Scholarships in United Kingdom

Scholarships in the United Kingdom

International students can find scholarships in the UK at undergraduate, postgraduate and research level. Some are funded by individual universities, while others are supported by the UK government or international organisations.

The amount of funding varies significantly. Some scholarships only reduce tuition fees, while others may cover full tuition, living costs and return travel. Students should always check exactly what is included before applying.

Major scholarship routes

For postgraduate students, several well-known scholarship programmes are available.

GREAT Scholarships are offered through participating UK universities and, for the 2026/27 academic year, provide £10,000 toward tuition fees for eligible students from 18 countries. More than 140 awards are available across over 60 universities.

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships are aimed at applicants from eligible low and middle income Commonwealth countries who would otherwise struggle to afford postgraduate study in the UK. Applications for the 2027/28 academic year opened on 8 September 2026 and close on 20 October 2026.

Chevening is another major UK government scholarship route for eligible international students pursuing one-year taught master’s degrees.

Undergraduate scholarships

Undergraduate scholarships are available, but full funding is generally less common than at postgraduate level.

Many undergraduate awards are offered directly by universities and may depend on academic performance, nationality, financial need, subject area or a combination of these factors.

Students should check both the university’s general international scholarship page and the funding page for their specific course.

Check what the scholarship actually covers

A scholarship being described as “funded” does not automatically mean every expense is covered.

Before applying, check:

• whether tuition is fully or partially covered
• whether accommodation is included
• whether there is a monthly living allowance
• whether airfare or travel support is provided
• whether visa-related costs are covered
• whether the award lasts for the full duration of the programme
• whether a separate university application is required

This is especially important because some UK scholarships provide only a fixed tuition contribution rather than full financial support.

Scholarship and university admission may be separate

Some scholarships require students to apply separately to a university.

Others may allow the scholarship application to start first, but still require applicants to secure an eligible university offer later.

Students should therefore track two timelines:

the scholarship deadline and the university admission deadline.

Missing either one can affect the application.

Visa and financial requirements

Receiving a scholarship or admission offer does not automatically give a student permission to study in the UK.

Most international students who require a Student visa must have an offer from a licensed student sponsor, meet the relevant English-language requirement and show that they can cover their course and living costs unless an exemption applies.

Current UK Student visa guidance says students who need to prove living funds generally need:

• £1,529 per month for courses in London
• £1,171 per month for courses outside London

This can be required for up to nine months. Official financial sponsorship may be used as evidence where applicable.

Applicants may also need a passport, Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, financial evidence, ATAS approval in some cases, tuberculosis test results or other supporting documents depending on their circumstances.

Because immigration rules can change, applicants should always check the latest GOV.UK guidance before submitting a visa application.

Start early

Many competitive UK scholarships require more than academic transcripts.

Depending on the programme, applicants may need recommendation letters, personal statements, leadership evidence, research proposals, proof of English proficiency or work experience.

Starting early gives applicants time to compare universities, prepare stronger documents and avoid rushing close to the deadline.

Before applying

The Scholarship Circle can help students discover opportunities, but applicants should always open the official scholarship or university website before submitting anything.

Check the current deadline, eligible countries, study level, funding amount, required documents and application process because scholarship conditions can change from one academic year to another.

Last reviewed: September 10, 2026