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UK Scholarships for International Students 2026–2027

From fully funded Chevening and Commonwealth awards to university bursaries worth thousands, see UK scholarship amounts, eligibility and deadlines.

byDevi Mukherjee
13th Oct 2026
10 mins read
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Key Takeaways

What you'll learn in this article

UK tuition fees range from £10,000 to £38,000+ annually, with specialised programmes like Medicine and MBA reaching up to £65,000+.
Fully funded scholarships such as Chevening, Commonwealth, and Reach Oxford cover tuition, living allowances, and travel costs for eligible postgraduate and undergraduate students.
Merit-based scholarships offer £5,000–£10,000 annually, whilst automatic regional awards provide £2,000–£3,000 with low competition.
Chevening Scholarship requires 2+ years of work experience and removed its standalone English language requirement in 2020.
Reach Oxford Scholarship is reserved for undergraduate students from Official Development Assistance (ODA) eligible countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Application deadlines vary significantly: Chevening closes in early November, Commonwealth in late December, and Rhodes between July and October.
Fully funded MBBS scholarships are extremely rare; international medical students should prepare for at least 50% self-funding.

Studying in the UK can cost you anywhere from £22,000 to £50,000+ per year for total tuition and living expenses, depending on the course, university, and location. Tuition fees often range from £10,000 to £38,000+ annually, with specialised subjects like Medicine (MBBS) and MBA programmes reaching up to £65,000+. However, with proper planning, your UK education dream can be reasonably priced.

As an international student, you are eligible to apply for a variety of scholarships to study in UK universities and colleges. Depending on the requirements, course, and institution, these scholarships may fully or partially support a student. In addition, a wide range of public universities and private educational institutions, including the UK government, provide scholarships and grants. These grants are intended to assist deserving students in covering the cost of their education.

Let us carefully review the eligibility requirements and application deadlines before applying for these UK scholarships for international students, plus a counsellor’s real examples of scholarships secured by students through a video and a case study.

Secure UK scholarships and expert guidance for your 2026 application

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Watch How Hitha Landed a 50% Tuition Scholarship in UK

From Bangalore to the University of Warwick, Hitha shares how she secured the SLS Excellence Scholarship despite applying on the very last day. Watch her break down the requirements for this 50% fee waiver and her best advice for navigating the process when the clock is ticking.

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Types of Scholarships for International Students in UK

There are several types of scholarships to study in UK, funded by various public, private, and institutional bodies.

Government-Sponsored Awards

International students can apply for highly prestigious scholarships funded directly by the UK government. Two of the most widely recognised programmes are:

  • The Chevening Scholarship: Fully funded awards for outstanding emerging leaders to pursue a one-year master's degree.
  • The Commonwealth Scholarship: Awards aimed at talented individuals from Commonwealth countries who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK.

University-Specific Scholarships

Many UK universities offer their own funding schemes. While some are exclusively for undergraduates and others are only for postgraduates, many institutions offer programmes open to both levels. These awards are primarily merit-based and can provide either partial or full tuition funding.

Scholarships by Subject

Many UK scholarships are reserved for students pursuing a specific field of study. Funding is heavily concentrated in high-demand sectors such as engineering, business, law, and medical fields.

Scholarships by Level of Study

Funding criteria change significantly depending on your academic stage. Examples of level-specific scholarships include:

  • Undergraduate Only: Reach Oxford Scholarship
  • Postgraduate Only: Chevening Scholarship
  • Both Undergraduate & Postgraduate: Global Excellence Scholarships (offered by various universities)

Private and NGO Fellowships

International students can also apply for funding from private foundations, international organisations, and global businesses. These are typically awarded based on either exceptional academic merit or demonstrated financial need.

See how our Education Specialist, Kanchan Poudel, helped a student secure a scholarship that changed their decision.

Case Study: Unlocking an £8,000 UK Scholarship Beyond Standard Entry Criteria

Client Profile: International Student (Bachelor’s degree in Nepal via a UK-affiliated programme with Queen Margaret University, Scotland)
Target Institution: University of East Anglia (UEA), UK
Core Challenge: Initial grade requirement mismatch (2:2 honours degree) making the student ineligible for standard higher-value international scholarships while seeking better value for money
Outcome: Secured an £8,000 tuition fee scholarship, reducing net tuition to £16,000

Background & Initial Goal
This student had completed his bachelor’s degree in Nepal through a UK-affiliated programme with Queen Margaret University, Scotland. For his master’s, he initially planned to return to the same university but wanted to explore a different UK university with a stronger ranking and better value for money.

Strategic Advocacy
Kanchan suggested the University of East Anglia (UEA), where his chosen course charged around £24,000 in tuition fees. Although he had achieved a 2:2 honours degree, he was not initially eligible for the higher-value scholarship available to international students.

Rather than stopping there, she approached the university and presented his overall profile, including his academic background, extracurricular involvement, motivation for pursuing the scholarship and financial considerations. Following this discussion, he was awarded an £8,000 tuition fee scholarship.

Result & Key Takeaway
This reduced his tuition fee to approximately £16,000, making a highly ranked UK university a much more affordable and attractive option. It ultimately changed his decision and allowed him to experience a different university and learning environment.

The experience showed Kanchan that sometimes presenting a student’s complete profile can unlock opportunities beyond standard scholarship criteria.

Cut the cost of studying abroad. Register with AECC and let our experts handpick and help you apply for scholarships that fit your background.

Top UK Scholarships for International Students 2026–2027

International aspirants can refer to the detailed list for a clear comparison to filter out the best options from the most prominent scholarships for international students in UK for the upcoming intake and academic year.

Scholarship NameEligibilityKey RequirementsFunding Type & Amount
Erasmus Mundus (EMJM)Global Master's StudentsExcellence in any field; study in at least 2 European countriesFully funded: Covers tuition, travel, and a monthly €1,400 stipend
Chevening ScholarshipMaster's Students2+ years of work experience; leadership potentialFully funded: Covers tuition, living allowance & travel costs
Commonwealth ScholarshipsMaster's & PhD Students from Commonwealth countriesStrong academic record; from an eligible Commonwealth countryFully funded: Covers tuition, airfare, and living stipends
GREAT ScholarshipsMaster's Students from 18 countriesCitizen of a GREAT-eligible country; offer from a participating UK universityMinimum £10,000 towards tuition fees for a one-year Master's
Rhodes ScholarshipPostgraduate Students (at Oxford)Exceptional academic achievement and characterFully funded: Covers all university fees, plus a personal stipend
Gates Cambridge ScholarshipPhD & Master's Students (at Cambridge)Outstanding intellectual ability and commitment to improving the lives of othersFully funded: Covers the full cost of studying plus additional discretionary funding
Reach Oxford ScholarshipUndergraduate Students from low-income countriesHigh academic ability; from a DAC-listed country with financial needFully funded: Covers course fees, living cost grant and one return airfare per year
Think Big Undergraduate ScholarshipInternational Undergraduate Students at BristolMust be classed as an overseas student for fee purposes and have an offer to study at the University of Bristol£6,500 and £13,000 per year towards tuition fees; value varies with UG and PG

Related Reads

Timing plays a crucial role in increasing your chances of winning a scholarship. Our counsellors provide 100% FREE UK Scholarship Counselling to help you secure admission fast and position you for the most competitive funds.

Eligibility & Documents for Scholarships to Study in UK

The availability of these UK scholarships for international students differs greatly among UK universities and degree types. To be eligible for scholarships for international students in UK, you must meet the following criteria.

Note: Some universities may consider your wider profile when you apply, so raise it early with admissions or your counsellor. Also, while the majority of scholarships to study in UK require proficiency, Chevening officially removed its standalone English requirement in 2020. Applicants only need to meet the university's entry requirements.

How to Apply for Scholarship in UK 2026–2027?

Like any major application, be it for university admission or a UK Study Route visa, securing a scholarship requires a targeted and systematic approach.

UK Scholarship Application Calendar

Follow this calendar to apply for the popular scholarships for international students in UK:

Scholarship NameIntakes CycleDeadline
Chevening ScholarshipOpens AugustEarly November
Commonwealth SharedOpens LateDecember
Rhodes ScholarshipOpen JuneJuly – October
Reach Oxford (UG)Opens JanuaryFebruary
GREAT ScholarshipsVaries by UniversityApril – June
Erasmus MundusOctober/NovemberCloses in January

UK Scholarship Application Timeline

Do not wait for a scholarship result to apply for your visa. Scholarships require an unconditional university offer first; therefore, it is best to apply to your top 3 UK universities by December. Planning is crucial for securing funding. Use this general timeline and step-by-step roadmap to navigate your UK scholarship journey.

12-Month UK Funding Roadmap

Note: Erasmus Mundus applications open in October/November. Hence, it is advisable to close as early as January.

Step-by-Step Guide to UK Scholarship Applications

To help you understand and navigate the process, here is a simple step-by-step guide to the application process of UK scholarships for international students:

  • Research Scholarship Options: Begin by finding out which scholarships are available for your field of study and determining the requirements. Use official resources such as the British Council, EURAXESS, and the websites of your target UK universities.
  • Confirm Your Eligibility: Carefully examine each qualifying condition, pay close attention to your nationality, check your academic background, and any specific requirements related to your field of study or research interests.
  • Prepare the Required Documents: Obtain all necessary paperwork. This includes academic transcripts, academic references (LORs from Professors), a personal statement, evidence of English proficiency via IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT, and a research proposal.
  • Write a Strong Personal Statement: Draft a compelling personal statement or a scholarship essay that clearly highlights your career aspirations, academic achievements, and specific reasons for choosing that particular programme in the UK. Tailor each statement to the specific criteria and values of the scholarship to which you are applying.
  • Submit Your Application: Accurately fill out the application form and submit it before the deadline with all necessary documentation. Double-check that all information is accurate and all required documents have been organised correctly.
  • Follow Up: After submission, monitor the scholarship website and your email for any status changes or requests for supplementary information. Respond promptly to any questions the scholarship committee may pose.
  • Prepare for the Interview: If you are shortlisted, you may receive an interview invitation. Prepare thoroughly by researching the scholarship's objectives and clearly articulating how your profile and goals align with them. Practice standard interview questions and be ready to discuss the details of your application.

Note: Your admission SOP for UK universities and your Scholarship Essay are not the same. While the university admission SOP focuses on your academic fit, the scholarship essay must prove your Community ROI. It means including information on ‘how the UK’s investment in you will eventually benefit your home country or the global industry’.

Scholarships are an excellent way to reduce the overall study cost in UK. However, it is vital to manage your expectations, as thousands of applicants compete for a limited pool of grants. While multiple scholarships are on offer, the grants are highly competitive, and only the most promising applications are shortlisted.

If you do not receive funding, we strongly advise you to opt for other financial aid, such as educational loans, to continue your study abroad dreams. To reduce the heavy living expenses in the country, you may also consider working part-time jobs in the UK, while strictly adhering to the working hours on your study permit.

Beat the competition with a bulletproof strategy. From auditing your Scholarship SOP to prepping you for the Chevening interview and managing your UK student visa, we handle the technicalities so you can focus on your studies. Secure your future with our 100% end-to-end service from university and scholarship application to visa filing.

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UK Scholarships for International Students FAQs

Yes, you can absolutely secure scholarships to study in the UK. Many UK universities provide generous merit-based awards and automated regional scholarships, which means that they do not require separate applications. Top prestigious options include the Chevening Scholarship, GREAT Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, and various university-specific awards.

The Reach Oxford Scholarship to study in UK is reserved for students from countries receiving Official Development Assistance (ODA). This includes a wide range of nations across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, covering countries like Kenya, Vietnam, Brazil, and India. High-income nations are excluded from the option to claim or apply for this scholarship.

Fully funded MBBS scholarships are extremely rare as the course is highly demanding and hires only brilliant students. Scholarships for Medical studies of MBBS in UK are actually bursaries from universities themselves, such as Hull York Medical School or King’s College London. AECC experts advise you to focus on Global Excellence awards at medical schools, but prepare for at least 50% self-funding, as full-ride medical grants are almost non-existent for international students.

Yes, many UK universities offer partial scholarships, automatic tuition fee discounts, or regional bursaries to international students with average academic scores. While prestigious and fully funded external awards like Chevening require top-tier grades, individual institutions provide smaller financial incentives upon admission.

For many awards, like Chevening, there is no upper age limit. However, some prestigious grants are age-restricted. For instance:

  • Rhodes Scholarship: Requires applicants to be aged 18–23, or up to 27 in specific cases.
  • Commonwealth Scholarships: Some nominating agencies set a limit of 40 years for the aspirants of Master’s and PhD programmes. Always verify with your local nominating body.

Yes, there are numerous MBA scholarships for international students in UK, available at several business schools, that include partial fee waivers to fully funded programmes. Key options include prestigious awards like Chevening Scholarships and the Skoll MBA Scholarship, alongside school-specific awards, such as Southampton, Aston, and Edinburgh, that award up to £13,000+.

To spot a UK scholarship scam, look for red flags like demands for upfront fees, guaranteed money, or unsolicited offers of winning. Authentic UK scholarships will never ask for an application fee or a security deposit to release funds. Always apply through official .ac.uk or .gov.uk domains. Legitimate UK scholarships never charge application fees, and providers will not ask for bank details or excessive personal information via email. Take help from trusted partners, like AECC.

Some Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programmes include UK universities as consortium partners. The UK’s association with Erasmus+ was announced in April 2026, with UK organisations able to apply for projects funded in 2027; student opportunities from those projects open in the second half of 2027 at the earliest. Each programme sets its own consortium countries and deadlines, so check the programme page.

Research global options from universities and external organisations early. Tailor your application to specific requirements, focusing on high academic grades, extracurricular leadership, and a compelling personal statement. Seek guidance from education consultants to ensure your profile aligns with the provider’s values and to meet all strict submission deadlines.

Yes, fully funded scholarships like Chevening, Commonwealth, and Rhodes cover tuition, living stipends, and travel. These are extremely competitive and awarded to exceptional students with high academic merit and leadership potential. Always verify specific terms on official websites, as incidental costs like visa fees may vary by provider.

Prestigious scholarships to study in UK include the Chevening and Commonwealth government awards, along with GREAT scholarships. University-specific grants like the Gates Cambridge and Oxford’s Rhodes Scholarship are also highly sought after. These are popular due to their high financial value and the significant long-term career prestige they offer successful international applicants.

The UK government provides several prestigious awards, notably Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships. These aim to attract global talent and foster international ties. Because they cover full costs, they are highly competitive. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a clear plan to benefit their home country post-graduation.

Securing a scholarship is challenging due to the massive volume of global applicants. Success requires an outstanding academic record, a polished application, and proof of leadership. While competitive, thorough research and early preparation significantly improve your chances. Focus on demonstrating how your studies will create a positive global impact.

Top institutions like Oxford for Rhodes and Clarendon, and Cambridge for Gates Cambridge, offer full funding. Other major universities, such as Bristol, Warwick, and UCL, provide department-specific fully funded scholarships for research or exceptional merit. Always check individual university funding pages, as these opportunities are specific to certain degree levels.

UK universities offer scholarships to attract international talent, though the quantity and value vary. Larger, research-intensive universities have more generous funding pools. While almost every institution provides some form of partial discount or bursary, full-ride scholarships are concentrated within the UK’s top-ranked, prestigious universities.

The UK uses Further Education (FE) colleges rather than US-style community colleges. While FE colleges offer vocational courses and some international bursaries, dedicated full scholarships are less common than at universities. If you are pursuing vocational study, contact the specific college’s international office directly to enquire about financial support.

This depends on the provider. Government-funded awards like Chevening are valid at various UK universities. However, many grants are university-specific and locked to that institution. Always verify the terms and conditions of external scholarships to ensure your chosen university is a recognised partner for that specific award.

Fully funded scholarships for bachelor degree in UK for international students are rare and highly merit-based. To secure one, focus on universities offering regional or subject-specific grants. Apply early with a strong academic profile, an impressive personal statement, and solid references. When targeting the partially funded ones, consider combining university awards with external private funding or educational loans.

Yes, fully funded masters scholarships for international students in UK are available through prestigious schemes like Chevening or Commonwealth Scholarships. These competitive awards require a strong academic background and relevant work experience for master’s programmes in UK. Many universities also offer their own high-value merit scholarships. Early research is essential, as deadlines fall nearly a year before the course starts.

Yes, numerous PhD scholarships for international students in UK are available through funding sources like UKRI council grants, university-specific studentships, and prestigious programmes like Gates Cambridge or Clarendon. Many provide full funding, including tuition fees and a tax-free living stipend of a minimum of £21,805 per year.

The process involves an online application, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a tailored personal statement. High-value awards may also require a formal interview or a research proposal. Because each provider has unique requirements and deadlines, you must carefully follow the specific guidelines outlined on the official scholarship page.

Primary eligibility requirements include a stellar academic record and proven English proficiency via IELTS Academic or TOEFL. Many providers also look for leadership experience, community involvement, or specific professional achievements. A persuasive personal statement explaining your goals is vital. Some niche scholarships may have additional criteria based on your home country or chosen field.

There is no fixed percentage, but merit-based awards require the equivalent of a UK First-Class or high Upper Second-Class degree. For international systems, this means maintaining an aggregate above 75–80%. However, exceptional leadership or professional experience can sometimes compensate for slightly lower academic scores in specific cases.

Yes, if you can provide alternative proof of English proficiency, such as a high score in 12th-grade English or a Medium of Instruction certificate from your previous university. Some institutions also accept PTE or Duolingo. However, while a scholarship might waive it, the university admission process requires formal proof.

A high IELTS Academic or TOEFL score is the most beneficial for proving language proficiency. For specific postgraduate programmes, strong GRE or GMAT scores can strengthen your profile, although they are rarely a mandatory requirement for the scholarship itself. Prioritise excelling in the specific entrance exams required for your course admission.

Trusted Expertise

About the Author

Published and reviewed by AECC counsellors who guide students through every step of their study-abroad journey.

Devi Mukherjee

Published by Devi Mukherjee

UK & Ireland Education Specialist | 20 Years Advising International Students

Devi Mukherjee has been advising students on study in the United Kingdom and Ireland for 20 years. She has worked through several significant shifts in UK immigration policy, including the move from Tier 4 to the Student visa, the introduction of the Graduate Route, and the changes to English language test requirements that have affected applicants considerably over the past three years.

Devi is particularly good at bridging the gap between what official guidance says and what it means in practice. UK Home Office guidance is written for a general international audience. Devi advises students working with specific academic certificates, bank statements and English language test scores, and the specifics matter. She knows where the complications arise and what to do about them.

Her articles on UK and Irish universities are written for students who are not simply asking whether they are eligible, but whether this is the right choice given their academic background, budget and what they want to do after graduation. That is a different question and it requires a different kind of answer. She holds an MSc in Physics and is based at AECC's Gurgaon office.

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