Chevening Scholarships Are Open: A Fully Funded UK Master’s for African Health Professionals

Applications for the Chevening Scholarship UK Masters program are officially open, with the submission deadline set for 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC. Funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) alongside partner organizations, this flagship awards scheme fully covers a one-year taught master’s degree at any accredited university in the United Kingdom.

Citizens from eligible African nations—including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, and Rwanda—are invited to apply. For mid-career health professionals, epidemiologists, and health policy advocates, Chevening provides a direct path to top-tier UK Master of Public Health (MPH), Health Policy, and Health Economics programs.

Program Structure & Financial Coverage

• Host Country: United Kingdom

• Study Level: One-year taught Master’s degree (full-time)

• Application Window: August 4, 2026 – October 6, 2026 (11:00 UTC)

• Funding Extent: Fully funded (covers university tuition fees, monthly living stipends, return economy flights, arrival/departure allowances, and visa application costs).

Core Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following mandatory criteria prior to submitting their application:

• Citizenship & Residency: Must be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country and commit to returning to your home country for a minimum of two years post-graduation.

• Work Experience: Minimum of 2 years of professional work experience (equivalent to 2,800 hours accumulated across full-time, part-time, or voluntary roles).

• Academic Background: Hold an undergraduate degree that meets UK postgraduate entry requirements.

• University Applications: Apply to three distinct, eligible UK master’s courses and receive at least one unconditional offer before the July deadline in the selection cycle.

Application Strategy & Essay Writing

The selection panel evaluates candidates primarily on four mandatory 500-word essays: Leadership, Networking, Studying in the UK, and Career Plan.

Successful applicants write in the first person using concrete, real-world examples (using the STAR method) rather than summarizing their resume. For health sector applicants, the strongest responses identify a specific, systemic public health challenge in their home country, explain how their chosen UK courses solve that gap, and outline a realistic 2-year action plan upon returning home.

Why this matters

The most valuable thing a Chevening year gives an African health professional is not the certificate. It is the network and the credibility to convene people at home who would not otherwise take your call. Use the application to decide what you will convene.

 

How to Apply

Applications must be created and submitted online through the official Chevening online application portal before the October 6 deadline.