AI SummaryAtal Bihari Vajpayee-Chevening Scholarship Scheme is a joint scholarship of Uttar Pradesh government and UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) that gives meritorious students a fully funded one-year Master's degree at recognized UK universities. Five students from Uttar Pradesh are selected every year under the scheme, and all major expenses of their study in the United Kingdom are covered.
This is part of UP government's focus on quality higher education and international exposure for its youth. It gives students from all backgrounds a chance to study at top UK universities and bring back world-class knowledge and skills.
Applications for the 2027-28 academic year are now open on the Chevening portal. Last date to apply is 6 October 2026. The first batch for the 2026-27 academic year was selected after applications closed on 7 October 2025.
MoU has been signed between UP Government and UK on 19th August 2025, and the scheme was approved by the UP cabinet on 7 August 2025.
How to Apply Online for Atal Bihari Vajpayee-Chevening Scholarship?
Online applications for the 2027-28 batch are being accepted through the existing Chevening application portal. Selection is completely clear and follows the rules of the MoU between UP government and FCDO UK. UP government will contribute 50% of the total cost and the UK government will match-fund the rest, and a representative from Government of Uttar Pradesh joins the interview panel for scholar selection.
STEP 1 - Open the Chevening India page at chevening.org and check the eligibility rules, course list and application guidance for 2027-28 scholarships.
STEP 2 - Go to the Chevening online application system at asams.chevening.org/apply and register with a valid email address and phone number. Keep the access code safe because it is needed at every stage.
STEP 3 - Fill in personal details, education background, work experience and the required essays. Chevening asks for a bachelor's degree and around two years of work experience (or 2,800 hours).
STEP 4 - Select eligible one-year taught Master's courses at UK universities, upload the required documents and submit the application before 6 October 2026, 11:00 UTC.
What is Atal Bihari Vajpayee-Chevening Scholarship?
This special scholarship scheme is named after former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee. It has been started by UP government in partnership with UK's Chevening program. The main aim is to help outstanding students of Uttar Pradesh get the best international education without worrying about high costs. Selected students get a one-year Master's degree at top UK universities with all important expenses paid.
Download Full PDF of the Cabinet Decision about this scheme.
Key Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Atal Bihari Vajpayee-Chevening Scholarship Scheme (Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee-Chevening Uttar Pradesh State Government Scholarship Scheme) |
| Started By | Uttar Pradesh Government in partnership with FCDO UK |
| For Academic Years | 2025-26, 2026-27, 2027-28 |
| Applications Open For | 2027-28 academic year |
| Last Date to Apply | 6 October 2026 |
| Number of Scholarships per Year | 5 Students |
| Course Covered | One-year full-time Master's degree in any subject at any recognized UK university |
| What is Covered? | Academic fees, examination and research fees, monthly living allowance, round-trip economy airfare |
| Total Value per Student | £38,000 - £42,000 (Approx. ₹44 - ₹48 lakh) |
| UP Govt Share | £19,800 (Approx. ₹23 lakh) |
| FCDO UK Share | Rest of the cost |
| Selection | Clear process as per MoU between UP Govt and FCDO UK |
Coverage under the scheme
The scholarship covers almost every major expense of studying in the UK for one year. Main things covered are:
- Full academic fees, exam fees, and research costs for the Master's program
- Monthly allowance for stay (single student) in the UK
- One-time economy class round-trip airfare
- Support for living expenses and accommodation
Eligibility
Eligibility rules include the standard Chevening conditions as well as the state-specific terms fixed in the MoU. In simple words, these are the main points:
- Uttar Pradesh permanent residency is must.
- Should be a meritorious graduate. Chevening also asks for a bachelor's degree and at least two years of work experience.
- Must get selected for a one-year Master's degree at any recognized UK university.
- Selection will be based on merit and a clear process as per the agreement between UP Govt and FCDO UK.
Scholarship Amount
Each selected student will receive a total scholarship covering between £38,000-£42,000 (about ₹44-₹48 lakh). UP government will provide up to £19,800 (around ₹23 lakh), and the rest will be funded by UK government through FCDO. All main academic and living expenses for one year will be fully covered, making it easy for students from all backgrounds to dream big.
FAQ's
What is the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-Chevening Scholarship?
This is a joint scholarship by UP government and UK government for meritorious students to study a one-year Master's degree at top UK universities, with full financial support.
How many students will get this scholarship each year?
Only five students will be selected each year for three academic years, from 2025-26 to 2027-28.
Which courses are covered under this scheme?
Any subject for a one-year Master's degree at any recognized UK university.
What all expenses are covered?
Academic, exam, and research fees; monthly living allowance; and round-trip airfare.
How is the selection done?
Selection is based on merit and follows a fair and clear process jointly managed by UP government and FCDO UK. A UP government representative also joins the interview panel.
When is the last date to apply for the 2027-28 batch?
Applications for the 2027-28 batch are open until 6 October 2026 through the Chevening portal.
Where to apply?
Applications are being accepted online through the Chevening application portal at asams.chevening.org/apply.