The Chevening Scholarship is the UK government’s global scholarship program, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organizations. It offers fully funded one-year master’s degrees at any UK university.

It’s a highly prestigious scholarship focusing on leadership potential, academic excellence, and a commitment to contribute to Bangladesh’s development after returning home.

Eligibility Criteria 

• Must be a citizen of Bangladesh.
  
• Must return to Bangladesh for at least two years after the scholarship ends.
  
• Have an undergraduate degree (equivalent to a UK upper second-class 2:1 honours degree, usually a strong First Class or a CGPA of 3.0+ out of 4.0).
  
• Have at least two years’ work experience (this can include internships, paid/unpaid work, or volunteering).
  
• Apply to three eligible UK university courses.
  
• Must meet the English language requirement (Chevening removed the English test requirement in 2020, but universities may still require IELTS/TOEFL).

Benefits

The scholarship covers full tuition fees and provides a monthly stipend for living expenses, the amount of which varies depending on the city of study. It also includes round-trip airfare to the UK, an arrival allowance to help with initial costs, and covers visa application fees. Additionally, the cost of a tuberculosis (TB) test, if required for entry into the UK, is also reimbursed.

Application Process 

1. Applications Open (Early August)

Applications are accepted through the official website: https://www.chevening.org/apply/ 

You’ll need to create an account and start your online application. Applications typically open in August and close in early November.

2. Prepare the Required Documents

You must submit:

• Valid passport
  
• Academic transcripts and certificates
  
• Two recommendation letters (from academic or professional referees)
  
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  
• Personal Essays (Four key essays: Leadership, Networking, Study Plan, Career Plan)
  
• List of three UK courses you are applying to (course title, university name)
  

3. Submit Online Application

Write strong, clear essays showing:

• Your leadership experience
  
• How you’ve built professional networks
  
• Why you chose the UK and your courses
  
• How your studies will help Bangladesh
  

4. Shortlisting (February–March)

If the application is successful, the applicants are invited for an interview at the British High Commission in Dhaka.

• Shortlisting emails are usually sent around February.
  
• Interviews take place between February and April.
  

5. Conditional Offer

The successful candidates will receive a conditional offer. 

• Secure an unconditional offer from at least one of your chosen UK universities
  
• Submit required documents like your final transcripts, passport, and references
  

Deadline to submit university offers: usually mid-July of the following year.

6. Final Award Notification (June–July)

If everything is complete, you’ll receive the final Chevening award letter around June–July.
You’ll then apply for a UK student visa (Tier 4) and prepare to travel to the UK for your studies in September.