The United Kingdom Government has officially opened applications for the 2026 Chevening Scholarships, offering fully funded master's degree opportunities at universities across the UK to outstanding Nigerian professionals and emerging leaders.

According to the UK Government, applications opened on August 4 at 11.00 UTC and will run until October 6, 2026, also at 11.00 UTC. Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations, the Chevening Scholarship provides recipients with access to world class education, global professional networks and lifelong membership in the Chevening alumni community.

For Nigerian applicants specifically, eligibility requires Nigerian citizenship, an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK 2:1, and at least 2,800 hours of work experience, roughly two years, completed after graduation. This can be drawn from up to 15 employers, including full time work, part time work, internships or voluntary service. Applicants must also commit to returning to Nigeria for a minimum of two years after completing their studies.

Successful applicants will receive a fully funded package covering full tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, return economy airfare to the UK, arrival and departure allowances, and travel grants for approved Chevening events.

To apply, candidates should register on the online application system through Nigeria's country page, complete the eligibility checker, and save their unique access code. The form covers personal and immigration details, education and work history, three eligible UK master's course choices, two referees, and four essay questions covering leadership, networking, study choice and career plans. Applicants must go on to secure an unconditional offer from at least one of their three chosen courses before a deadline Chevening sets later in the cycle. Sessions time out after 15 minutes of inactivity, so candidates are advised to draft essays separately beforehand.

Since its launch in 1983, the programme has supported over 60,000 professionals from more than 140 countries and territories, many of whom now occupy leadership roles in government, business, academia and civil society, including past Nigerian scholars.

Application sifting begins in October 2026, with interviews expected between March and April 2027 and results announced by mid June 2027. Successful scholars will begin their UK studies in September or October 2027.