The United Kingdom on Tuesday announced the opening of applications for its 2026 Chevening Scholarship. Applications for the scholarship can be made from August 5, 2025, to October 7, 2025.
Chevening is the United Kingdom’s global scholarship programme. It is funded by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations.
The programme, which started in 1983, offers a fully funded one-year taught master’s degree at universities in the United Kingdom to individuals who are ready to lead positive change in their home countries and around the world.
Since its inception, over 1,500 Nigerians have been awarded the Chevening scholarship.
According to the British High Commission, for more than 40 years, the Chevening scholarship has attracted hundreds of thousands of applications globally, with over 60,000 professionals advancing their careers through it.
The Head of Scholarships Unit at the United Kingdom FCDO, Emma Hennessey, said Chevening scholarship’s highly competitive selection process ensures that those chosen represent the brightest and most driven individuals from around the world.
“Chevening alumni use their world-class education, global networks, and confidence gained in the UK to create a meaningful and lasting change when they return home. This is whether by tackling global challenges or making a tangible impact on their own communities,” she said.
She urged individuals with a clear demonstration of outstanding leadership and networking skills, and influence to apply.
Hennessey also encouraged those without such skills to build experiences that would make their applications competitive.
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Richard Montgomery, described Chevening scholarship as a gateway to a global network of leaders, innovators and change makers.
“Whether your aspirations lie in shaping public policy, launching a business, or addressing the world’s most pressing challenges, the Chevening scholarship offers a unique opportunity to pursue a master’s degree in the UK to advance your knowledge and skills.
“If you have the potential to lead positive change in your community, Nigeria, or globally, I encourage you to submit your application before the 7th of October, 2025, deadline,” Montgomery said.
According to him, prospective candidates can submit their applications via chevening.org/apply, and are encouraged to review resources available at chevening.org/guidance to assess their readiness to present a competitive application.