UK Chevening Scholarships 2025–26, Full Guide for Indian Applicants

The UK Government has confirmed that applications for the Chevening Scholarships and Fellowships 2025–26 cycle will open on 5 August 2025 and close on 7 October 2025. For Indian students and professionals, this announcement is of particular significance, as India has the largest Chevening programme in the world, with thousands of alumni who have gone on to make a mark in public policy, governance, academia, business, and media.

For decades, Chevening Awards have been regarded as one of the most prestigious global opportunities. They offer fully funded scholarships and fellowships that not only cover tuition fees but also provide stipends, travel costs, and additional allowances—making education and professional development in the UK accessible to outstanding candidates regardless of financial background.

This report breaks down everything Indian applicants need to know for the 2025–26 Chevening intake—including award categories, eligibility, key deadlines, fellowship opportunities, application process, and the impact of Indian alumni on global leadership.

Two Pathways to the UK: Scholarships and Fellowships

The Chevening programme offers two primary routes for Indian candidates:

Award Type	Duration	Target Group	Coverage
Chevening Scholarship	1 year	Early to mid-career professionals	Tuition fees, flights, monthly stipend
Chevening Fellowship	8–12 weeks	Mid-to-senior level professionals	Course fees, accommodation, travel, living costs

• Scholarships enable candidates to pursue a one-year master’s degree at any UK university across diverse fields.
• Fellowships are designed for experienced professionals looking for specialized, short-term academic and professional development in areas such as leadership, journalism, science, and cybersecurity.

Both pathways are aimed at creating a pool of leaders who will drive change in India while strengthening UK-India collaboration.

Eligibility Requirements for Indian Applicants

Chevening Scholarships are highly competitive, and Indian candidates must meet strict eligibility requirements:

• Citizenship: Must hold Indian citizenship with a valid passport.
• Academic Background: Must have completed an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK upper second-class honours (2:1).
• Work Experience: At least two years (2,800 hours) of professional experience, which may include full-time or part-time jobs, internships, or voluntary work.
• Commitment to India: Awardees must commit to returning to India for at least two years after completing their programme.

For fellowships, similar requirements apply, but candidates are typically mid-career professionals with deeper expertise in their field.

Chevening Fellowships for India: 2025 Opportunities

The 2025–26 intake features several fellowship opportunities hosted by leading UK institutions. These programmes blend classroom study with field visits and networking, ensuring participants gain both academic and practical insights.

Fellowship Name	Host University	Focus Area
Chevening Cyber Security Fellowship	Cranfield University	Cyber policy, governance, national security
Gurukul Fellowship for Leadership and Excellence	University of Oxford	Public policy, governance, leadership
Science and Innovation Leadership Fellowship	University of Oxford	Science, technology, and innovation
South Asia Journalism Fellowship	University of Westminster	Political, economic, and business journalism

Each fellowship provides opportunities for policy dialogue, academic research, and networking, building the capacity of Indian professionals to lead in their sectors.

Strategic Partnerships in India

India has one of the most robust Chevening networks globally, thanks in part to its strong partnerships.

• State governments such as Jharkhand, Karnataka, Nagaland, and Uttarakhand have partnered with Chevening to co-fund scholars.
• Corporate sponsors like Adani Group and TVS Motors expand the programme’s reach, ensuring more candidates—especially from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities—have access.
• More than 60% of the 2025 cohort comes from smaller towns, reflecting a deliberate effort toward regional inclusivity.

Gender parity is also central, with equal representation of men and women across both scholarships and fellowships.

How to Apply for Chevening 2025–26

The Chevening application process is rigorous, and early preparation is key. Here’s how Indian applicants can apply:

1. Visit chevening.org – Review eligibility, programme details, and tips.
2. Prepare documents – Collect degree certificates, transcripts, references, and proof of work experience.
3. Highlight leadership – Applications must clearly demonstrate leadership experience, career achievements, and vision for India’s future.
4. Submit application – Online form available between 5 August and 7 October 2025.
5. Interviews – Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews in early 2026.

Applicants are advised to showcase long-term goals and how studying in the UK will contribute to both personal growth and India’s development.

Application Timeline for 2025–26

• Applications Open: 5 August 2025
• Deadline: 7 October 2025
• Shortlisting for Interviews: Early 2026
• UK Course Start Date: September–October 2026

This timeline gives candidates just over two months to submit applications, making preparation in advance critical.

Notable Indian Alumni and Their Impact

India’s Chevening alumni network is one of the largest and most influential worldwide. Over 3,900 Indians have benefited from the programme since 1983. Alumni include:

• Amitabh Kant – Former G20 Sherpa, CEO of NITI Aayog
• Anupriya Patel – Union Minister of State
• Supriya Sule – Member of Parliament
• T.V. Narendran – Managing Director, Tata Steel

These leaders exemplify how Chevening fosters policy makers, business leaders, and change agents who shape India’s governance and development.

Programme’s Global Significance

Chevening is more than an academic scholarship—it is a diplomatic bridge. With alumni spanning 160 countries and a network of 60,000+ global leaders, Chevening has become a tool for international collaboration.

Graduates return home with not only world-class education but also networks that connect India with the UK across trade, culture, policy, and innovation. For India, Chevening alumni have often been at the forefront of driving reforms, influencing governance, and representing the nation on global platforms.

5 FAQs About Chevening Scholarships 2025–26

Q1. When do applications for Chevening 2025–26 open and close?
Applications open on 5 August 2025 and close on 7 October 2025.

Q2. Who is eligible for the Chevening Scholarship in India?
Indian citizens with a bachelor’s degree, at least two years of work experience, and a commitment to return to India for at least two years after completing the programme are eligible.

Q3. What expenses are covered under the Chevening Scholarship?
The award is fully funded—covering tuition fees, travel, living expenses, and additional allowances.

Q4. Are there specific fellowships for Indian professionals in 2025?
Yes. Options include the Cyber Security Fellowship, Gurukul Fellowship at Oxford, Science and Innovation Fellowship, and South Asia Journalism Fellowship.

Q5. Do I need to apply separately for fellowships and scholarships?
Yes. Applicants must choose their award type and apply through the dedicated online system.