Call for Applications: Chevening Scholarship Program (Malawi)

Deadline: 06-Oct-2026

The 2027–2028 Chevening Scholarships offer outstanding future leaders from Malawi the opportunity to pursue a master’s degree in the United Kingdom while developing leadership skills, professional networks and expertise to contribute to positive change in Malawi. Eligible applicants must meet Chevening’s citizenship, work experience, education, university application and return-home requirements and must receive an unconditional offer from at least one eligible UK master’s course by the required deadline. What Are the Chevening Scholarships? Chevening is the UK Government’s international scholarship programme for future leaders from eligible countries and territories. The scholarship supports talented professionals who want to pursue postgraduate education in the UK and use their knowledge, skills and international networks to contribute to development in their home countries. For applicants from Malawi, the programme provides an opportunity to study a UK master’s degree while joining the global Chevening community. The programme highlights shared priorities such as: Chevening is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations. Why the Chevening Scholarship Matters Chevening is designed not only to provide access to higher education but also to develop future leaders who can contribute to long-term change. Successful scholars gain the opportunity to: Study at a UK university. Develop advanced academic and professional knowledge. Build international networks. Connect with leaders and professionals from around the world. Develop leadership and collaboration skills. Gain experience in a new cultural and academic environment. Apply their knowledge to challenges in their home country. For Malawian professionals, the scholarship can therefore support both academic development and future leadership opportunities. Who Is Eligible for Chevening Scholarships from Malawi? Applicants must satisfy Chevening’s general eligibility requirements. Citizenship and Residency

Applicants must:

Be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country or territory. Apply through the appropriate Chevening award scheme. Where applicable, be resident in an Official Development Assistance (ODA)-eligible country. Demonstrate an intention to support their country of award. Applicants from Malawi should carefully check the country-specific eligibility information and any applicable conditions before submitting an application. Work Experience Applicants must have at least two years of work experience. This is equivalent to 2,800 hours of work experience gained after completing an undergraduate degree. Relevant experience should be presented clearly in the application, particularly where it demonstrates: Leadership Professional development Community involvement Initiative Collaboration Problem-solving Commitment to positive change Academic Qualification Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies them for admission to a master’s programme in the UK. The undergraduate degree must have been completed at least two years before the Chevening application deadline. Applicants who have not yet received their degree certificate may still apply, provided they meet Chevening’s requirements and have the certificate available by the time of their interview. UK University Course Requirement Applicants must apply to three different eligible UK university courses. The selected courses should meet Chevening’s eligibility requirements and should normally be relevant to the applicant’s academic background and professional goals. Applicants must receive an unconditional offer from at least one selected course by the deadline specified in the Chevening application timeline. It is therefore important to begin researching suitable UK master’s programmes early. Who May Be Ineligible? Certain applicants are subject to Chevening eligibility restrictions. These include, subject to Chevening’s stated exceptions: How your UK education will contribute to positive change.

Step 5: Keep Your Application Information Secure

Applicants should provide an active:

Email address Telephone number They should also keep their unique application-system access code safely because it may be required to access or manage their application.

Step 6: Obtain a UK University Offer

After applying to eligible courses, applicants must secure an unconditional offer from at least one selected course by the applicable Chevening deadline. Applicants should not wait until the scholarship deadline to begin university applications because university admission processes can take time. How to Build a Strong Chevening Application A competitive application should demonstrate more than academic ability. Applicants should connect their past experience, current ambitions and future impact.

For example, explain:

What problem you have worked on. What leadership role you played. What results you achieved. What you learned from the experience. What skills you need to develop. Why a UK master’s degree is the right next step. How you will use your knowledge after returning to Malawi. The strongest applications usually have a clear and consistent story rather than presenting unrelated achievements. Common Mistakes to Avoid Applicants should avoid the following mistakes:

Ignoring the work-experience requirement: Ensure your experience meets the required 2,800 hours.

Choosing unsuitable courses: Verify that all three selected courses are eligible.

Applying to fewer than three courses: Chevening requires applications to three different eligible UK courses.

Waiting too long to apply for university admission: University offers are required within the Chevening timeline.

Providing vague leadership examples: Use specific situations, actions and results.

Failing to explain future impact: Clearly connect your studies to your intended contribution after returning home.

Ignoring eligibility restrictions: Review restrictions relating