Chevening Scholarship Stipend, Funding, and Financial Guide
Are you looking for Chevening Scholarship Stipend, Funding? then you are on right place . One of the most pressing questions for any potential scholar is financial: “How much is the Chevening scholarship?” and “What does the Chevening scholarship cover?”
This guide provides a transparent and detailed breakdown of the Chevening scholarship amount, the monthly stipend, and all associated funding for the 2024/2025 academic year, so you know exactly what to expect.
The Chevening Funding Breakdown: What’s Covered?
The Chevening Scholarship is a fully-funded award. This means it is designed to cover all essential costs associated with a year of postgraduate study in the UK. The funding is comprehensive and includes the following components:
| Funding Component | Details & What It Covers |
|---|---|
| University Tuition Fees | Paid directly to your university by Chevening, up to a pre-set cap. |
| Monthly Stipend | A living allowance to cover accommodation, food, bills, and essential living costs. |
| Travel to/from the UK | Economy class flights from your home country to the UK and back. |
| Arrival Allowance | A one-off payment to cover initial set-up costs upon arrival in the UK. |
| Homeward Departure Allowance | A one-off payment to help with costs as you prepare to leave the UK. |
| Thesis Grant | A contribution towards the cost of producing your dissertation or thesis. |
| Visa Application Cost | The cost of your UK student visa is covered. |
| Travel Grant | Funding for approved in-year travel to Chevening events. |
How Much is the Monthly Chevening Scholarship Stipend? (2024/2025 Figures)
The monthly stipend is your living allowance. It is paid directly into your UK bank account each month to cover your day-to-day expenses.
- The Amount: For the 2024/2025 academic year, the Chevening stipend amount is £1,347 per month.
- Payment: It is paid monthly in arrears, meaning you receive it at the end of the month it is intended for.
- Tax-Free: The stipend is a grant, not a salary, so it is not subject to UK income tax.
- Location Variation: The stipend is a standard amount across the UK. It is not increased for more expensive cities like London, so you must budget carefully.
Understanding the Tuition Fee Cap
While Chevening covers full tuition fees, it does have a tuition fee cap. This is the maximum amount they will pay for your course.
- Standard Cap: For most courses, the cap is £22,000 for the 2024/2025 academic year.
- MBA Cap: For MBA programmes, the cap is higher, set at £24,500.
- What if my course costs more? If your chosen course’s tuition fee exceeds the cap, you are responsible for paying the difference. It is crucial to check the fees of your chosen courses before applying. Many excellent programmes at UK universities fall under this cap.
Travel Costs and Other Grants
Beyond tuition and stipend, Chevening provides several ancillary grants to ensure a smooth transition:
- Travel to/from the UK: Chevening books and pays for your economy class flights.
- Arrival Allowance: A one-off payment of approximately £200-300 to help with initial costs like bedding, kitchenware, or transport from the airport.
- Visa Cost: The full cost of your Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and your student visa application fee is covered.
- Thesis Grant: A grant (typically around £500) to help with the costs of binding, printing, and research for your dissertation.
Is the Chevening Stipend Enough to Live on in the UK?
This is a critical question. The answer is: Yes, if you budget wisely.
- The Reality: The stipend of £1,347 per month is sufficient to live on as a student outside of central London. In London, it will be tighter but still manageable.
- Budgeting is Key: You will need to be conscious of your spending, particularly on accommodation, which is your largest expense. Sharing a house (HMO) is the most cost-effective option.
- Additional Work: As a Tier 4 (General) student visa holder, you are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during term time. Some scholars take on part-time work for extra spending money or experience, but it is not necessary to cover basic living costs.
Financial FAQs
Q: Does the scholarship cover family members?
A: No. The Chevening Scholarship is intended for the scholar only. It does not provide additional funding for dependents (spouses, children). You must prove you have sufficient funds to support any dependents who accompany you when you apply for your visa.
Q: When will I receive my first stipend payment?
A: Your first payment is typically made at the end of your first month of study. This is why the arrival allowance is provided, to help you cover costs until that first stipend arrives.
Q: What costs are NOT covered by the scholarship?
A: The scholarship does not cover costs like luxury items, personal travel (outside of Chevening events), expensive social activities, or any debts you have in your home country.
Understanding the financial package allows you to plan effectively and focus on your studies. Once your funding is secured, your next step is to think about the incredible network you’ll join. Learn more about it here: Life After Chevening: Alumni Network, Careers, and the UK.
