If you are a student or young professional in Pakistan considering Chevening — or just trying to understand what it is before committing months of your life to an application — this guide is for you.
Chevening is a UK government scholarship funded and administered by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), working alongside partner organizations and delivered through British embassies and high commissions around the world.
Launched in 1983, the program has since supported more than 60,000 professionals across over 160 countries and territories, making it one of the most prestigious and far-reaching scholarships in the world.
Chevening funds one-year master's programmes only. There is no two-year option. It does not fund:
It is specifically built around full-time, taught master's courses that start in October and run for approximately nine to twelve months. This one-year structure is intentional — Chevening wants scholars to come in, develop, and return to their home countries ready to make an impact.
Chevening is open to citizens of more than 160 countries and territories — one of the broadest reaches of any scholarship programme in the world. Pakistan is an eligible country with a strong annual cohort of Chevening Scholars.
A few important points:
Chevening is remarkably flexible when it comes to subject choice. Eligible courses include:
What is not allowed:
Important: Your Chevening application and your university application are two completely separate processes. Getting a Chevening award does not get you into a university. You must independently apply to three eligible UK master's courses and secure at least one unconditional offer before the Chevening deadline.
Pro tip: Start preparing well before the portal opens. Your essays and professional references take time to get right.
No — there is no GRE, GMAT, or standardized academic test required for Chevening, unlike the Fulbright scholarship. However, you must meet an English language requirement. IELTS 6.5 or above is typically required before the scholarship is confirmed, so it is best to attempt it early in the process.
Chevening is fundamentally a leadership development scholarship, not just an academic award. The work experience requirement exists because:
The 2,800-hour requirement is Chevening's way of measuring two full years of experience while allowing flexibility — full-time jobs, part-time roles, internships, and volunteer work can all count toward the total.
Chevening scholars can apply to virtually any UK university, but some institutions partner closely with the programme. Frequently attended universities include the University of Cambridge, Durham University, Queen Mary University of London, and the University of Glasgow.
Yes. Pakistan is one of the larger Chevening cohorts globally, with dozens of Pakistani scholars selected every year.
Yes. Chevening is fully funded — it covers tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, return economy airfare to the UK, and visa costs.
No. A minimum of 2,800 hours (roughly two years) of work experience is a hard requirement. Recent graduates who have not yet accumulated this experience are not eligible.
Applications typically open in August and close in November. Always confirm the exact dates for the current cycle on the official Chevening website.
