Deadline: 06-Oct-2026
The International Scholarships Programme for Guinea-Bissau offers fully funded opportunities for outstanding professionals to pursue a one-year master’s degree at any eligible UK university. The scholarship covers tuition, living costs, travel, visa expenses, and selected allowances, while successful scholars must return to Guinea-Bissau for at least two years after completing their studies.
What Is the International Scholarships Programme?
The International Scholarships Programme is designed to support emerging professionals and future leaders from Guinea-Bissau through postgraduate study in the United Kingdom.
The programme allows successful candidates to study a one-year master’s degree in any subject at any UK university, provided the chosen course meets the programme’s eligibility requirements.
Beyond academic study, the scholarship aims to develop professionals who can become future leaders, influencers, and decision-makers and contribute to positive change in Guinea-Bissau.
Why It Matters
The scholarship provides professionals from Guinea-Bissau with access to international postgraduate education without the financial burden of independently paying for tuition and major study-related expenses.
The programme aims to:
- Develop future leaders from Guinea-Bissau.
- Strengthen professional and leadership skills.
- Provide access to UK higher education.
- Build international professional networks.
- Encourage knowledge and skills transfer to Guinea-Bissau.
- Support long-term development in the applicant’s home country.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful scholars receive comprehensive financial support for their UK studies.
The scholarship covers:
- Full tuition fees.
- Monthly living stipend.
- Travel costs to and from the UK.
- Arrival allowance.
- Homeward departure allowance.
- Cost of one visa application.
- Travel grant for attending Chevening-related events in the UK.
These benefits are intended to cover the major costs associated with undertaking a one-year master’s degree in the UK.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must satisfy nationality, academic, professional, university application, and return-home requirements.
Key eligibility requirements include:
- Applicants must be citizens of Guinea-Bissau.
- Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree at least two years before the application deadline.
- Applicants must have at least two years of work experience.
- Applicants must apply to three different eligible UK master’s courses.
- Applicants must receive an unconditional offer from at least one eligible course by the specified deadline.
- Applicants must commit to returning to Guinea-Bissau for at least two years after completing the scholarship.
Academic Requirements
Applicants must hold an undergraduate qualification that enables them to gain admission to a suitable UK master’s programme.
The undergraduate degree must have been completed at least two years before the relevant application deadline.
Applicants should also ensure that they satisfy the individual academic and admission requirements of their selected UK universities.
Work Experience Requirement
Applicants must demonstrate at least two years of work experience.
Professional experience is an important part of the programme because the scholarship is intended for professionals and emerging leaders who can apply their UK education to their future careers and development work in Guinea-Bissau.
Three UK University Course Applications
Applicants must apply to three different eligible UK master’s courses.
The courses should be selected carefully based on:
- Academic background.
- Professional experience.
- Career objectives.
- Leadership ambitions.
- Intended contribution to Guinea-Bissau.
Applicants must receive an unconditional offer from at least one eligible course by the specified deadline.
Return-to-Guinea-Bissau Requirement
A major condition of the scholarship is the commitment to return to Guinea-Bissau for at least two years after completing the programme.
The requirement reflects the scholarship’s broader objective of developing professionals who can use their knowledge, skills, and international experience to contribute to their home country.
Applicants should therefore be able to demonstrate a clear connection between their proposed studies, career ambitions, and future contribution to Guinea-Bissau.
Who Is Not Eligible?
Certain categories of applicants are excluded under the programme rules.
These include:
- Individuals holding British citizenship or dual British citizenship, subject to specified exceptions.
- British Overseas Territories or British National (Overseas) applicants from Hong Kong may be covered by specific exceptions.
- Individuals with refugee status in a non-eligible country.
- Individuals who are currently resident in the UK, except where programme-specific exceptions apply.
- Employees or recent former employees of certain UK government-related organisations or eligible affiliates.
Applicants should review the current official eligibility rules carefully because exceptions and restrictions may apply.
How to Apply
Applicants should begin preparing well before the scholarship deadline because both the scholarship application and UK university admission process require careful planning.
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Check that you:
- Are a citizen of Guinea-Bissau.
- Meet the undergraduate degree requirement.
- Completed your undergraduate degree at least two years before the deadline.
- Have at least two years of work experience.
- Can meet the two-year return requirement.
Step 2: Research UK Master’s Courses
Identify three eligible UK master’s programmes that align with your academic background and professional goals.
Review each university’s admission requirements before applying.
Step 3: Apply to Three Different Courses
Submit applications to three different eligible UK master’s courses.
Start this process early so that university decisions can be received within the required timeframe.
Step 4: Secure an Unconditional Offer
Obtain an unconditional offer from at least one eligible UK course by the specified deadline.
This is a critical requirement for successful scholarship applicants.
Step 5: Prepare Your Scholarship Application
Gather the required information relating to your:
- Academic background.
- Work experience.
- Leadership experience.
- Career plans.
- UK course choices.
- Future contribution to Guinea-Bissau.
Step 6: Explain Your Future Impact
Clearly explain how the proposed master’s degree will strengthen your professional capabilities and how you intend to use those skills after returning to Guinea-Bissau.
Step 7: Submit Before the Deadline
Review the completed application carefully and submit it through the official scholarship application system before the relevant deadline.
How to Strengthen Your Application
Applicants can improve their preparation by:
- Choosing courses that clearly support their professional goals.
- Applying to UK universities early.
- Keeping academic and employment information consistent.
- Clearly demonstrating leadership potential.
- Explaining the development impact of their proposed studies.
- Preparing strong evidence of professional experience.
- Developing a realistic post-study plan for Guinea-Bissau.
- Checking all eligibility requirements before submission.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Applying to fewer than three eligible UK courses.
- Waiting until the final stage to apply to universities.
- Failing to obtain an unconditional offer by the required deadline.
- Ignoring the two-year work-experience requirement.
- Overlooking the undergraduate degree completion timeframe.
- Providing inconsistent academic or employment information.
- Failing to demonstrate how their studies can contribute to Guinea-Bissau.
- Misunderstanding the requirement to return home after completing the scholarship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the International Scholarships Programme for Guinea-Bissau?
It is a fully funded scholarship opportunity enabling eligible professionals from Guinea-Bissau to pursue a one-year master’s degree at a UK university.
How much funding does the scholarship provide?
The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, including full tuition fees, a monthly stipend, travel costs, an arrival allowance, a homeward departure allowance, one visa application, and a travel grant for eligible Chevening events.
Who can apply for the scholarship?
Citizens of Guinea-Bissau who meet the academic, professional, university application, and other eligibility requirements can apply.
How much work experience is required?
Applicants must have at least two years of work experience.
How many UK master’s courses must applicants apply to?
Applicants must apply to three different eligible UK master’s courses and obtain an unconditional offer from at least one by the specified deadline.
Do scholars have to return to Guinea-Bissau?
Yes. Successful scholars must commit to returning to Guinea-Bissau for at least two years after completing their studies.
Can current UK residents apply?
Generally, current UK residents are not eligible, although specific programme exceptions may apply.
Conclusion
The International Scholarships Programme for Guinea-Bissau offers emerging professionals a valuable opportunity to gain a fully funded UK master’s degree while developing leadership and professional skills. With support covering tuition, living expenses, travel, visa costs, and selected allowances, the programme removes many of the financial barriers associated with international postgraduate education.
Eligible applicants should begin early, carefully select three suitable UK master’s courses, secure an unconditional offer from at least one course, and develop a clear plan showing how their education and experience will contribute to Guinea-Bissau’s future development.
For more information, visit Chevening.