Scholarships

Scholarships and funding for international students in the UK

By Edvoy• Last updated: Feb 19, 2024
Everything you need to study abroad
Get started with Edvoy to know more about your study abroad journey

Did you know that there are scholarships and funding options available for international students in the UK? As an international student, you may be eligible for scholarships from universities, foundations, and government organisations that can help you finance your studies in the UK.

In this blog post, we'll provide an overview of scholarships and funding options available to international students. We'll also share information on how you can apply for scholarships, as well as tips on finding scholarships that are right for you.

Scholarships available for international students in the UK

GREAT Scholarships

GREAT scholarships are an opportunity for international students to have £10,000 towards their tuition fees for one-year postgraduate courses in the UK. The scholarships are offered by 49 universities across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to 14 countries.

Benefits of GREAT scholarships include: 

  • No repayment is required
  • They are open to both international and EU students
  • Scholarships are available for a wide range of courses
  • Scholarships cover all course-related costs, such as tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and insurance.

In addition to the scholarships offered by the UK government, there are also scholarships available from industry partners, foundations, companies and other organisations. Most scholarships have specific criteria and you'll need to research the scholarships that best fit your needs.

To apply for a GREAT scholarship, you'll need to provide proof of sufficient funds to cover living costs and health insurance during your time in the UK, as well as a valid passport or other travel documents required by the UK government. You'll also need to submit academic transcripts and a personal statement, as well as provide evidence of English language proficiency.

Also Read: SAT Scholarship for International Students

Chevening Scholarships

Chevening scholarships are an excellent opportunity for international students to receive a fully funded master's degree in the UK.

The scholarships are offered by the UK government to students from around the world, and they cover all course-related costs, such as tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs and insurance.

To be eligible for a Chevening scholarship, you must be a citizen of a country outside of the UK, and you must have been offered a place on a full-time postgraduate program at a UK university.

In addition to receiving a scholarship for your studies in the UK, Chevening scholars also have access to exclusive networking events and opportunities to develop relationships with influential people in the UK.

For more information: Chevening Scholarship

Commonwealth Scholarships

Commonwealth scholarships are scholarships offered to students from Commonwealth countries who wish to study in the UK.

The scholarships cover all course-related costs, such as tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs and insurance. In addition, Commonwealth Scholars have access to exclusive networking events and opportunities.

If you are a talented individual with the potential to make a positive impact on the global stage, then you should consider applying for a Commonwealth Scholarship.

In order to apply, you must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country and have been offered a place on a full-time postgraduate program at a UK university. You'll also need to provide proof of sufficient funds to cover living costs and health insurance during your time in the UK, as well as submit academic transcripts and a personal statement.

For more information: Commonwealth Scholarships

Everything you need to study abroad
Get started with Edvoy to know more about your study abroad journey

How to apply for scholarships

Applying for scholarships can seem like a daunting task, but the process doesn't have to be complicated. Here are some tips and advice on how you can make sure your application stands out:

  • Research scholarships that match your needs - Different scholarships have different requirements and eligibility criteria, so it’s important to thoroughly research scholarships and make sure you’re eligible before applying.
  • Prepare a personal statement - Your personal statement is an important part of your scholarship application, as it will tell the scholarships committee why you are a strong candidate for the award. Make sure to include information about your academic and professional achievements, background, goals and reasons for wanting to study in the UK.
  • Submit supporting documents - Most scholarships require you to submit additional documents such as academic transcripts, letters of recommendation and a portfolio of your work. Make sure that you provide accurate and up-to-date information in order to increase your chances of success.
  • Follow scholarship guidelines - Make sure you read the scholarships guidelines carefully and make sure that you include all of the required information in your application.
  • Apply early – Many scholarships have deadlines, so it’s important to make sure that you apply as soon as possible.

Also Read: How to apply for scholarships to study abroad

How to fund your education in the UK

Madie Howard from Edvoy explained how to find the right scholarships to fund your UK Education.

In addition to scholarships, there are also other ways to fund your studies in the UK. These include:

  • Student loans – Most universities in the UK offer student loans for international students who would like to study in the country.
  • Grants and bursaries – Some universities also offer grants and bursaries to international students, which can be used to cover tuition fees and living costs.
  • Work part-time – International students in the UK are allowed to work part-time during term time and full-time during holidays. This is a great way to fund your studies while gaining valuable work experience.
  • Scholarships from your home country – Find out whether there are scholarships available in your home country that you can apply for.

Also read: Scholarships for Indian Students in UK

What are the different types of scholarships available in the UK

The scholarships available to international students in the UK vary greatly depending on the course of study, nationality and area of study.

  • Merit-based scholarships – These scholarships are awarded based on an individual's academic achievements.
  • Need-based scholarships – These scholarships are awarded based on an individual's financial need.
  • University scholarships – These scholarships are funded by the university and can be used to cover tuition fees, living expenses and other costs associated with studies.
  • Government scholarships – These scholarships are funded by the government and are often aimed at encouraging students from specific countries or regions to study in the UK.

By researching scholarships and funding options, you can make sure that your studies in the UK are more manageable and less of a financial burden.

Everything you need to study abroad
Get started with Edvoy to know more about your study abroad journey

Which scholarship is right for you?

Scholarships can be a great way to help fund your education. However, it can be difficult to know which scholarship is right for you. Here are a few tips to help you choose:

The most important thing is to do your research and understand the scholarships that are available to you. There are scholarships for all kinds of students, including international students, so there is sure to be one that fits your needs.

You should also think about what you want from a scholarship. Do you want financial assistance? Or do you want the opportunity to network with other professionals? Or maybe you would prefer a scholarship that is specific to your field of study.

Think about your goals and then research the scholarships that fit those goals. Talk to your school's financial aid office or look online for scholarships that match your criteria. Applying for scholarships can be time-consuming, but it's worth it if you get the right one for you.

Also read: Which scholarship option should I choose for studying abroad?

Tips for applying for scholarships and funding

Once you've done your research and identified scholarships that you're interested in, the next step is to apply. Here are some tips to help make the process easier:

  • Read the instructions carefully and follow them closely. Make sure you understand all of the requirements before starting your application.
  • Double-check your work for accuracy. Make sure you submit an error-free application to avoid any problems.
  • Give yourself plenty of time. Start your application early and leave enough time for the whole process, including gathering documents, writing essays, and preparing statements.
  • Reach out for help if you need it. Ask your school's financial aid office or a trusted family member for assistance if you have any questions or need guidance.

Following these tips will help ensure that your application is successful and get you one step closer to achieving your academic goals!

You might also like: 6 Study abroad scholarships you can apply

Related tags:
financial support
funding
scholarship
cost to study in uk
tuition cost in uk
0 Likes
Share this article:
author avatar
Written By

Study Abroad Expert

Stay tuned with us for more updates on studying abroad....Read More

Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this site solely belong to the individual authors and do not necessarily represent t