During the Chevening scholarship application, it is expected that you may have some questions and concerns. However, like every other applicant, you may not know the right place to channel these questions. That’s why we decided to come to your aid.
In this article, we’ve compiled 50 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Chevening Scholarship application. Seems like a lot, right? Well, we’ve left no stone unturned to ease your scholarship application process.
This may be a long read, but it promises to be enlightening. To enhance your reading, we’ve divided these questions into subsections.
Buckle your seat belts and let’s dig into these nagging questions.
Application Process
Let’s start with the most important and frequently asked questions about the Chevening Scholarship application.
1. How do I apply for the Chevening Scholarship?
To apply for the Chevening Scholarship, simply fill out the application form on their online application system. You can read all about that in our previous article.
READ: Strategies for answering the Chevening Scholarship interview questions
2. What documents do I need to upload when submitting my application?
You will be required to upload original copies of your degree certificate and transcript.
3. I forgot my password to the online application system. What can I do?
If you forgot your password, simply click on the “forgotten your password” icon. It will automatically send an email with a link to help you change your password.
If you can’t find the email, check the spam folder in your mail. You can avoid all this hassle by simply choosing a password you can remember with ease.
4. Can I submit a paper copy of my application form?
No, you can’t. Your application must be submitted online through the Chevening Online Application System.
You would have to create an account on the platform to fill out your application form and log in regularly to check your application status.
Do you know what that means? You’ll need a strong Internet connection to complete the application process.
5. How do I know if my application has been successfully submitted?
You can log into your Chevening Scholarship application account to check your application status.
If your status says “In progress”, it means your application has not been submitted.
If your status says “Submitted/Under Review”, it means your application has been successfully submitted.
6. Can I resubmit my application if I made a mistake on the application form?
No, you can’t. Unfortunately, you can only submit your application once. Also, you cannot change any information in your application form after submitting it.
You can only make changes to the personal data you provide. Personal data like your name, age, country and date of birth. To do this, you must contact the Chevening board via their website to inform them of the changes required.
So, make sure you read the instructions carefully and fill out the application form correctly before submitting it.
Eligibility Criteria
You may have some dicey questions regarding your eligibility to apply for the Chevening Scholarship. Here, we’ve taken our time to answer a few.
7. I failed the eligibility questionnaire, but believe I’m eligible to apply for Chevening. What should I do?
That’s why you have to be careful when answering any question in the application process. Luckily, you have three attempts to complete the eligibility questionnaire. However, if you fail after your third attempt, you would have to apply again next year.
8. I already have a Master’s degree. Can I still apply for the Chevening Scholarship?
Yes, you can. However, you would have to explain why you need another Master’s degree.
9. I applied last year but was not selected. Can I still apply this year?
Yes, you can. However, you need to register as a new applicant and create a new Chevening application account.
If you don’t do this, you won’t be able to log into the Chevening Online Application System.
10. I’m in the final year of my undergraduate study. Can I apply for the Chevening Scholarship?
No, the scholarship is only for graduates who want to further their studies.
READ: Reach Oxford Scholarships for Undergraduates from Developing Countries
11. I don’t live in Home Country. Can I apply for the Chevening Scholarship?
Yes, you can. However, if you are a British citizen, you won’t be eligible to apply.
Also, you will be expected to return to your home country for two years at the end of your scholarship.
12. I completed my undergraduate degree in the UK, can I still apply for my Master’s degree with the Chevening Scholarship?
Yes, you can. However, if your undergraduate study was sponsored by the UK government, you cannot apply for the Chevening Scholarship.
13. I’ve previously received financial aid from a different UK government-funded programme. Can I still apply for a Chevening Award?
No, you can’t. This scholarship is strictly for individuals who have never benefited from a UK government scholarship or financial aid programme.
READ: How to Secure Scholarships for Masters Program in Canada
14. Can I apply if I don’t have an international passport?
Yes, you can. But your international passport must be ready before the scholarship interview.
READ: How to Get an International Passport in Nigeria
15. Can I submit more than one Chevening Scholarship application?
No, you can only submit one Chevening Scholarship application each year.
16. I deferred my Chevening Scholarship last year and would now like to change my chosen course. Can I?
We do not have a definite answer for this. You will have to contact the local British embassy or high commission in your country to discuss this. It is at their discretion to accept or reject your request to change courses.
17. I’ve previously received a Chevening Scholarship, can I apply for another one?
No, you can’t. As a former recipient of the Chevening Scholarship, you are now a Chevening Alumni. Thus, you are not eligible to apply again.
Admission Status
Now, let’s answer frequently asked questions about your admission status and how it can affect your Chevening scholarship application.
18. If I don’t receive an offer from the three-course choices I listed in my application form, can I change the course?
No, you can’t. If you do not get an offer from any of the courses you chose during the application process, you will not be eligible for a Chevening Scholarship. Make sure, you consider your course options carefully before submitting your application.
READ: How Can I Get Admitted Into an Ivy League School?
19. Do I need to get an unconditional admission offer from each university listed in my application?
No, you only need one unconditional admission offer from one university to be eligible to receive the Chevening Scholarship. You can apply for the scholarship while still applying to schools for admission.
You don’t have to wait to win the scholarship before applying for admission to your chosen universities. The earlier you send out applications, the better for you. Even if you don’t win the scholarship after accepting the admission offer, you can simply withdraw.
20. Can I apply for the Chevening Scholarship with a deferred admission offer?
Yes, you can as long as the admission offer is for a Chevening-eligible course.
21. Can I apply for a Chevening Scholarship to study a distance learning course offered by a UK university?
No, the scholarship is only available for study in the UK. It does not cover any form of distance learning.
READ: Edinburgh Global Distance Online Learning Scholarships
22. Can I apply for a Chevening Scholarship to study at a university outside the UK?
No, you can’t. You can only apply for the Chevening Scholarships if you intend to study in the UK.
23. Can I apply for a part-time course?
No, you can’t. The scholarship only covers full-time courses.
24. Can I apply for the Chevening Scholarship to study for my undergraduate degree or PhD?
No, you can’t. The scholarship is strictly for individuals who want to obtain their Master’s degree.
READ: Warwick Chancellor’s International Scholarships
25. Can I apply for a course that is longer than 12 months and pay the additional costs myself?
No, you can only apply for a one-year Master’s course.
26. Can I change the university and course options I chose after submitting my application?
No, you can’t. If you must change your university or course choices, you must inform your interviewers during the scholarship interview. It’s left to them to authorise or reject your request.
Work Experience
Got questions about the work experience requirement? Here are the answers you need.
27. What types of work experience do I need for the Chevening Scholarship application?
Your work experience can be full-time, part-time, paid/unpaid internship or even voluntary work. It could be a job you did before, during or after your undergraduate study.
However, make sure the work was not a requirement for your undergraduate or postgraduate study. So, in this case, your industrial training (IT) work or clinical postings do not count as work experience. It is regarded as part of your academic training.
READ: The Key to Working in the United Kingdom After Your Studies
28. I don’t yet have two years of work experience, but I will by the time my Master’s course starts. Can I still apply for Chevening?
No, you meet the minimum work experience requirement of two years before applying for the scholarship.
29. Should my work experience relate to the course I want to study?
No, your work experience can be in any field. However, you will have to explain why you made or want to make that career shift. You also have to explain how that work experience will help you in your Master’s studies and career goals.
30. I have a full-time job. Do I need to resign to apply for a Chevening Scholarship?
No, you do not need to quit your job to apply for the Chevening Scholarship. That would be a careless risk as you are not yet certain of winning the scholarship.
Scholarship Offer
Let’s discuss some concerns you may have about the scholarship offer.
31. Will the scholarship cover my living expenses in the UK?
Yes, you will receive a stipend to cover your living expenses in the UK.
If you start your Master’s course online before leaving for the UK due to unforeseen circumstances, you will also be entitled to a stipend.
However, you must speak to your Programme Officer before taking that decision. Also, the amount of the stipend will differ due to the difference in the cost of living in your country.
READ: What You Need to Know Before Studying in the UK
32. Will I have access to health insurance as a Chevening Scholarship recipient in the UK?
Yes, Chevening Scholarship also covers your Immigration Health Surcharge, which gives you access to the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK.
33. Will I be reimbursed the money spent during my visa application process?
Chevening understands that you will incur some costs during your visa application process like paying for medical tests. You may not be reimbursed completely, but Chevening will contribute to your fees.
READ: Applying for a UK Student Visa in Nigeria
34. Will the scholarship cover the cost of attending the interview?
The Chevening Scholarship does not cover your interview expenses. Remember, you are not yet a winner until you complete all stages of the application process. So, you will have to pay for the all the expenses you will incur while attending the scholarship interview.
Providing References
Are you confused about how to provide references for the Chevening Scholarship? Here’s all you need to know about providing references for the scholarship application.
35. When should I submit my reference letter?
You are expected to fill in the names of two referees in your application form. If you are shortlisted for interviews, then you can submit your reference letters.
36. Who should my reference letters be addressed to?
Your references should be addressed to the British embassy or high commission in your country.
37. Should my reference letters be hand-written?
No, your reference letters should be typed and uploaded to the Chevening Online Application system.
38. Should my reference letters be written on official letterhead?
No, your reference letter must not be written on official letterhead. However, the British embassy or high commission will contact your referees for verification.
39. What should be included in my reference letters?
Your reference letters must contain the name, address, phone number and email address of your referees.
In the letter, they must indicate the capacity and duration they’ve known you. Do they know you from work, school, social groups, religious gatherings or volunteer organisations? How long have they known you? When last did they have regular contact with you?
Most importantly, they should endorse your leadership skills, personal attributes, interpersonal skills and intellectual capacity. They should also highlight your ability to complete an academic programme in the UK against all odds.
READ: How to Get Outstanding Recommendation Letters for Graduate School
40. Can I write my reference on behalf of the referee?
No, you can’t. No matter how far away or busy your referees are, they have to write the reference letters themselves.
The reference letters must be written by the same referees you listed in your application form.
41. I applied last year, but was not selected. Can I use the same reference letters?
Yes, you can. However, it would be good for your referees to update your reference letters with your recent skills and achievements.
Chevening Scholarship Interview
Now, let’s address frequently asked questions you may have about the Chevening Scholarship interview.
42. When do I need to book my scholarship interview?
Interview slots are given on a first-come-first-served basis. So, it’s best to book your interview immediately you are shortlisted.
43. What documents do I need to take to the interview?
All you need to take is your passport and means of identification. If you have any missing references, they will be indicated in your interview invitation and you will be instructed to bring them along.
44. Who will be on the interview panel?
The interview panel will consist of representatives from the British embassy or high commission.
45. What questions will I be asked at the interview?
During the interview, you will be asked questions regarding the information you provided in your application form. The interview panel will also ask questions regarding the three-course options you intend to study in the UK.
46. If I can’t attend the interview in person, can I send someone to represent me?
No, you must attend in person. If you can’t attend due to unforeseen circumstances, you must inform the Chevening Secretariat immediately.
47. Can I reschedule my scholarship interview?
Yes, you can. However, you must give the Chevening Secretariat at least two working days’ notice stating why you need to reschedule your interview. They will only accept your request in extreme circumstances.
Application Status
In this section, we will discuss two frequently asked questions about your application status in the Chevening scholarship.
48. What does it mean if I’ve been conditionally selected?
If you have received an email that says that you’ve been conditionally selected for the Chevening Scholarship, congratulations! You’ve crossed the finish line and you are just one step away from receiving your scholarship. All you have to do now is to submit your unconditional offer of admission to study at a UK university, and the scholarship will be all yours.
49. What does it mean if I’m a reserve candidate?
If you’ve been selected as a reserve candidate, it means that you may receive the scholarship if another applicant withdraws or if the scholarship board receives additional funding.
Finally,
The ultimate frequently asked question about the Chevening scholarship.
50. Can I stay in the UK after my scholarship has ended?
The answer remains, No! After completing your Master’s degree with the Chevening Scholarship, you must return to your home country for two years to implement what you’ve learned. Only then can you return to the UK.
READ: Common Errors Applicants Make in the Chevening Scholarship Application
Conclusion
There you have it! 50 frequently asked questions about the Chevening Scholarship application. We bet it was worth reading.
We cannot overemphasise the importance of reviewing your answers and essays before submitting your application form. Remember, you cannot change any information filled in your application form after submission. In fact, anything you fill in your application form cannot be reversed after submission.
So, make sure you read the instructions carefully, fill out the answers correctly and proofread your work before submitting the application form.
If you need further guidance, you can schedule a call with our career advisors.
Best of luck!