If you’re thinking of studying in the UK, applying for a scholarship for international students in UK can help ease the pressure, as living costs there can be pretty high. The UK has always been a popular choice for international students thanks to its world-class schools and educational resources, so the competition for scholarship spots is super intense. Then how to get a scholarship in UK? Let me break it down for you.
Types of Scholarship for International Students in UK
There are different kinds of British scholarships for international students, which can be roughly divided into two types based on funding sources: government-funded scholarships and university-specific scholarships. Here are some of the popular scholarships of each type.
Government-Funded Scholarships
Some of the well-known government-funded scholarship for foreign students in UK include Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme at UK Universities and GREAT Scholarships.
Chevening Scholarships
The Chevening Scholarship is funded by the UK government and open to international students from over 160 countries. It supports students with outstanding academic talent and leadership potential and offers two types of grants: scholarships and fellowships.
- Level of study: Post-graduate
- Eligibility: At least two years of work experience; leadership potential; equivalent of a 2:1 honours degree
- Funding types & amount: Fully funded (Covers tuition, living allowance & travel costs)
- Applications open time: In August or September
Commonwealth Scholarships
Commonwealth Scholarships are for students from 53 Commonwealth countries, including the UK, covering fields such as engineering & technology, theoretical and applied science, humanities and social sciences and agriculture.
- Level of study: Post-graduate and PhD
- Eligibility: From Commonwealth countries; strong academic record
- Funding types & amount: Fully funded (Covers tuition, airfare, and living stipends)
- Applications open time: Typically open between September and December
Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme is a UK scholarships for international students from Commonwealth countries. Applicants must be studying a subject that can help promote economic, technological, and social development in their home country.
- Level of study: Post-graduate
- Eligibility: From Commonwealth countries; equivalent of a 2:1 honours degree
- Funding types & amount: Fully funded (Covers tuition, airfare, and living stipends)
- Applications open time: Typically open in mid-November
GREAT Scholarships
This scholarship is for international students from 18 countries, including China, India, Egypt, Thailand, and others. One thing to keep in mind. Requirements can vary by university, so it’s best to look at the official info from the school you’re applying to.
- Level of study: Post-graduate
- Eligibility: Be a passport holder and resident of one of the 18 eligible countries
- Funding types & amount: Minimum £10,000 towards tuition fees for a one-year Master’s
- Applications open time: Follow a university-specific timeline
University-Specific Scholarships
Some scholarships in UK for international students are tied to a specific university. Here are a few examples.
University of Cambridge-Gates Cambridge
This one is for Master’s students at Cambridge, in any subject. It’s a full scholarship, so it covers your tuition and living costs. On top of that, they may also give you extra funding for things like conferences, courses, or other research activities, depending on your needs.
- Level of study: Post-graduate and PhD
- Eligibility: Outstanding intellectual ability and commitment to improving the lives of others.
- Funding types & amount: Fully funded (Covers tuition, airfare, and living stipends)
- Applications open time: In early September each year
University of Oxford-Rhodes Scholarship
This is one of the most well-known scholarships for foreign students in the UK. It covers everything for postgraduate study at Oxford, like tuition and living expenses. The criteria vary a bit depending on where you’re from, but overall they’re pretty strict. You need to do well academically, but they also look for achievements outside the classroom, like sports, music or drama.
- Level of study: Post-graduate (of Oxford)
- Eligibility: Exceptional academic achievement and character
- Funding types & amount:Fully funded (Covers tuition, airfare, and living stipends)
- Applications open time: Typically opens for applications in early June or early July
University of Oxford-Clarendon Scholarship
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- Level of study: Post-graduate (of Oxford)
- Eligibility: Outstanding academic record; proficiency in English
- Funding types & amount:Fully funded (Covers tuition, airfare, and living stipends)
- Applications open time: Usually opens in September each year
Bristol University Think Big Scholarships: The Think Big Undergraduate Scholarship is for undergrad and postgraduate students. You have to be an international student and already studying at the university. If you get it, undergrads get £6,500 a year, and postgrads get £13,000 a year. That money goes toward your tuition fees.
The Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships: This one is for PhD students at the University of Edinburgh. It’s a fully funded scholarship, so it covers both your tuition fees and your living costs.
You will find the other university-specific scholarships in the table below.
| Other University-Specific Scholarships for International Students in UK | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| University | Scholarship | Level of Study | Funding Types & Amount |
| University of Liverpool | Vice-Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship UG | undergraduate | Up to £2,500 |
| University of Liverpool | Vice-Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship PG | postgraduate | £2,500 |
| Nottingham Trent University | NTU Excellence Scholarships | undergraduate and postgraduate | 50% or 25% off first-year fee |
| University of York | Vice-Chancellor’s scholarships | undergraduate and postgraduate | £5,000 to £15,000 |
| University College London | UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship | undergraduate | full tuition fees and maintenance allowance |
| University of Birmingham | High Fliers Undergraduate Scholarship for KAPLAN | undergraduate | £5,000 |
| University of Southampton | Merit scholarships for International Undergraduates | undergraduate | up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees |
| University of Southampton | Doctoral Scholarships | PhD | cover tuition fees and more |
| Aston University | International Community Scholarship | undergraduate and postgraduate | £5,000 |
| Aston University | Global Excellence Scholarship | undergraduate and postgraduate | £5,000 – £7,000 |
Accommodation Scholarships for International Students in UK
When you’re studying abroad, rent can cost you a lot. If you don’t have a big budget but still want a nice place to live, you might want to look into accommodation scholarships in UK for international students. Besides full scholarships that cover all living costs, Some UK universities offer scholarships just for housing called accommodation scholarship. For example, Aberystwyth University and the University of St Andrews have something called the International Accommodation Award. It gives eligible international students a discount on rent or helps with housing costs. There are also other types of financial support. Swansea University offers a “Buy One, Get One Free” deal where students pay for the first semester’s accommodation and get the second semester free. Plus, for students studying at major universities in London, International Student Housing (ISH) has special housing awards available.
Besides applying for accommodation scholarships, finding the right place is also a big help in cutting rent costs. Once you’ve decided on your study city, you can search for local rentals on some reliable websites. In this regard, uhomes.com is a solid choice to help you find accommodation in UK. You can browse various properties and rent your dream home at the lowest price across popular UK study cities, such as Leeds with the least price of £80/week and Birmingham £129/week. You can also get personalized one-on-one service tailored to your needs, and enjoy student-exclusive discounts that help you save money while living comfortably. To ease your financial load, it also offers a Price-Match Guarantee, making sure the house’s price is the lowest. Plus, if multiple people book together, you’ll get a group discount.
Eligibility Criteria for British Scholarships for International Students
Different scholarship has different eligibility. Generally, to apply for UK scholarships for international students, you need to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- A strong record of academic achievement
- Required English language proficiency standards (e.g., IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT)
- A compelling statement of purpose (SOP)
- Strong letters of recommendation (LORs)
- Relevant professional experience if the program requires prior work history
How to Apply for Scholarship for International Students in UK?
Now that you’ve got all the information above, you should already know which scholarship you are applying for. Next, check out the required documents and application steps. We have already put everything together for you.
Document Required to Apply for a UK Scholarship for International Student
Before applying, make sure to check the official website to confirm what documents you need. Don’t miss any crucial info. Keep in mind: all these documents must be in English. Here are some common documents you’ll need when applying for a UK scholarship.
- Completed scholarship application form
Copy of your academic transcripts
- Copy of your passport or ID card
- Statement of purpose
- Recommendation letters
Test scores (like SAT, ACT, GRE, GPA)
- Proof of your language proficiency, like an IELTS test
Application Steps
Check if you qualify: Go to the scholarship website and see what they need. Read through the requirements and the documents they ask for. Make sure you actually qualify before you start.
Get your papers ready: The website will usually list everything you have to hand in, like the application form, transcripts, your personal statement, recommendation letters, etc. Go down the list one at a time so you don’t miss anything.
Send it in: When everything’s done, check it one more time. Then send it off the way they say to. And don’t forget—keep track of the deadline.
Wait but don’t forget to check: After you hit submit, don’t just sit around. Check the website once in a while, and keep an eye on your email. That’s how you’ll hear back about results or any updates.
Get ready for the interview: If they like your application, they’ll usually ask you to come in for an interview, either in person or online. Spend some time thinking about what questions they might ask. It’s your chance to show what you’re good at and why you’re a good fit for the scholarship.
Other Tips for Applying for Scholarships for International Students in UK
Start early: The British Council did a study and found that for fall courses, about 75% of scholarship deadlines fall between January and March. Scholarships are tough to get, so starting early really helps.
Talk about what makes you stand out: Scholarship committees in the UK really care about your grades. But that’s not the only thing. You should also show your other strengths—and use real examples, not just big, vague statements.
Make your application match the scholarship: Different scholarships look for different things. So before you start writing, read the guidelines carefully. Figure out what kind of student they’re looking for, and then shape your application to show the parts of you that fit best.
Conclusion
It takes time to apply for scholarship for international students in UK, and it’s not like you’re guaranteed to get one. But still worth giving it a go. The ones we talked about here are some of the best chances for international students in the UK. Do a bit of research, put together a decent application, and just give it a shot. You never know.
FAQ
How to get a scholarship for International students in UK?
Start by checking what kind of scholarship fits you. Once you know, go to the official website, get your documents ready, and follow the application steps. Do it early, show your strengths with real examples, and tailor your application to what each scholarship is looking for.
What are some popular scholarships for international students in UK?
There are a few big ones: government-funded scholarships like Chevening and Commonwealth, and university-specific ones like Gates Cambridge at Cambridge or Rhodes at Oxford. You also have GREAT Scholarships, Bristol’s Think Big, and Edinburgh Global Research for PhD students.
Are there any government-funded scholarships for studying in UK?
Yes. There are a large number of government-funded scholarships in UK. Some most popular ones include Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Shared Scholarship and GREAT Scholarships.
Is there a 100% scholarship in UK?
Yes, there are fully funded scholarships in the UK. Programs like Chevening, Commonwealth, Gates Cambridge, and Rhodes cover your tuition, living costs, and sometimes even travel expenses. So if you meet the eligibility criteria, you can get a scholarship that takes care of pretty much everything.
What are the requirements for UK scholarship?
It really depends on the scholarship, but most of them look at your academic background first, so good grades and a strong record matter a lot. You’ll also need things like proof of English ability, letters of recommendation and a personal statement.
Can an international student get a full scholarship?
Yes,. International students can get full scholarships in UK. It really depends on the program and whether you meet their eligibility criteria, things like academic background, leadership potential, or sometimes work experience. If you fit what they’re looking for, a full ride is definitely possible.
ls it hard to get a scholarship in the UK?
It can be tough, as there’s a lot of competition, and the requirements are pretty strict. But if you meet the criteria, start early, and put together a strong application, it’s definitely possible.
Which UK university gives 100% scholarships?
A few UK universities offer fully funded scholarships, like Cambridge with the Gates Cambridge Scholarship and Oxford with the Rhodes Scholarship. Edinburgh also has the Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships for PhD students. But most of the time, it’s not the university itself giving the full ride. It’s a specific scholarship program tied to that university.
