I know you dream of studying in the UK, but finances and complex applications can hold you back. The Chevening Scholarship Bangladesh offers life-changing support.
Every year, over 60,000 applicants vie for this prestigious award, yet only a handful become chevening scholars. I promise to guide you through the process and reveal how you can join this global network.
Why Bangladeshi Students Should Apply
Career Transformation
Studying at top UK universities can transform your career. You gain skills, boost your leadership potential, and set strong career goals. The programme connects you with a global network of chevening alumni and partner organisations.
Financial Freedom
The scholarship covers full tuition fees, monthly stipends, travel, and more. You focus on academic success and extracurricular activities without the burden of debt. The UK government and fcdo invest in you, ensuring you experience financial freedom.
Alumni Impact
Chevening alumni are making real differences in Bangladesh. Their work experience, from internships to full-time roles, influences government policies and community development. I know many success stories that will inspire you.
Women’s Empowerment
The programme has a strong record of empowering women. A high percentage of recipients are women who contribute new ideas to the commonwealth and show outstanding leadership. This vibrant chevening community proves that gender equality is at the heart of the initiative.
Who Qualifies? Chevening Eligibility Checklist
To be eligible, you must be a Bangladeshi citizen holding an undergraduate degree that meets UK university standards. You should have at least two years (2,800 hours) of work experience, which may include internships and volunteer roles. You must commit to returning to Bangladesh to apply your skills.
Proposed Table: Eligibility Checklist for Bangladeshi Applicants
| Requirement | Details / Notes |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Citizen of Bangladesh, do not hold dual British citizenship. |
| Return Commitment | Willing and able to return to Bangladesh for a minimum of 2 years after the scholarship. |
| Undergraduate Degree | Completed degree qualifying for UK Master’s entry (typically 2:1 equivalent) by application submission time. |
| Work Experience | Minimum 2 years (2,800 hours) of eligible work experience (incl. volunteer/internships) by application time. |
| English Language | Confident in ability to meet chosen UK universities’ English language requirements for an unconditional offer. |
| Previous UK Gov Scholarship | Have not previously studied in the UK on a UK government-funded scholarship. |
| Excluded Employment/Relative | Not a current/recent employee or defined relative of excluded organisations (UK Gov, BHC, British High Commission, etc.). |
Step-by-Step Application Guide (2025-26 Intake)
Key Dates
The application window runs from early August to early November. Note that dates are in UK time (GMT/BST).
Proposed Table: Application Timeline (Based on 2025/26 Cycle Example)
| Stage | Typical Timing | Key Action / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Applications Open | Early August (Aug 6) | Review guidance, start preparing application. |
| Applications Close | Early November (Nov 5, 12:00 GMT) | Final deadline for online submission. |
| Eligibility Screening | From Nov 6 | Automated and manual checks against basic criteria. |
| Application Assessment | Mid-November to January | Independent committees review applications. |
| Interview Shortlisting | Mid-February | Applicants informed if they are invited for an interview. |
| Interview Period | Late Feb to Late April (Feb 26-Apr 2025) | Interviews held at British High Commission, Dhaka. |
| Reference Letter Deadline | Late April (Apr 2025) | Deadline for interviewed candidates to upload letters. |
| Results Announcement | From June | Conditional scholarship offers announced. |
| Unconditional Offer Deadline | Mid-July (Jul 10, 17:00 BST) | Submit required documents and unconditional offer. |
| Studies Commence | September / October | Chevening Scholars begin their Master’s programmes. |
Steps to Success
- Choose Courses: Select three eligible uk university courses. Secure one unconditional offer by July.
- Submit Application: Complete the online application with essays, education documents, and references.
- Prepare for Interviews: Shortlisted candidates face interviews at the british high commission in Dhaka.
Start early and check the application timeline via the official newsletter or alphagram updates.
Crafting a Winning Application
Essays That Stand Out
Write essays that reflect strong leadership, clear career goals, and relate to Bangladesh’s development. Use examples from your work experience and extracurricular activities. Avoid AI-generated content and plagiarism to maintain authenticity.
References Matter
Select mentors and former supervisors who truly know your skills. Their recommendations should cover your eligibility criteria, leadership potential, and mental health resilience. These references help highlight your potential as a future chevening scholar.
Document Checklist
Keep these education documents ready:
- Transcripts from your undergraduate degree.
- Your passport or national ID.
- The unconditional offer letter from your chosen UK university.
This documentation supports the selection process and shows you have the right courses in mind.
Ace the Chevening Interview
Prepare For
Practice answering questions about your leadership, work experience, and career goals. Focus on your choice of eligible uk university courses and how you plan to contribute to Bangladesh. Preparing with mock interviews helps bolster your confidence.
What to Highlight
Emphasize your vision and how studying in the uk will transform your ability to serve your home country. Share concrete examples of how you have handled challenges and led initiatives. “The interview focused on my vision for rural education.” – 2024 Scholar
Full Scholarship Benefits: What’s Covered?
Financial Support
The fully funded uk scholarship package covers all major costs. You receive:
- Tuition Fees: Full payment of your master’s degree costs.
- Monthly Stipend: Approximately £1,300 to support living expenses.
- Travel Costs: Economy flights, visa fees, and additional allowances.
- Arrival and Departure Grants: Funds to settle in and return home.
Networking and Beyond
Access exclusive networking events with renowned partner organisations and global leaders. These opportunities ensure you join a thriving chevening community and benefit from strong alumni connections.
Proposed Table: Summary of Financial Benefits
| Benefit | Covered? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | Yes | Full fees covered; note cap may apply for MBA programmes. |
| Monthly Stipend | Yes | Allows for accommodation and living expenses. |
| UK Travel (Return) | Yes | Economy flights between home countries and the UK. |
| Arrival Allowance | Yes | One-off payment upon arrival in the UK. |
| Departure Allowance | Yes | One-off payment before returning to Bangladesh. |
| Visa Application Cost | Yes | Covers the fee for one standard UK student visa application. |
| UK Event Travel Grant | Yes | Supports travel costs for mandatory Chevening events. |
Success Stories: Bangladeshi Chevening Scholars
2024 Spotlight
In 2024, 23 Bangladeshi scholars received awards and began studies in areas like climate policy, tech innovation, and public health. Their achievements prove that dedication and the right mix of work experience can pay off.
Alumni Impact
Many chevening alumni now hold influential positions in government and NGOs. For example, one scholar started Bangladesh’s first renewable energy startup, while another noted that the global network opened international doors. Their success underlines the valuable benefits of this prestigious programme.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Be careful to meet every deadline, especially in november.
- Deadline Disasters: Missing the submission cutoff can cost you the opportunity.
- Work Experience Gaps: Carefully document your years of work experience, ensuring you meet the 2,800-hour requirement.
- Generic Essays: Use precise examples and avoid filler to impress evaluators.
- Paid Agencies: Rely on your own abilities; unauthorized third-party help can harm your application.
Conclusion
You now have the complete guide to pursuing the Chevening scholarship Bangladesh. With clear steps and real success stories, you see how the programme covers tuition fees, work experience details, and the entire application process.
Reflect on how this opportunity can shape your future in Bangladesh. Your unique vision and dedication can drive real change, connecting you to influential partner organisations, the development office, and a supportive community of alumni. Take a bold step and become a leader who inspires others.
Chevening Scholarship (FAQs)
Can I apply if I already have a master’s degree?
Yes, if you clearly show how a second degree meets your evolving career goals in Bangladesh.
Is there an age limit?
No. Chevening focuses on potential rather than age.
How competitive is the selection process?
Highly competitive, but strong work experience, internships, and leadership skills can tip the scales in your favor.
How many Chevening Scholars per year from Bangladesh?
Approximately 20 to 25 Bangladeshi scholars receive Chevening awards each year. Recent cycles have seen 21 to 23 awards granted. The selection is competitive and targets top professionals.
Do I need IELTS for Chevening?
Chevening does not mandate IELTS as part of its application. You must meet your chosen UK university’s English language requirements. Prepare for any required language test if your university specifies a score.
How difficult is it to get a Chevening Scholarship?
The Chevening Scholarship is highly competitive with a rigorous selection process. Over 60,000 global applicants compete for approximately 1,500 awards. Success depends on strong leadership, work experience, and a clear career plan.