The United Kingdom is the home of world-class universities and institutions. Most international students take pride in being offered a place at one of the country’s higher education schools, which may be one of the highlights of their schooling years. But what would be more thrilling than that?
This article lists all the best scholarship and funding programs in the United Kingdom for every international student. It contains several options, from the government to external funding, so that students can choose the most suitable program to apply for. We also included stories of students who’ve received these scholarships if we have them. I highly encourage you to look at these if you are interested in getting these scholarships.
Top Scholarships in the United Kingdom
| Scholarship Name | Scholarship Type | Eligible Degrees | Scholarship Value |
|---|
| Rhodes Scholarship | External | Master’s
Ph.D. | Full tuition
£19,092 (annual stipend)
Settling-in allowance
Visa renewal
Fee assistance |
| Gates Cambridge Scholarship | External | Master’s
Ph.D. | The full cost of studying
Discretionary funding (£20,000 annual allowance for four years)
Flight to and from Cambridge
Student visa
Health surcharge payment |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships | Government | Master’s | Full tuition plus a monthly stipend |
| Global Rotary Scholarship | External | Master’s, PhD | $30,000 USD typically |
| The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program | External | Master’s | Fully funded |
| Chevening Scholarship | External | Master’s | Fully funded tuition plus other expenses |
| Commonwealth Shared Scholarship | UK Government | Master’s
Ph.D. | Full tuition plus stipend and other expenses |
| GREAT Scholarships | UK Government | Master’s
Ph.D. | £10,000 tuition fee assistance |
| Presidential International Scholarship | University of Southampton | Bachelor’s, Master’s | £10,000 to full tuition |
| International Merit Undergraduate Scholarship | University of Sheffield | Bachelor’s | £10,000 tuition fee |
| Think Big Postgraduate Award | University of Bristol | Master’s | Annual £6,500 to £26,000 tuition |
| Developing Solutions Master’s Scholarships | University of Nottingham | Master’s | Full Tuition |
| International Scholarships | Kingston University | Bachelor’s
Master’s
Ph.D. | £5,000 tuition fee reduction |
| Think Big Undergraduate Scholarships | University of Bristol | Bachelor’s | up to £13,000 |
| UG Psychology International Excellence Scholarship | University of Leeds | Bachelor’s | £10,000 |
| International Ambassador Scholarship | University of West London | Bachelor’s
Master’s
Ph.D. | From £2,000 (for postgraduate) to £5,000 (for undergraduate) |
| Clarendon Scholarship | University of Oxford | Master’s
Ph.D. | Full tuition plus £18,622 living stipend |
| ASEAN and Oceania Undergraduate Excellence Award | University of Nottingham | Bachelor’s | From £2,000 to £6,000 in their first year |
| Sports Scholarships | University of Nottingham | Bachelor’s
Master’s
Ph.D. | From £4,500 to £13,500 |
| EU Welcome Award | University of Glasgow | Bachelor’s | £5,000 every academic year |
| Dr. Theo George Wilson Scholarship | Imperial College London | Master’s (Research-based) | £10,000 |
| Undergraduate Scholarships | University of Sussex | Bachelor’s | Up to £5,000 per year |
| Dean’s Business School International Excellence Scholarships | University of Leeds | Bachelor’s | 50% reduction of tuition fees per academic year |
| Chanellor’s International Scholarship | University of Warwick | PhD | Full Funding |
| UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarships | University College London | Bachelor’s | Full-tuition |
1. Rhodes Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Full tuition, £19,092 (annual stipend), settling-in allowance, and visa renewal fee assistance
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s, Ph.D.
Initiated in 1902, the Rhodes Scholarship is considered the oldest scholarship program for exceptional international students. This prestigious award is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for aspiring postgraduate students who would like to further pursue their studies at one of the world’s most elite universities: the University of Oxford.
The scholarship has always sought to recognize future world leaders and innovators. In addition to providing them with an exemplary education and an internationally acknowledged degree, it aims to create mutual agreements among scholars to lead and become forerunners in resolving pressing issues and global challenges.
Due to its being known worldwide, countless outstanding students have applied for the program. There are specific requirements to be considered, and students will have to go through a challenging process, with only a select number of students to be granted. As for funding, tuition for Rhodes scholars will be fully funded, and they will also receive an annual stipend to help pay for their living expenses and other expenditures.
2. Gates Cambridge Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Full cost of studying, discretionary funding (£20,000 annual allowance for four years), flight to and from Cambridge, student visa, and health surcharge payment
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s, Ph.D.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is the institute that backs the Gates Cambridge Scholarship. The foundation has donated a considerable amount of $210 million to the University of Cambridge, to generate a pool of socially responsible leaders who will contribute to society.
Every year, it grants 80 scholarships to students pursuing a postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge. Twenty-five awards are given to US citizens, while the remaining 55 are for international students. Doctoral degree-seeking students will be highly prioritized, as two-thirds of the awards will be given to Ph.D. students.
The funding will include the program’s total cost and other academic fees, such as allowances, research expenses, and the cost of taking relevant courses.
3. Erasmus Joint Master’s Scholarships
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships are flagship EU-funded programs offering exceptional international students fully funded 1–2-year master’s degrees delivered by consortia of at least three universities (including many top-tier UK institutions). These scholarships typically cover full tuition, a monthly stipend, travel and visa costs, installation grants, and health insurance.
4. Global Rotary Scholarship
Global Grant Scholarships by Rotary International, often referred to as Rotary Global Scholarships, are prestigious merit- and need-based awards for graduate-level students pursuing full-time Master’s or PhD programs abroad including in the United Kingdom. These scholarships, funded through District Designated Funds and matched by the Rotary World Fund, support studies in one of Rotary’s seven areas of focus (e.g., peace, health, education, environment). Awards typically range from US $30,000 and can cover tuition, travel, living stipend, health insurance, and academic materials for up to 3–4 years, depending on the program and funding district.
5. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Mastercard Foundation has several affiliate universities and institutions worldwide that work together to give African students opportunities to obtain higher education in one of its partner universities. In the United Kingdom, the University of Cambridge, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of Oxford are eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is intended for students from nationalities and residents in the Sub-Saharan African country. It aims to make higher education accessible by offering distance learning to talented students and providing appropriate financial funding for selected scholars.
6. Chevening Scholarship
Chevening Scholarship is regarded as one of the most desirable scholarship awards funded by the UK government. It is offered to international students who aspire to obtain a one-year taught master’s degree at any British university. Since the government funds it, the competition is expected to be steep, with massive amounts of yearly applications received from across the globe. This scholarship is a fully funded award, aiming to ease the financial burden of scholars so that they can focus on their studies and enjoy the best of UK living.
7. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship
The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship is a government-funded program that awards master’s students who are citizens and residents from an eligible member state of the Commonwealth. The award will be given to students who cannot finance their schooling in the UK and who belong to the poverty-stricken and working-class earners. As a whole, it offers numerous programs categorized to the different needs of students.
8. GREAT Scholarships
Another scholarship program sponsored by the UK government is the GREAT Scholarship. Presently, the government has active partnerships with eighteen countries, allowing its local students to obtain a one-year taught postgraduate degree in one of its participating UK universities and institutions.
Student aspirants from the following countries can apply for the said prestigious program. The countries with current mutual agreements for the said scholarship program include China, Bangladesh, Egypt, Greece, Ghana, Kenya, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam.
Since its launching, it has granted numerous awards to deserving scholars who are now part of GREAT alumni working towards a better future for society. The scholarship program has not only supported the scholars but has also opened doors to countless opportunities.
9. Presidential International Scholarship (University of Southampton)
Southampton Presidential International Scholarship at the University of Southampton offers 25 merit-based awards to international students, 10 full‑tuition scholarships and 15 awards of £10,000, available for both undergraduate and postgraduate taught Master’s programs. Applicants must pay overseas tuition and demonstrate how their studies will advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals; eligibility excludes Medicine undergraduates and certain professional courses.
Undergraduate recipients receive funding for the full duration of their degree, while postgraduate scholars receive support for the first academic year (most Master’s in the UK are one-year degrees). The scholarship employs a competitive process that centers on academic excellence, personal impact, and ambassadorial qualities assessed by a panel led by the Vice President International.
10. International Merit Undergraduate Scholarship (University of Sheffield)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: £10,000 tuition fee
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s
International students offered the opportunity to study at the University of Sheffield may apply for the International Merit Undergraduate Scholarship. Prospective scholars must meet the following criteria to qualify for the award: Students must have a high academic profile and a definite outlook on their career path, which must be aligned with the study program applied for. Students must also provide convincing reasoning as to why they obtained a degree at the university.
This financial aid is not a fully funded grant, and you cannot get any monetary alternative to the scholarship, as it can only be used to reduce tuition fees. So, scholars must also be financially capable of paying overseas tuition fees. The scholarship program is offered to all study programs, excluding medicine and dentistry.
11. Think Big Postgraduate Award (University of Bristol)
The University of Bristol, one of the elite UK universities, has been funding exceptional international students through several scholarship awards and grants. One of its scholarship programs is the Think Big Popstgraduate Award, aimed at first-time degree Master’s students. The funding amount for this undergraduate program ranges from £6,500 to £26,000 a year, which can only be used to pay tuition fees and living expenses.
12. Developing Solutions Master’s Scholarship (University of Nottingham)
Developing Solutions Masters Scholarship at the University of Nottingham is a merit-based scheme aimed at outstanding students from Africa, India, and selected Commonwealth countries who demonstrate innovative ideas to address key developmental challenges in their home nations. Established in 2001, the scholarship offers either a 50% or 100% tuition fee waiver for one-year, full-time Master’s or MRes programs in areas such as engineering, health sciences, social sciences, or science. Selection prioritizes applicants’ ability to articulate a clear, impactful solution to economic, social, environmental, or political issues aligned with their chosen field of study.
13. International Scholarships (Kingston University)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: £5,000 tuition fee reduction
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.
Kingston University admits numerous international students yearly, regardless of their backgrounds. It offers scholarships and bursaries to help foreign nationals study in one of the UK’s renowned universities. One of its scholarships, the International Scholarships, is intended for undergraduate and postgraduate degree-seeking students.
Students interested in this aid must prepare an introduction video and write a personal statement to increase their chances of getting the candidacy. This award, in particular, amounts to £5,000, which can be deducted from the total annual tuition fee. However, this will not cover full tuition, so the student must shoulder the remaining amount.
14. Think Big Undergraduate Scholarships (University of Bristol)
Think Big Undergraduate Scholarship at the University of Bristol is the flagship Think Big scheme designed for international undergraduate students, offering awards of £6,500 or £13,000 per year toward tuition fees, renewable for the full duration of their degree. With over £6 million invested through the Think Big scheme, this scholarship supports high-achieving non-UK students in a wide range of disciplines (excluding medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science), and integrates application with postgraduate award opportunities via a single application form.
15. UG Psychology International Excellence Scholarship (University of Leeds)
The University of Leeds, one of the most respected universities in the UK, has generated countless ethically responsible professionals and experts. It is undoubtedly one of the most preferred schools for international students planning to pursue higher education in the country.
It offers scholarships and funding programs for overseas students, such as the UG Psychology International Excellence Scholarship. This scholarship is intended for bachelor’s students seeking a degree in psychology and a master’s in advanced psychology. Students need not apply to receive the award, but they will receive a funding amount of £10,000.
16. International Ambassador Scholarship (University of West London)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: From £2,000 (for postgraduate) to £5,000 (for undergraduate)
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.
The International Ambassador Scholarship is a unique award for undergraduate and postgraduate foreign students who need additional financial funding to support their studies. It is open to all tuition-paying international students who aspire to become student ambassadors of the university. The University of West London provides outstanding students with about 100 International Ambassador Scholarships.
Candidates must have specific qualifications for what the school is looking for. As ambassadors, scholars, in return, will have to represent the university and are expected to participate in various events. In addition, UWL will have the right to use students’ photographs and might be requested to participate in several promotional and marketing interviews.
17. Clarendon Scholarship (University of Oxford)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Full tuition plus £18,622 living stipend
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s, Ph.D.
Students who apply for a master’s or Ph.D. degree, either full-time or part-time, by the December to January deadline will be automatically eligible for the University of Oxford’s Clarendon Scholarship award. It awards over 200 scholarships to exceptional domestic and international students yearly.
Clarendon full-time scholars will receive financial aid, including full tuition and living expenses, throughout their program completion. On the other hand, a study support grant is available to help cover non-fee expenses for part-time scholars, depending on their chosen course type and length. Since its launch in 2001, it has granted financial aid to more than 2,500 scholars.
18. ASEAN and Oceania Undergraduate Excellence Award (University of Nottingham)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: From £2,000 to £6,000 in their first year
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s
The University of Nottingham, one of the world’s leading universities, has been transforming countless students from across the globe. The number of admitted international students increases every year. As a global university, it provides scholarships and funding to eligible students based on their needs and financial capability.
The ASEAN and Oceania Undergraduate Excellence Award is for international bachelor’s students in Southeast Asia, Australia, and South Pacific Island countries. This award can be availed by students who have already received an offer to study at the university with qualifications of having proven academic excellence and who have the potential to become competitive professionals in their chosen fields.
19. Sports Scholarships (University of Nottingham)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: From £4,500 to £13,500
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.
Aside from offering scholarships and funding based on academic merit, the University of Nottingham also offers Sports Scholarships for all talented athletes who have shown promising potential in their chosen sports. This aid will prioritize athletes who have represented or will represent their respective countries in sports events like the Olympics, Paralympics, and Commonwealth sports.
The scholarship has three packages and a few specialist packages for granted athletes. The funding amount and support services will vary depending on the student’s achievement and performance.
20. EU Welcome Award (University of Glasgow)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: £5,000 every academic year
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s
The University of Glasgow is a world-renowned UK university that provides high standards of teaching and research. Throughout the years, it has collaborated with numerous companies and institutions worldwide. It has always been committed to maintaining strong bonds and mutual agreements with other countries. Offering scholarships and funding to international students is one way of deepening its relationships.
The EU Welcome Award is one of the newly launched scholarship awards for students belonging to EU states. Since the United Kingdom withdrew from the European Union, pursuing higher education in the country has been tricky, especially for its students, due to a significant shift in laws and policies. This award aims to ensure that mutual bonds are still evident and talented EU students will still have the opportunity to complete higher education at one of the best British universities.
21. Dr. Theo George Wilson Scholarship (Imperial College London)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: £10,000
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s (Research-based)
Imperial College London welcomes countless students every year. International students flocking the institute’s campus show that many foreign nationals opt to obtain a degree in this well-established school. Aware of its reputation in the international community, the college guarantees that competent students who desire to study there but cannot afford their studies will get the necessary financial support.
The Dr. Theo George Wilson Scholarship is a unique program for engineering students pursuing a master’s research degree in molecular or chemical engineering. The institute encourages domestic and international students from minority groups to apply for the scholarship, as they will be highly prioritized.
Admissions begin in early October each year, and it is recommended that interested applicants apply between November and February at the beginning of the school year. To qualify for this scholarship, you must submit your application to the program no later than March 31st.
22. Undergraduate Scholarships (University of Sussex)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Up to £5,000 per year
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s
International students who have been offered a place to study a bachelor’s degree program at the University of Sussex can apply for the undergraduate scholarship. In addition to being admitted by the university, candidates must be international fee-paying students, high achievers who have maintained excellent academic grades, self-funded, and not sponsored by any institute or organization.
Various scholarships are available for international students; a funding value that can cover up to £5,000 per year will be given to scholars. Students must be able to cover the remaining academic and living costs throughout the program’s completion. To apply for the award, students must submit their personal and educational background details, personal statement, and other prerequisites stated in each scholarship program.
23. Dean’s Business School International Excellence Scholarships (University of Leeds)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: 50% reduction of tuition fees per academic year
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s
International undergraduate students at the University of Leeds’s Business School can avail themselves of the Dean’s School International Excellence Scholarships, provided they meet all the eligibility criteria. The institution will evaluate all candidates using the personal and educational information from the student’s UCAS application form.
Successful applicants will receive a notification that they have passed the assessment. Scholars will receive a 50% deduction from the annual tuition fees. As long as the student maintains above-average academic performance, the student can receive the same funding value throughout their study.
24. Chancellor’s International Scholarships (University of Warwick)
Chancellor’s International Scholarship at the University of Warwick is a prestigious merit-based award for outstanding international PhD (or MPhil/PhD) applicants. Each year, up to 42 scholarships are awarded, covering full overseas tuition fees, a UKRI-rate maintenance stipend for up to 3.5 years, and a £5,000 Research Training and Support Grant (RTSG) to assist with research expenses. Open to candidates from all disciplines with no nationality restrictions, the scholarship seeks individuals with exceptional academic and research potential.
25. UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarships (University College London)
The Global Undergraduate Scholarships encourages overseas students from impoverished backgrounds to obtain a degree at University College London. This program is open to students who need more funding to study in UK institutions. Candidates must be categorized as overseas students from underprivileged societies and have submitted an admissions application at UCL to become eligible.
Moreover, the award will prioritize students who need financial assistance, granting 23 scholars full tuition, and another 10 scholars will receive full tuition and stipend.
There’s no question that prestigious universities undoubtedly have more expensive tuition and school fees, especially for international students taking their degrees in the UK. That’s why knowing which scholarships you can apply for in your chosen school can provide you with a high-quality education without worrying about the large amount of expenses as you study. So, start looking at these financial aids and choose the institution you want to enroll in!
We hope this article on the UK’s best scholarships for international students was helpful. Make sure also to explore our Study in the UK and check out the Available Programs in the United Kingdom for more information about schooling and program opportunities in the country!
