Common application errors

We’ve compiled a list of the most common errors that Chevening applicants make in their application form. Learn about these mistakes to avoid common pitfalls and give yourself the best chance of joining our Chevening community. 

Eligibility criteria 

You will only be able to progress through the application form if you meet our eligibility criteria. Make sure you complete all questions honestly and accurately. Read about Chevening’s eligibility criteria and take our eligibility quiz to find out more.

Immigration details 

Applicants with dual citizenship in the United Kingdom are not eligible for Chevening.  

Work history  

• A minimum of two years’ work experience is required (2800 hours). 

• Common mistakes include not meeting the minimum hours, incorrectly entering the number of weeks worked, entering the same work experience more than once, or providing unrealistic work hours. 

• Your work experience is calculated automatically by multiplying weeks worked by hours per week (typically 35-60 hours per week, 40-50 weeks per year). 

Programmes of study 

Applicants who enter duplicate courses at the same universities cannot be considered for a scholarship. You must select three different courses. Check if your chosen courses are eligible for Chevening in our course-finder. 

Essay questions word count 

There is a 500-word count limit for each of the four Chevening essay questions. You must not exceed this limit. Similarly, if your answers are much shorter than 500 words, assessors may feel that you have not provided enough detail for each question. 

Repetition 

Do not repeat answers to any of the essay questions. Copy-pasting the same answer for multiple questions will invalidate your application.  

Plagiarism and AI 

Applicants must submit their own original work. Using AI software to generate answers for Chevening’s essay questions is strictly prohibited. You must not use someone else’s work or present content generated by AI tools like ChatGPT as your own. Doing so violates Chevening’s guidelines on plagiarism and fraud.

If any part of your application is found to be fraudulent or copied, your application will be disqualified. Chevening uses tools to detect fraud, plagiarism, and AI-generated content in applications.

Use of English language 

Applicants must complete the application form in English. If the application form is not completed in English, it will be deemed ineligible.

Though an English test score is not required for Chevening, strong English skills are necessary to write a successful application, conduct the interview, and apply to a UK university. Relying on AI tools to write your application will lead to rejection. 

Find guidance on strengthening your English skills.  

Following this guidance will give you the best chance of acing the Chevening application process. To find out more read our applications criteria, reading committee feedback, and our step-by-step guide to the online application system.