The UK government is offering the prestigious Chevening Scholarships to Afghan students for the academic year 2025-2026. This renowned program provides fully funded opportunities for exceptional individuals to pursue master’s degrees at leading universities in the UK. Covering tuition fees, travel expenses, and a monthly stipend, Chevening is one of the most sought-after scholarship programs for aspiring international scholars. Graduates of the program earn internationally recognized master’s degrees, opening doors to global career opportunities. While scholars are generally required to return to their home countries within two years after completing their studies, there are pathways to remain in the UK for work, with the possibility of applying for permanent residency under specific conditions. This scholarship not only supports academic growth but also fosters leadership and global networking opportunities. This guide provides detailed information on how Afghan students can apply for the Chevening Scholarships 2025-2026, outlining eligibility criteria, benefits, and the application process to help you take full advantage of this transformative opportunity.
Overview
Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the Chevening Scholarship program has been a gateway to higher education and leadership development for thousands of students worldwide. For 2025-2026, the program has reopened for Afghan citizens residing in Afghanistan, following a brief suspension earlier this year. Chevening is celebrated for its emphasis on cultivating future leaders and influencers while offering comprehensive financial support and access to world-class education. Since its launch in 1983, it has enabled over 360 Afghans to study in the UK, enriching their professional and personal lives.
Application Period and Timeline
For Afghan applicants, the application period begins on November 14, 2024, and the deadline to submit applications is January 2, 2025. Typically, the application window opens globally from early August to early November; however, due to earlier suspensions, this year’s Afghan applicants have an extended and adjusted timeline.
Applications must be submitted via the official Chevening Scholarship website. Before applying, it is crucial to review the eligibility criteria, required documents, and application procedures thoroughly.
Chevening eligibility criteria
You must meet the eligibility criteria set out on this page to apply for a Chevening Scholarship. Ineligible applications will be rejected. When applying for Chevening, you will need to pass an eligibility checker before you can access the application form.
To be eligible for a Chevening Scholarship you must:
- Be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country or territory.
- Commit to returning to your home country for at least two years after your scholarship ends.
- Have at least two years of work experience (2,800 hours).
- Hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies you for a UK master’s programme.
- Apply to three different and eligible UK university courses. You must have received an unconditional offer from at least one of these course choices by the references and education documents deadline listed on the application timeline.
You are not eligible for a Chevening Scholarship if you:
- Hold British or dual British citizenship.
- Hold refugee status in a country not eligible for Chevening. However, if you are a citizen of an eligible country and hold refugee status in another eligible country, you are eligible for a scholarship.
- Are an employee, former employee, or relative of an employee of the UK government, British Embassies/High Commissions, the British Council, the Association of Commonwealth Universities, or sponsoring UK universities. Employees, former employees, or relatives* of an employee of Chevening Partner organizations are eligible to apply, but if the employment took place within the last two years, you cannot receive a Chevening Partner Award from the organization from which you work, previously worked, or are affiliated with through relatives.
- Have previously studied in the UK on a UK government-funded scholarship.
Please note that having a master’s degree does not prevent you from applying for a second master’s degree in the UK, providing you can articulate how it aligns with your career goals and will help you to drive positive change in your home country.
Scholarship Benefits
The Chevening Scholarship covers all costs associated with pursuing a master’s degree in the UK, including:
- Full tuition fees (MBA tuition is capped at £18,000).
- Travel expenses (one round-trip economy-class ticket).
- Visa fees.
- A monthly stipend for living expenses.
- Allowances for departure, accommodation, and attending Chevening events.
- TB testing allowance, if applicable.
How to Apply?
To apply for the Chevening Scholarship, follow these steps:
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the criteria, including Afghan citizenship, two years of work experience (2,800 hours), a bachelor’s degree, and a commitment to return to Afghanistan for at least two years after completing your studies.
- Select Courses: Choose three eligible full-time master’s courses from UK universities using the Chevening Course Finder. Secure an unconditional offer for at least one course by July 11, 2025.
- Prepare Documents: Gather required documents, including a valid passport, academic transcripts, degree certificates, contact details for two referees, and three preferred UK master’s courses.
- Submit Application: Complete the online application form via the Chevening website between November 14, 2024, and January 2, 2025. Answer essay questions on leadership, networking, career plans, and your motivation for studying in the UK.
- Application Review: Applications are reviewed, and shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview in early 2025.
Answer essay questions focusing on leadership, networking, career plans, and the rationale for choosing the UK and specific universities.
Work experience requirement
Before applying for a Chevening Scholarship, you need at least two years (2,800 hours) of work experience.
This can include:
- Full-time employment
- Part-time employment
- Voluntary work
- Paid or unpaid internships
Experience gained during mandatory employment for your degree does not count. You can combine up to fifteen different work periods to meet the requirement.
What to do about your current employment?
You do not need to resign from your job to apply. It’s advisable to discuss your application with your employer and refer them to the employer’s page on the Chevening website. Neither the British embassy or high commission in your home country, or the Chevening Secretariat, will intervene with employers.
How to calculate your work experience?
You will be required to input the number of weeks and hours that you worked for every job that you list in your employment history in the application form. You can add up to 15 entries of past work experiences. The system will then calculate if you meet Chevening’s requirement for 2,800 hours of work experience by multiplying the number of weeks by the number of hours worked for each entry. You will be able to view your total number.
How to choose your courses?
It’s up to you to research and choose the courses that align with your career goals. The guidelines below will support you to find the right fit:
- Eligible courses: Use the Chevening course finder to ensure your choices qualify for a Chevening Scholarship.
- Research tools: Explore Postgrad.com and individual UK university websites for detailed information about courses, entry requirements, and deadlines.
- Backup options: Choose three similar courses at three different universities for more flexibility. Alternatively, select different courses at the same university. Ensure that course content is similar, even if the titles differ.
Course requirements
Courses must be:
- Full-time.
- Start in the autumn term (usually September/October).
- Taught master’s courses (not research-focused MRes programmes).
- Leading to a master’s degree qualification.
- Based in the UK.
Courses cannot be:
- Part-time or distance learning.
- Less than nine months or more than 12 months in duration.
- PhD or DPhil.
- Taught with more than one month of study outside the UK.
Key Changes and Context
The Chevening Scholarship for Afghan students faced significant disruptions following the Taliban's takeover in August 2021. Initially, Afghan applicants had to process applications and visa procedures from third countries like Pakistan or Iran. In September 2024, the program was suspended entirely, causing distress among aspiring applicants.
After advocacy efforts by Afghan Chevening alumni, the program has now resumed, allowing applicants to apply directly from within Afghanistan. This development is a significant milestone amidst the challenging educational landscape in Afghanistan, where women face severe restrictions on accessing higher education under Taliban rule.
Important Resources
- Chevening Scholarships Official Website.
- FAQs and Chevening Application Guidance.
- Chevening Course Finder.
Conclusion
The Chevening Scholarship provides Afghan students with a life-changing opportunity to enhance their skills, gain global perspectives, and contribute to Afghanistan’s development upon their return. Applicants are encouraged to thoroughly prepare their applications and align their goals with Chevening’s mission to nurture future leaders and influencers. By participating in this program, Afghan scholars can shape a brighter future for themselves and their country. For more information and guidance, visit the official Chevening Scholarship page.
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For more information
For more information on immigration, resettlement, education and scholarship programs, and other opportunities available to Afghans worldwide, as well as details on the humanitarian services provided by international organizations in Afghanistan and procedures for obtaining civil documents from governmental institutions, please visit Beporsed's website and social media pages.