If you’re considering studying in the UK, you’re not alone—thousands of international students flock to the UK every year for its world-class education, diverse culture, and vibrant student life. But, let’s face it, studying abroad can be expensive. Fortunately, there are plenty of scholarships available to help ease the financial burden. Whether you’re eyeing undergraduate or postgraduate studies, the UK has a range of scholarships designed to support international students just like you.
In this post, I’ll take you through some of the top scholarships you can apply for in the UK. From government-funded opportunities to university-specific grants, there’s a scholarship out there that could cover your tuition fees, living expenses, or even both. Let’s dive into the best options and how you can apply for them! Ready to explore the funding opportunities that could make your UK study dream a reality? Let’s go!
Now that you’re all set to explore funding opportunities in the UK, let’s take a look at some of the best scholarships available for international students. These scholarships can help cover everything from tuition fees to living costs, making your study experience in the UK much more affordable.
1. Chevening Scholarships
One of the most prestigious scholarship programs in the UK, Chevening Scholarships are fully funded and offer a chance to study for a Master’s degree at any UK university. The program is funded by the UK Government, and it’s open to students from Chevening-eligible countries worldwide.
- What it covers: Tuition fees, living allowance, travel costs, and other allowances
- Eligibility: You must have an undergraduate degree and at least two years of work experience. You also need to show strong leadership potential and a commitment to contributing to your home country.
- How to apply: Applications are typically open from August to November each year. You’ll need to submit your academic transcripts, references, and a personal statement.
2. Commonwealth Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarships are offered by the UK government for students from Commonwealth countries who are looking to study postgraduate courses. This scholarship aims to foster global collaboration and development through education.
- What it covers: Full tuition, airfare, and a living allowance
- Eligibility: You need to be a resident of a Commonwealth country and have an offer to study at a UK university. You must also have a strong academic record and be committed to returning to your home country after your studies.
- How to apply: Applications are usually open between December and January. Check the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website for details on specific eligibility requirements for each country.
3. Rhodes Scholarships
The Rhodes Scholarships are among the oldest and most prestigious international scholarship programs. Although they’re highly competitive, the opportunity to study at the University of Oxford with full financial support is an exciting one.
- What it covers: Full tuition, living expenses, and travel costs
- Eligibility: You need to meet the specific age and academic criteria for your country of origin (different requirements apply depending on where you’re from).
- How to apply: Applications open annually and involve a detailed application process, including personal statements, academic references, and sometimes interviews.
4. Gates Cambridge Scholarships
The Gates Cambridge Scholarships are fully funded awards for international students who wish to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Cambridge. They are funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
- What it covers: Full tuition, a living allowance, airfare, and other study-related expenses
- Eligibility: Applicants should be applying for a full-time postgraduate degree at Cambridge. Strong academic records and a passion for improving global development are key requirements.
- How to apply: You must apply to the University of Cambridge and the Gates Cambridge Trust separately, so make sure to follow both application processes closely.
5. The University of Oxford – Clarendon Fund
The Clarendon Fund at the University of Oxford offers fully funded scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate international students. It’s known for being highly competitive, but if you’re aiming for Oxford, this is a great option.
- What it covers: Full tuition, living expenses, and travel allowances
- Eligibility: Open to all students applying to Oxford University (both UK and international students). The scholarship is merit-based, so you’ll need an outstanding academic record.
- How to apply: You’ll automatically be considered for the Clarendon Fund if you apply to a graduate course at Oxford. There’s no separate application process.
6. University of Bristol – Think Big Scholarships
The Think Big Scholarships at the University of Bristol are designed to help international students who want to study in the UK. The scholarships are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- What it covers: Scholarships range from £5,000 to £20,000, which can be applied towards tuition fees.
- Eligibility: Open to international students applying for undergraduate or postgraduate degrees. You’ll need to demonstrate a strong academic record and financial need.
- How to apply: Applications are made through the University of Bristol’s scholarship portal. Deadlines vary, so be sure to check the website.
7. University of Edinburgh – Global Research Scholarships
If you’re pursuing a research degree, the University of Edinburgh offers Global Research Scholarships to international students. This scholarship helps support research students who want to carry out a PhD at the University.
- What it covers: A £10,000 fee waiver (not a full scholarship)
- Eligibility: Open to international students applying for PhD programs. You need to show strong research potential and an excellent academic background.
- How to apply: Apply for your PhD at the University of Edinburgh and check their website for more information on the scholarship application process.
8. The University of Warwick – Chancellor’s International Scholarships
The Chancellor’s International Scholarships at the University of Warwick are aimed at international students who wish to pursue a PhD. These are highly competitive and prestigious awards.
- What it covers: Full tuition fees, a stipend for living costs, and a travel allowance
- Eligibility: Applicants should have excellent academic credentials and meet the University’s entrance requirements.
- How to apply: Apply for a PhD program at Warwick, and then apply separately for the Chancellor’s scholarship.
9. British Council Scholarships
The British Council offers a range of scholarships for international students. These scholarships support a wide variety of study programs across the UK, particularly for postgraduate students.
- What it covers: Varies by program but typically includes tuition fees, living allowance, and travel costs
- Eligibility: Open to students from a variety of countries. Each scholarship has specific eligibility criteria, so be sure to check the British Council’s website for details.
- How to apply: Applications are typically made through the British Council’s platform, and you may need to apply to the relevant UK universities as well.
10. UK Government’s GREAT Scholarships
The GREAT Scholarships are part of a government-backed initiative to support international students from specific countries who want to study in the UK. They are available for postgraduate students and cover both tuition fees and living expenses.
- What it covers: Tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs
- Eligibility: Available for students from various countries. You must have an offer to study at a participating UK university.
- How to apply: Check the official UK Government website or your home country’s British Embassy for more details on how to apply.
Final Thoughts
The UK offers some amazing scholarship opportunities for international students, and it’s exciting to see so many programs that aim to make studying abroad more affordable. Whether you’re looking for full funding or partial support, there are plenty of scholarships out there for you to explore. Just remember, applying for scholarships requires careful attention to deadlines, application details, and eligibility requirements, so be sure to plan ahead and put together the strongest application possible.
Have you applied for any UK scholarships? Or are there others you’re interested in that I didn’t mention? Drop your thoughts and questions in the comments—let’s start a conversation and help each other navigate this journey!
