Overview / About the Scholarship
The Chevening Scholarship is the UK government’s most prestigious global award, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). For students in Bangladesh, it represents the pinnacle of academic achievement and leadership potential.
This fully funded program allows Bangladeshi professionals to pursue a one-year Master’s degree in any subject at any UK university. The program seeks to empower the next generation of Bangladeshi leaders committed to bringing positive change to their home country and to strengthening the bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom.
Scholarship Value / Benefits
The Chevening award is exceptionally comprehensive, enabling scholars to focus entirely on their professional development without financial stress. It covers:
Full University Tuition Fees: Complete coverage for standard taught Master’s programs.
Monthly Living Stipend: Approximately £1,516 for those studying in London and £1,215 for universities outside London to cover housing and daily expenses.
Travel Costs: Economy-class return flights from Dhaka or Chittagong to the UK.
Visa Fees: The full cost of your UK student visa application.
Additional Allowances: Includes an arrival allowance, a departure grant, and costs for mandatory TB testing, which is often required for Bangladeshi applicants.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a Chevening Scholarship, you must meet the following requirements:
Citizenship: You must be a citizen of Bangladesh.
Return Requirement: You must commit to returning to Bangladesh for at least two years after your scholarship ends.
Education: You must hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies you for a UK postgraduate program (equivalent to a UK 2:1 honours degree).
Work Experience: You must have at least two years of professional work experience (a minimum of 2,800 hours). This can include full-time, part-time, or internship roles gained after graduation.
University Offers: You must receive an unconditional offer from at least one of your three chosen UK university courses by the July deadline.
Level & Field of Study
Level: Full-time, one-year taught Master's degree.
Field of Study: Any subject area from Public Policy and Climate Change to Finance and Engineering at any eligible UK institution.
Exclusions: The scholarship does not cover part-time, distance learning, or PhD programs.
Host University / Provider Info
Bangladeshi scholars can choose from over 150 UK universities. You must select three different courses, which can be at the same university or three different institutions.
Popular choices for Bangladeshi applicants often include:
Chevening also offers Partner Awards with specific universities, which may provide additional networking opportunities and specialized events for scholars.
Required Documents
Applications are submitted through the Chevening Online Application System (OAS) and require:
Academic Credentials: Undergraduate certificates and official transcripts.
Identity Proof: A valid Bangladeshi passport.
References: Contact details for two referees who can speak to your leadership and academic potential.
Four Mandatory Essays: Each under 300 words, focusing on Leadership, Networking, Study in the UK, and Career Plans.
Unconditional Offer: Proof of admission from a UK university.
How to Apply
How to Apply
The application process for the Chevening Scholarship follows a strict, multi-stage timeline. Missing a single deadline can disqualify you for the entire cycle.
1. Online Application Submission
The Window: Applications typically open in August and close in early November.
The Portal: You must register and apply through the official Chevening Online Application System (OAS).
The Essays: You must write four mandatory 500-word essays (Leadership, Networking, Studying in the UK, and Career Plan). These are the most critical parts of your application.
2. University Applications
Choose Three: You must select three different Master’s courses at UK universities. They can be at the same university or three different ones.
Apply Separately: You must apply directly to these universities. You do not need an offer letter to submit your Chevening application, but you must have at least one unconditional offer by July of the following year to remain eligible.
3. Shortlisting and Documentation
The Wait: Between November and January, an independent committee reviews all applications.
The Shortlist: If selected, you will be invited for an interview in early February.
Document Upload: You will need to upload your education certificates, transcripts, and two references to the portal before your interview date.
4. The Interview in Dhaka
Location: Interviews for Bangladeshi candidates are usually held at the British High Commission in Dhaka.
The Panel: You will be interviewed by a panel that assesses your leadership potential and how your UK degree will benefit Bangladesh's development.
5. Final Selection and Visa
Notification: Successful candidates are typically notified in June.
The Offer: Once you receive your scholarship letter, you must finalise your university admission and apply for your Student Visa, the cost of which is fully covered by the scholarship.
Expert Tips for Bangladeshi Applicants
Quantify Your Experience: When writing about your 2,800 hours of work experience, be specific about your roles and the impact you made.
Link to Bangladesh’s Future: Ensure your "Career Plan" essay aligns with Bangladesh's development priorities, such as climate resilience, digital transformation, and public health.
Choose Your Referees Wisely: Use professional or academic mentors who can provide concrete examples of your leadership skills.
Need Help with Your Chevening Application?
At NWC Education, we have a dedicated team that understands the specific requirements for Bangladeshi applicants. From refining your leadership essays to choosing the right UK universities like Birmingham City University or Leeds Beckett University, we provide the expert guidance you need to stand out.
Contact our consultants today for a free profile evaluation and start your journey to becoming a Chevening Scholar!
