How long should the answer be?
There is no official fixed duration. A focused 60–90 second opening is a useful practice target, but respond naturally to the panel's wording and pace.
How to answer ‘Tell me about yourself’ in a Chevening interview
Use a short professional narrative: where your work is focused now, the problem you are trying to solve, one credible example of progress, and why the proposed UK study is the next necessary step. Do not give a chronological autobiography.
What official guidance confirms
Chevening does not publish a guaranteed opening question. Its interview guidance says the panel discusses your personal and professional aspirations and how Chevening can help you achieve them. This structure prepares you for that confirmed theme, whatever wording the panel uses.
A strong answer structure
- 1State your present professional focus in one sentence.
- 2Name the public, sector, or community problem that connects your experience.
- 3Give one brief result that establishes credibility.
- 4Link the next skills gap to your proposed UK study and future impact.
Common mistakes
- • Repeating every job and qualification on the application.
- • Starting with childhood details that do not support the scholarship case.
- • Using adjectives such as passionate or ambitious without evidence.
- • Speaking for several minutes before reaching your current goal.
Possible follow-ups
- • Which achievement best represents your contribution?
- • Why is this the right moment for postgraduate study?
- • What has changed in your goals since submitting the application?
Practice task
Record a 60–90 second version. Remove any sentence that does not explain your focus, evidence, study need, or intended impact. Then practise the same logic with different wording so the answer remains conversational.
Frequently asked questions
Should I mention my personal background?
Only when it explains your motivation, perspective, or commitment. The detail should advance the professional and impact narrative rather than replace it.
Source checked 12 July 2026: official Chevening interview guidance . CheveningPrep is independent and is not affiliated with Chevening or the UK Government.
Prepare the full question set
Use the complete question bank to check every confirmed interview theme, then practise follow-up pressure without memorising a model answer.