As one of the top global student cities, London offers world-class universities, unmatched cultural diversity, and exciting opportunities. But studying in London as an international student can be very expensive. There are different Scholarships for International Students in London.
Because scholarships are essential for making your dreams of studying in London a reality, this comprehensive guide covers the top 20 scholarships available for international students looking to study in London for undergraduate or graduate programs.
Chevening Scholarship
The prestigious Chevening Scholarships are the UK government’s global scholarship program. They are among the most competitive scholarships for international students.
Eligibility: Citizens from over 160 eligible countries/territories applying for a one-year master’s degree at any UK university. Minimum 2 years work experience required.
Amount: Covers full tuition fees and provides a monthly stipend for living expenses
Deadline: Applications open around August and close in November yearly.
Link: https://www.chevening.org/
Commonwealth Scholarship
Commonwealth Scholarships enable students from Commonwealth countries to pursue master’s and PhD programs in the UK.
Eligibility: Citizens of Commonwealth countries applying for graduate studies at a UK university.
Amount: Covers airfare, tuition fees, and living expenses.
Deadline: Opens in August, deadlines vary by country.
Link: http://cscuk.dfid.gov.uk/
Rhodes Scholarship
The Rhodes Scholarship fully funds students to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious international scholarships.
Eligibility: High-achieving citizens from over 100 designated countries/regions. Requires endorsement from university.
Amount: Covers all tuition fees and living expenses.
Deadline: Applications open in June, due in October annually.
Link: https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/
Gates Cambridge Scholarship
This highly selective scholarship allows graduate students from outside the UK to study at the University of Cambridge.
Eligibility: Non-UK citizens pursuing full-time master’s or PhD at Cambridge. Outstanding academics and leadership potential.
Amount: Covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge, including fees, maintenance, travel.
Deadline: Applications open September, due in December annually.
Link: https://www.gatescambridge.org/
Marshall Scholarship
The Marshall Scholarship finances one or two years of postgraduate study in any field at a UK university for American students.
Eligibility: U.S. citizens with a minimum GPA of 3.7. Requires nomination from university.
Amount: Covers tuition, travel, and living costs for 1-2 years.
Deadline: Applications open in September, due in early October annually.
Link: https://www.marshallscholarship.org/
Fulbright Scholarship
The Fulbright Scholarship promotes educational exchange for students to study, research or teach English in the UK.
Eligibility: U.S. citizens pursuing a master’s or PhD. Recent graduates and young professionals may apply.
Amount: Covers international flights, living stipend, health insurance, visa fees.
Deadline: Application timeline varies by program.
Link: https://us.fulbrightonline.org/
Clarendon Scholarship
Prestigious scholarships for graduate study at the University of Oxford. Awarded based on academic excellence.
Eligibility: International students accepted into an eligible graduate program at Oxford.
Amount: Full or partial coverage of tuition and living expenses.
Deadline: Apply when submitting university application.
Link: https://www.ox.ac.uk/
Westminster Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships for international students at University of Westminster at the undergraduate or graduate level.
Eligibility: Overseas students applying for programs at University of Westminster.
Amount: Covers 25%-100% of tuition fees.
Deadline: Same as university application deadline.
Link: https://www.westminster.ac.uk/
King’s College London Scholarships
A range of partial and full scholarships for the most talented international students at King’s College.
Eligibility: Based on academic excellence. Automatic consideration; no separate application.
Amount: Varies, between £5,000 – £10,000 towards studies.
Deadline: Same as the university application deadline.
Link: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/
London School of Economics Scholarship
The LSE Graduate Support Scheme offers financial support for international graduate students.
Eligibility: Automatic consideration based on academic merit.
Amount: Awards range from £5,000 to full tuition fee waiver.
Deadline: Same as LSE program admission deadline.
Link: https://www.lse.ac.uk/
Imperial College London Scholarships
Scholarships offered based on academic merit to support international students at Imperial College London.
Eligibility: Automatic consideration; no separate application required.
Amount: £2,000 to £5,000 tuition fee waiver.
Deadline: Same as Imperial program application deadline.
Link: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/
University College London Scholarships
A wide range of full and partial scholarships are available for international students at all levels of study at UCL.
Eligibility: Based on academic achievement, country of origin, and subject of study.
Amount: From £2,000 awards up to 100% tuition fee waivers.
Deadline: Varies by each scholarship program.
Link: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/
SOAS University of London Scholarships
SOAS offers several merit-based partial scholarships for international applicants, including the International School and Merit Scholarships.
Eligibility: Automatic consideration based on academic achievement.
Amount: Up to £4,000 tuition fee reduction.
Deadline: Same as the SOAS degree application deadline.
Link: https://www.soas.ac.uk/
Queen Mary University of London Scholarships
Over £2 million in scholarships and bursaries are offered to international students at Queen Mary based on merit and financial need.
Eligibility: Check each scholarship; awards are based on grades, subject, nationality, and income.
Amount: £1,000 to £5,000 awards.
Deadline: Varies by each scholarship.
Link: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/
City University London International Scholarships
Scholarships are offered to international students across undergraduate, master’s and research degrees at City.
Eligibility: Check individual scholarships – criteria include merit, subject, nationality, and hardship funds.
Amount: Up to 100% tuition fee waivers.
Deadline: Varies by scholarship.
Link: https://www.city.ac.uk/
Brunel University London Scholarships
Merit-based scholarship schemes open to overseas students, including the International Excellence and Achievement Scholarships.
Eligibility: Based on academic and extracurricular achievement.
Amount: Up to £4,000
Deadline: Same as the university application deadline.
Link: https://www.brunel.ac.uk/
Goldsmiths International Scholarships
A range of scholarships based on merit are offered for new international students at Goldsmiths, University of London.
Eligibility: Applications are automatically considered. Check eligibility criteria by award.
Amount: Typically £1,000 – £4,000 awards
Deadline: Same as university application deadline
Link: https://www.gold.ac.uk/
University of Roehampton Scholarships
The International Scholarships offer tuition discounts for highly talented international students at Roehampton.
Eligibility: Automatic consideration; based on prior grades and potential.
Amount: Up to 50% tuition fee discount.
Deadline: Same as university application deadline.
Link: https://www.roehampton.ac.uk/
Royal Holloway International Scholarships
Prestigious scholarships for academically outstanding international students across all subject areas. Automatic assessment.
Eligibility: Reviewed during standard application process.
Amount: Up to £3,000 awards.
Deadline: Same as university application deadline.
Link: https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/
University of the Arts London Scholarships
International scholarships are offered across UAL’s six prestigious arts colleges.
Eligibility: Based on academic merit, creative talent, and portfolio.
Amount: £1,000 – £5,000 scholarships.
Deadline: Same as university application deadline.
Link: https://www.arts.ac.uk/
Queen’s University Belfast Global Scholarships
Prestigious international scholarships for academically outstanding students at Queen’s University Belfast
Eligibility: Automatic assessment based on grades.
Amount: Full tuition fees award.
Deadline: Same as Queen’s application deadline.
Link: https://www.qub.ac.uk/
University of Sussex Chancellor’s International Scholarships
Top scholarships for highly qualified international students across undergraduate and graduate levels.
Eligibility: Reviewed during standard application process at Sussex.
Amount: Covers 25% to 100% of tuition fees.
Deadline: Same as university application deadline.
Link: https://www.sussex.ac.uk/
Application Tips
Here are some top tips when applying for international scholarships in London:
- Research and shortlist scholarships 6-12 months before your program’s application deadline.
- Thoroughly check that you are eligible before applying. Meet criteria like English scores.
- Prepare a strong application with polished essays, resume, recommendations and transcripts.
- Get feedback from mentors, professors, and peers on your applications.
- Submit applications well in advance of deadlines to avoid last minute rush.
- Email scholarship administrators if you have any questions about your application.
- Don’t give up! Reapply next year if not selected on your first try.
FAQs
Here are answers to common questions about scholarships for international students in London:
What costs do scholarships usually cover?
Scholarships generally cover at least some portion of your tuition fees. Top scholarships cover tuition plus living costs, flights, healthcare, and visa expenses.
Can I work part-time as an international student in London?
Yes, you can work up to 20 hours during term-time and full-time during holidays on a student visa. But check if your scholarship has rules against working.
Do I need English test scores like IELTS or TOEFL?
Yes, English proficiency is required for admission at UK universities. Minimum test scores are typically IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+.
Do I need high grades to win scholarships?
Most major international scholarships require outstanding academic achievement. But some needs and merit-based awards consider other factors too.
When should I apply for scholarships?
Start searching 12 months before your degree program’s application deadline. Submit scholarship applications at least 6-8 months in advance.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
Yes, you can and should apply to as many legitimate scholarships as possible! Maximize your chances.
Final Thoughts
Finding scholarships as an international student takes dedication and smart research. But the investment is worth it for the life-changing opportunity to study in London. The rewards range from world-class education and a global network to improved career prospects. We wish you the best of luck with your scholarship applications!