Studying abroad in the UK can be an amazing experience, but it also comes with high costs. Fortunately, there are many scholarships available specifically for international students looking to study in the UK. We will look at 30 great scholarship options, application tips, and frequently asked questions about scholarships for international students in the UK.
Why Study in the UK?
The UK is one of the most popular study abroad destinations for international students. Some key reasons include:
- World-class universities – The UK is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world, including Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Imperial College London, and more.
- High quality education – UK universities consistently rank amongst the best globally for teaching, research, and student satisfaction.
- Multicultural society – The UK is culturally diverse, with students from over 180 countries. It’s an inviting place for international students.
- English-speaking country – For international students looking to improve their English, studying in the UK is ideal.
- International recognition – A degree from the UK is recognized and valued around the world by employers and universities.
- Shorter degree programs – Most undergraduate degrees in the UK take 3 years to complete, unlike other countries where Bachelor’s degrees typically take 4 years. This saves both tuition fees and living expenses.
- Post-study work opportunities – International graduates from UK universities can stay and work in the UK for up to 2 years after graduation.
Scholarships for International Students in the UK
Here are 30 great scholarships for international students looking to study in the UK:
1. Chevening Scholarships
Provider: UK government (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office)
Amount: Covers full tuition fees and living expenses
Eligibility: Students from over 160 countries who have completed undergraduate degrees and have at least 2 years of work experience. Must apply to a one-year postgraduate program at a UK university. Outstanding academic and leadership potential.
Deadline: Usually in early November each year
2. Commonwealth Scholarships
Provider: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission
Amount: Covers airfare, tuition fees, and living expenses
Eligibility: Citizens from Commonwealth countries undertaking Master’s or PhD at a UK university. At least 2 years of relevant work experience preferred.
Deadline: Typically in November/December annually
3. Rhodes Scholarships
Provider: Rhodes Trust
Amount: Covers all tuition fees, travel, and living expenses for duration of degree (up to 3 years)
Eligibility: Extremely intellectually distinguished postgraduate students from across the world studying at Oxford University. Outstanding young leaders who are motivated to serve the global community.
Deadline: Early October annually
4. Gates Cambridge Scholarships
Provider: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Amount: Full cost of studying at Cambridge University for duration of degree
Eligibility: Applicants from outside the UK pursuing postgraduate study at Cambridge University. Strong academic credentials and a good fit with the Gates Cambridge mission.
Deadline: Mid-October annually
5. Westminster Foundation Full Scholarships
Provider: University of Westminster
Amount: Covers full tuition fees and living costs
Eligibility: Students from developing Commonwealth countries undertaking Master’s study in most subjects at Westminster. Strong academic background.
Deadline: End of March annually
6. Edinburgh Global Master’s Scholarships
Provider: University of Edinburgh
Amount: Covers full tuition fees and living costs
Eligibility: Students from developing countries undertaking postgraduate Master’s at Edinburgh. Two years of relevant work experience required.
Deadline: December and March annually
7. Bournemouth University International Scholarships
Provider: Bournemouth University
Amount: Awards range from 25% – 100% of tuition fees
Eligibility: Students from selected countries undertaking undergraduate or postgraduate degree at BU. Basis of financial need.
Deadline: Varies per country (typically April – June annually)
8. Leeds International Scholarships
Provider: University of Leeds
Amount: £2,000 – £5,000 awards
Eligibility: Undergraduate international students at Leeds with strong academic backgrounds. Financial need assessed.
Deadline: University application deadline
9. Birmingham International Scholarships
Provider: University of Birmingham
Amount: £5,000 – £25,000 awards
Eligibility: Undergraduate international students at Birmingham. Strong grades in school exams.
Deadline: University application deadline
10. Sheffield International Merit Scholarships
Provider: University of Sheffield
Amount: Up to £6,000
Eligibility: Undergraduate international students at Sheffield. Basis of strong academic credentials.
Deadline: University application deadline
11. Sussex Chancellor’s International Scholarships
Provider: University of Sussex
Amount: 50% tuition fee waiver
Eligibility: High-achieving international students at Sussex undertaking undergraduate or postgraduate study.
Deadline: University application deadline
12. UCL Global Excellence Scholarships
Provider: University College London
Amount: £5,000 – £10,000
Eligibility: International undergraduate and Master’s students at UCL. Outstanding academic achievement.
Deadline: University application deadline
13. Imperial College London Masters Scholarships
Provider: Imperial College London
Amount: Full tuition fees and £10,000 stipend
Eligibility: International students undertaking Master’s study at Imperial on basis of academic merit.
Deadline: Department deadline
14. London School of Economics Scholarships
Provider: LSE
Amount: Variable awards up to full fees
Eligibility: International students at LSE. Basis of academic merit and financial need.
Deadline: Variable deadlines
15. University of York International Scholarships
Provider: University of York
Amount: Awards range from £2,500 – £7,500
Eligibility: Undergraduate international students at York with outstanding grades and extracurricular achievement.
Deadline: University application deadline
16. University of East Anglia International Excellence Scholarships
Provider: UEA
Amount: £3,500
Eligibility: Non-EU international students at UEA. Basis of academic achievement.
Deadline: University application deadline
17. SOAS Master’s Scholarships
Provider: SOAS University of London
Amount: Covers 25% – 100% of tuition fees
Eligibility: Current international students at SOAS on basis of academic merit.
Deadline: Spring term
18. Queen Mary International Scholarships
Provider: Queen Mary University of London
Amount: £3,000 – £5,000 awards
Eligibility: Current undergraduate and postgraduate students at Queen Mary. Basis of academic achievement.
Deadline: March annually
19. Kingston University London Scholarships
Provider: Kingston University
Amount: Up to £4,000 annual awards
Eligibility: Current international students at Kingston. Based on financial need and academic merit.
Deadline: University application deadline
20. University of Hertfordshire Scholarships
Provider: University of Hertfordshire
Amount: £1,000 – £5,000
Eligibility: International students at Hertfordshire. Strong academic background. Demonstrated community service.
Deadline: University application deadline
21. Royal Holloway International Scholarships
Provider: Royal Holloway, University of London
Amount: £3,000
Eligibility: High-achieving international students at Royal Holloway basis academic merit.
Deadline: University application deadline
22. Brunel International Scholarships
Provider: Brunel University London
Amount: £3,500
Eligibility: High achieving international students at Brunel based on academic credentials.
Deadline: University application deadline
23. University of Strathclyde Scholarships
Provider: University of Strathclyde
Amount: Full tuition fees
Eligibility: International students at Strathclyde basis academic achievement.
Deadline: University application deadline
24. University of West London International Ambassador Scholarships
Provider: University of West London
Amount: £1,500 per year of study
Eligibility: International students at West London who excel academically and in extracurricular activities.
Deadline: University application deadline
25. Heriot-Watt University Scholarships
Provider: Heriot-Watt University
Amount: Up to £3,000
Eligibility: New international students at Heriot-Watt with strong academics. Some scholarships specific to certain countries.
Deadline: University application deadline
26. University of Salford International Scholarships
Provider: University of Salford
Amount: Up to £4,000
Eligibility: New undergraduate international students at Salford basis academic achievement and extracurriculars.
Deadline: University application deadline
27. Robert Gordon University Scholarships
Provider: Robert Gordon University
Amount: Up to £3,500
Eligibility: Undergraduate international students at RGU. Strong grades, leadership skills and community engagement.
Deadline: University application deadline
28. Glasgow Caledonian University Scholarships
Provider: GCU
Amount: Up to £5,000
Eligibility: Undergraduate and Master’s international students at GCU with financial need. Strong academic background.
Deadline: University application deadline
29. University of Bradford Scholarships
Provider: University of Bradford
Amount: Up to £1,500 per year
Eligibility: Undergraduate international students at Bradford with good academic credentials and extracurricular activities.
Deadline: University application deadline
30. Queen’s University Belfast Scholarships
Provider: Queen’s University Belfast
Amount: Full tuition fees
Eligibility: Undergraduate and postgraduate international students at Queen’s on basis of academic achievement.
Deadline: University application deadline
Tips for Scholarship Applications
Here are some top tips for international students to maximize chances of success when applying for scholarships in the UK:
- Start researching early – Begin looking for scholarships 6-12 months before your studies are due to start. Popular scholarships often have early deadlines.
- Meet all eligibility criteria – Carefully review the eligibility for each scholarship and make sure you meet every requirement before applying.
- Focus on relevant scholarships – Don’t waste time applying for every scholarship you see. Target ones you have a strong chance of getting.
- Get excellent references – Ask lecturers or employers who know you well to write reference letters emphasizing your strengths.
- Proofread essays extensively – Scholarship essays or statements require flawless writing and grammar. Review them multiple times.
- Highlight achievements – Use your application to demonstrate academic excellence, leadership skills, extracurriculars and community service.
- Follow up – If you don’t hear back about the outcome of a scholarship application, politely follow up with the provider.
- Don’t give up – Scholarship applications involve some luck. If you don’t succeed at first, keep applying for other opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there scholarships for international students studying in the UK?
Yes, there are many excellent scholarship options for international students from organizations like universities, governments, charitable foundations and private companies. This guide covers 30 great examples available in the UK.
What types of scholarships are available?
Scholarships can provide funding for various costs and have different eligibility criteria. Common types of UK scholarships for international students include:
- Merit-based (academic excellence)
- Need-based (financial hardship)
- Country-specific (for students from certain countries)
- Subject-specific (for certain degree subjects)
- Athletic scholarships
- Diversity scholarships
What is the best way to find scholarships I am eligible for?
Research scholarships on university and organizational websites. Browse listings on scholarship search engines. Speak to your university admissions office. Focus on ones matching your nationality, academic program interests and strengths.
What information is required for scholarship applications?
Typical requirements include: university application details/offer letter, academic transcripts and certificates, English test scores (IELTS/TOEFL), passport, references, essays explaining your interests/goals and funding need.
When should I apply for scholarships?
For undergraduate study, apply for scholarships about 6-12 months before the start of your degree after receiving an offer. For Master’s study, apply after submitting university applications in the fall/winter before starting.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
Yes, you can and should apply for multiple scholarships for which you meet the eligibility criteria. This maximizes your chances of success.
How competitive are international student scholarships for the UK?
Competition is often high, with many strong candidates from around the world applying. Focus on presenting the best aspects of your profile through your applications.
Are scholarships guaranteed for the full duration of study?
Not always – some are awarded annually or cover one or multiple years. Read the terms of each scholarship carefully regarding how long funding lasts.