Kenyan Applicant Reveals Chevening Scholarship Lessons After Reaching Interview Stage

A Kenyan content creator, Sally Ndwiga, has shared practical advice on applying for the Chevening Scholarship, drawing on her own experience of reaching the interview stage.

In a TikTok video posted on 19 August, Ndwiga explained that the Chevening application portal is separate from university admissions. Although applicants indicate their preferred universities through the Chevening system, they must also apply directly to each institution through its own admissions process.

She advised applicants to choose three courses that align with their professional goals and to confirm that the universities and programmes are eligible for Chevening scholars. The scholarship, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, provides funding for a one-year taught master's degree beginning in September 2027.

Ndwiga also stressed the importance of researching universities and their individual requirements before applying. Each institution has its own admissions deadlines and criteria, while applicants may be required to submit documents including personal statements, motivational letters, academic transcripts and references.

“Ningekuwa wewe, ningefanya university research before running to what apply,” she said, urging prospective applicants to research their options before submitting applications.

Her video prompted numerous questions from Kenyans interested in the scholarship. Some asked whether English-language requirements could be waived, while others wanted to know whether the three selected courses needed to be related. Another viewer asked whether a college diploma would meet the eligibility requirements.

Chevening is one of the UK's leading international scholarship programmes, attracting thousands of applications from around the world for a limited number of awards.