Chevening Scholarship (South Africa)
The Chevening Scholarship is the UK government's flagship, fully funded award for emerging leaders to complete a one-year taught master's degree at any UK university. South Africa has a dedicated country programme, and the scholarship is open to South African citizens in any field of study who plan to return home and contribute to their country. It covers full tuition, a living stipend, return flights and more.
Eligible Fields of Study
Chevening (UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, administered by the Chevening Secretariat) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ Be a South African citizen and intend to return to South Africa for a minimum of two years after the scholarship ends
- ✓ Hold a completed undergraduate degree that enables entry to a UK postgraduate (master's) programme
- ✓ Have at least two years (2,800 hours) of work experience completed after your undergraduate degree
- ✓ Apply to three eligible UK university master's courses and secure at least one unconditional offer by the stated deadline
- ✓ Meet Chevening's English language requirement
- ✓ Not hold British or dual British citizenship (with limited exceptions), and not be an employee or relative of an employee of the UK government in ways that breach the rules
What's Included
- ✓ Full university tuition fees for a one-year master's degree
- ✓ Monthly living stipend
- ✓ Return economy airfare to and from the UK
- ✓ Arrival allowance
- ✓ Homeward departure allowance
- ✓ Cost of one UK visa application
- ✓ Travel grant to attend Chevening events in the UK
- ✓ Access to the global Chevening alumni network of leaders and professionals
How to Apply
Steps to complete your Chevening (UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, administered by the Chevening Secretariat) bursary application
- 1
Visit the Chevening South Africa country page at chevening.org/scholarship/south-africa and check the eligibility criteria
- 2
Wait for applications to open (the cycle for study starting in 2027-28 is expected to open around early August 2026)
- 3
Create an account and complete the online application form on the Chevening website
- 4
Choose three eligible one-year taught master's courses at UK universities
- 5
Write the required essays (leadership, networking, career plan and choice of course)
- 6
Provide details for two referees
- 7
Submit your application before the closing date (typically early November)
- 8
If shortlisted, attend an interview at the British High Commission or its representative
- 9
Secure at least one unconditional UK university offer by the separate, later deadline
- 10
Submit your education and other supporting documents for final confirmation
Required Documents
- 📄 Valid passport or national ID confirming South African citizenship
- 📄 Academic transcripts and degree certificate(s) for your undergraduate qualification
- 📄 Evidence of at least two years (2,800 hours) of work experience
- 📄 Details of two referees
- 📄 Unconditional offer letter(s) from a UK university (by the separate later deadline)
- 📄 Proof of meeting the English language requirement (when requested)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can apply for a Chevening Scholarship from South Africa?
- South African citizens who hold a completed undergraduate degree, have at least two years (2,800 hours) of work experience, meet the English language requirement, and intend to return to South Africa for a minimum of two years after the scholarship. You must apply to three eligible UK master's courses and secure at least one unconditional offer.
- How much is the Chevening Scholarship worth?
- Chevening does not publish a single cash figure — it is a fully funded award. It covers full university tuition for a one-year master's, a monthly living stipend, return economy flights to and from the UK, arrival and departure allowances, the cost of one UK visa application, and a travel grant for Chevening events.
- When does the Chevening application open and close?
- Applications open annually around early August (the 2026-27 round opened on 5 August 2025) and close around early November. The cycle for study starting in 2027-28 is expected to open around early August 2026. Applicants must also secure at least one unconditional UK university offer by a separate, later deadline.
- Does Chevening fund any field of study?
- Yes. Chevening funds any subject as long as it is a one-year taught master's degree at a UK university. You apply to three eligible courses and must secure at least one unconditional offer by the stated deadline.
Ready to apply?
Applications close on 3 November 2026
Apply on Chevening (UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, administered by the Chevening Secretariat)'s official siteInformation verified 2026-06-08. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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