Studying in the UK can be expensive, especially for international students who have to consider tuition fees, accommodation, food, transportation and other living costs. The good news is that there are many best UK scholarships for international students that can make a UK education more affordable.
These scholarships come from different sources, including the UK Government, universities, international organisations and other funding bodies. Some provide full financial support, while others contribute towards tuition fees or other study costs.
The important thing is to understand what each scholarship offers before applying.
A scholarship that covers your full tuition is very different from one that provides a £10,000 tuition award. Likewise, a scholarship designed for a one-year master’s degree may not be suitable for someone looking for undergraduate or PhD funding.
This guide brings together some of the major UK scholarship opportunities international students should know about. It covers fully funded scholarships as well as significant university and government-backed awards.
Because scholarship availability, eligibility requirements and deadlines can change, always confirm the latest information with the official provider before submitting an application.
Why Consider a UK Scholarship?
The UK has universities with strong international reputations across fields such as business, engineering, medicine, social sciences, law, technology and the arts.
For international students, however, the cost of studying can be a major barrier.
A scholarship can reduce that financial burden in several ways.
Depending on the award, you may receive:
- Full or partial tuition fee support
- A living-cost allowance
- Travel support
- Research funding
- Study-related grants
- Other financial assistance
Some scholarships are highly competitive and may receive applications from talented students around the world.
That does not mean you should avoid applying.
It means you should focus on scholarships that genuinely match your academic background, nationality, study level, course and future plans.
Before applying for scholarships, it is useful to understand the cost of studying in the UK so you can calculate how much funding you actually need.
Types of UK Scholarships for International Students
Not all scholarships provide the same level of financial support.
Before applying, it helps to understand the main categories.
1. Fully Funded Scholarships
Fully funded scholarships are designed to provide substantial financial support and may cover tuition fees together with living expenses and other approved costs.
Examples include major programmes such as Chevening, Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships, Gates Cambridge and Clarendon.
However, the exact funding package varies between programmes.
Always read the official terms rather than assuming that the phrase “fully funded” means every possible expense will be paid.
If you want a detailed explanation of fully funded opportunities, see our dedicated guide to fully funded scholarships in UK for international students.
2. Partially Funded Scholarships
Partially funded scholarships provide financial assistance without necessarily covering the full cost of studying.
They may offer:
- A tuition fee reduction
- A fixed scholarship amount
- A contribution towards living costs
- A combination of different forms of support
These awards can still be valuable, particularly when combined with personal savings, other funding or additional scholarships.
3. University Scholarships
Many UK universities offer their own scholarships to international students.
These can be based on:
- Academic achievement
- Nationality
- Course
- Leadership
- Financial need
- Research potential
- Professional experience
University scholarships are particularly important because some opportunities are advertised only through individual universities or academic departments.
If you have not yet decided where you want to study, our guide to the best universities in the UK for international students can help you compare your options.
4. Government-Backed Scholarships
The UK Government supports major international scholarship programmes, including Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships.
These tend to be highly competitive and often have specific eligibility requirements.
Best UK Scholarships for International Students
There is no single scholarship that is best for everyone.
The right opportunity depends on your study level, nationality, academic record, course and career goals.
Some of the Best UK scholarships For International Students
1. Chevening Scholarships
Chevening is one of the UK’s best-known international scholarship programmes.
It is funded by the UK Government and supports eligible future leaders who want to study a one-year master’s degree in the UK.
Chevening is particularly attractive because successful scholars receive substantial financial support and become part of a global alumni network.
What can Chevening cover?
The scholarship package includes major costs such as:
- Tuition fees
- A monthly living allowance
- Travel to and from the UK
- Certain additional allowances and approved costs
The exact terms should always be checked for the relevant application cycle.
Who is Chevening suitable for?
Chevening is designed for applicants who can demonstrate qualities such as:
- Leadership
- Professional experience
- Strong academic preparation
- A clear career direction
- The potential to contribute to their home country or wider community
Applicants should also carefully check the current nationality, work-experience, university and course requirements.
Current application cycle
The 2027/2028 Chevening application cycle opened on 4 August 2026 and is scheduled to close at 11:00 UTC on 6 October 2026.
The selection process continues into 2027, with successful scholars expected to begin their studies in September or October 2027.
Because deadlines and requirements can change, applicants should always confirm the current timeline before applying.
2. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships provide funding for eligible students from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries who want to undertake full-time taught master’s study in the UK.
The programme is particularly focused on candidates who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK and whose proposed studies relate to sustainable development.
What can the scholarship cover?
Depending on the programme terms, support can include:
- Approved tuition fees
- Airfare
- Monthly living allowance
- Certain study or research-related allowances
- Other approved support
The exact benefits should be checked against the current scholarship conditions.
Who can apply?
Eligibility is restricted to citizens or qualifying residents of eligible Commonwealth countries.
Applicants also need to meet academic and financial requirements and demonstrate how their proposed studies can contribute to development.
For the 2027/2028 academic year, Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship applications are scheduled to open on 8 September 2026 and close at 16:00 BST on 20 October 2026.
Applicants should also check their nominating agency because agencies may set earlier deadlines or additional requirements.
3. Gates Cambridge Scholarship
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the most prestigious funding opportunities available to international students at the University of Cambridge.
It supports exceptional international applicants pursuing eligible postgraduate study at Cambridge.
The scholarship is particularly competitive and looks beyond academic performance.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate qualities such as intellectual ability, leadership potential, a commitment to improving the lives of others and a strong fit with the programme.
What does Gates Cambridge cover?
The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, with the main award covering the University Composition Fee and providing a maintenance allowance.
Additional funding may also be available for certain approved academic and personal circumstances.
Because the eligibility requirements and application deadlines depend on the course and applicant category, prospective students should check the official Gates Cambridge information and the relevant Cambridge course deadline.
4. Clarendon Scholarships at Oxford
Clarendon is one of the University of Oxford’s major graduate scholarship programmes.
It provides fully funded scholarships for outstanding graduate students across a wide range of subjects.
Clarendon is open to international applicants as well as applicants from the UK and other fee-status categories.
What does Clarendon cover?
For eligible full-time scholars, Clarendon covers course fees and provides an annual grant for living expenses.
Oxford states that applicants who apply for an eligible graduate course by the relevant December or January funding deadline are automatically considered.
There is no separate Clarendon scholarship application.
This makes it particularly important to research your Oxford course deadline carefully.
5. GREAT Scholarships
GREAT Scholarships are a major UK scholarship programme delivered through partnerships between the British Council, the GREAT Britain Campaign and participating UK universities.
Unlike Chevening or Clarendon, GREAT Scholarships are generally not fully funded.
For the 2026/2027 academic year, the programme offers more than 140 scholarships through more than 60 universities across the UK.
Many awards are worth £10,000 towards tuition fees for eligible one-year taught postgraduate courses.
Who can apply?
Eligibility varies according to the university and country.
For example, participating universities may offer GREAT Scholarships to students from countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Kenya, China and several others.
The eligible countries and courses differ between institutions.
This means you should search the official GREAT Scholarship listings and then check the participating university’s own requirements.
6. University of Edinburgh Scholarships
The University of Edinburgh offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities for international students.
These opportunities vary by:
- Study level
- College
- Subject
- Nationality
- Academic programme
- Funding scheme
Some awards provide partial tuition support, while others may offer different forms of financial assistance.
The University maintains dedicated funding information for international students, so applicants should search according to their course and study level rather than assuming that one scholarship applies to every international applicant.
7. University of Bristol Think Big Scholarships
The University of Bristol offers Think Big scholarships for eligible international students.
These scholarships are available across selected undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, although the amount and eligibility conditions depend on the specific award.
Think Big should not automatically be treated as a fully funded scholarship.
Instead, applicants should check the value of the award and compare it with the total tuition and living costs of their chosen programme.
The university also provides information about other international scholarships and funding opportunities, making its funding search useful for students who are not eligible for Think Big.
UK Scholarships by Study Level
One of the easiest ways to narrow your scholarship search is to start with your intended level of study.
1. Undergraduate Scholarships
International undergraduate students can find scholarships through individual UK universities and selected external funding programmes.
These awards are often more limited than postgraduate funding, so students should start researching university-specific opportunities early.
Check:
- The university’s international scholarship page
- Your specific course page
- Faculty or department funding
- Country-specific awards
2. Master’s Scholarships
There are considerably more well-known international funding opportunities at master’s level.
Examples include:
- Chevening
- Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
- GREAT Scholarships
- University-specific awards
- Oxford Clarendon
- Cambridge funding opportunities
The eligibility requirements vary significantly, so do not assume that qualifying for one master’s scholarship means you qualify for another.
3. PhD Scholarships
PhD funding is often organised differently from taught-course scholarships.
International students should look for:
- University studentships
- Research project funding
- Doctoral training programmes
- Departmental scholarships
- Research council-related funding
- Supervisor-funded projects
One important point is to check whether a PhD studentship covers the full international tuition fee or only the equivalent home-fee rate.
This can make a significant difference to your total cost.
How to Choose the Right UK Scholarship
Applying for every scholarship you find is rarely the best strategy.
Instead, create a shortlist based on your actual profile.
Check the following:
1. Your nationality
Some scholarships are restricted to specific countries or regions.
2. Your study level
Make sure the award is designed for undergraduate, master’s or PhD applicants as appropriate.
3. Your course
Some scholarships are open to many subjects, while others are restricted to specific fields.
4. Funding level
Find out whether the scholarship covers full tuition, partial tuition, living expenses or another combination of costs.
5. Deadline
Check the current deadline rather than relying on a previous year’s date.
6. Admission requirements
Some scholarships require a university offer, while others allow you to apply for funding before receiving a final admission decision.
7. Additional conditions
Look for requirements involving work experience, leadership, nationality, academic results, return-home obligations or other conditions.
A scholarship is only useful if you are actually eligible to receive it.
Your intended course can also affect the scholarships available to you, so it is worth researching the best courses to study in the UK before choosing a programme.
How to Find More UK Scholarships
Don’t limit your search to Google results or scholarship-list websites.
Start with the universities you are interested in.
Search their official websites for:
- International scholarships
- Postgraduate funding
- Undergraduate scholarships
- PhD studentships
- Research funding
- Departmental scholarships
- Country-specific awards
You can also search official scholarship providers directly.
This approach is often more reliable than relying on a third-party scholarship list that may contain expired opportunities.
When you find a scholarship, check three things before applying:
Who provides it?
What exactly does it cover?
Is the information current?
If the scholarship page does not clearly answer those questions, investigate further before spending time on the application.
Common Mistakes International Students Make
1. Applying Without Checking Eligibility
A scholarship may look attractive but still be unavailable to you because of your nationality, degree level, course or other requirements.
Always check eligibility first.
2. Assuming Every Scholarship Is Fully Funded
A scholarship worth £10,000 is valuable, but it does not necessarily cover the full cost of studying in the UK.
Look at the complete funding package.
3. Using Old Scholarship Information
Scholarship deadlines, eligible countries and course lists can change.
Information from a previous application cycle should not be treated as confirmation of the current cycle.
4. Waiting Until the Deadline
Some applications require transcripts, references, admission offers or other documents.
Starting early gives you more time to deal with unexpected problems.
5. Ignoring University-Specific Funding
Many students search only for famous government scholarships and overlook funding offered directly by universities.
This can cause them to miss opportunities that may fit their profile better.
6. Applying for Scholarships That Don’t Match Your Profile
A large number of applications does not necessarily mean a better chance of success.
A smaller list of well-matched scholarships can be a more effective strategy.
Can International Students Apply for More Than One UK Scholarship?
Yes, you can generally apply for multiple scholarships if you meet their individual eligibility requirements.
However, applying for several scholarships does not mean you can automatically accept several awards.
Some providers have rules concerning other sources of funding or simultaneous scholarships.
Read the terms before accepting more than one award.
Do You Need IELTS for UK Scholarships?
There is no single IELTS rule that applies to every UK scholarship.
The scholarship provider may have one set of requirements, while the university and your chosen course may have another.
Some universities accept alternative English-language tests or allow exemptions in certain circumstances.
Therefore, check both the scholarship requirements and the English-language requirements of your chosen university.
If you specifically want to explore how to study in the UK without IELTS, see our dedicated guide to studying in the UK without IELTS.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best UK Scholarships for International Students
What are the best UK scholarships for international students?
There is no single best scholarship for everyone. Chevening, Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships, Gates Cambridge and Clarendon are among the major opportunities, while programmes such as GREAT and university-specific scholarships can also provide valuable financial support.
Which UK scholarships are fully funded?
Some major fully funded opportunities include Chevening, Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships, Gates Cambridge and Clarendon. However, the exact funding package varies, so always check the current official terms.
Are there UK scholarships for undergraduate international students?
Yes. Many UK universities offer scholarships for international undergraduate students, although the availability and value of awards vary considerably by university and course.
Are there scholarships for international master’s students?
Yes. Master’s students have access to major programmes such as Chevening, Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships and GREAT Scholarships, as well as many university-specific awards.
Are there fully funded PhD scholarships in the UK?
Yes. International students can find funded PhD opportunities through universities, research projects, doctoral programmes and other funding schemes. Always check whether the award covers the full international tuition fee.
Can I get a UK scholarship without IELTS?
Possibly. Some universities accept other forms of English-language evidence or allow exemptions, but the rules depend on the institution and course.
When should I start applying for UK scholarships?
Start as early as possible. Major scholarships can have deadlines many months before the academic year begins, and some require documents or university applications that take time to prepare.
Are UK scholarships difficult to get?
Some are extremely competitive, particularly major government and university scholarships. However, competition should not stop you from applying when you meet the requirements and can present a strong application.
Can I apply for a scholarship before getting university admission?
It depends on the scholarship. Some allow you to apply before receiving a final university offer, while others require an offer or have specific admission conditions.
Always follow the instructions for the particular scholarship.
Final Thoughts on the Best UK Scholarships for International Students
The best UK scholarships for international students are not necessarily the scholarships with the biggest names or the largest advertised amounts.
The best scholarship for you is the one that matches your nationality, study level, academic background, course and financial needs.
Start by identifying the type of funding you need.
If you are planning to study in the UK, you should also understand the UK Student visa financial requirements before making your final financial plan.
If you need comprehensive financial support, concentrate on fully funded opportunities and carefully check what each award actually covers.
If you can contribute towards your education yourself, do not ignore partially funded university scholarships. A substantial tuition award can still make studying in the UK much more affordable.
Most importantly, do not rely on old scholarship information.
Deadlines, eligible countries, courses and funding packages can change from one application cycle to another.
Before applying, always confirm the latest requirements directly with the scholarship provider or university.
And if you are specifically looking for opportunities that cover the major costs of studying in the UK, our guide to fully funded scholarships in UK for international students is the next place to look.
Official Scholarship Websites and Resources
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
Clarendon Scholarships — Oxford
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