Top scholarships for international students in the UK
- 10 min
- Published: 12 August 2026
- Updated: 11 August 2026
Studying in the UK can be a life-changing experience, but tuition fees and living costs can be a major concern for international students. The good news is that the UK offers a wide range of government-funded, university, and private organisation scholarships to help you manage expenses and access world-class education. From fully funded postgraduate awards to tuition fee discounts for undergraduate students, there are scholarship opportunities for almost every level of study.
In this guide, we explore some such scholarships for international students in the UK.
Why study in the UK with a scholarship?
Scholarships can help international students:
Reduce tuition fees and living expenses
Access prestigious universities and research opportunities
Build global networks and career prospects
Focus more on academics instead of financial challenges.
Many UK scholarships are merit-based, while others also consider leadership skills, extracurricular achievements, financial need, or country-specific eligibility.
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Government-funded scholarships in the UK
1. Chevening Scholarships
The Chevening scholarship is one of the UK’s most prestigious fully funded scholarship programs for international students pursuing a one-year master’s degree in the UK.
No. of scholarships
Over 1,000 scholarships are offered each year
Benefits
Full tuition fees
Economy travel to and from home country by an approved route
An arrival allowance
The cost of an entry clearance (visa) application
A departure allowance
A contribution of up to £75 for TB testing, where this is required
A travel top-up allowance
A monthly personal living allowance (stipend) to cover accommodation and living expenses. However, the amount will depend on whether you are studying inside or outside London.
Timeline
Start date: August 4, 2026 (11: UTC)
End date: October 6, 2026 (11:00 UTC)
Eligibility
Hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies you for a UK master's program, completed at least two years before the application deadline.
Have at least 2800 hours (roughly two years) of work experience after completing undergraduate studies.
Type of work experience: Full time, part-time, voluntary, paid or unpaid internships.
Must return to home country after scholarship ends for at least 2 years.
Must have applied for three different and eligible UK university courses and have received an unconditional offer for at least one of these courses by the application deadline.
2. GREAT Scholarships
The British Council, the UK government's GREAT Britain Campaign, and the participating UK universities jointly offer the GREAT Scholarships.
No. of scholarships
Over 140 scholarships are offered every year.
Scholarship value
Minimum £10,000 towards tuition fees for postgraduate study
Key points
Over 60 UK universities across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland participate in the program.
In the academic year 2026-27, these universities are offering over 140 scholarships.
Timeline
Deadlines vary by university, as international students have to apply to the participating university portal directly.
Eligibility
Must hold an undergraduate degree
Must pursue one-year Master’s degrees in the UK.
Meet the specific English language requirements of your chosen university
Be a citizen of any of the 18 selected countries
3. Commonwealth Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) provides scholarships and fellowships to students and professionals from eligible Commonwealth countries for Master’s and PhD study in the UK. It is a joint initiative funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and UK universities.
Key scholarship types
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships
Commonwealth Professional Fellowships
Common benefits
Full tuition fee coverage (where applicable)
Return airfare between the home country and the UK
Monthly living allowance (stipend)
Additional financial support for applicants with disabilities
Common eligibility
Be a citizen of, or have refugee status in, an eligible Commonwealth country (some scholarships also accept British Protected Persons).
Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
Demonstrate financial need and be unable to afford studying in the UK without the scholarship.
Submit all required supporting documents.
Meet the academic or professional requirements of the specific scholarship.
Specific criteria and benefits
Scholarship | Additional eligibility | Additional benefits |
|---|---|---|
Commonwealth Master's Scholarships | •Hold a first degree with at least upper second-class (2:1) honours, or a lower second-class degree with a relevant postgraduate qualification | • Warm clothing allowance • Study travel grant • Child allowance for eligible single parents |
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships | • Not already registered for a PhD or MPhil leading to a PhD in the UK or home country | • Warm clothing allowance • Study travel grant • Overseas fieldwork funding • Mid-term return airfare (where eligible) • Spouse and child allowances |
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships | • Hold a first degree with at least upper second-class (2:1) honours, or a lower second-class degree with a relevant postgraduate qualification • Must not have studied or worked in a high-income country for more than one academic year | • Warm clothing allowance • Thesis/ dissertation grant • Study travel grant • Contribution towards mandatory TB testing • Child allowance for eligible single parents |
Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships | • Be permanently resident in a developing Commonwealth country • Hold at least an upper second-class (2:1) degree (or relevant professional experience where accepted) | • Tuition fees • Study grants (where required) |
Commonwealth Professional Fellowships | • Minimum five years of relevant work experience • Employed at the time of application and returning to the same employer after the fellowship • Two references (including one from current employer) • Must not have received a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship in the previous five years • Must apply for professional development, not academic study or research | • Visa application fee reimbursement • Arrival allowance • Funding for approved conferences, short courses and visits to UK organisations |
University scholarships for international students in the UK
1. University of Leeds – International Excellence Scholarships
The University of Leeds International Excellence Scholarships recognise and reward outstanding international students applying for undergraduate or taught Master's programs.
No. of scholarships
Up to 500 scholarships each year
Scholarship benefits
A tuition fee discount of either:
£3,000
£6,000
£16,000
The scholarship is applied to the first year's tuition fees.
Eligibility
Be classified as an international student for tuition fee purposes.
Hold a conditional or unconditional offer for an eligible undergraduate or taught Master's course
Be self-funded or partially funded.
Demonstrate an excellent academic record.
Show strong personal or professional achievements through extracurricular activities and/or work experience.
Explain how studying at the University of Leeds aligns with their future goals.
Students studying the International Year One program at the Leeds International Study Centre are not eligible.
2. University of Leicester – Citizens of Change Scholarship
The International Citizens of Change Scholarship recognises international students who contribute to creating positive change in their communities. University of Leicester offers this scholarship to students applying to undergraduate programs for the September intake.
No. of scholarships
10 scholarships each year
Scholarship benefits
A £10,000 tuition fee discount per year for up to three years, subject to the duration of the eligible undergraduate program.
Eligibility
Be an international student for tuition fee purposes.
Have selected the University of Leicester as their firm choice for a full-time undergraduate program at its UK campus, starting in September.
Meet all the conditions of their admission offer by the required deadline.
3. University of Southampton – Presidential Bursaries
The Southampton Presidential Bursaries support outstanding international students pursuing a PhD at the University of Southampton. Eligible applicants are nominated by their faculty, which then submits the bursary application on their behalf.
Scholarship value
Covers the difference between the UK and international tuition fee rates.
Eligibility
Have accepted an offer for a PhD program starting between 1 August 2026 and 31 January 2027.
Hold a first-class undergraduate degree or an international equivalent.
4. University of Kent – Kent International Scholarships
The Kent International Scholarships support international students pursuing undergraduate and taught Master's programs at the University of Kent. These scholarships recognise talented students from around the world and provide financial support through a tuition fee waiver.
Scholarship benefits
Undergraduate students: £3,000 tuition fee waiver in the first stage of the degree and £2,000 in the second stage. Students on a one-year program receive only the £3,000 waiver.
Postgraduate taught students: £5,000 tuition fee waiver.
Eligibility
Be an international student eligible for tuition fee purposes.
Meet the scholarship-specific eligibility criteria.
5. University of Bristol – Think Big Scholarships
The Think Big Scholarship is a flagship scholarship program of the University of Bristol for international students applying for eligible undergraduate or taught Master's programs at the university.
Eligibility
Be classified as an overseas student for tuition fee purposes.
Scholarship benefits
Program | Scholarship value |
|---|---|
Undergraduate | £6,500 or £13,000 per year for up to four years |
Postgraduate | £6,500, £13,000 or £26,000 for the first year of study |
Additional benefit for postgraduate students
Eligible for the Think Big Career Accelerator, a year-long employability program that includes a £3,000 scholarship.
How to apply
Applicants only need to submit one scholarship application. The University of Bristol will automatically consider eligible applicants for all Think Big scholarships and partner-funded scholarships for which they meet the eligibility criteria.
Third-party scholarships
1. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship – University of Cambridge
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the world's most prestigious postgraduate scholarships. It was established in 2000 through a US$210 million donation from the Gates Foundation to the University of Cambridge to help outstanding international students pursue postgraduate study.
No. of scholarships
Around 80 full-cost scholarships are awarded each year. Approximately two-thirds are reserved for PhD students.
Eligibility
Outstanding intellectual ability
Reasons for choosing their course
Commitment to improving the lives of others
Leadership potential
Scholarship benefits
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers the full cost of studying at the University of Cambridge.
Core funding | Additional funding (where applicable) | Not covered |
|---|---|---|
University Composition Fee. Maintenance allowance (£22,050 for 12 months at the 2025-26 rate; pro rata for shorter courses). Economy airfare to and from the UK. Visa application costs. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). | Academic development funding to attend conferences or training courses. Dependent child allowance. Fieldwork support for eligible PhD students. Maternity or paternity funding. Hardship funding for unforeseen financial difficulties. | Bench fees. Scientific equipment or similar academic resources. |
2. Felix Scholarship
The Felix Scholarship supports academically outstanding but financially disadvantaged students from India and selected developing countries to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK. Established in 1991, the scholarship aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to contribute to the development of their home countries.
Currently, Felix Scholarships are offered at:
Eligibility
Be an academically outstanding and financially disadvantaged student.
Be an Indian national with a first-class Bachelor's degree from a recognised Indian university or an equivalent institution, or
Be a national of an eligible developing country (excluding EEA countries) with a first-class Bachelor's degree and be recommended by their chosen university.
Meet the admission requirements of the participating university.
Demonstrate financial need.
Scholarship benefits
100% tuition fee coverage
Annual living allowance (approximately £17,000–£19,000)
Return economy airfare between the home country and the UK
Allowances for books, clothing, and study materials (where applicable)
Award duration
Up to 1–2 years for most Master's programs
Up to 3 years for eligible DPhil/PhD programs (subject to the participating university's terms)
How to apply for UK scholarships
Applying early can significantly improve your chances of receiving a scholarship. Here are a few tips:
Start your research early
Many scholarship applications open almost a year before the course begins. Create a shortlist and track deadlines carefully.
Check eligibility criteria
Requirements may include:
Academic scores
English language proficiency
Leadership experience
Personal statements
Recommendation letters
Prepare your documents
Commonly required documents include:
Academic transcripts
Statement of purpose
CV/resume
Passport copy
English test scores such as IELTS
Apply directly through official websites
Always apply through official university or scholarship portals to avoid scams.
Final thoughts
The UK remains one of the most popular study destinations for international students because of its globally recognised universities, multicultural environment, and strong career opportunities. Scholarships can make studying in the UK more affordable and accessible for deserving students from around the world.
Talk to an IDP counsellor today for free to start your UK journey. Learn about scholarship options and how to crack them, courses and universities that best suit you and prepare your applications with expert guidance.
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