Apply now for Chevening Scholarship Program in Mali

Deadline: 06-Oct-2026

The Chevening Scholarship for Mali provides future leaders from Mali with the opportunity to pursue a fully funded one-year taught master’s degree at an eligible UK university.

The programme aims to develop a global network of future leaders and decision-makers by supporting academic advancement, professional development, and international collaboration.

For Malian scholars, the programme encourages study and future leadership in areas of shared priority between the UK and Mali, including climate action, economic prosperity, and conflict recovery.

The scholarship provides full financial support, including tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, return airfare to the UK, and additional grants for essential expenses.

Applicants must be citizens of Mali, hold an undergraduate degree, have at least two years of work experience, and commit to returning to Mali for at least two years after completing their studies. Candidates must also apply to three different eligible UK master’s courses and receive an unconditional offer from at least one by the specified deadline.

About the Chevening Scholarship

The Chevening Scholarship is designed to support individuals with the potential to become future leaders and decision-makers.

For applicants from Mali, the scholarship provides an opportunity to gain advanced academic knowledge and professional experience through postgraduate study in the UK.

The programme also aims to build an international network of individuals who can contribute to positive change in their home countries and help address shared global and national challenges.

Purpose of the Scholarship

The programme aims to build a global network of future leaders by providing opportunities for:

• Academic advancement
• Professional development
• International networking
• Leadership development
• Knowledge and skills that can contribute to positive change

Malian scholars are expected to use their education and experience to contribute to the development of Mali after completing their studies.

Fully Funded Master’s Degree in the UK

Successful scholars receive full financial support for their one-year taught master’s degree.

The scholarship covers:

• Full tuition fees
• Monthly living allowance
• Return airfare to the UK
• Additional grants for essential expenses

This comprehensive support helps scholars undertake postgraduate study in the UK without having to independently finance the major costs associated with their education and living expenses.

Study at an Eligible UK University

The scholarship supports a one-year taught master’s degree at an eligible UK university.

Applicants must apply to three different eligible UK master’s courses.

Candidates should carefully select their courses based on their academic background, professional experience, career ambitions, and plans for contributing to Mali after returning home.

Areas of Shared Priority Between the UK and Mali

The programme highlights areas of shared priority between the UK and Mali.

These include:

• Climate action
• Economic prosperity
• Conflict recovery

Applicants can consider how their proposed master’s degree will help them gain knowledge and skills relevant to these areas or other priorities that support their professional and leadership objectives.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must meet the specified eligibility requirements for the Chevening Scholarship for Mali.

Candidates must:

• Be citizens of Mali.
• Hold an undergraduate degree.
• Have at least two years of work experience.
• Apply to three different eligible UK master’s courses.
• Receive an unconditional offer from at least one eligible course by the specified deadline.
• Commit to returning to Mali for at least two years after completing their studies.

Applicants should ensure that they satisfy all relevant requirements before submitting their application.

Undergraduate Degree Requirement

Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree.

The qualification should provide the academic foundation required to pursue a master’s degree in the UK.

Candidates should also review the individual admission requirements of their selected universities and master’s programmes, as specific courses may have additional academic requirements.

Work Experience Requirement

Applicants must have at least two years of work experience.

Professional experience is important for demonstrating an applicant’s career development and potential to contribute as a future leader.

Candidates should be able to explain how their existing experience connects with their proposed postgraduate studies and future career goals.

Applying to Three UK Master’s Courses

Candidates must apply to three different eligible UK master’s courses.

Applicants should select courses that create a clear connection between their:

• Previous education
• Professional experience
• Career ambitions
• Leadership objectives
• Future contribution to Mali

Selecting appropriate programmes can help demonstrate a coherent academic and professional pathway.

Unconditional Offer Requirement

Applicants must receive an unconditional offer from at least one eligible UK master’s course by the specified deadline.

Candidates should begin their university applications early enough to allow sufficient time for admissions decisions and completion of any required documentation.

Obtaining the required university offer is an important part of meeting the scholarship conditions.

Commitment to Return to Mali

Successful scholars must commit to returning to Mali after completing their studies.

Applicants are required to return to Mali for at least two years after completing their scholarship.

This requirement is intended to ensure that scholars apply the knowledge, professional skills, and international experience gained in the UK to their home country.

Contributing to Mali’s Development

The scholarship encourages applicants to consider how their education can support positive change in Mali.

Candidates can develop a clear connection between their proposed study and issues such as:

• Climate action
• Economic prosperity
• Conflict recovery
• Professional development
• National development

A clear plan for applying newly acquired knowledge after returning to Mali can strengthen the overall rationale for pursuing the scholarship.

How to Prepare an Application

Applicants can begin preparing by developing a clear academic and professional plan.

Important preparation steps include:

• Confirm Malian citizenship.
• Confirm that the undergraduate degree meets the requirements for master’s-level study.
• Ensure that at least two years of work experience can be demonstrated.
• Research eligible one-year taught master’s programmes in the UK.
• Identify three different eligible UK master’s courses.
• Apply to the selected courses.
• Develop a clear career and leadership plan.
• Explain how the proposed degree relates to Mali’s development priorities.
• Work toward obtaining an unconditional offer from at least one selected course by the specified deadline.
• Review all scholarship requirements carefully.
• Prepare for the requirement to return to Mali for at least two years after completing the scholarship.

Selecting the Right Master’s Course

Applicants should select a master’s programme that supports their long-term professional and leadership ambitions.

The proposed course should ideally provide knowledge and skills that can be applied after returning to Mali.

Candidates can consider how their chosen field relates to their current professional experience and how it can help them contribute to areas such as climate action, economic prosperity, conflict recovery, or other development priorities.

Demonstrating Leadership Potential

Chevening is intended for future leaders and decision-makers.

Applicants should therefore demonstrate how their professional experience and future ambitions position them to contribute to positive change.

Candidates can highlight:

• Professional achievements
• Leadership experience
• Career progression
• Development challenges they want to address
• Skills they hope to gain through postgraduate study
• How they plan to apply those skills after returning to Mali

Application Checklist

Before applying, candidates should confirm that they:

• Are citizens of Mali.
• Hold an undergraduate degree.
• Have at least two years of work experience.
• Have identified three different eligible UK master’s courses.
• Apply to all three selected courses.
• Can receive an unconditional offer from at least one eligible course by the specified deadline.
• Understand the requirement to return to Mali.
• Can commit to returning for at least two years after completing their studies.
• Have considered how their proposed study aligns with their career and leadership ambitions.
• Have considered how their future work can contribute to Mali.

Key Facts About the Chevening Scholarship for Mali

• Scholarship: Chevening Scholarship
• Target applicants: Future leaders from Mali
• Study destination: United Kingdom
• Degree: One-year taught master’s degree
• Funding: Fully funded
• Tuition: Fully covered
• Living support: Monthly living allowance
• Travel: Return airfare to the UK
• Additional support: Grants for essential expenses
• Work experience: At least 2 years
• University applications: Three different eligible UK master’s courses
• University offer: Unconditional offer from at least one eligible course by the specified deadline
• Return requirement: At least 2 years in Mali after completing studies
• Shared priority examples: Climate action, economic prosperity, and conflict recovery

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Chevening Scholarship for Mali?

It is a fully funded scholarship that enables future leaders from Mali to pursue a one-year taught master’s degree at an eligible UK university.

What does the scholarship cover?

The scholarship covers tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, return airfare to the UK, and additional grants for essential expenses.

How long is the master’s degree?

The scholarship supports a one-year taught master’s degree at an eligible UK university.

Can applicants choose their UK university?

Yes. Applicants can select an eligible UK university and master’s programme, subject to the scholarship requirements.

How many master’s courses must applicants apply to?

Candidates must apply to three different eligible UK master’s courses.

Do applicants need a university offer?

Yes. Applicants must receive an unconditional offer from at least one eligible UK master’s course by the specified deadline.

How much work experience is required?

Applicants must have at least two years of work experience.

Do scholars have to return to Mali?

Yes. Successful scholars must commit to returning to Mali for at least two years after completing their studies.

What are some areas of shared priority between the UK and Mali?

The programme highlights climate action, economic prosperity, and conflict recovery as examples of shared priorities.

Why is returning to Mali important?

The programme expects scholars to apply the knowledge, skills, and experience gained in the UK to contribute to positive change and development in Mali.

Conclusion

The Chevening Scholarship for Mali offers future leaders an opportunity to pursue a fully funded one-year master’s degree in the UK while developing advanced knowledge, professional skills, and international networks.

The scholarship covers tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, return airfare to the UK, and additional grants for essential expenses.

Eligible Malian applicants must hold an undergraduate degree, have at least two years of work experience, apply to three different eligible UK master’s courses, and secure an unconditional offer from at least one course by the specified deadline.

Successful scholars must also return to Mali for at least two years after completing their studies. By connecting postgraduate education with long-term career goals and national development priorities such as climate action, economic prosperity, and conflict recovery, the programme seeks to equip future leaders to contribute to positive change in Mali.

For more information, visit Chevening.