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.