South African professionals with leadership potential can apply for a fully funded one-year taught Master’s degree in the United Kingdom through the Chevening Scholarships 2027/2028.
At a glance
Funder: UK Government through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and partners
Study level: One-year taught Master’s degree
Study destination: United Kingdom
Application deadline: 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC, which is 13:00 South African Standard Time
High-value notes
- You must choose three eligible UK Master’s courses in the application.
- You need at least 2,800 hours of work experience gained after completing your undergraduate degree.
- Successful scholars must return to their home country for at least two years after the award ends.
- An unconditional offer from at least one selected course is required by 8 July 2027.
About Chevening
Chevening is the UK Government’s international scholarship programme for emerging leaders. It supports postgraduate study while connecting scholars with a global professional and alumni network.
What the scholarship covers
- Tuition fees
- Economy travel to and from your country of residence
- Arrival and departure allowances
- Visa application cost
- Contribution of up to £75 for required tuberculosis testing
- Travel top-up allowance
- Monthly living stipend, with the rate depending on study location
An MBA fee cap applies: the scholar must cover tuition above £22,000.
Eligibility requirements
- Be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country or territory and apply through the South Africa award page.
- Commit to return home for at least two years after the scholarship.
- Have completed an undergraduate degree that qualifies you for entry to a UK Master’s programme.
- Have completed that undergraduate degree at least two years before the application deadline.
- Have at least 2,800 hours of post-graduation work experience.
- Apply to three different eligible UK courses.
Eligible courses must be full-time, UK-based, taught Master’s programmes that start in the autumn and last between nine and 12 months. Part-time, distance-learning, research-only and doctoral programmes are not eligible.
Documents to prepare
- Valid passport or national ID details
- Undergraduate degree certificate and academic records
- Accurate work-history information that supports the 2,800-hour requirement
- Three eligible course choices
- Details for two referees, with reference documents required later in the selection process
- Leadership, networking and career-plan examples for the application questions
Closing date
The online application closes on 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC, or 13:00 in South Africa. Do not treat this as an end-of-day deadline.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Counting work completed before finishing the undergraduate degree
- Selecting a course that is part-time, too long, research-focused or otherwise ineligible
- Writing broad leadership examples without explaining your personal actions and results
- Missing the 11:00 UTC submission cut-off
How this opportunity was verified
Last checked on 26 August 2026 using Chevening’s South Africa page, eligibility guidance, course rules, funding information and current application timeline.
How to apply
- Review the South Africa award page and confirm that you meet every eligibility rule.
- Research and select three eligible taught Master’s courses.
- Create an account in the Chevening application system.
- Complete the application, save your unique access code and submit before 11:00 UTC on 6 October 2026.