The United Kingdom has long been a favoured destination for international students as it is home to some of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities. The UK also provides a culturally rich environment, strong research infrastructure and an emphasis on innovation, making it ideal for students looking to advance their educational and career aspirations.
However, the prospect of studying in the UK can be daunting for some due to the cost of tuition and living expenses. This is where UK scholarships play a crucial role, as scholarships for international students have always been significantly instrumental in bridging financial gaps while rewarding academic excellence, leadership and potential.
In this article, we’ll go through some of the best ways international students can apply for a scholarship in the UK.
Where to get a scholarship in the UK
International students have several avenues to explore when looking for a scholarship in the UK. Here are some of the main pathways:
Government-funded UK scholarships
- Chevening Scholarships: Funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations, these scholarships are awarded to outstanding emerging leaders from around the world to pursue a one-year master’s degree from a list of eligible courses across a wide range of sectors. These fully-funded scholarships cover everything from tuition fees and flights to a monthly personal living allowance.
- Commonwealth Scholarships: Available to students from Commonwealth countries, these scholarships support students from low and middle-income countries who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK. This is managed by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the UK (sponsored by the FCDO) and offers around 700 students the chance to undertake postgraduate degrees with UK universities. There are different types of scholarships offered, most of which are fully funded.
Institution scholarships in the UK
Many UK universities offer scholarships specifically for international students. These can be merit-based, needs-based or focused on specific fields of study. Students should check with the institutions they’re interested in for detailed information on available scholarships and application procedures. Here are some examples students can use for reference:
- Chancellor’s International Scholarships at the University of Sussex: This is an example of a merit-based scholarship in the UK. It is a highly competitive program offered to international master’s applicants with excellent academic achievement and potential. A limited number of scholars are awarded £5,000 for tuition fee reduction for their studies at the University of Sussex.
- International Students House (ISH) and London Metropolitan University (London Met) postgraduate scholarship: This needs-based scholarship in the UK is offered to up to four eligible students from Africa, the USA, India and Latin and Central America who are considering a full-time master’s course at London Met. This covers one year’s postgraduate tuition, return flights to and from London and guaranteed accommodation for 12 months at ISH.
- CSC(China Scholarship Council)-UCL (University College London) Joint Research Scholarship: This scholarship in the UK is based on a specific field of study as it mainly awards ten Chinese students intending to pursue research within the Faculty of Mathematical & Physical Sciences. The CSC covers round-trip flights to and from the UK, a living allowance and visa application fees. Meanwhile, UCL provides full tuition fees for the standard duration of a full-time MPhil/PhD program up to 48 months.
British Council scholarships
The British Council, an organisation specialising in international cultural and educational opportunities, offers a variety of UK scholarships and funding opportunities for international students. A well-known one is the GREAT Scholarships which is jointly funded by the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign and the British Council with participating UK higher education institutions across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. These scholarships offer students from 15 countries the opportunity to get £10,000 towards their tuition fees for a wide range of one-year taught postgraduate courses.
Country-based UK scholarships
Some scholarships are specific to students from certain countries or regions. These can be offered by the student’s home government, international organisations or UK-based institutions.
- Developing Solutions Masters Scholarship at the University of Nottingham: Founded in 2001, this is the university’s flagship master’s scholarship program offering 50% or 100% tuition fee coverage for international students who want to make a difference in the development of key economic, environmental, structural, social or political structures in their home countries. The program is available to students from Africa, South Asia and other selected Commonwealth countries.
- The Glenmore Postgraduate Scholarship at the University of Edinburgh: These scholarships are awarded to three applicants who come from one of the eligible countries in Africa and are accepted to one of the university’s listed eligible Human Medical programs. This scholarship provides its awardees with full tuition fee coverage for the duration of their studies.
By exploring various opportunities for a scholarship in the UK, international students can find the financial support they need to make their educational dreams in the UK a reality. If you would like to learn more, reach out to our business development experts who are well-informed to provide you with further guidance.
