UK Scholarships for International Students
The UK is home to some of the world’s top universities, but studying there can be expensive. The good news is that many UK universities and colleges offer partial scholarships that can help make your study plans more affordable.
Many of the partial scholarships in the UK are open to high-achieving international students. The UK government also provides scholarships and bursaries to international students. You can check out the UK Government website to check if you meet the eligibility criteria.
When applying for any UK partial scholarship, make sure to check the scholarship eligibility criteria carefully, and understand the application process, and note the closing date. You can also get free support from your IDP counsellor, who will guide you through your journey.
Why study in the UK with a scholarship?
The UK is one of the most popular study destinations for international students, and for a good reason. Scholarships can make a high‑quality UK education more affordable, helping you reduce your study costs while still accessing internationally recognised degrees.
Applying for a scholarship in the UK is an excellent choice. Here are some key reasons why:
International recognition: Universities in the UK are consistently ranked among the best in the world.
A variety of funding options: There are options to suit every student, from full scholarships to partial tuition exemptions.
Research opportunities: Postgraduate and doctoral research in cutting-edge fields is encouraged by several scholarships.
Networking and exposure: Scholarships often include access to events, leadership programs, and opportunities to connect with international professionals.
Types of available UK scholarships
A wide range of scholarships are offered by the UK government, academic institutions and affiliated organisations. Some of the most prominent ones include:
Government-Funded Scholarships
These scholarships are designed to assist exceptional international students, especially those pursuing postgraduate degrees. They often cover tuition fees, living expenses and travel costs, with a strong focus on academic excellence, leadership potential and long-term influence.
University-Funded Scholarships
Offered directly by UK universities, these scholarships reward academic merit and outstanding performance. They range from partial tuition fee discounts to fully funded awards and are available across undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels.
Research-Based Scholarships
Research-based scholarships support students pursuing research-intensive postgraduate degrees, particularly PhD programs. They are awarded based on academic strength and research potential and often include full tuition coverage along with research-related funding.
Commonwealth Scholarship
The Commonwealth scholarship is aimed at students from eligible Commonwealth countries. It supports postgraduate and doctoral study and usually covers tuition fees, living costs and travel expenses, with a focus on development-oriented education.
Eligibility criteria for UK scholarships
A strong academic record is the primary requirement for the majority of partial scholarships, while other considerations include your subject, level and location of choice. You may also take advantage of some partial grants by volunteering and participating in extracurricular activities.
Keep in mind that there are certain conditions for each partial award. For some, a simple application could be enough, while for others, you would need to meet a number of additional requirements. For example, you could be required to turn in written assignments in programs that emphasise research. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to get in touch with the university admission centre.
Scholarships value – how much money is available?
The amount of funding and rewards provided by different colleges varies. Specific research programs may cover full or partial tuition as well as living expenses. Government scholarships are often more competitive than those offered directly by universities, so it’s a good idea to start the application process 8–12 months before your intended intake. If you encounter any challenges, IDP counsellors are ready to guide you at every step.
What are the documents required to apply for a UK scholarship?
When applying for a scholarship, you need to have all their documents ready before submitting an application on the university’s website. Most universities require a set of standard documents from scholarship candidates, including:
Copy of your passport/ID.
Completed scholarship application form.
Proof of your language proficiency, such as the IELTS test.
Copy of your academic transcripts/diplomas.
Test scores (like SAT, ACT, GRE, GPA)
Some institutions may also require some additional documents, such as an essay and medical report.
How to apply for a scholarship in the UK?
Applying for scholarships in the UK requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Here’s how to do it:
Start your research at least eight to twelve months before your intended start date.
Make sure your chosen program, country and academic background meet the scholarship requirements.
Have all the important documents ready, such as personal statements, recommendation letters, transcripts and evidence of English proficiency.
Apply for university admission, as many scholarships require an offer letter before applying.
Before the application deadline, send all necessary data to finish your scholarship application.
Attend interviews (if necessary), as interviews are conducted by some programs, such as Rhodes and Chevening.
Wait for the results; scholarship results are usually announced three to six months before your course starts.
Top UK universities offering scholarships
We’ve listed here some of the top scholarships offered by leading UK universities to international students. Please note that this is an indicative list, and you need to speak with your IDP counsellor for details and the best available options suited to your profile. Book an appointment today.
University | Scholarship | Scholarship value (GBP) | Eligibility |
Vice-Chancellor's International Attainment Scholarship UG | Up to £2,500 | Minimum AAB or A*AA or equivalent No application necessary, automatically awarded to those who meet the criteria | |
University of Liverpool First Class Scholarship | Fee discount of up to £1000 in second and third year. | International students in non-clinical programs who achieve and maintain a First-class average (70%) | |
University of Liverpool | Vice-Chancellor's International Attainment Scholarship PG | Up to £2,500 | Obtain a first-class undergraduate degree in the United Kingdom or an equivalent credential as determined by the University of Liverpool |
MBA Bursary & International Excellence Scholarship | £4,000 for the one-year course, or £2,000 for the two-year course with placement. | The scholarships will be given out according to academic performance. Automatically applied to eligible students without a separate application or essay | |
Anglia Ruskin University | International Undergraduate & Postgraduate Scholarships | Up to £2,000 - £7,000 for undergraduate Up to £4,000 for postgraduate | No application is necessary; it is automatically awarded to those who meet the criteria |
International Community Scholarship | Up to £3,000 | The discount will be automatically applied to eligible students’ tuition fees, with no application needed | |
Aston University | Sir Adrian Cadbury Chancellor Scholarship | £10,000 | International offer holders (excludes MRes, MBA, OSPAP, and Physician Associate courses) |
International-Merit Based Scholarship | Up to £5,000 on first year tuition fees | Applicants can apply online by submitting their offer letter, a 300‑word personal statement, and a 1‑minute video introduction | |
International Merit Award | Up to £2,000 | Eligible international undergraduate and postgraduate students. The discount is usually awarded automatically when you apply for your course, with the final amount determined based on academic merit | |
UK International Scholarship | £3,000 fee discount in the first year. £2,000 fee discount for every subsequent year of study | The scholarship is awarded to undergraduate students who join Northumbria at Level 4 (the first year of an Undergraduate degree) and those who join with advanced entry to Level 5 and Level 6 | |
Global Impact Undergraduate Scholarship | Up to £5,000 each year | Get an offer to study at the University of York by April 30, 2026, whether it is unconditional or conditional (you do not have to accept the offer). Fees must be paid at the international rate (all fee assessments need to be finished by April 30, 2026) | |
Merit based Scholarships for undergraduate and master's students | Up to £4,000 | Eligible programs – BA, BSc, BEng, MA, MSc, MBA. Considered automatically (no application required). Must be an international self-funded student paying full overseas fees | |
Chancellor’s International Scholarship | Up to £3,000 for each year of study | Eligible students are considered automatically and notified after submitting final results | |
Global Gold Excellence Scholarship | Up to £3,500 for undergraduate students and up to £3,000 for postgraduate students | Students are assessed on their academic achievements, for example, undergraduates typically need A‑level grades of ABB (or an equivalent qualification), while postgraduate applicants should hold a first-class degree (or equivalent). No separate application or essay is required |
Fully funded UK scholarships for 2026
If you’re looking for full financial coverage, here are the top fully funded opportunities for the 2026 intake:
Chevening Scholarships – Covers tuition, airfare and living costs for a one-year master’s program.
Commonwealth Scholarships – Available to students from Commonwealth nations for fully funded Master's and PhD programs.
Rhodes Scholarship – Covers full tuition at Oxford, a living stipend and travel expenses.
Gates Cambridge Scholarship – Provides full funding for master’s or PhD students at Cambridge.
Clarendon Fund – Covers full tuition and living costs for Oxford postgraduate students.
The Warwick Chancellor's International – Provides a full PhD scholarship, plus maintenance support.
Edinburgh Global Research Scholarship – Covers full tuition for international PhD students.
Application tips to boost your chances
Apply these proven techniques to improve your chances of success:
Start Early: The best scholarships often have early deadlines, so plan ahead.
Get strong recommendations: Choose referees who know your abilities and achievements well.
Demonstrate impact: Explain how your studies will benefit your community or country.
Proofread carefully: Avoid grammatical errors and ensure clarity in all documents.
Customise your personal statement: Align your goals with the objectives of the scholarship.
Showcase accomplishments: Emphasise leadership roles in the community, the workplace or academia.
Finding the right scholarship and submitting a good application can be challenging; however, winning one can change your academic path. IDP can help! Our expert counsellors can guide you in choosing the right scholarship, preparing your documents, and applying to top UK universities.
FAQs
What GPA is required for scholarships in the UK?
A minimum GPA of 3.0–3.5 on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent in your nation's grading system, is required for the majority of UK scholarships. Candidates with first-class or upper-second-class degrees are frequently given preference for prestigious scholarships such as Chevening and Clarendon.
Which country gives scholarships to Kenyan students?
The United Kingdom, Canada, USA, and Australia are among the top destinations offering scholarships to Kenyan students. UK programs such as Chevening, Commonwealth and GREAT Scholarships are among the most accessible.
Can I get a scholarship with my WAEC result?
WAEC results alone are not enough for most university scholarships. However, you can use your WAEC results to apply for undergraduate admission, and once accepted, you may qualify for university-based entrance or merit scholarships.
Is Kenyan eligible for the Chevening Scholarship?
Yes, the Chevening Scholarship is open to all Kenyan students. Many Kenyans apply each year, and many are given a full scholarship to attend prestigious institutions in the UK.