Since 1985, the prestigious Chevening Scholarship program has enabled more than 120 emaSwati to pursue postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom.
The one-year master’s programme, funded by the UK government through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and partner organizations, has produced some of Eswatini’s most distinguished professionals. Alumni include Mvuselelo Fakudze, Chief Executive of Standard Bank Eswatini and President of Business Eswatini, as well as other influential figures in the country.
The scholarship covers full tuition fees, travel, visa costs, and a monthly stipend, with rates varying between London and non-London placements.
Sibongiseni Zondi, the Communications Coordinator of the Chevening Alumni Eswatini, emphasised the scholarship’s role in national development, noting that it regularly produces professionals who return to contribute to national development after completing their studies.
“As previous beneficiaries, we felt we should not just benefit and move on,” Zondi said. “We wanted to give this amazing opportunity back to EmaSwati, so we created this network to advocate and inform other professionals about the chance to upskill through the Chevening scholarship.”
The competitive application process is conducted online. Applicants must be citizens of a Chevening-eligible country, hold an undergraduate degree, and have at least two years (2,800 hours) of post-graduate work experience.
Candidates must apply to three different eligible UK master’s courses, secure at least one unconditional offer from their university of choice by the specified deadline, and commit to returning to their home country for a minimum of two years after the scholarship ends. Applicants cannot be British citizens or employees of the UK government, the British Council, or a sponsoring UK university.
Key requirements include four essays on leadership, networking, chosen course of study, and career plans. Applicants who use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to write their essays will be disqualified. Additionally, applicants must have two referees who provide traceable references.
The 2025 cycle runs from 5 August to 7 November 2025 (12:00 UTC), with interviews in early 2026, results announced from June 2026, and final university offers required by 9 July 2026. Scholars begin their UK studies in September or October.
Lindokuhle Mthupha, Brand and Marketing Manager at the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE), who is also a beneficiary of the program, encouraged applicants to be genuine when applying.
“I encourage applicants to be honest when they write their application essays. In my application, I wrote that I wanted to go to Anfield to watch Liverpool games live, and I managed to do so,” she said.
Zondi added that prospective applicants should budget carefully, apply early to avoid last-minute technical issues, and craft essays that demonstrate how their studies will directly benefit Eswatini.
“We urge applicants to apply early as late submissions often overload the system,” he said. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — we encourage every eligible Liswati to apply and join the Chevening legacy.”
There is no age limit to the scholarship and no cap on the number of EmaSwati who can apply. Importantly, the government of Eswatini does not play a role in the selection process, ensuring transparency and fairness.