Chevening Scholarship for Studies in the UK

Who can apply

• Be a South African citizen (students who are citizens of other Chevening-eligible countries or territories may also apply)
• Not have dual citizenship from the UK
• Have completed Grade 12/ Matric
• Have completed an undergraduate degree which enables you to gain entry into a post-graduate programme in the UK
• Intend on studying full-time towards a Master’s degree qualification in the UK
• Apply to 3 different Master’s courses (these can be 3 different courses at the same institution or 3 similar courses at up to 3 different universities)
• Your selected courses must be full-time, start in the autumn term (September/October), taught master’s (i.e. not research-focused MRes programmes), lead to a master’s degree qualification and be based in the UK
• Receive an unconditional offer from 1 of 3 university courses by 8 July 2027
• Have at least 2-years of work experience (read about the work experience requirement here)
• Return to South Africa for a minimum of 2 years after the scholarship has ended

What the bursary covers

• Tuition fees
• Monthly stipend
• Visa application costs
• Arrival allowance
• Homeward departure allowance
• Travel costs to
• From the UK
• Travel grant to attend Chevening events in the UK

Documents you will need

• Identity Document (certified copy)
• Matric Certificate (certified copy)
• Full academic record (certified copy)
• 2 references: people known to you in an academic or professional capacity (read about Chevening’s reference requirement here)
• 1 unconditional UK university offer

Full bursary documents checklist

How to apply

1. Check the requirements

   Make sure you meet every requirement listed above. Applications that miss one are usually rejected automatically.

2. Prepare your documents

   Scan clear copies of everything the provider asks for, certified where required.

3. Apply through the official channel
   Chevening Scholarship for Studies in the UK 2027

   Applications must be submitted online at: Chevening Scholarship for Studies in the UK 2027

   Note: you must apply separately for your course through the university that offers it.

4. Submit before the closing date

   Usually closes around October. Late applications are almost never accepted.

Applications for the current cycle have closed. This bursary usually opens again each year, so prepare your documents now and check back.

Genuine bursaries never charge an application fee. How to spot bursary scams

About Chevening Scholarship for Studies in the UK

Chevening is the UK Government's flagship international scholarship programme, run by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office since 1983.