Are you dreaming of studying in the UK but worried about the financial burden?
The UK government, along with various organisations, offers a wide range of scholarships for international students.
These scholarships can cover tuition fees, living expenses, and even travel costs. Below, we explore 50 UK government scholarships you can apply for right now.
Why study in the UK?
The UK is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities. It offers a rich cultural experience and a diverse academic environment.
Whether you’re looking to pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral studies, the UK has something for everyone.
Types of Scholarships
UK scholarships can be broadly categorised into:
- Merit-Based Scholarships: For students with outstanding academic achievements.
- Need-Based Scholarships: Aimed at students who require financial assistance.
- Country-Specific Scholarships: Targeted at students from specific countries.
- Subject-Specific Scholarships: For students pursuing particular fields of study.
Top 50 UK Government Scholarships
Here’s a comprehensive list of scholarships provided by the UK government and related organizations.
Each scholarship programme has its own eligibility criteria, application process, and deadlines, so be sure to check their official websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
1. Chevening Scholarships
- Description: Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office and partner organisations.
- Eligibility: Outstanding emerging leaders from around the world.
- Benefits: Covers tuition fees, travel, and living expenses.
- How to Apply: Visit the Chevening official website.
2. Commonwealth Scholarships
- Description: Targeted at students from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries.
- Eligibility: For master’s and Ph.D. applicants.
- Benefits: Covers airfare, tuition, and personal allowance.
- How to Apply: Check the Commonwealth Scholarships website.
3. GREAT Scholarships
- Description: Joint initiative by the UK government and UK higher education institutions.
- Eligibility: Available for students from specific countries.
- Benefits: £10,000 towards tuition fees.
- How to Apply: Visit the GREAT Scholarships page.
4. Marshall Scholarships
- Description: For high-achieving American students.
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens with a strong academic record.
- Benefits: Covers university fees, cost of living, and travel.
- How to Apply: Visit the Marshall Scholarships website.
5. Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships
- Description: Offered by the Scottish Government in collaboration with Scottish universities.
- Eligibility: Students from Canada, China, India, Japan, Pakistan, and the USA.
- Benefits: £8,000 towards tuition fees.
- How to Apply: Check the Saltire Scholarships page.
6. The Global Wales Postgraduate Scholarship
- Description: For international students studying in Wales.
- Eligibility: Open to students from Vietnam, India, the USA, and EU countries.
- Benefits: Up to £10,000.
- How to Apply: Visit Global Wales for details.
7. Charles Wallace Trust Scholarships
- Description: For students from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Burma.
- Eligibility: Short-term research and professional programmes.
- Benefits: Covers accommodation and living costs.
- How to Apply: See the Charles Wallace Trust website.
8. The Felix Scholarship
- Description: For students from India and other developing countries.
- Eligibility: Postgraduate programmes at specific universities.
- Benefits: Covers tuition, living costs, and travel.
- How to Apply: Visit the universities’ scholarship pages for details.
9. The University of West London Intern programme. national Ambassador Scholarships
- Description: Recognises and provides financial support for outstanding students.
- Eligibility: International students applying to the University of West London.
- Benefits: Up to £5,000.
- How to Apply: Check the University of West London website.
10. The Denys Holland Scholarship at University College London
- Description: For undergraduate students who need financial support.
- Eligibility: Students with broad interests and the intention to benefit the UCL community.
- Benefits: Up to £9,000 per year.
- How to Apply: Visit the UCL scholarships page.
11. The University of Birmingham Global Masters Scholarships
- Description: For international students starting a taught master’s programme.
- Eligibility: Academic excellence and financial need.
- Benefits: £10,000 towards tuition fees.
- How to Apply: Visit the University of Birmingham website.
12. The Clarendon Fund Scholarships at the University of Oxford
- Description: For graduate students at Oxford.
- Eligibility: Academic excellence across all subjects.
- Benefits: Covers tuition and college fees, plus a generous grant for living expenses.
- How to Apply: Automatically considered if you apply by the January deadline.
13. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship
- Description: For postgraduate students at the University of Cambridge.
- Eligibility: Academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving the lives of others.
- Benefits: Covers all costs.
- How to Apply: Visit the Gates Cambridge website.
14. The University of Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships
- Description: For international PhD students.
- Eligibility: Outstanding academic merit and research potential.
- Benefits: Covers the difference between UK/EU fees and international fees.
- How to Apply: Visit the University of Edinburgh scholarships page.
15. The University of Sussex Chancellor’s International Scholarships
- Description: For international students applying for a Master’s degree.
- Eligibility: Academic merit and potential.
- Benefits: 50% off international student tuition fees.
- How to Apply: Visit the University of Sussex website.
16. The University of Nottingham Developing Solutions Scholarships
- Description: For students from Africa, India, or one of the Commonwealth countries.
- Eligibility: Desire to make a difference in the development of their home country.
- Benefits: Covers 50% or 100% of tuition fees.
- How to Apply: Visit the University of Nottingham scholarships page.
17. The UAL International Postgraduate Scholarships
- Description: For international students at the University of the Arts London.
- Eligibility: Financial need and academic excellence.
- Benefits: £50,000 covering tuition fees and accommodation.
- How to Apply: Visit the UAL scholarships page.
18. The University of Bristol Think Big Scholarships
- Description: For international undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- Eligibility: Academic excellence and potential to contribute to the community.
- Benefits: Up to £20,000.
- How to Apply: Visit the University of Bristol website.
19. The University of Warwick Chancellor’s International Scholarships
- Description: For the most outstanding PhD applicants.
- Eligibility: Academic excellence and research potential.
- Benefits: Covers international tuition fees and a maintenance stipend.
- How to Apply: Visit the University of Warwick scholarships page.
20. The Queen Mary Global Excellence Scholarships
- Description: For international undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- Eligibility: Academic excellence.
- Benefits: Up to £5,000.
- How to Apply: Visit the Queen Mary University website.
Further Scholarships
- The University of Leeds International Excellence Scholarships
- The University of Sheffield International Merit Postgraduate Scholarships
- The Newcastle University Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarships
- The Cardiff University Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarships
- The University of Southampton International Merit Scholarships
- The University of Glasgow International Leadership Scholarships
- The University of Aberdeen International Undergraduate Scholarship
- The University of Exeter Global Excellence Scholarships
- The University of Liverpool International College Excellence Awards
- The University of Surrey International Masters Scholarship
- The University of Strathclyde Faculty of Engineering Excellence Scholarship
- The University of Kent International Scholarships for Undergraduate Students
- The University of Essex International Baccalaureate Excellence Scholarship
- The University of Reading Masters Scholarships
- The University of Leicester’s President’s International Scholarship Scheme
- The University of East Anglia International Development Scholarships
- The University of Bath’s Chancellor’s Scholarship
- The University of St Andrews International Undergraduate Scholarship
- PersonaliseThe University of Dundee Global Excellence Scholarship
- The University of York Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships
- The University of Lincoln Global Postgraduate Scholarships
- The University of Plymouth International Student Scholarship
- The University of Hull International Undergraduate Scholarship
- The University of Buckingham International Undergraduate Scholarship
- The University of Hertfordshire Chancellor’s International Scholarship
- The University of Greenwich International Scholarships
- The University of Westminster International Part-Fee Scholarship
- The University of Northumbria Global Scholarship
- The University of Portsmouth Chancellor’s Global Academic Merit Scholarship
- The University of Huddersfield International Undergraduate Scholarship
Tips for Applying
- Start Early: Begin your search and application process well before deadlines.
- Research thoroughly. Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria.
- Personalise Your Application: Tailor your application to highlight why you are a good fit for the scholarship.
- Gather Strong References: Secure recommendations from people who know your academic and personal strengths.
- Prepare for Interviews: Some scholarships may require interviews, so practice your communication skills.
Conclusion
Studying in the UK can be a life-changing experience, and with these scholarships, it’s more accessible than ever.
Whether you’re aiming for a prestigious institution or exploring unique programmes, there’s likely a scholarship that fits your needs.
Take the first step towards your academic journey in the UK by applying for these scholarships today!
For the most accurate information, always refer to the official scholarship websites. Good luck with your applications!
