The Chevening Scholarship is UK Government fully funded scholarship that enables outstanding students and professionals from eligible countries including Somalia to pursue a one-year, full-time Master’s degree in the United Kingdom.

The scholarship is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and partner organizations. It focuses strongly on leadership development, professional impact, and future contribution to home countries.

Somali applicants are highly encouraged to apply, particularly those working in:

• Public administration
• Development and humanitarian sectors
• Education
• Health
• Governance and policy
• Security and peacebuilding
• Economics and finance
• Media and civil society

What the Chevening Scholarship Covers (Fully Funded)

For Somali students, the scholarship includes all major expenses, allowing study without financial stress:

• 100% tuition fees (paid directly to the UK university)
• Monthly living allowance (sufficient for accommodation, food, and transport)
• Return economy airfare (Somalia ↔ United Kingdom)
• Arrival allowance (initial settlement support)
• Visa application fee (UK Student Visa)
• Travel grants for Chevening events and academic travel
• End-of-study return allowance

There is no requirement for personal financial contribution.

Eligibility Criteria (Somali Applicants)

You must meet all conditions below:

1. Nationality

• You must be a citizen of Somalia
• You must plan to return to Somalia for at least 2 years after completing your studies

2. Academic Qualification

• A Bachelor’s degree equivalent to a UK undergraduate degree
  (Second Class Lower or higher is generally sufficient)

3. Work Experience (Very Important)

You must have at least 2,800 hours of work experience, equivalent to 2 years full-time, gained after graduation.

Accepted experience includes:

• Full-time employment
• Part-time employment
• Internships
• Voluntary or NGO work
• Paid or unpaid roles (must be verifiable)

Many Somali applicants qualify through NGO, humanitarian, UN, or community-based work.

4. UK Course Applications

• Apply to three different eligible UK Master’s courses
• Receive at least one unconditional offer by the final deadline

5. No Previous UK Government Funding

• You must not have previously studied in the UK on a UK government scholarship

Fields of Study Popular Among Somali Scholars

Chevening does not restrict subjects, but Somali applicants are especially competitive in:

• International Development
• Public Policy & Governance
• Public Health
• Education Leadership
• Conflict Resolution & Peace Studies
• Law and Human Rights
• Economics and Finance
• Environmental Policy
• Media and Communications

Application Timeline (For 2026–2027 Intake)

How to Apply (Step-by-Step for Somali Students)

Step 1: Choose Courses

• Select three Master’s programmes at UK universities
• Courses must:
  • Be full-time
  • Start in Autumn 2026
  • Lead to a Master’s degree

Find eligible courses here:
https://www.chevening.org/scholarships/find-a-course/

Step 2: Online Application

Apply through the official portal:
https://www.chevening.org/apply/

You will submit:

• Personal information
• Education history
• Work experience
• Course choices
• References (no letters needed at first stage)

Step 3: Chevening Essays

You must write four essays on:

1. Leadership and influence
2. Networking
3. Career plan
4. Why Chevening?

Somali applicants should clearly link leadership experience to Somalia’s development needs.

Step 4: Interview

Shortlisted candidates attend an interview (usually at the British Embassy or online).

Key Official Links (Internal Only)

• Chevening Main Website
  https://www.chevening.org/
• Apply for Chevening
  https://www.chevening.org/apply/
• Scholarship Details
  https://www.chevening.org/scholarships/
• Eligibility Rules
  https://www.chevening.org/resource-hub/guidance/eligibility/
• Application Guidance
  https://www.chevening.org/resource-hub/guidance/application-criteria/
• Course Finder
  https://www.chevening.org/scholarships/find-a-course/

Why Chevening is Ideal for Somali Students

• No age limit
• No IELTS required at application stage (depends on university)
• Values community impact, not just grades
• Strong alumni network in Africa and the Horn of Africa
• Recognizes experience from NGOs, civil society, and development work

Strong Advice for Somali Applicants

• Emphasize impact on Somalia, not personal benefit
• Show real leadership, even at community level
• Choose courses aligned with national development
• Use clear, professional English
• Start preparing at least 3–4 months early