Pursuing a masters degree in the UK can be an expensive endeavor and there are different scholarships for Masters Students in UK to make it easier. Tuition fees alone can cost anywhere from £5,000 to £38,000 per year depending on the university and program. On top of that, you need to factor in living expenses, books, travel, and other costs associated with studying abroad.
Fortunately, there are numerous scholarships available to help fund your postgraduate studies in the UK, from university-specific awards to government and charitable grants. With a bit of research and planning, you can piece together funding to make a UK masters degree affordable.
In this detailed guide, we will outline 40 great scholarship options for masters students looking to study in the UK. We’ll cover what you need to know about eligibility, how to apply, deadlines and more.
Overview of Masters Scholarships in the UK
There are four main types of scholarships and grants for postgraduate study in the UK:
- University scholarships: Many UK universities offer scholarships and bursaries for international and domestic masters students. These are awarded directly by the university.
- UK government scholarships: The UK government offers national scholarship programs for international students from certain countries. Examples include Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships.
- Charitable or private scholarships: Numerous charitable organizations and private corporations offer scholarships for postgraduate study, often targeting specific student groups or academic disciplines.
- Country-specific scholarships: If you are from a country other than the UK, check organizations in your home country that may offer scholarships for study abroad in the UK.
The funding amounts, eligibility criteria and application processes vary widely between different masters scholarships. Competition can be fierce for some awards, so be sure to apply to multiple opportunities.
Now let’s take a closer look at 40 great options for masters scholarships in the UK:
1. Chevening Scholarships
Provider: UK government (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office)
Amount: Covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel and more
Eligibility: International students (not UK citizens) from over 160 countries
Deadline: Usually in early November each year
Chevening Scholarships are prestigious awards offered by the UK government to international students for postgraduate study in any field at a UK university. They provide full financial support for one year of study. To be eligible, you typically need at least 2 years’ work experience, among other criteria. Competition is very high.
2. Commonwealth Scholarships
Provider: UK government
Amount: Covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel and more
Eligibility: Citizens of developing Commonwealth countries
Deadline: Usually in February/March each year
Commonwealth Scholarships assist students from disadvantaged backgrounds in Commonwealth countries to pursue a postgraduate degree in the UK. Like Chevening, these awards cover full tuition and living costs. You must be nominated by a governmental or university body in your home country to apply.
3. Rhodes Scholarships
Provider: Rhodes Trust
Amount: Covers all tuition fees and living expenses
Eligibility: Outstanding international students from over 20 selected jurisdictions
Deadline: Typically in July/August each year
The prestigious Rhodes Scholarships enable exceptional students to study at the University of Oxford in any postgraduate field. Scholars are selected based on academic excellence, leadership potential and commitment to service. The awards fully cover fees and living costs for up to three years of study.
4. Marshall Scholarships
Provider: Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission
Amount: Covers tuition fees, living expenses, fares, thesis costs and more
Eligibility: Highly intelligent U.S. citizens graduating from U.S. colleges / universities
Deadline: Normally in early October annually
Marshall Scholarships finance American students to complete any one or two year postgraduate degree at a UK university. Up to 50 scholarships are awarded each year. Applicants require a minimum 3.7 GPA and must embrace Marshall’s values of service, leadership and global engagement.
5. Gates Cambridge Scholarships
Provider: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Amount: Covers full tuition fees and maintenance allowance
Eligibility: Outstanding international students (outside the UK)
Deadline: Mid-October annually
Gates Cambridge Scholarships provide full cost support to international postgraduate students at the University of Cambridge, across all academic disciplines. Candidates must demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership abilities, social commitment and good fit with Cambridge’s values.
6. Edinburgh Global Masters Scholarships
Provider: University of Edinburgh
Amount: Cover full tuition fees for one year of study
Eligibility: Overseas students in financial need beginning taught masters programs
Deadline: University application deadline
The University of Edinburgh offers several Global Masters Scholarships to high-achieving international students facing financial hardship. You must first apply and be accepted to an eligible masters program before the scholarship deadline. Strong academics and financial need documentation are required.
7. LSE Masters Awards
Provider: London School of Economics (LSE)
Amount: Covers full tuition fees
Eligibility: Overseas students beginning taught masters programs
Deadline: Program application deadline
Each year, LSE makes a number of competitive full tuition fee awards to academically outstanding students from overseas. You must submit an LSE masters program application first to be considered for the awards. While financial need is not required, only those unable to fund studies otherwise will receive the scholarships.
8. University of Westminster International Scholarships
Provider: University of Westminster
Amount: Covers 25% of tuition fees
Eligibility: Overseas students enrolling in eligible postgraduate programs
Deadline: Varies by start date
The University of Westminster offers International Scholarships that provide a 25% reduction in tuition fees for select masters programs. Eligible programs cover science, technology, engineering, media arts, business and law fields. An IELTS score of 6.5 overall is required.
9. Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships
Provider: University of Edinburgh
Amount: Covers tuition fees, living costs and more
Eligibility: Overseas PhD students in any discipline
Deadline: Varies by department
University of Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships assist outstanding international PhD students with tuition fees and a stipend for living costs. Applicants must first have an eligible PhD offer before applying. Awards aim to attract high-caliber research students from around the world.
10. University of Bristol Think Big Scholarships
Provider: University of Bristol
Amount: £5,000 – £10,000
Eligibility: Overseas undergraduates and postgraduates
Deadline: University application deadline
Think Big Scholarships reward undergraduates and postgraduates from outside the UK who have demonstrated ambition, resilience and leadership in their chosen field of study. Awards of £5,000 – £10,000 can assist with fees and living costs.
11. University of Sheffield International Masters Scholarships
Provider: University of Sheffield
Amount: £2,000
Eligibility: Overseas students in taught masters programs
Deadline: University application deadline
The University of Sheffield offers competitive scholarships worth £2,000 to international students beginning taught masters degrees. You must first apply and receive an offer for a full-time masters program to be considered for the awards based on academic merit.
12. University of York International Masters Scholarships
Provider: University of York
Amount: £2,000 – £5,000
Eligibility: Overseas students pursuing taught masters programs
Deadline: University application deadline
International students starting taught masters degrees at York can receive scholarships worth £2,000 – £5,000. You must first firmly accept an offer to study an eligible program, and awards are made based on academic achievement and potential to succeed at York.
13. University of East Anglia International Postgraduate Scholarships
Provider: University of East Anglia (UEA)
Amount: £1,500 – £3,000
Eligibility: Overseas students beginning postgraduate degree courses
Deadline: University application deadline
UEA provides scholarships between £1,500 – £3,000 to assist outstanding international students with costs of studying a postgraduate program. You must receive an offer for a full-time masters or PhD program before the April 30 deadline to apply.
14. Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarships
Provider: Imperial College London
Amount: Covers full tuition fees and stipend
Eligibility: Overseas PhD students in engineering or physical sciences
Deadline: Departmental deadlines
Imperial College London awards PhD scholarships covering full tuition and a stipend to excellent overseas research students. Candidates should have an excellent academic background and research proposal in engineering, medicine, natural sciences, or business.
15. Brunel International Scholarships
Provider: Brunel University London
Amount: £3,000
Eligibility: Overseas students beginning taught masters programs
Deadline: University application deadline
Brunel University London offers £3,000 scholarships to international students beginning eligible full-time taught masters degrees. You must first receive an offer to study at Brunel. The awards help cover fees and living expenses.
16. Lancaster University Masters Bursaries
Provider: Lancaster University
Amount: £2,000
Eligibility: Overseas students in taught masters programs
Deadline: University application deadline
Lancaster University provides £2,000 bursaries to help fund international students pursuing eligible taught masters degrees in many subjects. You must receive an offer for the masters program to be considered based on academic merit and other criteria.
17. University of Surrey International Masters Scholarships
Provider: University of Surrey
Amount: £2,000 – £5,000
Eligibility: Non-EU students in taught masters programs
Deadline: University application deadline
The University of Surrey awards scholarships worth between £2,000 – £5,000 to new international masters students in many academic disciplines. You must first receive an offer to study an eligible full-time taught masters at Surrey.
18. Queen Mary University of London Elite Athlete Scholarships
Provider: Queen Mary University of London
Amount: £5,000
Eligibility: Overseas elite athletes beginning degrees
Deadline: University application deadline
Queen Mary University of London offers £5,000 Elite Athlete Scholarships to support international students who excel in sports. Applicants must compete nationally or internationally and receive an offer for a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate degree program.
19. University of Sussex Chancellor’s International Scholarships
Provider: University of Sussex
Amount: £5,000 – £25,000
Eligibility: High-achieving international students in severe financial difficulty
Deadline: Check university
Chancellor’s International Scholarships assist high-ability international students who could not otherwise afford to study at Sussex. These non-repayable awards between £5,000 – £25,000 are offered based on academic merit and financial hardship.
20. Cardiff University Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarships
Provider: Cardiff University
Amount: £5,000
Eligibility: Overseas undergraduates and postgraduates
Deadline: University application deadline
Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarships award £5,000 to new international students at Cardiff University, both undergraduate and postgraduate. You must receive an offer for an eligible program to be considered based on academic merit and potential.
21. University of Strathclyde Postgraduate Research Excellence Scholarships
Provider: University of Strathclyde
Amount: Covers tuition fees plus stipend
Eligibility: Overseas students beginning full-time PhDs
Deadline: University application deadline
University of Strathclyde scholarships cover full international tuition fees plus a £15,000 stipend for living costs. Overseas students with excellent academic achievement and starting a PhD are eligible to apply. The awards aim to recognize research excellence.
22. University of Dundee Global Excellence PG Scholarships
Provider: University of Dundee
Amount: Covers full tuition fees
Eligibility: Overseas students beginning taught masters programs
Deadline: University application deadline
Global Excellence Scholarships award full tuition coverage to exceptional international students joining eligible taught postgraduate programs at Dundee. You must receive an offer first to apply. Strong academics and other achievements are required.
23. University of St Andrews Postgraduate Scholarships
Provider: University of St Andrews
Amount: Varies, around £5,000 – £10,000
Eligibility: Overseas taught postgraduate students
Deadline: University application deadline
St Andrews offers a number of postgraduate scholarships for international students valued around £5,000 – £10,000 each. Eligible programs include taught masters degrees and postgraduate diplomas in most disciplines. Awards assist with living and study costs.
24. Robert Gordon University International Postgraduate Bursaries
Provider: Robert Gordon University
Amount: £2,000
Eligibility: Overseas postgraduate students in financial need
Deadline: University application deadline
Robert Gordon University provides £2,000 bursaries to support international postgraduate students demonstrate financial need. The bursaries help cover tuition and living expenses. Programs in certain subjects are ineligible, including MBAs.
25. University of Glasgow College of Social Sciences Scholarships
Provider: University of Glasgow
Amount: Varies, around £6,000
Eligibility: Students admitted to College of Social Sciences postgrad programs
Deadline: University application deadline
Glasgow’s College of Social Sciences awards fee-waiving scholarships worth around £6,000 to exceptional applicants who have been admitted to an eligible masters program in education, social sciences and related disciplines.
26. Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine Masters Scholarships
Provider: Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
Amount: £1,000 – £5,000
Eligibility: Overseas students admitted to LSTM postgraduate programs
Deadline: University application deadline
LSTM provides scholarships between £1,000 – £5,000 to assist outstanding overseas students admitted to LSTM postgraduate degrees like MSc Tropical Paediatrics and MSc Tropical and Infectious Diseases.
27. University of Bath Engineering and Design International Scholarships
Provider: University of Bath
Amount: £5,000 – £10,000
Eligibility: Overseas MSc applicants in Faculty of Engineering and Design
Deadline: University application deadline
International students applying for MSc programs in engineering, design or computer science at Bath can receive scholarships worth £5,000 – £10,000. You must receive an offer to be considered based on academic merit and potential.
28. Coventry University International Students Scholarship
Provider: Coventry University
Amount: £1,500
Eligibility: Overseas undergraduate and postgraduate students
Deadline: University application deadline
Coventry University offers a £1,500 International Students Scholarship to support new undergraduate and postgraduate students from outside the UK. The award goes toward the tuition fees of any full-time degree program.
29. SOAS University of London Masters Scholarships
Provider: SOAS University of London
Amount: £5,000
Eligibility: Overseas students beginning taught masters programs
Deadline: University application deadline
SOAS University of London provides scholarships worth £5,000 toward tuition fees for international students admitted to taught master’s degrees. Awards aim to enable access for high-achieving students in financial need.
30. Queen’s University Belfast Global Scholarships
Provider: Queen’s University Belfast
Amount: £5,000
Eligibility: Overseas students admitted to Queen’s University
Deadline: University application deadline
Top international students admitted to Queen’s University Belfast are eligible for Global Scholarships worth £5,000 to help cover fees for undergraduate or postgraduate study in any academic discipline. Selection is based on academic excellence.
31. University of Aberdeen Master’s Scholarships
Provider: University of Aberdeen
Amount: £3,000 – £5,000
Eligibility: Students admitted to taught masters programs
Deadline: University application deadline
Aberdeen University awards £3,000 – £5,000 scholarships to exceptional applicants from around the world admitted to taught postgraduate programs. Awards aim to enable access for high-achieving international students.
32. Heriot-Watt University Postgraduate Scholarships
Provider: Heriot-Watt University
Amount: £2,000 – £5,000
Eligibility: Overseas students admitted to postgraduate degree programs
Deadline: University application deadline
Heriot-Watt University offers scholarships between £2,000 – £5,000 for first-year international students admitted to taught postgraduate degree programs like MSc Oil and Gas Innovation. Need and merit are considered.
33. University of Salford International Excellence Awards
Provider: University of Salford
Amount: £1,500
Eligibility: Overseas postgrad students with an offer to study
Deadline: University application deadline
The University of Salford provides awards of £1,500 for international students who receive an offer to study most postgraduate degree programs. Selection is competitive based on academic achievements, with preference to those in severe financial need.
34. Nottingham Trent University Sports Scholarships
Provider: Nottingham Trent University
Amount: £1,000 – £5,000
Eligibility: UK and overseas athletes admitted to NTU degree courses
Deadline: University application deadline
Nottingham Trent University offers sports scholarships worth between £1,000 – £5,000
1,000 – £5,000 for student-athletes who excel in their sport and want to study for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree at NTU. You must compete at the county, regional, national, or international level.
35. University of Liverpool Postgraduate Research Excellence Scholarships
Provider: University of Liverpool
Amount: £2,000
Eligibility: International students beginning full-time PhD programs
Deadline: University application deadline
Liverpool University awards £2,000 scholarships to recognize academic excellence among international students starting full-time PhD study. You must receive an offer first and be judged to have outstanding potential for doctoral research.
36. Newcastle University International Postgraduate Scholarships
Provider: Newcastle University
Amount: £2,000 – £5,000
Eligibility: Overseas students beginning postgraduate degree study
Deadline: University application deadline
Newcastle University offers scholarships between £2,000 – £5,000 to assist with costs for high-achieving international students admitted to taught and research postgraduate programs across academic areas.
37. University of Glasgow Kelvin–Smith Scholarships
Provider: University of Glasgow
Amount: £5,000
Eligibility: Students admitted to MSc programs in certain STEM subjects
Deadline: University application deadline
Glasgow’s Kelvin–Smith Scholarship Scheme provides awards of £5,000 for exceptional students admitted to STEM-focused MSc programs in the fields of engineering, computing science, life sciences, mathematics, physics, and chemistry.
38. University of Leicester President’s Postgraduate Scholarships
Provider: University of Leicester
Amount: £7,000
Eligibility: Overseas students beginning postgraduate study
Deadline: University application deadline
University of Leicester scholarships award £7,000 to international students displaying outstanding academic results who are starting full-time postgraduate study. All subject areas are eligible.
39. Swansea University International Excellence and Merit Awards
Provider: Swansea University
Amount: £2,000
Eligibility: Overseas postgraduate students
Deadline: University application deadline
Swansea University offers £2,000 awards to support academically excellent international students admitted onto its postgraduate programs, including taught and research masters degrees and PhD studies across various disciplines.
40. Kingston University International PGT Scholarship
Provider: Kingston University
Amount: £2,000
Eligibility: Overseas students admitted to postgraduate degrees
Deadline: University application deadline
Kingston rewards up to 25 top applicants with scholarships worth £2,000 toward the first year of tuition fees for any full-time taught postgraduate degree. You must receive an offer first to be eligible based on academic merit.
Tips for Winning a Masters Scholarship in the UK
Here are some top tips for improving your chances of winning scholarships for your postgraduate studies:
- Start researching and applying early – Many deadlines are 6-12 months before programs start, so begin your search early.
- Get excellent grades – Academic excellence is key. Many awards require at least a first-class degree or 3.7+ GPA.
- Craft an outstanding application – Pay attention to detail and make sure documents are error-free. Follow all instructions.
- Ask for strong references – Choose referees who can vividly endorse your abilities and potential.
- Show financial need – Where applicable, explain your financial situation and demonstrate you cannot fund studies alone.
- Highlight achievements – Use your CV, essays, and interviews to showcase awards, internships, publications, and other accomplishments.
- Apply to multiple scholarships – Don’t just apply to one or two. Apply to as many as you are eligible for.
- Fit the scholarship criteria – Carefully assess if you and your qualifications are a good match for each award.
- Prepare for interviews – If required, practice your public speaking skills to be confident and persuasive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of doing a masters in the UK?
There are many advantages to completing a master’s degree in the UK:
- World-class universities and education quality
- Shorter degree durations (usually 1 year)
- Prestigious qualifications recognized globally
- International study experience
- Opportunity to build valuable skills and networks
- Potential to stay and work in the UK post-study
- English-speaking country ideal for international students
What GPA do I need for UK master’s scholarships?
Scholarship requirements vary, but you typically need the equivalent of a 3.7 GPA/ First Class degree or higher to be competitive for UK masters scholarships. Some require at least a 2:1 degree classification. Having a GPA of 3.5+ helps demonstrate your academic excellence.
When should I apply for UK scholarships?
Most scholarships require you to apply 6-12 months before the academic year begins. Deadlines normally range from October to June before the masters program starts. Check provider websites early, as some popular awards have deadlines over a year in advance.
What are the best ways to find UK master’s scholarships?
Great places to search for scholarships include university websites, scholarship databases like Scholarship Positions, government sites, charitable foundations, employer/professional associations in your field, and national student loan/education departments in your home country.
How do I get strong recommendation letters for UK scholarships?
Approach lecturers, professors, or employers who know you well academically or professionally. Avoid personal friends/family. Give them plenty of notice and information on the scholarship purpose. Discuss your background, goals, abilities, and achievements to provide content. Offer to share your transcripts, CV, application essays and more so they can write the most compelling letter possible.
What are my chances of getting UK scholarships as an international student?
Some large government scholarships are only for UK/EU citizens. However, most university scholarships, charitable awards, and country-specific scholarships welcome international applicants. Success rates vary greatly. Applying to multiple appropriate awards maximizes your chances. Having outstanding grades, experience, potential and English skills helps.
How much money do I need for living costs in the UK as a postgraduate student?
Postgraduate students in the UK typically require about £12,000-£15,000 per year for living costs like accommodation, food, transport, books, and other general expenses. London and other major cities have higher living costs. Full scholarships cover this, but self-funding students need to budget and find part-time work.