Top Scholarships for International Students in the UK

Amber
Mar 12
2 min read

1. Chevening Scholarships

Chevening is the UK government's international awards scheme aimed at developing global leaders. It provides full financial support for one-year master's degrees at any UK university.

Eligibility:

Demonstrate leadership potential
Have at least two years of work experience
Meet the English language requirement

Coverage:

Full tuition fees
Monthly stipend
Travel costs
Visa fees

2. Commonwealth Scholarships

These scholarships are for students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries who would not otherwise be able to study in the UK.

Eligibility:

Must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country
Hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1)

Coverage:

Tuition fees
Airfare to and from the UK
Stipend for living expenses

3. GREAT Scholarships

These are offered by the British Council in collaboration with UK universities for students from specific countries.

Eligibility:

Citizenship of a participating country
Undergraduate or postgraduate admission offer from a participating UK university

Coverage:

Minimum of £10,000 towards tuition fees

4. Rhodes Scholarships at the University of Oxford

One of the oldest and most prestigious scholarships in the world, Rhodes Scholarships support exceptional international students to study at the University of Oxford.

Eligibility:

Outstanding intellect, character, leadership, and commitment to service

Coverage:

Full tuition fees
Living allowance
Airfare

5. University-Specific Scholarships

Many UK universities offer their own scholarships for international students. Examples include:

University of Westminster International Scholarships
University of Bristol Think Big Scholarships
University of Edinburgh Global Scholarships
UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship

How to Apply for UK Scholarships

Step 1: Research Use platforms like the British Council, UKCISA, and university websites to find scholarships.

Step 2: Prepare Documents Typical documents include academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS).

Step 3: Apply Early Scholarships have early deadlines, often 6–12 months before your course begins.

Step 4: Tailor Each Application Customize your personal statement and essays to align with the scholarship provider’s goals and values.

Tips to Secure a UK Scholarship

Maintain strong academic records
Gain leadership and volunteer experience
Demonstrate clear career goals
Write compelling personal statements
Apply to multiple scholarships

Final Thoughts

The UK offers a wealth of opportunities for international students through various fully funded scholarships, tuition waivers, and merit-based awards. With thorough research, early preparation, and a well-crafted application, you can greatly improve your chances of receiving financial aid.

Whether you're looking for a master's degree scholarship in the UK, a fully funded undergraduate scholarship, or PhD funding in the UK, there is likely a program that fits your needs.