The Chevening program, one of the main international scholarship initiatives of the British government, has opened its applications for Cuban professionals to pursue a fully funded master's degree in the United Kingdom during the 2027-2028 academic year.
Interested parties have until October 6, 2026, at 11:00 UTC, to submit their application through the official Chevening portal for Cuba.
The scholarship covers the full cost of tuition for a one-year master's program, in addition to a monthly allowance for living expenses, round-trip flights between Cuba and the United Kingdom, and other support for study-related expenses.
Among the main requirements is being a Cuban citizen, holding a university degree that allows access to postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom, and proving at least 2,800 hours of work experience, equivalent to approximately two years of full-time work, acquired after completing university studies
Applicants must also apply for admission to three eligible master's programs and secure at least one unconditional offer within the timeframe set by Chevening.
An important condition is that the selected candidates must return to Cuba for a minimum of two years after completing the scholarship.
The selection process evaluates, among other aspects, the candidate's professional experience, leadership potential, and objectives. Chevening also offers scholarships jointly funded with partner organizations, known as "partner awards."
Established in 1983 and managed by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the program has a network of over 60,000 alumni in more than 160 countries. More than 120 Cuban professionals have studied in the United Kingdom through this initiative.
A few weeks ago, a new group of Cubans completed their Chevening scholarship. The British Embassy in Havana announced on July 8 that the scholars for the 2025-2026 cohort participated in a farewell event for the program in London after completing their master's studies. The diplomatic mission noted at that time that some were still finalizing their last academic procedures before returning to Cuba.
The call for applications remains open despite the recent cooling of relations between London and Havana. In June, the British government paused the ratification of the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement signed with the Cuban regime due to concerns related to the humanitarian situation and human rights on the island.
Chevening remains an opportunity for Cuban professionals interested in pursuing postgraduate studies in the UK with full funding, although those selected must commit to returning to the island for at least two years after graduation.
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