Submit Entries for International Scholarships Programme – Croatia

Deadline: 06-Oct-2026

The Chevening Scholarships programme offers fully funded, one-year master’s degree opportunities in the UK for eligible Croatian citizens with professional experience and leadership potential. Successful scholars receive support for tuition, living costs, travel, and additional allowances, and must return to Croatia for at least two years after completing their studies.

About the Chevening Scholarships

The Chevening Scholarships are the UK government’s global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and partner organisations. The programme is designed to develop future leaders, decision-makers, and influencers by giving talented professionals the opportunity to pursue postgraduate education in the United Kingdom. For applicants from Croatia, the scholarship provides an opportunity to complete a one-year master’s degree at any eligible UK university. The programme also aims to strengthen international networks and encourage scholars to apply their knowledge and experience to the development of their home countries. What the Scholarship Supports Chevening provides comprehensive financial support for successful scholars.

The scholarship generally covers:

Tuition fees for the approved master’s programme. Living expenses in the UK. Return travel between Croatia and the UK. Additional allowances and grants associated with the scholarship. Support for eligible scholarship-related costs. This makes Chevening a fully funded UK master’s scholarship for successful applicants. Who Is Eligible? The scholarship is aimed at early- to mid-career professionals from Croatia who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to contributing to their country. Applicants must meet the core eligibility requirements, including: Be a citizen of Croatia. Hold an undergraduate degree. Have completed the undergraduate degree at least two years before the application deadline. Have at least two years of work experience. Apply to three eligible UK master’s courses. Receive at least one unconditional offer from an eligible UK university course by the specified deadline. Commit to returning to Croatia for at least two years after completing the scholarship. Applicants should also be able to demonstrate qualities associated with leadership, networking, professional achievement, and future impact. Who Cannot Apply? Certain applicants are excluded from the Chevening Scholarships.

These include:

Individuals holding British or dual British citizenship, except where the applicable exceptions for British Overseas Territories or British National (Overseas) status apply. Individuals who have refugee status in a country that is not eligible for Chevening. Current residents of the UK, except where specific British Overseas Territories provisions apply. Employees, former employees, or individuals connected with certain UK government-related organisations where the Chevening rules prohibit eligibility. Applicants should carefully review the official eligibility conditions because additional restrictions may apply. What Does the Two-Year Return Requirement Mean? A key condition of the scholarship is the requirement to return to Croatia for at least two years after completing the scholarship. The purpose of this requirement is to ensure that scholars use their UK education, professional networks, and new expertise to contribute to their home country. Applicants should therefore demonstrate a credible connection between their proposed studies, professional goals, and potential contribution to Croatia. How to Apply Applicants should follow the Chevening application process carefully.

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Confirm that you meet the nationality, education, work experience, and other eligibility requirements before beginning the application.

Step 2: Research UK Master’s Courses

Identify suitable one-year master’s programmes at eligible UK universities. Applicants must apply to three eligible courses, so course selection should be strategic and closely connected to their professional objectives.

Step 3: Prepare the Application

Prepare the required information and supporting materials, including details about: Plans for contributing to Croatia after returning.

Step 4: Submit Applications to Three Courses

Applicants must apply to three eligible master’s courses and work toward securing at least one unconditional offer by the required deadline.

Step 5: Complete the Selection Process

Applications are assessed through the Chevening selection process. Strong candidates should clearly demonstrate leadership potential, professional impact, realistic career plans, and a commitment to contributing to Croatia.

Step 6: Study in the UK

Successful scholars undertake their approved one-year master’s programme at a UK university.

Step 7: Return to Croatia

After completing the scholarship, scholars must return to Croatia and remain there for at least two years in accordance with the scholarship conditions. How to Strengthen Your Application A competitive application should go beyond simply listing academic qualifications.

Applicants should clearly demonstrate:

Leadership: Explain situations where you influenced people, projects, organisations, or communities.

Professional impact: Show measurable achievements rather than only describing responsibilities.

Career direction: Explain how the master’s degree fits into your long-term goals.

Course relevance: Connect your chosen courses to your professional development.

National contribution: Explain how your knowledge and networks could benefit Croatia.

Networking ability: Demonstrate meaningful professional relationships and collaboration.

Personal motivation: Provide a clear explanation of why the UK and Chevening are important to your goals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Applying without confirming all eligibility requirements. Selecting master’s courses that have little connection to their career plans. Failing to apply