Chevening vs Commonwealth Scholarship: Which Should You Apply For?

Published July 7, 2026 · 10 min read

If you are an international student considering study in the United Kingdom, two government-funded scholarships almost certainly appear at the top of your list: the Chevening Scholarship and the Commonwealth Scholarship. Both are fully funded. Both are prestigious. Both are funded by the UK government. But they are designed for very different types of students, and understanding those differences is critical to choosing the right one.

This guide breaks down every dimension of both scholarships so you can make an informed decision about where to invest your application effort.

Overview at a Glance

Chevening is funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and targets mid-career professionals for one-year master's degrees at any UK university. It emphasises leadership, networking, and the UK's diplomatic relationship with your home country.

Commonwealth is funded by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and targets students from Commonwealth member states for master's and PhD study. It emphasises development impact and the thematic priorities of the Commonwealth.

Eligibility: Who Can Apply?

Chevening is open to citizens of over 160 eligible countries. You must have at least two years (2,800 hours) of work experience, which can include paid, unpaid, or voluntary work. You must intend to return to your home country for at least two years after the scholarship ends. There is no age limit.

Commonwealth is restricted to citizens of Commonwealth member states. For the PhD programme, you must also be from a least developed country or fragile state. You need a first-class or strong upper second-class honours degree. There is no explicit work experience requirement, though professional experience strengthens your application.

Key difference: If you are a recent graduate with no work experience, Commonwealth is more accessible. If you have professional experience but are from a non-Commonwealth country, Chevening is your option.

Degree Levels

Chevening funds only one-year taught master's degrees. You can study any subject at any UK university, but you must commit to returning home for two years after completion.

Commonwealth funds both master's and PhD programmes. The PhD scholarship covers up to three years of full-time study. This makes Commonwealth the better choice if you are pursuing doctoral research.

Financial Benefits

Both scholarships are fully funded, but the details differ:

• Tuition: Both cover full tuition fees at any UK university.
• Living stipend: Chevening provides a monthly stipend based on location (London rates are higher). Commonwealth provides a similar monthly stipend, adjusted for the cost of living in your university city.
• Travel: Both include return airfare. Chevening also includes travel costs for networking events and thesis-related research.
• Additional costs: Both offer allowances for visa costs, arrival expenses, and in some cases, dependants.

The financial packages are broadly equivalent. Neither has a clear advantage over the other in terms of generosity.

Application Process

Chevening requires you to submit an online application through the Chevening portal. The application includes three leadership essays, a career plan, and two references. You also need an unconditional offer from at least one UK university by the time of the interview. The process is highly structured and timeline-driven.

Commonwealth applications are submitted through the CSC online system or through a nominating body in your country. You need a detailed research proposal (for PhD applicants), two references, and proof of academic achievement. The timeline is different from Chevening, so it is possible to apply for both in the same year.

Selection Criteria

Chevening evaluates four areas: leadership and influence, networking ability, academic excellence, and a clear career plan. The leadership essays are the most important component — they are where you demonstrate concrete examples of how you have influenced others.

Commonwealth evaluates academic merit, the development impact of your proposed study, and your potential to contribute to the Commonwealth's goals. The selection is more academically oriented than Chevening.

Should You Apply for Both?

If you are eligible for both — a Commonwealth citizen with two years of work experience applying for a master's degree — the answer is yes. The application timelines are different, and the essays require different angles. Chevening wants to hear about your leadership; Commonwealth wants to hear about development impact. You can prepare both applications without significant overlap.

Which One Has a Better Acceptance Rate?

Neither programme publishes official acceptance rates, but based on available data, Chevening receives approximately 65,000 applications annually for around 1,500 awards (roughly 2.3% acceptance). Commonwealth receives fewer applications because of the restricted eligibility pool, but the acceptance rate is similarly competitive. Neither is "easier" than the other.

Our Recommendation

• Choose Chevening if: You have 2+ years of work experience, you want a one-year master's, you see yourself as a future leader in your field, and you are comfortable writing about leadership and influence.
• Choose Commonwealth if: You are from a Commonwealth country, you want to pursue a PhD, your focus is on development impact, or you are a recent graduate without extensive work experience.
• Apply for both if: You meet the eligibility criteria for each and can dedicate time to preparing two distinct applications with different essay angles.

Explore More

Browse all UK scholarships on OpportunityNest or read our guides on writing a winning scholarship essay and studying abroad on a budget.