Some of us may have preconceived ideas about the process. However, a lack of clarity still looms over most of our decision-making when it comes to higher education.

Chevening scholarship aims to support exceptional future leaders in pursuing postgraduate education in the UK. It is one of the most competitive international scholarships in the world.

To bridge this knowledge gap, TBS Graduates spoke to Mahbuba Kamal, a Chevening Scholar currently studying at the University of Birmingham in the UK, to put together a comprehensive guide to the Chevening Scholarship, one of the most prestigious scholarships, with an acceptance rate of around 1 percent.

The initials and eligibility

Each international scholarship focuses on a different set of objectives, depending on what it aims to support. For example, Erasmus Mundus prioritises diversity, whereas Chevening looks for leaders. It does not seek general applicants.

While providing such overviews, Mahbuba shared, “If you believe that you are a leader, then Chevening is the perfect fit for you.”

There are some basic eligibility requirements that a student must meet before applying for Chevening.

Mahbuba clarified that the eligibility criteria were changed in the 2025–2026 application window. As a result, current aspirants can now apply for Chevening immediately after graduation, as she did. She also outlined the five core eligibility requirements for the scholarship.

Firstly, a student must be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country or territory. Bangladeshi students meet this requirement.

Secondly, a student must commit to returning to their home country for at least two years after the scholarship ends. For those planning to settle abroad after postgraduate studies, Chevening is not the right choice.

Thirdly, a student must have at least 2,800 hours, or two years, of full-time work experience after completing an undergraduate degree. This work experience may be accumulated over different time periods.

Fourthly, a student must have completed their undergraduate studies at least two years before the Chevening application deadline.

Finally, a student must apply to three different eligible UK university courses. However, offer letters from those universities are not mandatory at the time of application.

“Chevening does not have any specific academic excellence requirements, but UK universities do. You need to check the requirements of your chosen university before applying, such as academic results, IELTS scores, and other criteria. These vary significantly from one university to another,” explained Mahbuba.

When asked what matters most in the application, academics or work experience, she responded, “In my view, Chevening demands both academic excellence and professional experience. Given the competitive nature of the scholarship, combining these factors gives applicants a significant advantage.”

Application and selection

The first step towards Chevening begins with asking a simple question: “Am I a leader?” said Mahbuba.

“If the answer is yes, you should begin preparing for Chevening, regardless of your current academic stage. Preparation may start three months or even years in advance. The key factor is having a leadership mindset,” she explained.

There is a common misconception that leadership is limited to holding formal positions such as founder, manager, or department head. However, position does not define a leader. Initiatives and efforts do.

According to Mahbuba, this is precisely what applicants should focus on in their essays. They should reflect on what leadership means to them, the actions they have taken, and how those initiatives have created impact in their field. Chevening values how applicants approach challenges and deliver solutions.

In her own case, Mahbuba had never held formal leadership positions when she applied for Chevening.

“For any scholarship, preparation should begin with thorough research into the scheme and by connecting with current scholars or alumni. This provides a clear idea of what to do and what to avoid. Mentorship from scholars makes the preparation process much smoother,” she said.

Speaking of mentorship, she added, “I had the privilege of working with Chevening alumni in various professional capacities since my second year of undergraduate studies.”

The extras on Chevening and increasing chances

The entire Chevening application process takes almost a year. Students planning to start postgraduate studies in September 2027 will need to apply in the 2026 application window.

The application window usually opens in August and closes in October. Independent Reading Committees then assess eligible applications. British embassies and high commissions produce a shortlist, and candidates are invited for interviews between March and April. Interview results are announced from mid-June onwards.

Successful candidates must submit at least one unconditional offer from a UK university by July. After completing all requirements, candidates officially become Chevening Scholars. The process concludes with the presentation of the Chevening certificate, usually by the British High Commissioner.

Chevening requires four essays focusing on leadership, relationship-building, course choices, and future career goals. Each essay has a 300-word limit.

“It is crucial that the essays reflect your personal perspective, experiences, and ambitions. Avoid copying anyone else’s work. Honesty is key. I also recommend having your essays reviewed by scholars or alumni and revising them until they feel right to you,” Mahbuba advised.

Mahbuba began preparing her essays well before graduation and revised them daily. This preparation, she said, gave her confidence and made her one of the youngest Chevening Scholars in Bangladesh.

Relationship-building is a major component of the Chevening essays. “It is not about how many people you know or your LinkedIn connections. What matters is how you build and maintain relationships and how those relationships support your leadership journey,” she explained.

For post-study plans, she emphasised the importance of realistic career goals. “Divide your goals into short-term, mid-term, and long-term plans. This helps you structure your ambitions clearly and realistically.”

Mahbuba has long been an advocate for women’s rights and gender equality and aims to strengthen this advocacy by bringing her work to international platforms.

Chevening also requires at least 2,800 hours of work experience after completing an undergraduate degree. This can include full-time or part-time employment, paid or unpaid internships, and voluntary work. The experience does not need to be directly related to the chosen field of study.

Applicants must submit two reference letters. Ideally, one should be academic and the other professional.

“For academic references, choose teachers or faculty members who know you well. For professional references, select a supervisor or senior colleague who can present a strong and informed view of your abilities,” Mahbuba advised.

She cautioned applicants against submitting generic essays and stressed the importance of authenticity. “While academic excellence matters, it is not everything. I know scholars with GPAs of 3.00 out of 4.00 who have received Chevening.”

She also encouraged persistence. “Some scholars apply six times before being selected, while others succeed on their first attempt. Patience and self-belief are essential.”

Perspective and life as a woman Chevening Scholar

Mahbuba Kamal is the founder of the Bangladesh Society of International Law and currently works as a Research Assistant at Birmingham Law School. She also serves as an Adviser to the Local Experts Advisory Committee of Dhaka North City Corporation. Previously, she worked as a Research Associate at Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust.

Reflecting on her academic journey, she said, “My passion for human rights began with Professor Dr Saira Rahman Khan during my undergraduate studies at BRAC University.”

Coming from a middle-class family, Mahbuba said self-funding higher education abroad was not an option. “Because Chevening is fully funded, it was crucial for achieving my academic and leadership aspirations,” she noted.

Addressing challenges faced by women, she said, “Higher education for women is still viewed as a luxury in our society. Families often prioritise weddings over investing in their daughters’ education.”

She recalled being told she was “too ambitious”, a label that sometimes discouraged her.

When asked what she would say to women who doubt whether they are good enough for Chevening, she replied, “Never let anyone limit the height of your dreams. Dream, work for it, and fly as high as you can. Even the sky is not the limit.”