The Chevening Interview: Questions, Tips, and How to Prepare

Receiving an invitation to a Chevening interview is a huge achievement—it means your written application stood out from thousands. Now, you need to convince the panel in person that you are the outstanding leader they are looking for. This guide covers everything you need to know, from common Chevening interview questions to practical preparation strategies.

What to Expect: The Chevening Interview Format

The interview is the final and most significant hurdle. Typically, you can expect:

• The Panel: You will be interviewed by a panel of 2-3 people, usually consisting of British embassy staff, Chevening alumni, and local leaders.
• The Duration: The interview will last approximately 45-60 minutes.
• The Location: Interviews are held in person at the British embassy or high commission in your home country. In rare cases, they may be conducted virtually.
• The Tone: While formal, the panel aims to be welcoming. They are not trying to trick you, but to get to know you and assess your potential.
• The Focus: They will probe the claims you made in your application and test your suitability against the core Chevening criteria: leadership, influence, networking, and a clear career plan.

Top 10 Common Chevening Interview Questions

While every interview is unique, questions generally fall into key themes. Prepare stories and answers for these common Chevening interview questions:

1. “Walk us through your CV and tell us about yourself.” (This is often the icebreaker. Have a concise, 2-minute pitch ready.)
2. “Tell us about a time you demonstrated leadership.” (Have 2-3 strong examples beyond the one in your essay.)
3. “What is a current major challenge in your home country, and how do you plan to address it?” (Show your awareness and passion for your field.)
4. “Why did you choose your specific UK courses and universities?” (Be prepared to discuss each one in detail.)
5. “How will you contribute to the Chevening alumni network?” (Be specific—don’t just say you will participate.)
6. “What will you do if you are not selected for the Chevening Scholarship?” (Show resilience and commitment to your goals.)
7. “How will you use your UK education to benefit your country?” (Link your studies directly to your career plan.)
8. “Tell us about a time you failed and what you learned from it.” (Show self-awareness and a growth mindset.)
9. “How do you handle working with people who have different opinions?” (Demonstrate emotional intelligence.)
10. “Do you have any questions for us?” (Always have 2-3 intelligent questions prepared.)

How to Structure Your Answers (The STAR Method)

The most effective way to answer behavioral questions (e.g., “Tell us about a time…”) is to use the STAR method. This structures your answer clearly and ensures you provide a complete picture.

• S (Situation): Briefly describe the context and your role. “In my role as a project coordinator at X, our team was facing a challenge with…”
• T (Task): Explain what your specific goal or responsibility was. “My task was to develop a new strategy to improve engagement by 25%.”
• A (Action): This is the most important part. Describe the specific actions you took. Use “I” statements. “I initiated a stakeholder analysis, I facilitated weekly meetings, I proposed a new digital tool…”
• R (Result): Quantify the outcome of your actions. What was the impact? “As a result, we exceeded our target and achieved a 30% increase in engagement within three months. I also learned the importance of…”

Practicing this formula will make your answers concise, compelling, and easy for the panel to follow.

Practical Tips for Before, During, and After the Interview

Before the Interview:

• Re-read your application: The panel has it in front of them. Be ready to discuss every part of it in depth.
• Research current affairs: Be prepared to discuss recent news and developments in your professional field in your country.
• Conduct a mock interview: Practice with a mentor, friend, or career advisor. Ask them to grill you with tough questions. Chevening mock interviews are invaluable.
• Plan your attire: Dress in formal business wear. It is better to be overdressed than underdressed.
• Know your location: Plan your route to the embassy to ensure you arrive early and relaxed.

During the Interview:

• Body language matters: Make eye contact, offer a firm handshake, sit up straight, and smile. Project confidence and positivity.
• Listen carefully: Ensure you understand the question before you launch into your answer. It’s okay to take a brief moment to think.
• Be concise but thorough: Answer the question directly using the STAR method, but avoid rambling.
• Be authentic and passionate: Let your genuine commitment to your goals and your country shine through.
• Don’t memorize answers: Know your stories, but speak naturally and conversationally.

After the Interview:

• Ask thoughtful questions: This shows your engagement and curiosity.
• Thank the panel: Shake their hands and thank them for their time.
• Send a follow-up email: A brief, polite email to your point of contact at the embassy thanking them for the opportunity can leave a positive final impression.

The interview is your chance to bring your application to life. Prepare thoroughly, be yourself, and articulate your vision clearly. Good luck!

For a deeper dive into the financial aspects of the award, you can review what you’ll be working with in our guide: Chevening Scholarship Stipend, Funding, and Financial Guide.