Apply Now: Chevening Scholarship Program in South Africa

Deadline: 06-Oct-2026

The Chevening Scholarship for South Africa offers exceptional individuals the opportunity to pursue a fully funded one-year taught master’s degree at an eligible university in the United Kingdom. The scholarship covers tuition fees, a living allowance and return airfare to the UK, while supporting future leaders who aim to use their education and professional experience to contribute to South Africa and strengthen collaboration between South Africa and the UK. Chevening is the UK Government’s flagship international scholarship programme for developing future leaders and decision-makers around the world. The programme provides selected South African scholars with the opportunity to study for a master’s degree in the United Kingdom while developing their academic knowledge, professional expertise and international networks. Chevening aims to create a global network of leaders who can contribute to positive change in their communities and professional fields. The programme highlights areas of shared priority between the UK and South Africa, including: The scholarship provides full financial support for a one-year taught master’s degree at an eligible UK university.

The scholarship package includes:

This financial support helps successful scholars undertake postgraduate study in the UK while focusing on their academic and professional development. Chevening seeks to support individuals who have the potential to become future leaders and decision-makers.

The programme aims to:

The scholarship is intended for exceptional individuals from South Africa who meet the programme’s eligibility requirements. Applicants should review the current Chevening eligibility criteria before applying, including requirements relating to: Applicants should also check the official application guidance for any additional eligibility conditions and exclusions. The Chevening Scholarship supports a one-year taught master’s degree at an eligible UK university. Applicants can select a master’s programme that aligns with their: The selected course must meet Chevening’s eligibility requirements. The scholarship provides an opportunity for South African professionals and future leaders to gain international postgraduate experience.

Through the programme, scholars can:

Chevening’s programme for South Africa highlights areas where collaboration between the UK and South Africa can contribute to wider development.

These include:

Applicants can consider how their academic and professional goals connect with these or other areas relevant to their communities and professional fields. Applicants should clearly explain why they want to study in the UK and how the proposed master’s degree supports their professional and leadership goals.

A strong application should demonstrate:

Applicants should ensure that all information provided in the application is accurate and consistent.

Before applying, candidates should:

Applicants should avoid:

It is a UK Government scholarship programme that enables eligible individuals from South Africa to pursue a fully funded one-year taught master’s degree at an eligible UK university. Yes. The scholarship covers tuition fees, a living allowance and return airfare to the UK. The scholarship supports a one-year taught master’s degree in the United Kingdom. The programme is designed for exceptional individuals from South Africa who have the potential to become future leaders and contribute to their communities and professional fields. The scholarship provides tuition fees, a living allowance and return airfare to the UK. The scholarship supports study at eligible UK universities. Applicants should check whether their chosen university and master’s course meet the current Chevening requirements. Applicants can pursue eligible one-year taught master’s programmes that align with their academic and professional objectives, subject to Chevening’s course eligibility requirements. The programme highlights climate action, economic prosperity and conflict recovery as areas of shared priority between the UK and South Africa. Scholars can gain international academic experience, professional development opportunities and connections with a global network of future leaders and Chevening alumni. The Chevening Scholarship for South Africa provides exceptional individuals with an opportunity to complete a fully funded one-year taught master’s degree in the United Kingdom. By covering tuition fees, living support and return airfare while building international networks and leadership capacity, the programme supports South African scholars in developing knowledge and skills that can contribute to their communities and professional fields. For more information, visit Chevening.