
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?
For obvious reasons, it’s to finally achieve their educational goal of completing and acquiring an internationally recognized degree at the university. As much as studying in the UK can be claimed to be an ideal place for international students to learn, many are still discouraged due to the ever-increasing tuition fees and living expenses. Since the country decided to withdraw from the European Union, most of its policies and laws have been reshifted, including those of the academic industry.
However, the UK government, universities and institutions, and several organizations and charities have allocated scholarship funding for students outside the country. Students can avail themselves of different scholarship packages, which vary depending on the student’s capability and needs. Scholarship awards are not limited to academic merit, and there are eligibility requirements based on nationality, financial needs, and even sports performance.
This article lists all the possible and best scholarship and funding programs 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.
Top Scholarships in the United Kingdom
Scholarship Name |
Scholarship Type |
Eligible Degrees |
Scholarship Value |
Deadline |
Rhodes Scholarship |
External |
Master’s
Ph.D. |
Full tuition
£19,092 (annual stipend)
Settling-in allowance
Visa renewal
Fee assistance |
Vary |
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 |
Vary |
A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarships |
External |
Master’s (1-year in TESOL) |
Full tuition plus a monthly stipend |
Vary |
APEX Award |
External |
Research-based |
Up to £200,000 |
Vary |
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh |
External |
Master’s (3-year part-time, online)
Diploma (2-year part-time, online) |
Fully funded |
Vary |
Chevening Scholarship |
External |
Master’s |
Fully funded tuition plus other expenses |
Vary |
Commonwealth Shared Scholarship |
UK Government |
Master’s
Ph.D. |
Full tuition plus stipend and other expenses |
Vary |
GREAT Scholarships |
UK Government |
Master’s
Ph.D. |
£10,000 tuition fee assistance |
Vary |
British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM |
External |
Master’s |
Tuition fees plus stipend and other expenses |
Vary |
International Merit Undergraduate Scholarship |
University of Sheffield |
Bachelor’s |
£10,000 tuition fee |
Vary |
Think Big Undergraduate Award |
University of Bristol |
Bachelor’s |
Annual £6,500 to £13,000 tuition |
Vary |
Humanitarian Scholarship |
University of Manchester |
Bachelor’s
Master’s |
Fully funded tuition
Visa fees and other living expenses |
Vary |
International Scholarships |
Kingston University |
Bachelor’s
Master’s
Ph.D. |
£5,000 tuition fee reduction |
Vary |
Entrance Examinations and Merit Awards |
Aberystwyth University |
Bachelor’s |
from £1,000 in the first year to £1,000 yearly |
Vary |
UG Psychology International Excellence Scholarship |
University of Leeds |
Bachelor’s |
£10,000 |
Vary |
International Ambassador Scholarship |
University of West London |
Bachelor’s
Master’s
Ph.D. |
From £2,000 (for postgraduate) to £5,000 (for undergraduate) |
Vary |
Clarendon Scholarship |
University of Oxford |
Master’s
Ph.D. |
Full tuition plus £18,622 living stipend |
Vary |
ASEAN and Oceania Undergraduate Excellence Award |
University of Nottingham |
Bachelor’s |
From £2,000 to £6,000 in their first year |
Vary |
Sports Scholarships |
University of Nottingham |
Bachelor’s
Master’s
Ph.D. |
From £4,500 to £13,500 |
Vary |
EU Welcome Award |
University of Glasgow |
Bachelor’s |
£5,000 every academic year |
Vary |
Dr. Theo George Wilson Scholarship |
Imperial College London |
Master’s (Research-based) |
£10,000 |
Vary |
Undergraduate Scholarships |
University of Sussex |
Bachelor’s |
Up to £5,000 per year |
Vary |
Dean’s Business School International Excellence Scholarships |
University of Leeds |
Bachelor’s |
50% reduction of tuition fees per academic year |
Vary |
Vice-Chancellor Global Scholarship Award |
University of Reading |
Bachelor’s |
£4,000 per year |
Vary |
UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarships |
University College London |
Bachelor’s |
Full-tuition |
Vary |
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. A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarships
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Full tuition plus monthly stipend
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s (1-year in TESOL)
Founded in 1961, the A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship is an external international scholarship for English language teachers. The charity will finance the full tuition and living expenses of scholars who intend to study for a one-year master’s degree in TESOL at the University of Warwick.
Prospective students must possess the following requirements to be eligible for the scholarship: First, candidates must have at least three years of working experience as an English language teacher, a university degree, and a high English proficiency. The charity aims to train foreign English teachers to become experts in their chosen careers. Its primary purpose is for scholars to significantly contribute to the academic industry, specifically in English language learning in their home countries.
4. APEX Award
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Up to £200,000
- Eligible Degree/s: Research-based
The Academies Partnership in Supporting Excellence in Cross-disciplinary Research Award, or the APEX Award, is a prestigious scholarship program for researchers based in a UK university or nonprofit institution. This program is backed by several institutes: the British Academy, the Royal Society, and the Royal Academy of Engineering.
Its primary purpose is to support researchers in conducting interdisciplinary studies that will likely have the potential to contribute to global scientific studies and innovations. The scholarship is valued at up to £200,000, with one-fourth of its total amount can be spent on research expenses. In addition, as one of the APEX program’s objectives entails, the scholar is expected to work with a co-researcher from a different academic discipline.
Researchers for the said program come from nations with outstanding academic portfolios and proven leadership qualities. These APEX scholars are some of the best professionals and experts in the engineering, humanities, and social sciences sectors.
5. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (University of Edinburgh)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Fully funded
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s (3-year part time, online); Diploma (2-year part-time, online)
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. The University of Edinburgh, a world-class institute, has partnered with the organization to provide online higher education to talented African students.
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
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Fully funded tuition plus other expenses
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s
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.
The application process will take about roughly eight months, and as for the eligibility requirements, it does not adhere to the usual criteria imposed on scholars; instead, it is looking for exceptional individuals who are willing to go beyond the ordinary in leading to a better and promising future for the society.
Moreover, 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 Shared Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Full tuition plus stipend and other expenses
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s, Ph.D.
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is a government-funded program that awards master’s and doctoral degree-seeking 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.
Each of the participating universities and institutions will handle its recruitment process. Aspirant scholars will have a high chance of being selected if the following criteria are met: First, students must have an outstanding academic portfolio; secondly, a carefully planned research study. And lastly, a student must possess proven leadership qualities.
Like all other scholarship programs, its primary goal is to award-worthy students who have the potential to become ethically responsible leaders in their home countries. This particular scholarship specifically targets elite doctoral students who have the potential to contribute their research studies at the international level.
The UK government has always been outspoken and has demonstrated its support to all members of the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth Shared Commission (CSC), the one behind the scholarship program, aims to give opportunities to deserving students who are likely to become future leaders, experts, and innovators. Keeping in mind the country and the Commonwealth’s best interest, scholars are expected to maintain mutual agreements between the states while at the same time significantly contributing to the development of their respective countries.
8. GREAT Scholarships
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: £10,000 tuition fee assistance
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s, Ph.D.
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. British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Tuition fees plus stipend and other expenses
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s
The British Council has several scholarship and funding programs for international students who want to study and experience UK living. One of its coveted programs is the British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM. The organization aims to help increase the number of women involved in and pursuing careers in STEM fields. Studies have shown a low percentage of women in engineering, information and technology, mathematics, and construction.
It has collaborated with South and East Asia, South America, and Wider Europe countries. The scholarship program will grant awarded scholars financial support, including tuition fees, allowances, travel costs, and other academic expenses. Upon completing their studies, students will obtain an internationally recognized degree and have a chance to occupy high-ranking positions in their respective careers.
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 Undergraduate Award (University of Bristol)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Annual £6,500 to £13,000 tuition
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s
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 Undergraduate Award, aimed at first-time degree undergraduate students (aside from dentistry, medicine, and veterinary science students).
The funding amount for this undergraduate program ranges from £6,500 to £13,000 a year, which can only be used to pay tuition fees and living expenses. Students who have applied for the program will also be eligible for other scholarships offered at the university. If a student is not selected, the institute’s deciding body can consider deserving students and grant them other awards instead.
12. Humanitarian Scholarship (University of Manchester)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Fully funded tuition, visa fees, and other living expenses
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s
The Humanitarian Scholarship is one of the select scholarships and funding offered at the University of Manchester. It is awarded to international students who have been displaced due to ongoing war conflicts and whose lives are endangered in their home countries. The program was initially launched to give students opportunities to pursue higher education at a world-class university and help them transform their lives for a better future.
It offers several; spots for most of the academic disciplines offered except for the medical, dental, nursing, and architectural fields, the scholarship is open to various full-time undergraduate and graduate programs.
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. Entrance Examinations and Merit Awards (Aberystwyth University)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: from £1,000 in their first year to £1,000 yearly
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s
First-time undergraduate students interested in studying at Aberystwyth University can apply for its entrance examinations and merit awards. This is an optional entrance exam, and applicants must take two exams. Depending on the exam results, selected candidates will be given one of three grants: university scholarship, merit award, or unconditional offer.
Those who have successfully passed will be given a place at the university. Scholars who receive the University Scholarship will be awarded £1,000 a yearly funding until their course completion, accommodation, and an unconditional offer. This scholarship is for successful students with the highest scores for both exams.
On the other hand, a Merit Award will grant students a total amount of £1,000 in their first year and an unconditional offer. Those who were not selected for the two mentioned grants but have demonstrated high-performing results will be unconditionally offered a guaranteed seat in the chosen study program.
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. Vice-Chancellor Global Scholarship Award (University of Reading)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: £4,000 per year
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s
Established in 1926, the University of Reading has transformed countless students. It is known to have contributed to human resources for various industry sectors, generating competent and socially responsible professionals, leaders, and innovators. The Vice-Chancellor Global Scholarship Award annually grants 100 scholarships to international undergraduate students.
The number of scholars will be distributed according to which country receives the most applications. For countries that were not specified, the institute has allocated 16 places for these candidates. Scholars of the said award will receive yearly funding of £4,000 to be deducted from their annual tuition.
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!