Can you study in UK for free? Well, the simplest and straightforward answer to that question is a single syllable word - 'yes'. Considering the cost of living in the United Kingdom, acquiring free education from one of the renowned universities in the UK will be a dream come true. Quite literally! As known to many, the UK is a major hub for educational institutions imparting knowledge, which is recognised all over the world. It provides courses in various fields of study; resisting getting an education from here won't be possible even in a parallel universe. The courses rendered at these universities are pretty comprehensive and taught by world-renowned experts in the concerned industry.
Study in the UK for Free
Acquiring free education in the UK is possible, but the quality of education provided here holds gravity and high value; rendering it free of cost won't showcase that kind of value. However, one can study in UK for free by applying for scholarships, grants, and bursaries to reduce the financial burden. Although there are no tuition free universities in UK, there are a bunch of bunch of scholarships offered to international students from organisations like the government, private institutes, and universities. These scholarships can either cover the entire tuition fee or partly. Some may also cover travel, accommodation and personal expenses.
Ways to Acquire Free Education in UK
Below is a comprehensive list of fully funded scholarships in the UK. However, to get one of these scholarships, one must first be eligible for it and make the necessary documentation and process to get enrolled for the selection process. Refer to our enlightening blog on scholarships for students in the UK. Know the types and eligibility criteria for each scholarship. Below is a list of government aid and scholarships for free education in UK:
1. Chevening Scholarship
The Chevening Scholarships are fully funded scholarships funded by the FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office). It is granted to over 1500 students from 140 countries for students applying to any university in the UK. It can be availed for a student aspiring to do their masters in the country. The scholarship covers tuition fees, personal expenses, flight tickets, grants and allowances. It is basically a free pass to study in UK for free.
2. GREAT Scholarship
The GREAT Scholarships are fully funded as well; it is granted to students who aspire to do their bachelor's and post-graduate degrees in the UK. It is a government-based scholarship and covers tuition fees for a one-year master's degree program in any subject area at participating UK universities. Although it is highly competitive to acquire, the spectators look for holistic success and not just academics.
3. Commonwealth Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarships are again fully funded scholarships; it is a perfect way for free masters in UK for international students. The scholarship covers everything from tuition to personal expenses. It can availed for by students who aspire to do their master's and doctoral studies in the UK.
4. The University of Manchester
The University of Manchester, in particular, can render scholarships for students who have backed an offer letter from the university. These students can study in UK for free at Manchester University. Global Futures Scholarship, Humanitarian Scholarship, and Subject-specific awards are the three scholarships the University of Manchester offers international students.
The Commonwealth Scholarships are again fully funded scholarships; it is a perfect way for free masters in UK for international students.
5. Marshall Scholarships
To study in UK for free, one can look for the Marshall Scholarships. These scholarships are fully funded and are awarded for two academic years. It is available for students coming from the US who are high-academic achievers in any field of study. An amount of £30,000 is granted to the students for the time period of 2 years.
6. Westminster International Scholarships
This scholarship is available for students from the developing countries. Westminster International scholarships are awarded to students who wish to pursue a full-time master's degree at Westminster University. This scholarship includes the entire tuition fee, accommodation, living expenses, and flight tickets. A’int that a way to score free education in UK?
7. Gates Cambridge Scholarships for International Students
The only gateway to get educated from one of the top universities in the UK is through scholarships. The Gates Cambridge Scholarships is one of them. It is strategically awarded to students who show amazing academic excellence and are not UK citizens. It is eligible for students who wish to pursue their PhD, MSc or any one-year postgraduate course. The scholarship will cover the entire tuition fee, travel costs, allowances, fieldwork, etc.
Eligibility Criteria to Study in UK for Free
To study in UK for free, one needs to back a fully funded scholarship. For that, one needs to cross the threshold of certain eligibility criteria. Often, the eligibility criteria differ from university to university and from course to course. However, there is a standard set of criteria to be followed by all students, irrespective of the major they are pursuing. Below are a few points one must consider before applying for scholarships.
- A UK university acceptance letter
- IELTS/TOEFL scores
- Good academics
- The student must be from a country eligible for the scholarship
- Proof of current financial status
However, students must apply for more than one scholarship at a time and keep the deadlines in mind. These scholarships are highly competitive and are often granted to students who have an excellent academic record along with extracurricular activities. The institutions screen these applications cut to cut and grant scholarships to the ones who are deemed worthy.
Lastly, the United Kingdom has long been a preferred destination for students who aspire to get the finest education. To study in UK for free is not an impossible notion, but one needs to dwell into the process of acquiring and getting qualified for the same. The quality of education rendered by the institutes in the United Kingdom is surely renowned. Still, one needs to really work hard to be worth the free education and qualify for the scholarships.