Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Chevening Scholarship
Closes
6 October 2026
Value
Full costs paid
Level
Master's Degree
For
SA Citizens
Sector
All Fields
Work-back
2 years in SA
About this bursary
The Chevening Scholarship is the flagship global awards programme from the United Kingdom government. Funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office alongside partner bodies, it pays for a one-year taught Master's degree at any recognised university across the UK for the 2027-2028 academic year.
This programme focuses on ambitious individuals displaying strong academic potential and leadership qualities. The grant gives scholars the chance to expand their professional networks and gain an international education while working toward their career goals.
Recipients are required to return to South Africa for a minimum of two years once their academic programme concludes in the UK.
Obligation
Scholars must return to reside in South Africa for at least two years after completing their degree.
Courses of study covered
What the bursary covers
Who can apply
You qualify if
- You must hold South African citizenship or be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible territory.
- Dual British citizenship disqualifies you from applying.
- You must have completed Matric and an undergraduate degree that qualifies you for entry into a UK postgraduate programme.
- You must apply to three distinct taught Master's degrees in the UK starting in September or October 2027.
- You must obtain an unconditional offer from at least one of your chosen courses by 8 July 2027.
- You must possess at least two years of documented work experience.
- You must agree to reside in South Africa for at least two years after finishing your studies.
You do not qualify if
- Applicants with dual British nationality.
- Students registering for research-focused qualifications like MRes degrees or part-time courses.
- Applicants with less than two years of work experience or no undergraduate degree.
Documents you need to submit
- Certified copy of South African Identity Document
- Certified copy of Matric certificate
- Certified copy of complete academic transcript
- Two professional or academic reference letters
- At least one unconditional admission offer from a UK university
Ensure your referee letters and university acceptance documents match Chevening requirements.
How to apply
- 1Use the Chevening course finder to choose three suitable full-time taught Master's programmes in the UK.
- 2Submit individual study applications directly to the three selected UK universities.
- 3Register a profile on the official Chevening online application portal.
- 4Fill out the online form and upload all requested supporting documents.
- 5Submit your scholarship application before 13:00 SAST on 6 October 2026.
Applying for the scholarship does not replace applying directly to your target universities.
How you are selected
Forms, downloads and links
Chevening application portal
asams.chevening.org/applyChevening course finder
chevening.org/scholarships/guidance/coursesWork experience guidelines
chevening.org/scholarships/who-can-apply/work-experienceReference guidelines
chevening.org/scholarships/guidance/referencesChevening FAQ page
chevening.org/faqs/?chevening_topic=&chevening_type=&chevening_audience=applicantsTechnical support page
chevening.org/scholarships/guidance/online-application-system/technical-issues