UK universities are among the best in the world, have flexible study plans, are connected to many industries, have famous alumni, and degrees that are recognised internationally.
However, getting into a UK university is an achievement in itself. Many find themselves unable to afford the cost of admission, especially if they are international students looking to move to England to study.
For them, a scholarship could be an option.
Why look for a scholarship in the UK?
Still not convinced? Here are a few of the ways UK degrees stand out:
- The UK government has strict quality standards for education facilities.
- No career opportunities are denied to you on the basis of education.
- It is an investment not only for your future, but every aspect of your life.
- Many scientific breakthroughs are made in the UK – such as the Covid vaccine at Oxford.
- The degrees are recognised by all countries around the world.
- You will create a network of invaluable acquaintances while you study.
- You can develop your understanding of the English language and culture.
- Many cities, such as London, Birmingham and Manchester are famously multicultural.
- Compared to similarly expensive education, the UK stands at the very top.
The QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) Graduate Employability Rankings are the results of a global survey, finding out which universities product the most employable graduates. The UK is consistently in the top 10 every year.
How to get a UK scholarship
While partial scholarships can be given to exceptional students, full scholarships are a bit trickier to find.
To obtain a full scholarship, you will need to be sponsored by another person or organisation. There are many different circumstances and requirements for obtaining one.
Below you can find a list of useful resources to explore.
For Home Students
Besides Student Finance and postgraduate loans, which are available to all UK residents and settled/pre-settled EU nationals, there are a number of other grants, allowances, and even scholarships available. However, these are usually restricted to people within a certain demographic, such as students from low-income households.
We have compiled a list of scholarship providers and other resources below. It is also worth checking for scholarships provided by individual universities rather than larger organisations, such as Oxford and Cambridge. We have an extended list of university-specific scholarships at the bottom of the page.
Additionally, you should check UCAS for opportunities.
International undergraduates
Undergraduate scholarships and financial help for students from the EU and other countries are not as widespread as they are for postgraduate studies. However, they are available if you know where to search.
Funding for undergraduate students from the EU and other countries in the UK can be put into two groups: some are given by UK universities, and others are provided by outside groups, like your home country's government or organizations.
The very first thing to do should be to check the UK Council for International Student Affairs – it is the first point of access for information on all kinds of funding. They do not provide scholarships themselves but it is an up-to-date repository of information on where you can find undergraduate scholarships in the UK.
After you have checked UKCISA, your next step should be UCAS, which can be
International postgraduates
A.S. Hornby Trust Scholarship
Scholarships to improve the English language proficiency of teachers who teach English. The Hornby Educational Trust focuses on strengthening English language teaching in countries with lower and middle incomes.
It grants scholarships for Master's degrees to teachers and professionals who have experience and show the potential to make a positive impact on the field of teaching and learning English.
British Council scholarships for women in STEM
The Women in STEM scholarships give women scientists from eligible countries a chance to keep learning in STEM. They get a full scholarship for one year to finish a master's degree at a university in the UK.
Chevening Scholarships
Of all the scholarships for international students in the UK, Chevening is one of the best and hardest to get. With Chevening, you can get a full scholarship for a master's degree. It's also a special opportunity for future leaders and important people to build a strong connection with the UK that will help them in their careers for a long time.
Every person who applies goes through a tough selection process. The best candidates are picked by British embassies and high commissions all over the world. If you're a determined future leader and want a postgraduate opportunity that will prepare you really well for success, then you might want to consider applying for a Chevening Scholarship.
Commonwealth Scholarships
Commonwealth Scholarships are for students from countries in the Commonwealth who might not have enough money to study in the UK. To get a Commonwealth Scholarship, you need to be a citizen or permanent resident of a Commonwealth country. If you're a refugee or a British protected person, you can apply too.
You also need to have done well in your undergraduate degree, with at least an upper second-class grade (2:1). If you want to do a PhD, you also need a suitable master's degree. Lastly, you have to show that you can't afford to study in the UK without the scholarship.
GREAT Scholarships
Scholarships to improve the English language proficiency of teachers who teach English. The Hornby Educational Trust focuses on strengthening English language teaching in countries with lower and middle incomes.
It grants scholarships for Master's degrees to teachers and professionals who have experience and show the potential to make a positive impact on the field of teaching and learning English.
Global Wales Scholarships for International Students
Scholarships to improve the English language proficiency of teachers who teach English. The Hornby Educational Trust focuses on strengthening English language teaching in countries with lower and middle incomes.
It grants scholarships for Master's degrees to teachers and professionals who have experience and show the potential to make a positive impact on the field of teaching and learning English.
Society of Woman Engineers
SWE Scholarships help women who are studying in engineering, engineering technology, or related fields that are accredited by ABET. This helps them prepare for careers in engineering and similar areas.
University-specific
As mentioned above, it is also worth checking the websites of individual universities, as many of them provide their own scholarships for both home and international students. We have highlighted some of the most popular UK universities below.