Chevening Scholarship 2027–28 for Pakistani Students: Eligibility, Deadline and How to Apply
Quick facts
- Study: one-year taught master’s degree at any eligible UK university
- Funding: fully funded: tuition, monthly stipend, return flights and extra allowances
- Deadline: 6 October 2026, 11:00 UTC (4:00 pm Pakistan time)
- Work experience: at least two years (2,800 hours)
- Apply at: chevening.org
Chevening is the UK government’s flagship international scholarship. Every year it funds a few hundred professionals from around the world, including a group from Pakistan, to complete a one-year master’s degree in the UK. Applications for the 2027–28 academic year opened in August 2026 and close on 6 October 2026, so if you are thinking about applying, start now.
This guide explains who can apply, what the scholarship pays for, and how to put together an application that stands out.
What Chevening covers
Chevening is fully funded. Successful scholars normally receive:
- Full tuition fees for a one-year master’s course
- A monthly living allowance (stipend), higher in London
- One economy return flight between Pakistan and the UK
- An arrival allowance and a departure allowance
- Grants for essentials such as the visa application
You also join an alumni network of more than 50,000 people worldwide, which is often as valuable as the degree itself.
Who is eligible?
To apply from Pakistan for 2027–28 you must:
- Be a citizen of Pakistan (dual UK nationals are not eligible).
- Have completed an undergraduate degree that lets you enter a UK master’s programme. In practice this usually means a 16-year bachelor’s degree, or a 14-year degree followed by a master’s.
- Have at least two years of work experience, equal to 2,800 hours. Full-time, part-time, volunteering and internships can all count.
- Apply to three different eligible UK courses and hold an unconditional offer from one of them by the deadline Chevening sets (normally mid-July of the following year).
- Agree to return to Pakistan for at least two years after your scholarship ends.
Chevening does not set its own English test score. Instead you need to meet the English requirement of the university that admits you, usually IELTS Academic 6.5 or equivalent.
Important dates for the 2027–28 cycle
| Stage | When (typical) |
|---|---|
| Applications open | August 2026 |
| Applications close | 6 October 2026, 11:00 UTC |
| Applications reviewed and shortlist made | October 2026 – February 2027 |
| Interviews at the British High Commission | February – April 2027 |
| Results announced | From June 2027 |
| Deadline to hold an unconditional offer | Mid-July 2027 |
| Course starts in the UK | September/October 2027 |
Dates after the deadline are based on previous cycles. Always confirm on the official Chevening website.
How to apply, step by step
1. Choose three UK master’s courses
Pick three one-year taught master’s programmes that link clearly to your career. Use the course search on Chevening’s site to confirm each one is eligible. You do not need offers before you apply to Chevening, but you should apply to the universities early so you can meet the July offer deadline.
2. Prepare your documents
- A valid passport (or CNIC while your passport is being processed)
- Degree certificates and transcripts
- Two reference letters from people who know your work or studies
References are requested after you submit, so tell your referees in advance.
3. Write four strong essays
The online form has four essay questions of up to 500 words each:
- Leadership and influence: describe a time you led or influenced others and what changed because of it.
- Networking: explain how you build and use professional relationships, and how you would use the Chevening network.
- Studying in the UK: explain why you chose your three courses and how they fit your goals.
- Career plan: set out your short-term and long-term goals in Pakistan and the impact you want to make.
4. Submit before the deadline
Submit through the Chevening application portal before 4:00 pm Pakistan time on 6 October 2026. The system can be slow in the final hours, so aim to submit at least a day early.
Tips for a winning application
- Use real examples. Selectors want evidence, not adjectives. Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
- Be specific about Pakistan. Name the sector, the problem and the change you want to make, such as improving girls’ school enrolment in your district or digitising small-business payments.
- Link everything together. Your course choices, past work and future plan should tell one clear story.
- Get feedback. Ask a Chevening alumnus or a mentor to read your essays before you submit.
- Prepare for the IELTS early so your university offer is not delayed.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying with less than 2,800 hours of work experience
- Choosing courses that are not one-year taught master’s programmes
- Copying essays from the internet; plagiarism leads to rejection
- Leaving the application to the last day
Frequently asked questions
Is there an age limit for Chevening?
No. There is no upper age limit, but you must meet the education and work experience requirements.
Do I need IELTS to apply for Chevening?
Not to submit the Chevening application. You will need to meet your university’s English requirement to get an unconditional offer.
Can I apply for a PhD with Chevening?
No. Chevening funds one-year taught master’s degrees only. PhD students can look at the Commonwealth Scholarship instead.
Is there an application fee?
No. Applying for Chevening is free. Ignore anyone who asks you to pay to apply.
Source: Chevening Scholarships official website. Last checked: October 2026.
