When planning to study in the UK as an international student, finding scholarships can significantly help manage the financial burden associated with tuition fees and living expenses. The UK offers a variety of scholarships, grants, and bursaries to international students. Here are some prominent scholarships you might consider applying for to support your studies in the UK. Keep in mind that scholarship availability can vary by country, level of study, and institution, so it’s crucial to also check specific universities’ websites for more opportunities.
Chevening Scholarships: Funded by the UK Government, Chevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding students with leadership potential. Awards are typically for a one-year Master’s degree at UK universities. They cover tuition fees, a living allowance, and flights to and from the UK.
Commonwealth Scholarships: Aimed at students from Commonwealth countries, these scholarships are intended for those who wish to pursue a Master’s or PhD in the UK. They cover tuition fees, a living allowance, and airfare to and from the UK. There are different types of Commonwealth Scholarships, including those for low and middle-income countries, distance learning, and more.
GREAT Scholarships: In partnership with UK universities, the British Council’s GREAT Scholarships offer scholarships to students from a select number of countries. Each scholarship is worth a minimum of £10,000 towards tuition fees for one-year postgraduate courses.
Marshall Scholarships: For US students, Marshall Scholarships finance young Americans of high ability to study for a graduate degree in the UK in any field of study. The scholarship covers university fees, cost of living expenses, an annual book grant, thesis grant, research and daily travel grants, and fares to and from the United States.
Rhodes Scholarships: One of the oldest international scholarship programs, the Rhodes Scholarship is for students from designated countries around the world. Rhodes Scholars study at the University of Oxford, and the scholarship covers all university and college fees, a personal stipend, and one economy class airfare to Oxford at the start of the scholarship and one economy flight back to the student’s home country at the end.
Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships: Offered by the Scottish Government in collaboration with Scottish universities, these scholarships are aimed at encouraging bright, talented, and hardworking individuals to live, work and study in Scotland. They are available to citizens of Canada, China (including Hong Kong), India, Japan, Pakistan, and the USA and offer £8000 towards tuition fees for one year of a full-time postgraduate Masters program at any of Scotland’s higher education institutions.
University-specific scholarships: Many UK universities offer their own scholarships for international students, which can range from partial fee waivers to full scholarships covering tuition and living expenses. Examples include the University of Oxford’s Clarendon Scholarships, the University of Cambridge’s Gates Cambridge Scholarships, and scholarships offered by the University of Edinburgh, Imperial College London, and the University of Manchester, among others.
To apply for a UK student visa, having a scholarship can be beneficial as it demonstrates you have the necessary funds to support your studies in the UK. Ensure you check the eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and specific requirements for each scholarship you’re interested in. Also, visit the official websites of the scholarships and the universities you are applying to for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
