Chevening application criteria

We break down the four key criteria you will be asked about in your Chevening application: leadership and influence, networking, studying in the UK, and career planning. You will need to submit an essay on each of these four areas in your Chevening application form.

Read on to discover how you can effectively showcase your strengths and boost your chances of success.

Leadership and influence: 

Chevening is looking for individuals who will be future leaders or influencers in their home countries. To excel in this area on your application form: 

• Use recent examples: Highlight recent professional experiences that showcase your leadership skills. 

• Demonstrate your influence: Describe how you gained and maintained influence in past roles, focusing on the outcomes rather than listing responsibilities. 

• Connect the dots: Link your leadership traits to your study plans and post-study goals. 

Networking and relationship-building: 

Chevening values individuals with excellent professional relationship-building skills, who will engage with the Chevening community and lead in their fields. To stand out: 

• Be specific: Discuss specific networks you’ve tapped into, as well as your networking skills. 

• Show your achievements: Highlight what you’ve accomplished through networking. 

• Engage with Chevening: Explain how being a part of the global Chevening community will help you drive positive change. 

Studying in the UK: 

To be chosen for Chevening, you must demonstrate why you chose your master’s courses and how they align with your past experiences and future goals. To impress: 

• Make connections: Explain how all three of your chosen courses relate to your background and aspirations. 

• Be original: Avoid copying from university websites or relying solely on rankings for your course choices. 

• Focus on course content: Emphasise the specific modules and assessments that will help you achieve your goals. 

Career plan: 

Chevening looks for applicants who have a clear and achievable post-study career plan. To score well on this criterion in your application: 

• Set clear goals: Outline a realistic plan for your career after completing your studies in the UK, with specific, measurable objectives. 

• Leverage the Chevening experience: Discuss how your chosen course, the Chevening experience, and the Chevening network will help you reach your goals. 

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a standout Chevening application. Good luck!