APPLY: UK opens applications for 2025 Chevening Scholarships

The United Kingdom has opened applications for the 2025 Chevening Scholarships, its prestigious fully funded programme for master’s degrees in UK universities.

Applications opened on August 5 and will close on October 7, 2025.

The Chevening Scholarships are awarded to individuals who demonstrate the potential to lead positive change in their home countries and around the world.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, the British High Commission said the programme has attracted hundreds of thousands of applications globally over the past four decades.

Successful applicants, the statement noted, are those who can demonstrate strong leadership, influence, and networking skills through compelling, evidence-based examples.

The statement quoted Emma Hennessey, head of the scholarships unit at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), as saying:

“Chevening’s highly competitive selection process ensures that those chosen to become Chevening Scholars or Fellows represent the brightest and most driven individuals from around the world.

“Chevening Alumni use their world-class education, global networks, and confidence gained in the UK to create meaningful, lasting change when they return home, whether by tackling global challenges or making a tangible impact in their own communities.

“If you can clearly demonstrate the skills needed to join them — outstanding leadership, influence, and networking skills — I strongly encourage you to apply. If you’re not quite there yet, I encourage you to take the time to build the experience that will make your application competitive.

“I’m continually inspired by the dedication and drive of the Chevening community, and I look forward to seeing what the next generation of leaders will bring.”

Also speaking, Richard Montgomery, British high commissioner to Nigeria, described Chevening as a gateway to a global network of change-makers.

“Chevening is more than a scholarship, it is a gateway to a global network of leaders, innovators, and changemakers.

“Whether your aspirations lie in shaping public policy, launching a business, or addressing the world’s most pressing challenges, the Chevening Scholarship offers a unique opportunity to pursue a fully funded master’s degree in the United Kingdom to advance your knowledge and skills.

“While there is no ‘typical’ scholar, we seek individuals with the passion, ideas, and influence to drive meaningful change in Nigeria and beyond. Our alumni network includes dynamic professionals across diverse sectors who are making significant contributions in their fields.

“If you have the potential to lead positive change in your community, Nigeria, or globally, I encourage you to submit your application before the 7 October 2025 deadline. Apply today and take the first step toward this life-changing experience.”

Prospective applicants are advised to apply via chevening.org/apply, and to review the guidance materials on chevening.org/guidance before submitting an application.

Since its launch in 1983, more than 60,000 professionals from over 160 countries have benefited from the scholarship — a reflection of the UK government’s long-standing commitment to developing the leaders of tomorrow.

Chevening is funded by the FCDO and partner organisations. It supports one-year, taught master’s programmes in the UK for individuals with demonstrated potential to become future leaders, decision-makers, and opinion formers.