Everything You Need To Know About Scholarships In The UK: 2024-25

Scholarships in UK resemble the words of Shannon I. Alder, “A best friend is the only one that walks into your life when the world has walked out.” Scholarship opportunities in UK serve as a boon to students who want to study in UK, are brilliant, and deserving with a vision to change the world but lack financial resources to support their dreams. Scholarships in UK are just the right tool to get help. If you are an international student aiming for the best universities in UK, you must look for fully funded UK scholarships for international students. 

We understand how daunting it could be to determine which scholarship opportunities in UK are apt for you. But don’t worry; we are here to help you out! This guide to UK scholarships for international students will tell you about all the options, whether you’re going for your undergraduate or postgraduate and looking for scholarship opportunities in UK.

Types of Scholarships in UK 

You will find many good scholarship opportunities in UK if you’re planning to pursue your higher education there. These UK scholarships for international students cover tuition fees, living, and even travelling expenses. So, students who might not be able to afford tuition fees can do so easily with the UK scholarships for international students. Let’s explore the various types of scholarships in UK. 

1. Academic scholarships in UK

These scholarship opportunities in the UK are based on a student's academic achievements, such as grades, test scores, and class rankings. Universities, independent schools, or other educational institutions may offer them. Academic scholarships in UK can cover tuition fees, living expenses, or both.

2. Merit-based scholarships in UK

These scholarships in UK for international students can fall under fully funded scholarships in UK for international students in 2022 and 2023 and are awarded to exceptional achievers in a particular field. These intensely competitive scholarships in UK require an all-focused application and a killer statement of purpose. 

3. Need-based scholarships in UK

These scholarships are awarded to students who need financial support or aid. A need-based scholarship is primarily intended for students from low-income families who cannot afford the expensive tuition and living costs.

4. Subject-specific scholarships in UK

As the name suggests, these scholarships in UK are provided to students enrolled in a specific course such as Law, Medicine, Social Sciences, etc.

5. Research scholarships in UK

These are provided to students who wish to pursue research in a specific field of their interest. They can cover tuition fees, living expenses, or both and may include funding for research-related expenses such as travel or equipment.

6. Industry sponsored scholarships in UK

Private companies or organisations often offer these scholarships in UK to students interested in pursuing careers in a specific field. 

7. Sports scholarships in UK

These scholarships in UK are awarded to students who excel in sports and want to continue playing at the collegiate level and further. Universities and sports organisations, including private foundations, may offer sports scholarships in UK. They may also fund sports-related expenses for the sports stars of the future.

Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships in UK for International Students

You must fulfill precise qualifying requirements when applying for scholarships in UK. While each scholarship in UK may have its unique set of criteria, there are a few things you should be aware of:

1. Academic achievements are vital

Candidates must have great grades and a competitive GPA in their prior courses to avail of the particular scholarship in UK. You can read our blog on tips to improve your GPA. While entrance to UK institutions normally needs average marks, students must have attained a 60-80% or above score in their prior academic programmes to be eligible for UK scholarships for international students.

2. The ability to communicate in English is essential

Students whose native language is not English must demonstrate English competence to be eligible for specific scholarships in UK. A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent in similar examinations is usually required to qualify for major scholarships in UK. Read more on a guide to IELTS exam syllabus 2023 here.

3. Extracurricular activities

This might also influence the eligibility for scholarships in UK. Students who have participated in various extracurricular activities, particularly if they have leadership experience or have been active in social welfare initiatives, may be considered for specialised, fully funded scholarships for undergraduate international students in the UK. Moreover, sports and athletic successes might lead to availing the scholarship opportunities in UK.

Requirements for Scholarship in UK?

To apply for a scholarship in UK, you should:

1. Investigate the various scholarships in UK to see which ones you are eligible for. Starting early in the process is a good idea, as some applications for fully funded scholarships in UK for undergraduate international students might take several months to complete. The information on scholarship opportunities in UK is available on UK university scholarship websites, government scholarship portals, and scholarship databases. We’re sure you must have heard a lot of myths about international scholarships; check out our blog on international scholarship myths busted. 

2. If you've found scholarships in UK that fit your credentials and interests, thoroughly evaluate the eligibility criteria and application procedures. This will vary based on the scholarship opportunities in UK, but they often include academic accomplishments, English language competence, and extracurricular activities.

3. As an international student, you will have to show your English language proficiency through tests such as IELTS. You can take the IELTS for UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) or the IELTS Life Skills Test. 

4. Preparing your application materials, including academic records, letters of recommendation, essays, and other papers, comes next. Let yourself have plenty of time to complete these items properly and deliberately.

5. Following submitting your application, contact the scholarship giver to confirm receipt of your papers and inquire about the status of your application.

6. Follow up after submitting your application; you may want to follow up with UK scholarship provider to ensure they have received your application and ask if they need additional information.

Government Scholarships in UK 

It's worth noting that a wide range of scholarship opportunities in UK, provided by the government of UK, come with their eligibility criteria and requirements. For example, some scholarship opportunities in UK are designed to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds. In contrast, others are aimed at students with exceptional academic abilities or specific areas of study.

1. Chevening Scholarship 

Deadline: November
Eligibility: UG Program
Award Amount: £18,000
Time Period: 1 year

The Chevening Scholarship in UK is a fully-funded scholarship, which means it covers the cost of your tuition fees, living expenses, and even your travel expenses to UK. This is among the best fully funded scholarships in UK for international students in 2022 and 2023 and is funded by UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and its partner organisations. Outstanding students who have shown leadership potential, academic achievement and a dedication to improving their communities are awarded one of the UK's most prestigious scholarships.

2. GREAT Scholarship

Deadline: May to June
Eligibility:  Bachelor’s degree
Award Amount: £10,000
Time Period: 1 year

This is one of the most sought-after fully funded scholarships in UK for undergraduate international students,  funded by the government’s GREAT Britain campaign and the British Council. It is awarded to support postgraduate students from all around the world. Suppose you go for this among many other scholarship opportunities in UK. In that case, the government of UK covers tuition fees for a one-year masters degree program in any subject area at participating UK universities. The scholarship is highly competitive, and selection is based on various factors, including academic merit, leadership potential, and career goals. In addition to covering tuition fees, the GREAT scholarship provides additional support to students, such as a living allowance, travel costs, and other expenses related to studying in UK.

3. Commonwealth Scholarship 

Deadline: October
Eligibility: UG Program
Award Amount: £12,500
Time Period: Depends on the course

This UK scholarship is aimed at students from the Commonwealth countries who wish to pursue higher education in UK. The scholarship covers the cost of tuition fees, travel, and living expenses for the duration of the course, allowing students to focus on their studies and achieve their academic goals. The scholarship is open to students from Commonwealth countries at both the masters and doctoral levels and is available in various subjects.

4. UK Research and Innovation

Deadline: January
Eligibility: Minimum 10 researchers with doctoral-level qualifications
Award Amount: £18,622
Time Period: 3 or 4 years

UKRI scholarships in UK are available to home and EU citizens, as well as international students. This is a merit-based scholarship aiming at successful applicants demonstrating outstanding academic achievement, research potential, and the ability to contribute to advancing knowledge in their field. 

Non-Government Scholarships in UK 

In the United Kingdom, various non-government scholarship opportunities in UK are available for students seeking financial assistance to pursue their education. Universities, private organisations, and charitable foundations offer these scholarships in UK to support talented individuals in their academic endeavours.

1. Rhodes Scholarship

Deadline: August
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree & English proficiency
Award Amount: £19,092 
Time Period: 2 years

The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarship opportunities in UK. It is administered by the Rhodes Trust and is awarded to outstanding students worldwide. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, a living stipend, and travel expenses for postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford. The application deadline for the Rhodes Scholarship is usually in September each year, and eligibility requirements include:

1. Academic excellence
2. Leadership potential
3. A minimum four-year formal education
4. A commitment to positively impacting the world

2. Chevening Scholarship

Deadline: November
Eligibility: UG Program
Award Amount: £18,000
Time Period: 1 year

The UK government funds the Chevening Scholarship and aims to support exceptional students who wish to pursue a master's degree at any UK university. It covers tuition fees, a monthly stipend, travel costs, and other allowances. The application process opens in August each year, with a deadline typically falling in November. Eligible candidates should demonstrate leadership potential, a strong academic background, and a commitment to contributing to their home country's development.

3. Clarendon Scholarship

Deadline: December or January
Eligibility: First-class honours degree or its equivalent
Award Amount: £18,622
Time Period: Depends on the course

The Clarendon Scholarship is offered by the University of Oxford to exceptional graduate students from all nationalities. It provides full or partial tuition fees and a generous grant for living expenses. The application deadlines vary depending on the course and faculty, so it is important to check the specific deadlines by visiting the university's website. Eligibility criteria include outstanding academic merit and potential to contribute to the field of study.

4. Santander Scholarships in UK

Deadline: October
Eligibility: Qualify as a Home Fee Status student
Award Amount: £30,000
Time Period: 3 years

Santander Universities provide Santander Scholarships in UK in partnership with various UK universities. These scholarship opportunities in UK support students with fully-funded scholarships for undergraduate international students in UK and postgraduate and research students across various disciplines. The application deadlines and eligibility criteria vary depending on the participating university. Students must visit the university's website or contact the scholarship office for detailed information.

Scholarships for Masters in the UK 

Want to get a masters degree from UK? With the many masters UK scholarships available for international students, you can easily make your dreams come true. From part-funding scholarships to fully-funded scholarships, you can choose to apply to a number of different scholarships in UK for a masters. 

1. Commonwealth Masters Scholarships in the UK

Deadline: October
Eligibility: UG Program
Award Amount: £12,500
Time Period: Depends on the course

Suppose you are a student from a developing Commonwealth country interested in pursuing maste's studies in UK. In that case, you may be eligible for one of these fantastic scholarships provided by the UK Department for International Development (DFID). The scholarship covers the cost of tuition fees, travel, and living expenses for the duration of the course, allowing students to focus on their studies and achieve their academic goals.

2. Marshall Scholarship

Deadline: September
Eligibility: US citizen
Award Amount: £30,000
Time Period: 2 years

These scholarships in UK are available to high-achieving American students pursuing a degree in any field of study in the United Kingdom scholarship 2023. Each year, 50 scholarships are awarded to cover various expenses such as university fees, living expenses, an annual book grant, thesis grant, research grant, daily travel grant, round-trip flights from and to the United States, and, in rare cases, financial support for a dependant spouse.

Scholarships for Undergraduate Students in the UK

If you want to pursue an undergraduate degree in UK, you will find many good scholarships for undergraduate students that will help you fulfill your educational endeavours and open doors to academic excellence. Here are some of the scholarships in UK for undergraduate students. 

1. The University of Manchester

Deadline: April
Eligibility: Hold an offer from The University of Manchester
Award Amount: £21,000
Time Period: 3 years

The University of Manchester is known for its fully-funded scholarships for undergraduate students in UK and UK scholarships for international students that they offer to invite bright international students, which are merit-based scholarships. Global Futures Scholarship, Humanitarian Scholarship, and Subject-specific awards are the three scholarships the University of Manchester offers international students. 

2. Scotland Saltire Scholarships in UK

Deadline: December
Eligibility: Hold an offer from a Scottish university
Award Amount: £8,000
Time Period: 1 year

Suppose you are from Canada, China (including Hong Kong), India, Japan, Pakistan, or the USA and are interested in pursuing a full-time masters degree at a Scottish university. The best part? Each scholarship is worth a generous £8000 and can be used towards tuition fees for one year of full-time study. It's a great opportunity to further your education and expand your horizons. This is one of the best UK scholarships for international students. 

3. British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM

Deadline: September or October
Eligibility: Have completed all components of an undergraduate degree
Award Amount: £10,000
Time Period: 1 year

If you're a woman with a degree or PhD in a STEM field, you might be interested in an incredible scholarship opportunity. This award is intended exclusively for master's degree programs or early academic fellowships in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics at a top UK university.

4. Global Wales Scholarships for Postgraduate International Students

Global Wales offers four scholarship programs to assist you with your educational path and towards a bright future. These scholarships are open to North America, India, Vietnam, and the European Union students. 

UK Scholarships for international students provide financial assistance to students who wish to pursue finer education in the country by reducing their financial burden. These scholarships in UK are designed to support talented peers.  So, if you're considering studying in UK, explore the many scholarship options available here! UK scholarships for international students can greatly lessen the burden on their bank accounts and pockets. Many UK scholarships for international students are available for international students who want to study here. There are many scholarship myths concerning international students, but scholarships can help make studying in UK more accessible for international students.

We wish all international students well with their UK scholarship applications to study in the United Kingdom! We hope that the material in this blog has been useful in directing you to the appropriate resources and support. Remember to do your research, keep organised, and fulfil all application deadlines. With hard work and determination, you may make your ambition of studying in UK a reality. Although some scholarships do cover rent, not all of them do. So why not lower your expenses by picking affordable accommodation in UK with amber's help?