years before the Chevening application deadline. You will need the degree certificate by the time of interview.
- Apply to three different eligible UK university master’s courses and obtain an unconditional offer from at least one of them by the deadline stated on the official application timeline.
You are not eligible if you:
- Hold British or dual British citizenship (with limited exceptions for certain British Overseas Territories or BN(O) applicants from Hong Kong).
- Hold refugee status in a country that is not Chevening-eligible (with some nuances if both countries are eligible).
- Are resident in the UK at the time of application (excluding British Overseas Territories).
- Are an employee, immediate relative of an employee, or former employee (within the last two years from the opening of applications) of a UK government department, the British Council, a partner UK university, or their wholly owned subsidiaries, or contracted on certain British Council programmes.
- Have previously studied in the UK on a UK government-funded scholarship (with specific rules if you previously held a Chevening Fellowship).
Having a previous master’s degree does not automatically disqualify you from applying for a second master’s through Chevening.
Are Nigerians Eligible?
Yes. Nigerian citizens are eligible to apply for Chevening Scholarships. Nigeria is a Chevening-eligible country. Successful Nigerian applicants must commit to returning to Nigeria for a minimum of two years after completing the scholarship.
There is no separate Nigerian quota that the public can see in simple numbers; selection is competitive across eligible countries. Leadership potential, the quality of the application essays, work experience and the strength of the study and career plans are decisive factors.
Applicants must meet the residency and intention-to-return requirements as stated in the official eligibility rules. If you currently live outside Nigeria, check carefully whether you still meet the residency conditions linked to the country of award.
Do You Qualify? Self-Check for Nigerian Applicants
Before investing many hours in essays, honestly answer these questions:
- Are you a Nigerian citizen (or otherwise meet the citizenship rule)?
- Did you complete your first undergraduate degree at least two years before 6 October 2026?
- Can you document at least 2,800 hours of work experience gained after finishing that undergraduate degree? (Paid work, voluntary work, internships and NYSC can count if the hours are real and verifiable.)
- Do you hold (or will you hold by interview) an undergraduate degree that UK universities accept for master’s entry?
- Are you willing and able to return to Nigeria for at least two years after the scholarship?
- Can you identify three different eligible one-year taught master’s courses in the UK and later secure an unconditional offer from at least one?
- Do you have concrete examples of leadership and influencing skills, plus a clear networking story?
- Do you fall into any of the ineligibility categories listed earlier?
If you answer “no” to any of the core eligibility points, do not submit an application this cycle. Ineligible applications waste time and do not progress.
If you need to check or convert your academic results while preparing university applications, the free CGPA Calculator on AlertNaija247 can help you understand how your grades may convert, although final decisions rest with the UK universities.
What the Scholarship Covers in Detail
Understanding exactly what is and is not covered helps you plan realistically.
Tuition fees
Chevening pays the tuition fees for your approved course directly to the university in most cases. Always confirm the exact arrangement in your Final Award Letter.
Travel
Economy return flights for the scholar only, arranged according to Chevening’s travel policy (normally nearest practical airport to nearest practical UK airport). Stopovers for personal reasons are not normally supported.
Visa costs
The cost of the UK Student visa application for the scholar is covered. Chevening scholars follow specific guidance that allows them to bypass certain payments when applying with the Final Award Letter.
Living allowance (stipend)
A monthly payment intended to cover basic living costs including accommodation, food, local travel, phone and course materials. The rate is higher for London-based scholars. The stipend is not a large surplus income; careful budgeting is essential.
Arrival and departure allowances
Small one-off payments to help with initial settling-in costs and later return costs (such as excess baggage).
TB testing contribution
Up to £75 where a TB test is required for the visa.
What is generally not covered: costs for dependants, personal travel outside Chevening rules, graduation ceremony travel after the award ends, and any expenses beyond the approved package. Scholars must manage their own budgets within the stipend.
Important Requirements
Beyond the basic eligibility list, several practical requirements shape a strong application:
- Work experience calculation: The system counts hours. You can enter up to 15 separate periods of employment or voluntary work. Full-time, part-time, paid and unpaid work after your undergraduate degree can count. Work done while you were still an undergraduate student does not count towards the 2,800 hours.
- Three course choices: You must list three different eligible one-year taught master’s courses. They can be at the same university or different universities. You must later hold an unconditional offer from at least one by the official deadline (normally in July of the following year).
- English language: Chevening itself does not set a fixed IELTS or TOEFL score for the scholarship application. However, your chosen UK universities will have their own English language requirements for admission and for issuing an unconditional offer. Plan for this early.
- Leadership and networking evidence: The written application and interview assess real examples of leadership, influence and relationship-building. Vague statements without concrete evidence are weak.
- Return commitment: You must be prepared to return to Nigeria for at least two years. This is a binding condition of the award.
What You Need Before Applying
Preparation is the difference between a rushed application and a competitive one. Before you open the online form, gather the following:
- A reliable email address and phone number that you will still use in 2027
- Your passport details (name must match exactly)
- A clear list of your education history with dates
- A detailed record of all post-undergraduate work and voluntary experience with start/end dates and average hours per week so you can reach 2,800 hours
- Names, job titles, organisations and contact details of two referees who know your work well
- Three carefully researched eligible UK master’s courses, with reasons why each fits your background and goals
- Strong draft answers to the four essay questions (leadership, networking, study plan, career plan)
- Evidence of leadership and impact that you can describe specifically
AlertNaija247 advice: Start collecting work-experience evidence (appointment letters, contracts, reference emails, timesheets if available) early. The application system calculates hours automatically. If your total falls below 2,800 you will be filtered out.
Important Documents
At the initial application stage you do not upload certificates or transcripts. You enter information into the online form. Documents become critical later if you are shortlisted for interview.
Required if shortlisted for interview:
- Undergraduate degree certificate (official document proving the degree and grade). Transcripts alone are not accepted as a substitute for the certificate.
- Two reference letters written in English by the referees you named on the application form.
Later in the process, if selected, you will also need an unconditional offer letter from at least one of your three chosen courses, and you will follow visa documentation guidance provided by Chevening.
Keep original documents safe. Digital scans of high quality are useful for your own records and for university applications, but Chevening specifies the certificate (not just the transcript) for the interview stage.
Application Deadline
Applications for the 2027/28 Chevening Scholarships close on 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC. For applicants in Nigeria this is 12:00 noon West Africa Time on the same day.
The online system closes automatically. Late applications are not accepted. There is no extension for technical problems at the last minute. Submit well before the deadline and keep a record of your unique access code and any confirmation emails.
After submission you cannot edit the application. Plan your essays and course choices carefully before the final submit button.
Important Things to Check Before Applying
- Confirm that your work experience hours truly total at least 2,800 after your undergraduate completion date.
- Verify that each of your three course choices is an eligible one-year taught master’s programme using the official Chevening course tools and university pages.
- Make sure your name on the application matches your passport exactly.
- Check that your referees are willing and able to provide strong letters in English if you are shortlisted.
- Read the official eligibility page and common application errors guidance on the Chevening website.
- Prepare realistic short-, medium- and long-term career goals that link to Nigeria’s development and areas of shared UK–Nigeria priority.
- Ensure you understand the two-year return requirement and are prepared to honour it.
- Budget time for university applications after submitting the Chevening form; many applicants apply to universities in the months following the Chevening deadline.
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted through the official Chevening online application system. Follow these high-level steps based on official guidance:
- Go to the official application portal and register with a valid email and phone number. Note and keep your unique access code safely.
- Complete the eligibility checker carefully. Answer truthfully.
- Fill in personal details, immigration details, education history and work experience (up to 15 entries). Enter hours accurately so the system can calculate the total.
- Select your three eligible UK master’s course choices in order of preference.
- Enter the contact details of two referees.
- Write and carefully review your four essay answers (leadership, networking, study choice, career plan). Official guidance stresses evidence, clarity and a realistic plan for impact.
- Review every section. Once submitted, the application cannot be edited.
- Submit before 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC.
If shortlisted, you will be invited to interview (normally at the British High Commission in Nigeria or a designated location) and will upload the required documents. Later you must secure an unconditional offer from one of your three courses by the stated deadline.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting with fewer than 2,800 verified post-undergraduate work hours.
- Choosing courses that are not eligible one-year taught master’s programmes.
- Writing vague leadership or networking essays without specific examples, results and your personal role.
- Copying generic statements that do not match your actual experience.
- Leaving course research weak – the study-plan essay expects genuine knowledge of modules and how they link to your goals.
- Using an email or phone number you may lose access to before mid-2027.
- Naming referees who cannot or will not write strong, detailed letters.
- Waiting until the final hours to submit and risking technical problems.
- Assuming that a 2:2 or lower grade automatically bars you; universities decide admission, but you still need a degree that qualifies for UK master’s entry and strong overall evidence.
- Ignoring the return-to-home-country commitment.
AlertNaija247 guidance: Treat the essays as evidence-based stories, not motivational speeches. Each claim should be backed by a concrete situation, your actions and the outcome.
Application Checklist
- Confirmed Nigerian citizenship / eligibility status
- Undergraduate degree completed at least two years before the deadline
- Work experience total calculated and at least 2,800 hours after degree
- Three eligible one-year taught master’s courses researched and listed
- Two suitable referees contacted and willing
- Passport details ready and name consistency checked
- Four essays drafted, reviewed and evidence-based
- Unique access code saved securely
- Application reviewed for accuracy before final submission
- Submitted before 6 October 2026, 11:00 UTC
- Confirmation email and records kept
AlertNaija247 Student Tip
Start your course research and work-experience documentation now, even if you plan to submit closer to the deadline. Many strong Nigerian applicants lose time because they discover too late that one of their chosen courses is ineligible or that their hours fall short. Write the leadership and networking essays first; they often reveal gaps in evidence that you can still address by seeking additional responsibilities or documenting past projects more carefully before the deadline.
If you are also considering doctoral routes in the future, keep an eye on opportunities such as the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2027 at University of Sussex UK, which follow a different pathway and timeline.
Finally, never pay anyone who claims they can “guarantee” a Chevening award or who asks for money to submit your application. The official process is free and runs only through the Chevening online system.
Apply Now
If you meet the eligibility criteria and have prepared strong evidence of leadership, networking ability and a clear plan for impact in Nigeria, submit your application through the official portal before the deadline.
Remember to save your unique access code and keep copies of everything you submit. After the deadline, monitor the email address you registered with for any interview invitations or further instructions.
Chevening remains one of the most competitive and respected scholarships available to Nigerian professionals. A careful, honest and well-evidenced application is the only realistic path. Use the official Chevening resources, prepare thoroughly, and submit on time. Good luck.