Are you looking for scholarships to study in the UK? One of the biggest concerns of international students is the tuition fees and living expenses while studying abroad. However, there are some scholarships in UK such as- the Chevening Scholarship, GREAT Scholarship, Commonwealth Scholarship, etc. help students cover their study costs in UK.
In this blog, we will be exploring popular UK scholarships for international students including government to university scholarships as well as other private scholarships. So, if you want to study in UK with scholarship, this blog will help you a lot.
Why Scholarships are Important for International Students to Study Abroad?
Studying in the United Kingdom can be a life-changing experience for international students, but finding financial support can be challenging. Scholarships help cover the cost of tuition and living expenses, making it more affordable for many students to study in the UK. These scholarships are especially important for students from low-income or developing countries, where the cost of studying abroad might otherwise be too high.
Types of Scholarships in UK
There are many different scholarships available in the UK for international students. The availability and requirements for these scholarships can vary depending on the university and the type of course. However, SI-UK consultants can help you find the right scholarship for your course.
- University-Specific Scholarships: Many UK universities offer scholarships specifically for international undergraduate students. These scholarships are often based on merit and can cover part or all of the tuition fees.
- Government-Funded Scholarships: The UK government and its agencies also offer scholarships to international students. Well-known government-funded scholarships include the Chevening Scholarships and the Commonwealth Scholarships.
- Private Scholarships: Private organizations, foundations, and companies also provide scholarships for international students. These scholarships are usually based on academic achievement, financial need, or both.
- Subject Scholarships: Some scholarships are available for students who want to study a specific subject, like engineering, business, or medicine.
Undergraduate Scholarships in UK for International Students
Almost all universities in the UK provide undergraduate scholarships for international students. Some of them are merit based and some are partial scholarships. However you don’t have to apply for those scholarships, you’ll get those automatically if you have applied for a course at any particular university in the UK.
Postgraduate Scholarships in UK for International Students
Some fully-funded scholarships are awarded to outstanding individuals worldwide who wish to pursue a one-year master’s degree in any field at any UK university. Such as-
- Oxbridge Scholarships
- Fulbright Scholarships
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarships
- Commonwealth Scholarships
- Chevening Scholarships, etc.
Popular Scholarships to Study in the UK in 2024
There are almost 1000+ British scholarships for international students. Some are automatic and some are merit-based. There are also some scholarships for some specific reason such as disability scholarships, Scholarships for women etc. Here we have mentioned some popular UK scholarships for international students in 2024.
- Academic excellence awards
- Access funding
- Disabled students allowance
- Further education funding
- Hardship grants
- British Chevening Scholarship
- BUTEX International Scholarship
- Commonwealth Scholarships for Developing Commonwealth Countries
- Commonwealth Masters Scholarships
- Santander Mobility Award
- Marshall Scholarships
- Rotary Scholarship
- Castle Smart Scholarship
- Scholarship for African students
- Scholarship for Chinese students
- Scholarship for Indian and Pakistani students
- South Asia Merit Scholarship in Computational Engineering Sciences
- South Asia Merit Scholarship in Leadership and Management
- South Asia Merit Scholarship in Environment and Agrifood
- South East Asia Merit Scholarship in Leadership and Management
- Santander Scholarships Programme (Masters)
- British Council IELTS Prize
- Delta Foundation Chevening Scholarship Taiwan
- High Achievement Scholarship
- Access Scholarship
- Marshall Sherfield Fellowships
- Roberto Rocca Fellowships
- Management School MBA Scholarship
- China Scholarships Council
- Fulbright Award
- Beacon Scholarship for University
- Kenya Higher Education Loans Board Loans & Scholarships
- Nigeria Birmingham Outstanding Achievement Scholarships
- Sudan Gordon Memorial College Trust Scholarships
- Care Leaver Bursary
- Army Medical Services
- Aviva Scholarship
- International Undergraduate and Postgraduate Scholarship
- Jarman Scholarship
- Loyalty Discount for graduates
- Medway Community Scholarships
- Music Performance Scholarship
- SMSAS NCUK Scholarships
- Academic Excellence Scholarships
- Jordan Kuwait Bank Business Scholarships
- India, Nigeria and Ghana Development Fund
- Academic Performance Scholarships
- Undergraduate and postgraduate Journalism Bursary
- International Travel Bursaries
- International Bursaries
- Articulation Scholarships
- China Ambassador Scholarships
- Chevening – UK Government Scholarships
- British Council India Great Scholarships (External Scholarships)
- Access Bursary
- Sports Scholarships
- International scholarships and financial help
- International Merit Scholarships
- School Awards for International Students
- Vice Chancellor’s South Asia Scholarship
- Royal Society grants
- British Council scholarships for women in STEM
- Global Wales Scholarships for International Students
- Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan
- Gen Foundation Scholarships
- Faculty Scholarships
- Funded PhD Opportunities
- GREAT Scholarships
- University of Birmingham Business School ‘African MBA Scholarship’ (Donor Scholarship)
The Amount of Scholarships to Study in UK for International Students
There are various UK scholarships for international students. Some are fully funded and some are partial scholarships. However, the amount of scholarships in the UK usually amis to cover the tuition fees or the living expenses for international students. Here we have mentioned the amount of scholarships that are highly popular in UK.
Name of University | Amount of Scholarship |
Aston University | Up to £10,000 |
Birmingham City University | £2,000 |
Coventry University | Up to £5,000 |
Cardiff Metropolitan University | £2500 |
University of Bradford | £5,000 |
University of Hertfordshire | Up to £3000 |
Ravensbourne University | £3500 |
DE Montfort University | Up to £2500 |
Bangor University | £3000 |
Heriot Watt University | £3000 |
Government Scholarships | Amount |
Chevening Scholarships | It covers the living expenses in UK such as- rent, food, personal items, phone bills, daily travel, and any course materials, etc. |
GREAT Scholarships | £10000 worth towards the tuition fees for one year of postgraduate courses |
CommonWealth Scholarships | It covers the full tuition fees as well as the living expenses in UK |
British Council scholarships for women in STEM | It covers the overall tuition fees for the STEM courses |
Requirements to get a UK Scholarship for International Students in 2024
To qualify for scholarships for international students in the UK, applicants must meet certain requirements. These requirements can vary depending on the type of scholarship and the school offering it.
- Academic requirements: Many scholarships require students to have good grades, like a minimum GPA or specific test scores. Some may also be for certain fields of study only.
- Financial need: Some scholarships are based on financial need, so applicants may need to show they are facing financial difficulties.
- Residency requirements: Some scholarships are only for UK citizens or permanent residents, while others may be open to students from different countries.
- Extracurricular activities: Many scholarships consider a student’s participation in activities outside of school, such as community service, leadership roles, or volunteering.
- Essays and personal statements: Many scholarships ask for an essay or personal statement, which helps to assess the applicant’s character, goals, and suitability for the scholarship.
- Interview: Some scholarships require an interview with the selection committee to evaluate the student’s skills, personality, and fit for the scholarship.
When to Apply for a Scholarship to Study in the UK?
You don’t have to apply for a university scholarship to study in the UK. UK universities provide an automatic scholarship that will be mentioned in your offer letter. However, if you are applying for a government scholarship, it has some process. You should check the government website for those scholarships. There should be a special deadline for the government scholarships in UK and you should submit your application at least 3-4 months before the deadline as it increases your chance to get the scholarships.
How to Apply for UK Scholarships?
To apply for a government scholarship in the UK, you must visit the university or the special scholarships website. You should check the requirements. If your eligibility matches then you can apply for the scholarships. You’ll find the application link on their website. You have to submit the required documents to the scholarship authority. You also follow the deadline. Any application exceeding the deadline will be rejected. If you are struggling with applying for a scholarship to study abroad, you can always contact AIMS Education.
Can You Get a UK Scholarship Without IELTS?
IELTS requirements to apply for a UK scholarship can be a barrier for international students. However, some universities in the UK accept international students without IELTS. However, to apply for a government scholarship in UK, you must meet the minimum English language requirements for the UK student visa.
Application Deadline for UK Scholarships for International Students
There are different deadlines for different scholarships in the UK. However, there is no specific deadline for university scholarships in UK. The application deadline for the Chevening Scholarships in UK for 2025-26 is 5 November 2024 at 12.00 (GMT). Whereas the deadline to apply for a GREAT Scholarship varies according to each institution. The deadline for the Commonwealth Scholarship is in December.
Final Words
The UK is a great choice for international students who want to study abroad for many reasons. If you’re considering studying in the UK, it’s a good idea to look for scholarships for international students before applying to universities. Scholarships can help you get into a university and also lower your tuition fees. So, if you want to study in UK or anywhere abroad you can always contact AIMS Education as we will help you to find the best university, course and scholarship opportunities for you as per your requirements.
FAQ
How can I study with a full scholarship in the UK?
Ans: There are some fully funded scholarships in UK such as- Commonwealth Scholarship, Chevening Scholarship, etc. If you are eligible, you can study in UK with those fully funded scholarships.
Which scholarship is easy to get in UK?
Ans: You don’t have to apply for a university scholarship to study in the UK. UK universities provide an automatic scholarship that will be mentioned in your offer letter.
Can I get a 100% scholarship in the UK?
Ans: Yes, if your academic qualification is very high and you’ve an outstanding IELTS score, you can get a 100% scholarship in the UK.
What is the fully funded scholarship for Bangladeshi students in the UK?
Ans: The UK government offers the prestigious Chevening Scholarships, which are fully funded and available to exceptional students from all over the world, including Bangladesh.