Call for Applications: Chevening Scholarship Program (New Zealand)

Deadline: 06-Oct-2026

Applications are open for the Chevening Scholarship for New Zealand, the UK Government’s flagship international awards programme for outstanding future leaders. The scholarship supports eligible applicants from New Zealand to pursue a one-year taught master’s degree at a UK university. It is designed for individuals who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to driving positive change in New Zealand. Funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations, Chevening aims to build a global network of future leaders and decision-makers who can contribute to shared priorities between the UK and New Zealand. Successful scholars receive full financial support covering tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, return flights to the UK, and additional grants for essential expenditure during the study period. Applicants must be New Zealand citizens, hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies them for a UK master’s programme, have at least two years of work experience, and commit to returning to New Zealand for at least two years after the scholarship ends.

About the Chevening Scholarship

The Chevening Scholarship is the UK Government’s flagship international awards programme. It supports outstanding individuals with leadership potential and the ambition to create positive change in their home countries. For New Zealand applicants, the scholarship provides an opportunity to gain advanced academic knowledge and international experience while studying at a UK university. The programme also provides scholars with the opportunity to become part of a global community of future leaders and decision-makers. Purpose of the Programme Chevening aims to foster a global network of future leaders who can contribute to a more: - Resilient world - Prosperous world - Sustainable future The programme supports academic advancement and professional development while strengthening connections between the UK, New Zealand, and the wider international community. Applicants should be able to demonstrate how their education, professional experience, and future ambitions can contribute to positive change in New Zealand. One-Year Taught Master’s Degree in the UK Successful scholars are expected to pursue a one-year taught master’s degree at a UK university. Applicants can choose a programme that aligns with their: - Career ambitions - Professional experience - Academic interests - Leadership goals - Plans for contributing to New Zealand The selected course should provide knowledge and skills that applicants can apply after returning to their home country. Study at Any UK University Chevening scholars can pursue their eligible master’s degree at any UK university, subject to the programme’s requirements. Applicants must apply to three different eligible UK university courses. Candidates should research their course options carefully and ensure that the selected programmes are appropriate for their academic background and long-term professional goals. Leadership and Positive Change The scholarship is intended for individuals who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to creating positive change. Applicants should be able to explain how their career and future plans can contribute to New Zealand. The programme seeks candidates who are prepared to join an international community working towards a more resilient, prosperous, and sustainable future. Fully Funded Scholarship Support The Chevening Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support for the study period.

The scholarship covers:

- Full tuition fees - Monthly living allowance - Return flights to the UK - Additional grants for essential expenditure during the study period This funding helps successful scholars meet the major costs associated with completing a master’s degree in the UK. Commitment to Return to New Zealand A key requirement of the scholarship is that successful scholars return to New Zealand after completing their studies. Applicants must commit to returning to New Zealand for a minimum of two years after the scholarship ends. The purpose of this requirement is to encourage scholars to apply the knowledge, skills, and experience gained through their UK education to benefit their home country. Who Can Apply? Applicants for the Chevening Scholarship for New Zealand must meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.

Candidates must:

- Be citizens of New Zealand. - Hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies them for a UK master’s programme. - Have at least two years of work experience. - Apply to three different eligible UK university courses. - Receive an unconditional offer from at least one eligible course by the specified deadline. - Commit to returning to New Zealand for at least two years after the scholarship ends. Applicants should carefully review all requirements before submitting their applications. Undergraduate Degree Requirement Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies them for a UK master’s programme. The qualification should provide the academic foundation required for admission to the selected postgraduate programme. Candidates should also check the individual admission requirements of their chosen UK universities, as specific master’s programmes may have additional requirements. Work Experience Requirement Applicants must have at least two years of work experience. Professional experience helps demonstrate an applicant’s career development, leadership potential, and ability to apply postgraduate learning in their future work. Candidates should clearly connect their previous experience with their proposed master’s degree and future career plans. Three UK University Course Applications Candidates must apply to three different eligible UK university courses. Applicants should choose courses that provide a clear connection between their: - Previous education - Professional experience - Career objectives - Leadership ambitions - Future contrib