The complete guide to UK scholarships for international students — Chevening, Commonwealth, university-specific awards, and how to secure funding for your UK degree.
The United Kingdom remains one of the world's premier destinations for international education, and significant scholarship funding is available to help talented students from around the world access UK degrees. In 2026, a wide range of scholarships funded by the UK government, individual universities, charitable trusts, and international organisations provide financial support covering tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and sometimes additional allowances.
For international students, the cost of studying in the UK can be substantial. Tuition fees for international students range from £12,000 to over £40,000 per year depending on the course and institution, while living costs in the UK average £12,000-£15,000 annually. Scholarships can dramatically reduce or entirely eliminate these costs, making UK education accessible to students who might otherwise be unable to afford it.
This comprehensive guide covers every major scholarship programme available to international students in 2026, with detailed information on eligibility, application procedures, award values, and success strategies. Whether you are planning to study at undergraduate, masters, or doctoral level, there is likely a scholarship that matches your circumstances.
Chevening: 1,500+ awards globally | Commonwealth: 800+ awards annually | GREAT Scholarships: 200+ from 20+ universities | University scholarships: 10,000+ available | Total UK scholarship funding: £500+ million | Average full scholarship value: £35,000-£60,000 | Countries eligible: 160+ | Subject areas covered: All disciplines
Chevening Scholarships are the UK government's flagship international scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations. They offer full financial support for one-year master's degrees at any UK university.
Chevening Scholarships are among the most generous available, providing: full tuition fee payment (up to £18,000-£30,000 depending on course), a monthly living stipend (£1,200-£1,500 depending on location), economy return flights to the UK, an arrival allowance, visa application cost reimbursement, and a travel grant for attending Chevening events. The total value typically exceeds £35,000.
To be eligible for a Chevening Scholarship in 2026, you must: be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country (over 160 countries are eligible), have an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK 2:1, have at least two years of work experience (£2,800 hours), have an unconditional offer from a UK university by the deadline, and commit to returning to your home country for at least two years after completing your studies.
Applications for 2026/2027 Chevening Scholarships open in August 2026 and close in early November 2026. The process involves an online application form with four essay questions, documentation of qualifications and work experience, and two reference letters. Shortlisted candidates are invited to interview at British embassies or high commissions between February and April 2027. Results are announced from June 2027.
Successful Chevening applications demonstrate clear leadership potential, a well-articulated career plan, specific goals for how the UK education will benefit the home country, and strong written communication skills. The essay questions require thoughtful, detailed responses that go beyond generic statements. Start your application early and seek feedback from previous Chevening scholars if possible.
Commonwealth Scholarships are funded by the UK government through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and support students from Commonwealth countries to study in the UK.
Several scholarship types are available: Commonwealth Master's Scholarships for candidates from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries; Commonwealth PhD Scholarships for doctoral study; Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships for PhD candidates spending time at a UK university; Commonwealth Professional Fellowships for mid-career professionals; and Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships for part-time master's study by distance learning.
Commonwealth Scholarships provide: approved airfare from home country to the UK and return, full tuition fees, a monthly stipend (£1,200 for London, £1,100 elsewhere), warm clothing allowance, thesis grant (if applicable), study travel grant, and child allowance for widowed, divorced, or single parents. The total value for a master's scholarship is approximately £35,000-£45,000.
Applicants must be citizens or refugees of eligible Commonwealth countries, hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) honours standard, and be unable to afford to study in the UK without a scholarship. Each nominating body (university, national nominating agency, or selected non-governmental organisation) may have additional eligibility criteria.
Applications for 2026/2027 Commonwealth Master's Scholarships open in September 2026 and close in October 2026. Applications are made through a nominating body in your home country, not directly to the CSC. PhD applications follow a similar timeline. Results are typically announced between March and June 2027.
GREAT Scholarships are jointly funded by the UK government's GREAT Britain Campaign and participating UK higher education institutions. They provide £10,000 towards tuition fees for one-year taught master's programmes.
In 2026, GREAT Scholarships are available to students from Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Ghana, Greece, Kenya, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam. Each country has specific scholarships available at specific universities.
To apply for a GREAT Scholarship, first apply for an eligible master's course at a participating university. Once you have an offer, complete the university's GREAT Scholarship application form, typically requiring a statement explaining how the scholarship will help your career and how you will be an ambassador for UK education. Deadlines vary by university but are typically between April and June 2026 for September 2026 entry.
Most UK universities offer their own scholarships for international students. These range from partial fee discounts to full scholarships covering all costs.
Oxford offers numerous scholarships for international students through its colleges and departments. The Clarendon Fund provides over 200 full scholarships annually for graduate students, covering tuition and living costs. The Rhodes Scholarship supports exceptional students from specific countries. Application is typically through the graduate admissions process, with scholarships awarded based on academic excellence.
Cambridge offers the Cambridge International Scholarship for PhD students, Gates Cambridge Scholarships for international postgraduate students, and various college-specific awards. The Cambridge Trust provides funding for international students at all levels. Many scholarships require separate applications submitted alongside the course application.
Imperial offers the President's PhD Scholarships (fully funded for 3.5 years), various faculty-specific master's scholarships, and the Lee Family Scholarship for students from Asia. International students are automatically considered for some scholarships upon course application.
Edinburgh offers the Global Scholarship Programme with awards of £3,000-£10,000 for international students. The university also participates in the GREAT Scholarships programme. Most scholarships require a separate application after receiving an offer.
Universities such as Manchester, UCL, King's College London, Warwick, and Bristol all offer extensive scholarship programmes. Check each university's scholarship webpage for specific opportunities, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines. Many universities offer automatic consideration for merit-based scholarships upon course application.
Beyond university-specific awards, several external funding sources support international students in the UK.
The British Council offers various scholarship programmes including Women in STEM scholarships, scholarships for students with disabilities, and subject-specific awards. These are often run in partnership with UK universities and may cover full or partial costs.
Marshall Scholarships finance young Americans of high ability to study for a graduate degree in the UK. Up to 50 scholars are selected annually to study at any UK university. The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, and travel.
While the UK's participation in Erasmus+ has changed post-Brexit, Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programmes that include UK partner universities still offer EU-funded scholarships. These prestigious programmes allow students to study at multiple European universities including UK institutions.
International students pursuing nursing degrees in the UK have access to specific funding opportunities.
While primarily for UK students, some NHS Learning Support Fund elements are available to international nursing students in specific circumstances. Check with your university's nursing department for current availability.
Many UK universities offer specific scholarships for international nursing students. These may include tuition fee discounts of £1,000-£5,000, funded placements, or support with NMC registration costs after graduation. Contact the admissions offices of nursing schools directly for details.
Charitable trusts such as the Florence Nightingale Foundation and the Royal College of Nursing Foundation offer funding for nursing students and registered nurses pursuing further education. Some awards are open to international students studying in the UK.
Masters degrees are the most common target for scholarship funding. Beyond the major programmes described above, consider:
PhD funding in the UK is generally more readily available than at other levels, reflecting the research-focused nature of doctoral study.
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) studentships provide full funding (tuition plus stipend of approximately £18,000 per year) for PhD research. While primarily aimed at UK students, some research council awards include international fees. Check with individual doctoral training programmes for international eligibility.
Most UK universities offer competitive PhD scholarships that cover international tuition fees and provide a living stipend. These are typically awarded based on academic merit and research proposal quality. Apply through the university's doctoral college or graduate school.
Full undergraduate scholarships for international students are less common but do exist.
The University of Oxford offers the Oxford Reach Scholarship for students from underrepresented countries. The University of Cambridge offers the Cambridge International Scholarship. Several universities offer international excellence scholarships for outstanding undergraduate applicants. These typically provide £2,000-£5,000 per year toward tuition fees.
International students should also explore funding from their home governments, many of which sponsor students to study abroad. Organisations such as the Saudi Arabian Cultural Bureau, Kuwait Cultural Office, and similar bodies in other countries provide comprehensive funding for nationals studying in the UK.
While each scholarship has specific requirements, common eligibility criteria include:
Competition for UK scholarships is intense. These strategies improve your chances:
| When | What to Do |
|---|---|
| August 2026 | Chevening applications open; begin university applications |
| September 2026 | Commonwealth Scholarship applications open |
| October-November 2026 | Chevening and Commonwealth deadlines; submit university applications |
| December 2026-January 2027 | Receive university offers; apply for university-specific scholarships |
| February-April 2027 | Chevening interviews; scholarship shortlisting |
| March-June 2027 | Scholarship results announced; accept offers |
| July-August 2027 | Apply for student visa; arrange travel and accommodation |
| September 2027 | Begin your UK studies |
If you do not secure a full scholarship, consider these alternatives:
Preparation is key to scholarship success. Use these resources:
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