The United Kingdom is one of the world’s most popular study destinations, attracting thousands of international students every year with its prestigious universities, world-class education, and outstanding research opportunities. However, the high cost of tuition and living expenses can be a major obstacle for many students.

Understanding how UK scholarships work is the first step toward making your dream of studying in Britain a reality. In this guide, you’ll learn about the main types of scholarships available for international students, including undergraduate and postgraduate funding, as well as fully funded and partially funded opportunities.

Types of UK Scholarships

Fully Funded Scholarships

These scholarships cover full tuition fees and may also include living expenses, travel costs, visa fees, and other study-related expenses.

Partially Funded Scholarships

These awards cover part of the tuition fees or provide a tuition fee discount for international students.

Merit-Based Scholarships

These scholarships are awarded to students with outstanding academic achievements, leadership potential, or exceptional talent.

Need-Based Scholarships

These scholarships are designed for students who demonstrate financial need and require financial assistance to pursue their studies.

Undergraduate Scholarships in the UK

Reach Oxford Scholarship

The Reach Oxford Scholarship is one of the most prestigious undergraduate scholarships for international students. It is intended for academically outstanding students from low-income countries who would be unable to study at the University of Oxford without financial support.

For eligible students, the scholarship covers:

• Full tuition fees
• An annual living allowance
• One return airfare per academic year

Applications typically open in January and close in early February each year.

Eligibility Requirements

• Receive an offer to study an undergraduate degree at the University of Oxford.
• Demonstrate financial need.
• Be a citizen of an eligible country listed by the University.

UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship

The UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship supports international students from lower-income backgrounds. Competition is highly competitive due to the limited number of awards available.

Each year, UCL generally offers:

• Around 10 scholarships covering tuition fees, living costs, and additional expenses such as visa and immigration health charges.
• Around 20 scholarships covering full tuition fees only.

Applications usually open in March and close in April.

Selection Criteria

Selection is primarily based on:

• Financial need.
• Applicants must submit an application for admission to UCL before applying for the scholarship.

Think Big Undergraduate Scholarship (University of Bristol)

The Think Big Undergraduate Scholarship is offered by the University of Bristol. It provides significant tuition fee support and, depending on the funding available each year, some awards may cover the full tuition fee.

Selection Criteria

Applicants are assessed based on:

• Academic excellence
• Overall quality of the application
• Leadership potential
• Personal achievements

Application Period

Applications usually open in October or November and close between February and April, depending on the annual application cycle.

Chancellor’s International Scholarship

Many UK universities offer Chancellor’s International Scholarships to attract outstanding international students. These scholarships typically provide financial support based on academic excellence.

International Excellence Scholarships

International Excellence Scholarships are offered by many British universities to reward academically outstanding international students. Most awards provide partial tuition fee discounts, although the value varies by institution.

Selection is usually based on:

• Academic performance
• Grade Point Average (GPA)
• Academic achievements
• Leadership or research experience (where applicable)

Examples of universities offering International Excellence Scholarships include:

• University of Leeds
• University of Sheffield
• University of Exeter
• University of Liverpool
• University of York

Postgraduate Scholarships in the UK

Chevening Scholarship

The Chevening Scholarship is the UK Government’s flagship scholarship programme for master’s degrees. It is fully funded and covers:

• Full tuition fees
• Living expenses
• Return flights
• Visa fees
• Additional study-related allowances

Eligibility Requirements

• Be a citizen of an eligible country.
• Hold a bachelor’s degree.
• Have work experience (including eligible voluntary experience).
• Commit to returning to your home country for at least two years after completing your studies.
• Apply to three eligible UK master’s programmes.

Gates Cambridge Scholarship

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the world’s most prestigious postgraduate scholarships. It supports master’s and PhD students studying at the University of Cambridge.

The scholarship covers:

• Full tuition fees
• Annual maintenance allowance
• Airfare
• Visa costs
• Healthcare surcharge
• Additional funding for conferences, research, and family support in certain cases

Eligibility Requirements

Receive admission to the University of Cambridge.

Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement.

Show strong leadership potential.

Demonstrate a commitment to improving the lives of others.

Rhodes Scholarship

The Rhodes Scholarship at the University of Oxford is one of the oldest and most prestigious international scholarship programmes. It supports master’s degrees, doctoral programmes, and certain research courses.

The scholarship includes:

• Full tuition fees
• College fees
• Monthly living allowance
• Return airfare
• Visa fees
• Health insurance

Eligibility Requirements

• Outstanding academic record.
• Leadership qualities and commitment to community service.
• Meet the age requirements for your country.
• Apply through the Rhodes constituency of your home country.

Saïd Foundation Scholarship

The Saïd Foundation Scholarship is well known among students from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine who wish to pursue a master’s degree in the UK.

The scholarship generally covers:

• Tuition fees
• Living expenses
• Return travel
• Additional study-related costs

Students may be asked to contribute toward programme costs if the total cost exceeds the Foundation’s funding limit.

Eligibility Requirements

Receive admission to a UK university.

Demonstrate academic excellence.

Show financial need.

Commit to returning home to contribute to the development of their communities.

GREAT Scholarship

The GREAT Scholarship is jointly funded by the UK Government and participating UK universities. It provides financial support toward tuition fees for selected master’s programmes.

Eligibility Requirements

• Receive an offer from a participating university.
• Be a citizen of an eligible country.
• Meet the admission requirements of the chosen university.

Clarendon Scholarship

The Clarendon Scholarship is a fully funded postgraduate scholarship at the University of Oxford.

It covers:

• Full tuition fees
• Annual living stipend

Eligibility Requirements

There is no separate scholarship application.

All applicants who apply for an eligible graduate programme before the relevant deadline are automatically considered.

Selection is based primarily on academic excellence and research potential.

Edinburgh Global Master’s Scholarship

The Edinburgh Global Master’s Scholarship is one of the University of Edinburgh’s leading scholarships for international master’s students.

Depending on the award, the scholarship may cover:

• Full tuition fees, or
• Partial tuition fees

Eligibility Requirements

• Receive admission to the University of Edinburgh.
• Demonstrate strong academic performance.
• Hold international student status.

Common Scholarship Requirements

Although every scholarship has its own criteria, many UK scholarships share the following requirements:

University Admission

Most scholarships require applicants to have received an offer of admission to a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate programme at a UK university.

Academic Excellence

A strong academic record is one of the most important selection criteria. Many scholarships require high grades in previous studies.

International Student Status

Many scholarships are available only to students classified as international fee-paying students. Some programmes, such as the UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship, also consider applicants from lower-income backgrounds.

English Language Proficiency

Applicants are generally required to demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised qualifications such as IELTS or equivalent tests, depending on the university’s admission requirements.

Leadership and Extracurricular Activities

Competitive scholarships often consider leadership experience, volunteering, community engagement, extracurricular activities, and achievements beyond academics.

Financial Need

Need-based scholarships may require applicants to provide financial documents demonstrating their family’s financial circumstances.