The United Kingdom has officially opened applications for the 2025/2026 Chevening Scholarship programme, offering Nigerians and other eligible candidates the opportunity to pursue fully funded one-year master’s degrees at UK universities.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by the British High Commission in Abuja, applications are open from August 5 to October 7, 2025, and must be submitted online via chevening.org/apply.
The Chevening programme targets individuals with demonstrated leadership potential and a strong commitment to creating positive change in their home countries and around the world.
Emma Hennessey, Head of the Scholarships Unit at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), described the programme as highly competitive.
“Chevening’s selection process ensures that those chosen represent the brightest and most driven individuals globally,” she said. “Scholars use their world-class UK education and global networks to create meaningful impact upon returning home.”
She encouraged interested Nigerians who possess leadership skills, influence, and strong networking capacity to apply. For those not yet eligible, Hennessey advised taking time to gain relevant experience to become more competitive in future cycles.
British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Montgomery, also urged aspiring Nigerian changemakers to take advantage of the life-changing opportunity.
“Chevening is more than a scholarship — it is a gateway to a global network of leaders and innovators,” Montgomery said. “We seek individuals with the passion and influence to drive meaningful change in Nigeria and beyond.”
He noted that past Nigerian Chevening scholars are already contributing significantly in sectors such as governance, public policy, business, and civil society.
Applicants are also encouraged to consult application guidance at chevening.org/guidance before applying.
Since its inception in 1983, the UK government-funded Chevening programme has supported more than 60,000 professionals from over 160 countries and territories.
