Do Internships and Volunteering Count for Chevening?
Yes. Current official guidance lists voluntary work and paid or unpaid internships among the experience types that can count toward 2,800 hours, provided they were acquired after completing your undergraduate degree and are entered accurately.
The type of experience is only the first test
Chevening also accepts full-time and part-time employment. The decisive questions are when the experience occurred, how many weeks and weekly hours can be accurately entered, and whether the combined total reaches 2,800 before submission.
Applicants can enter up to 15 employment periods. Do not count the same time twice when roles overlap, and do not turn occasional participation into an unrealistic weekly schedule.
How the hours are calculated
The application multiplies the number of weeks by average hours worked per week for each entry. Add the results across eligible periods. For example, 30 weeks at 20 hours per week contributes 600 hours; it does not automatically count as one full year of experience.
- Use actual weeks rather than calendar years
- Use a defensible average number of weekly hours
- Exclude periods before undergraduate completion
- Reach 2,800 hours before pressing submit
Evidence quality still matters after eligibility
Hours determine whether the minimum is met, but strong application examples require more than time served. An internship or voluntary role can provide useful leadership and relationship evidence when the applicant can explain a real challenge, their individual action, how others responded, and a proportionate outcome.
Frequently asked questions
Do unpaid internships count for Chevening?
Yes. Official guidance lists paid or unpaid internships as eligible types when they meet the post-degree timing rule.
Does volunteering before graduation count?
No under the current rule. Eligible work experience must be acquired after completing undergraduate study.
Verify eligibility officially
Checked on 12 July 2026. Use the official eligibility checker before applying. CheveningPrep is independent and is not affiliated with Chevening or the UK Government.
Read the official eligibility criteriaCheck the complete eligibility picture
One answer does not determine eligibility. Review citizenship, graduation date, work hours, courses, and return-home commitments together.