UK Scholarships for International Students 2024

If you’re dreaming of studying in the UK but worried about the cost, you’re in the right place. Scholarships can significantly ease your financial burden and make your dream a reality. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about UK university scholarships for international students. We’ll dive into fully funded scholarships, the prestigious Chevening Scholarship, postgraduate scholarships, UKCISA scholarships, and much more. Let’s get started!

Why Choose UK University Scholarships for International Students?

The UK is home to some of the world’s top universities, offering excellent education and vibrant cultural experiences. However, studying in the UK can be expensive. Scholarships are a fantastic way to make it affordable, providing financial support that covers tuition fees, living expenses, and sometimes even travel costs. But with so many scholarships out there, how do you find the right one? We’ll break it all down for you.

Various Types of UK University Scholarships for International Students

You will first need to know which type of Scholarship you want to go for. You can decide on several ones as well.

Merit-Based UK University Scholarships for International Students

The most common type of university scholarships for international students in the UK are merit-based awards. These scholarships aim to attract high-achieving students to specific university programs. Award amounts vary greatly, but often reduce international tuition fees by 25-100%.

Merit considerations when awarding UK university scholarships for international students usually include:

Academic grades and exam scores
Extracurricular achievements
Personal essays and references
Interview performance (for some awards)

Examples of top merit-based university scholarships for international students include:

Cambridge University International Scholarship Scheme
University of Oxford Pershing Square Scholarship
Imperial College London President’s Scholarship
University College London Scholarship for International Students
University of St Andrews International Ambassador Scholarships

Many other UK universities offer prestigious merit-based scholarships up to £5,000-£15,000 per year for deserving international applicants. Thoroughly researching university offerings can uncover generous funding.

Needs-Based UK University Scholarships for International Students

International students facing financial difficulties can also qualify for needs-based university scholarships and bursaries. These non-repayable awards help disadvantaged but deserving students fund their studies.

Considerations when awarding needs-based university scholarships for international students often include:

Family financial situation
Personal socio-economic hardship

Examples of leading UK university scholarships for international students based on financial need include:

University of Bristol International Student Hardship Funds
King’s College London Refugee Scholarships
University of York Human Rights Scholarships
SOAS Sanctuary Scholarships for Refugees and Asylum Seekers

By submitting detailed financial statements and essays, international students can qualify for partial or even full tuition coverage. Needs-based aid makes an excellent university education possible for deserving students from all backgrounds.

Subject-Specific UK University Scholarships for International Students

Some UK university scholarships for international students apply to specific subjects and degree programs. By pursuing certain high priority fields, international students can benefit from these generous subject-specific scholarships.

Examples include:

Imperial College London Scholarship for International Students in Engineering
University of Edinburgh Business School Scholarships
University of Liverpool Mathematical Sciences International Scholarships
UCL Engineering Excellence International Scholarships
King’s College London Dickson Poon School of Law Scholarships

Other common subjects with university scholarship offerings include computer science, life sciences, economics, public health, development studies, and more. International students should identify leading schools in their desired field and explore any subject-specific scholarship offerings.

Country and Region-Specific University Scholarships in the UK

Some UK universities offer scholarship programs for students from specific countries or world regions. These awards aim to encourage study abroad and cultural exchange for key partner regions. By applying from one of these target countries, international students can access special funding support.

Examples of country-specific university scholarships for international students in the UK include:

University of Nottingham ASEAN Scholarships
University of Strathclyde Sub-Saharan Africa Scholarships
University of Birmingham Hong Kong Scholarships
University of East Anglia North America Scholarships
Coventry University Nigeria Scholarships

Other target regions like Latin America, the Middle East, East Asia, and Europe also have special university scholarship offerings for inbound students.

Fully Funded UK Scholarships for International Students

Fully funded scholarships are the holy grail for international students. These scholarships cover all your expenses, including tuition, accommodation, and sometimes even travel costs. Below you can find some of the top fully funded scholarships in the UK:

Chevening Scholarship

Amount: Covers tuition fees, living expenses, return airfare to the UK, and additional grants to cover essential expenditures.
Eligibility: Open to students from Chevening-eligible countries who demonstrate leadership potential and a strong academic background.
Number Available: Approximately 1,500 scholarships are awarded annually.
How to Apply: Applications open in August and close in November each year.

Step 1: Check your eligibility on the Chevening website.
Step 2: Choose three different UK master’s courses.
Step 3: Submit your online application, including your education and work experience, as well as references.
Step 4: If shortlisted, attend an interview in your home country.

UK Commonwealth Scholarships

Amount: Covers tuition fees, airfare, and living expenses.
Eligibility: Available to students from Commonwealth countries who wish to pursue a master’s or PhD in the UK.
Number Available: Around 800 scholarships are awarded each year.
How to Apply: Applications typically open in August and close in December. Check the Commonwealth Scholarships website for more information.

UK Gates Cambridge Scholarship

Amount: Covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge, including tuition, maintenance allowance, and airfare.
Eligibility: Open to international students applying to study at the University of Cambridge.
Number Available: About 80 scholarships are awarded annually.
How to Apply: Deadlines vary, so visit the Gates Cambridge website for specific dates and details.

Postgraduate Scholarships in the UK for International Students

Postgraduate scholarships are specifically for students pursuing a master’s or PhD in the UK. Here are some top options:

Rhodes Scholarship
- Amount: Covers tuition fees and provides a living stipend.
- Eligibility: Open to students from various countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, and India.
- Number Available: 100 scholarships are awarded annually.
- How to Apply: Deadlines vary by country, so check the Rhodes Trust website for details.
Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships
- Amount: Covers the difference between the tuition fee for a UK/EU graduate student and that chargeable to an overseas graduate student.
- Eligibility: Open to international students starting a PhD at the University of Edinburgh.
- Number Available: 30 scholarships are awarded each year.
- How to Apply: Applications usually open in October and close in January. Visit the University of Edinburgh website for more information.
Clarendon Fund Scholarships at the University of Oxford
- Amount: Covers tuition and college fees in full and provides a generous grant for living expenses.
- Eligibility: Open to international students across all graduate degree-bearing subjects at the University of Oxford.
- Number Available: Approximately 130 scholarships are awarded each year.
- How to Apply: Apply by the January admissions deadline for your course. For more information, visit the Clarendon Fund website.

UKCISA Scholarships

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides information and advice on scholarships available to international students in the UK. UKCISA itself doesn’t offer scholarships, but it is a great resource to find the latest scholarship opportunities and guidance on how to apply.

How to Use UKCISA:
- Visit the UKCISA Website: Explore the scholarships section to find a list of available scholarships.
- Eligibility Information: Read through the eligibility criteria carefully to ensure you qualify.
- Application Guidance: Follow the application instructions and tips provided to improve your chances of success.

How to Find UK University Scholarships for International Students

Finding scholarships might seem like searching for a needle in a haystack, but with the right approach, it can be much easier:

University Websites: Always check the financial aid or international student sections of the universities you’re interested in. They often list scholarships available to international students.
Scholarship Databases: Use online databases like Scholarships.com, Fastweb, and International Scholarships to search for scholarships.
Educational Consultancies: Reach out to educational consultancies that specialize in studying abroad. They can provide valuable information on scholarships and application processes.
Networking: Connect with current or former international students in the UK through social media or university alumni networks. They can provide first-hand insights and tips.

Eligibility for UK University Scholarships for International Students

Eligibility criteria can vary widely depending on the scholarship. There are some common requirements:

Academic Excellence: Most scholarships require a strong academic record. This might include specific GPA or grade requirements.
English Proficiency: You may need to demonstrate your English proficiency through tests like IELTS or TOEFL.
Nationality: Some scholarships are only available to students from specific countries.
Field of Study: Certain scholarships are targeted at students pursuing specific fields of study, such as STEM or humanities.
Work Experience: Scholarships like Chevening require a minimum amount of work experience.
Leadership and Community Service: Demonstrating leadership potential and involvement in community service can be beneficial.

How and When to Apply for UK University Scholarships

Applying for scholarships requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Research Early: Start your scholarship search at least a year before you plan to start your studies. This gives you enough time to find suitable scholarships and prepare your application.
Prepare Documents: Gather all necessary documents, including academic transcripts, recommendation letters, proof of English proficiency, and a well-crafted personal statement.
Follow Instructions: Carefully read the application instructions for each scholarship. Missing a requirement can lead to disqualification.
Meet Deadlines: Ensure you submit your application before the deadline. Late applications are typically not considered.
Apply to Multiple Scholarships: Increase your chances of success by applying to as many scholarships as you are eligible for.

Tips for a Successful UK University Scholarship Application

Tailor Your Application: Customize your personal statement and other application materials to highlight how you meet the specific criteria of each scholarship.
Proofread: Ensure your application is free from grammatical errors and typos. Consider asking a mentor or advisor to review it.
Showcase Achievements: Highlight your academic achievements, leadership roles, community involvement, and any relevant work experience.
Be Genuine: Be honest and authentic in your personal statement. Scholarship committees appreciate sincerity.
Prepare for Interviews: Some scholarships require an interview as part of the selection process. Practice common interview questions and be ready to discuss your goals and qualifications.