UKuni

Scholarships & Funding

International Students

Discover funding opportunities to make your UK education more affordable. From full scholarships to partial awards, explore your options.

£50M+
Annual scholarship funding
100+
Major schemes available
130+
Universities with awards
12-18mo
Start researching early

Major Government Scholarships

These prestigious, fully-funded scholarships are highly competitive but life-changing if awarded.

🏛️

Chevening Scholarships

Masters only

Full fundingCompetition: Very High

The UK government's flagship scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Coverage

Tuition, living costs, flights, visa

Eligibility

Outstanding emerging leaders160+ countries

Requirements:

  • 2+ years work experience
  • Return to home country for 2 years after
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Strong leadership potential
Deadline: November (varies by country)Visit chevening.org
🌍

Commonwealth Scholarships

Masters & PhD

Full fundingCompetition: Very High

For students from Commonwealth countries who cannot afford to study in the UK.

Coverage

Tuition, living, flights, thesis grant

Eligibility

Commonwealth country citizensCommonwealth nations

Requirements:

  • From a Commonwealth country
  • First degree of at least upper second class
  • Unable to afford study without scholarship
  • Meet course requirements
Deadline: October-DecemberVisit cscuk.org.uk
🇬🇧

GREAT Scholarships

Masters

£10,000Competition: High

Joint initiative between the British Council and UK universities offering partial scholarships.

Coverage

Towards tuition fees

Eligibility

Students from specific countriesSelected countries only

Requirements:

  • From eligible country
  • Meet university requirements
  • Not previously studied in UK
  • Apply through specific university
Deadline: Varies by universityVisit study-uk.britishcouncil.org
📚

Rhodes Scholarships

Postgraduate at Oxford

Full fundingCompetition: Extremely High

The oldest and most prestigious international scholarship, established in 1903 for study at Oxford.

Coverage

All expenses + stipend

Eligibility

Exceptional studentsSelected countries

Requirements:

  • Outstanding academic achievement
  • Integrity of character
  • Spirit of leadership
  • Energy to use talents to the full
Deadline: August-OctoberVisit rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk

University Scholarships

Most UK universities offer their own scholarships for international students.

Full Scholarship

100% tuition
Very rare
Chancellor's ScholarshipsGates CambridgeClarendon (Oxford)

💡 Usually for exceptional academic achievement or specific programmes

Major Scholarship

50-75% tuition
Limited
International Excellence AwardsVice-Chancellor ScholarshipsFaculty Awards

💡 Often requires strong academics (e.g., 3.8+ GPA or equivalent)

Partial Scholarship

£2,000-£10,000
Common
International Merit ScholarshipsRegional AwardsEarly Bird Discounts

💡 Most universities offer these - apply early and highlight achievements

Fee Reduction

10-20% discount
Widely available
Alumni discountPartner institution discountAgent referral

💡 Ask about these - they're often automatic or easy to qualify for

Country-Specific Scholarships

Many scholarships are targeted at students from specific countries or regions.

🇮🇳 India

  • GREAT India Scholarships
  • Charles Wallace India Trust
  • Felix Scholarships
  • British Council IELTS Prize

🇨🇳 China

  • GREAT China Scholarships
  • Sino-UK Education Fund
  • China Scholarship Council
  • Jardine Scholarships

🇳🇬 Nigeria

  • GREAT Nigeria Scholarships
  • Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
  • MTN Foundation
  • PTDF Scholarships

🇵🇰 Pakistan

  • GREAT Pakistan Scholarships
  • Chevening Pakistan
  • HEC Scholarships
  • Commonwealth Scholarships

🇧🇩 Bangladesh

  • GREAT Bangladesh Scholarships
  • Commonwealth Scholarships
  • ADB-Japan Scholarship
  • British Council Scholarships

🇻🇳 Vietnam

  • GREAT Vietnam Scholarships
  • Chevening Vietnam
  • VEF Fellowship
  • Erasmus+

📅 Scholarship Timeline

Plan your scholarship applications with this timeline.

1
August-September

Research scholarships; create tracking spreadsheet

2
October-November

Apply for Chevening, Commonwealth (if eligible)

3
November-January

University-specific scholarships open

4
January-March

Most university scholarship deadlines

5
March-May

Notification of major government scholarships

6
May-July

University scholarship offers confirmed

💡 Application Tips

Maximize your chances of securing scholarship funding.

Start Early

Many scholarships open 12-18 months before the course starts. Set reminders for deadlines.

📝

Apply Broadly

Apply to multiple scholarships - even small ones add up. Don't put all eggs in one basket.

🎯

Tailor Each Application

Customize your application for each scholarship. Show you understand their values and mission.

👑

Highlight Leadership

Most scholarships look for leadership potential and community impact, not just grades.

✉️

Get Strong References

Choose referees who know you well and can speak specifically about your achievements.

Proofread Everything

Errors suggest carelessness. Have multiple people review your application.

UK University Scholarships 2025 | Funding for International Students | UKuni | UKuni