In order to honor the legacy of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the government of Uttar Pradesh has launched a significant scholarship program known as the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Chevening Scholarship Scheme 2025-26. Under this initiative, the Government aims to provide financial support to all those students who have potential and are talented, but due to their financial backgrounds and constraints, they are unable to get what they deserve. The Government will help to study their master’s in prestigious universities abroad, especially in the United Kingdom. All those students who are eligible and want to get benefits through this initiative can simply visit the Official Website and fill out the application form online.
About Atal Bihari Vajpayee Chevening Scholarship Scheme 2025-26
The Government of Uttar Pradesh State along in partnership with the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), has launched this students’ empowerment scholarship program known as Atal Bihari Vajpayee Chevening Scholarship Scheme. According to this scholarship initiative, the Government will select those students who are brilliant and have the potential to do better, but because of their economically weaker background, they are unable to study.
The government will select them and help them to study their masters abroad in very modern universities, especially in the United Kingdom. The Government will take care of all the expenses of the course and education fees. The Government will select five meritorious students from Uttar Pradesh annually for a one-year master’s degree. This initiative will support talented students to get access to world-class education at leading UK institutions and Universities.
Objective of Atal Bihari Vajpayee Chevening Scholarship
The main objective of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Chevening Scholarship is to empower all the talented students who come from financially weak households by providing them with financial help to study abroad in prestigious universities and enhance their knowledge and skills. Under this scholarship program, the Government will select about four meritorious and talented students across the state and will send them abroad, especially to the United Kingdom Universities for a one-year master’s program.
Short Highlights of Atal Bihari Vajpayee Chevening Scholarship Scheme
| Scheme Name | Vajpayee-Chevening Uttar Pradesh Scholarship Scheme |
| Collaboration | UP Govt. and UK’s FCDO partnership |
| Target Beneficiaries | Meritorious UP students for UK study |
| Scholarship Details | Fully funded one-year UK Master’s degree |
| Funding Structure | UP contributes ₹23 lakh/student; FCDO covers the rest |
| Duration | Three years: 2025-26 to 2027-28 |
Important Dates under the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Chevening Scholarship Scheme
| Scheme Launch Year | Academic Year 2025-26 |
| Initial Duration | 2025-26, 2026-27, 2027-28 |
| Continuation Review Deadline | March 30, 2028 (for continuation beyond 2027-28) |
Scholarship Amount Provided
| Tuition Fees | Full university tuition fees for UK Master’s. |
| Living Allowance | Monthly stipend for living costs. |
| Travel Costs | Return economy airfare (India to UK). |
| Visa Application | Cost of one entry clearance (visa) application. |
| Other Allowances | May include book, research, or travel funds. |
| UP Government Share | Contributes ₹23 lakh (£19,800) per student. |
| FCDO Share (UK Govt.) | Covers remaining costs (£38,048-£42,076 per student). |
| Total Funding | Comprehensive financial support provided. |
Eligibility Criteria
| Citizenship | Indian citizen and resident of Uttar Pradesh. |
| Return Obligation | Commit to return to India for two years after studies. |
| Academic | Hold an undergraduate degree allowing entry to a UK Master’s. |
| Work Experience | At least two years’ work experience post-graduation (2,800 hours). |
| University Admission | Must secure an unconditional offer from a UK university. |
| UK Course Application | Apply to three eligible UK Master’s courses. |
| English Proficiency | Meet UK university English language requirements. |
| Prior UK Study | Not have previously studied in the UK on a UK government-funded scholarship. |
| Government Affiliation | Not a British citizen or employee/relative of UK Government/related organizations. |
Selection Process & Timeline
| Stage | Timeline |
| Applications Open | Early August |
| Applications Close | Early October |
| Eligibility Check | From October |
| Reading Committee Review | Mid October to January |
| Mid-October to January | Mid February, 2026 |
| Interviews Held | By Early July 2026 |
| Results Announced | Mid-June, 2026 |
| Unconditional Offer Submission | By Early July, 2026 |
| Studies begin in UK | Studies begin in the UK |
Documents Required
- Valid Passport
- National ID Card
- Undergraduate Degree Certificate
- Academic Transcripts
- Contact Details of two referees
- Two Reference Letters
- Unconditional Offer Letter
- Well-structured Resume or CV
- Caste Certificate
- Income Proof
- Aadhar Card
Atal Bihari Vajpayee Chevening Scholarship Scheme Apply Online
- All those students who wish to apply under this initiative have to visit the Official Chevening Website of the scheme.
- Now you have to complete the Registration by providing your Email & Mobile Number.
- After registration, you have to pass the Eligibility Checker by answering eligibility questions.
- Now, an Access code will display on your screen here. You have to save the access code, as it is very important for future logins.
- After that, the application form will open. Here, you have to enter all the required details in the application form, such as personal details, immigration details, education history, work history, your three UK Master’s course choices, and referee contact details.
- At Last, you have to recheck the form and click on the Submit button.
FAQ’s
What is this scholarship?
A joint scholarship by the UP Government and the UK’s FCDO for higher education in the UK.
Who is eligible to apply?
Indian citizens, UP residents, with an undergraduate degree and two years’ work experience, who meet UK university requirements.
What does the scholarship cover?
Full tuition fees, living allowance, return airfare, and potentially exam/research costs.
How many scholarships are awarded annually?
Five students from Uttar Pradesh are selected yearly.
How is the scholarship funded?
UP contributes ₹23 lakh; FCDO covers the rest (approx. £38,048-£42,076).
What is the duration of the scholarship scheme?
Three years, from academic year 2025-26 to 2027-28.
Is there an age limit to apply?
No formal age limit, but applicants must meet postgraduate entry requirements.
Do I need work experience to apply?
Yes, a minimum of two years (2,800 hours) of post-graduation work experience is required.
Can I apply to any UK university and course?
Applicants must apply to three eligible UK university Master’s courses.
Do I need to take an English language test like IELTS or TOEFL?
Not required by Chevening, but UK universities usually have specific requirements.
Can I apply if I’ve already studied in the UK on another UK government scholarship?
No, previous UK government scholarship recipients are ineligible.
Can dual British citizens apply?
Dual British citizens are generally ineligible, with limited exceptions.
What is the selection process like?
A merit-based, transparent process including application review, shortlisting, and interviews.
Are there any restrictions on the courses I can choose?
Courses must be one-year Master’s degrees and meet university criteria.
What is the key deadline for applying?
The main deadline is submitting an unconditional UK university offer (typically early July).
Lavina Choudhary
Lavina Choudhary is a content writer with 5 years of experience in Scholarship. She writes simple and helpful articles that guide people And Student to understand and benefit from public welfare Scholarship.