Scholarships in the UK for International Students: Complete Guide

Studying in the United Kingdom can be an exciting opportunity for international students, but tuition fees and living costs can make studying abroad expensive.

Fortunately, universities, governments, charitable organizations, and other institutions offer scholarships and funding opportunities to help international students study in the UK.

Some scholarships provide partial financial support, while others can cover major costs such as tuition fees and living expenses. The exact benefits and eligibility requirements depend on the individual scholarship.

The UK government and British Council also provide information about several major scholarship programmes for international students.

This guide explains how international students can find UK scholarships, the major scholarship programmes to know about, eligibility requirements, application tips, and how to verify scholarship information.

Why Study in the UK?

The UK is a popular destination for international students because it offers universities and programmes across a wide range of academic fields.

Students can choose from undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, research, and professional programmes.

The UK also has a wide range of funding opportunities. Depending on your nationality, degree level, subject, university, and academic or professional background, you may find scholarships that provide either partial or substantial financial support.

The important thing is to search according to your own profile rather than assuming that every UK scholarship is available to every international student.

Are Scholarships Available for International Students in the UK?

Yes.

There are scholarships specifically designed for international students, including programmes supported by the UK government, British Council, universities, and other organizations.

The UK government’s official guidance lists major international postgraduate scholarship programmes including Chevening Scholarships and Commonwealth Scholarships.

Universities also offer their own scholarships, which can have different eligibility criteria and application processes.

Major UK Scholarships for International Students

1. Chevening Scholarships

Chevening is one of the best-known UK government scholarship programmes for international students.

It supports outstanding emerging leaders from around the world to study one-year master’s degrees in the UK.

Chevening describes its scholarships as fully funded, allowing successful scholars to focus on their studies and professional development.

Eligibility requirements apply, and applicants need to meet the programme’s current criteria.

The UK government’s guidance states that applicants for Chevening need at least two years of eligible work experience, alongside other requirements.

Because Chevening requirements and application timelines can change, students should always check the official Chevening website before applying.

Official Chevening Scholarships

2. Commonwealth Scholarships

Commonwealth Scholarships support students from eligible Commonwealth countries.

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission manages several scholarship and fellowship programmes, including:

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
Commonwealth Shared Master’s Scholarships
Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships
Commonwealth Split-site PhD Scholarships
Commonwealth Professional Fellowships
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships

The exact programme available depends on factors such as nationality, degree level, and the applicant’s circumstances.

Students should check the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission information for current programmes and eligibility.

Commonwealth Scholarship Commission

3. GREAT Scholarships

GREAT Scholarships are supported by the British Council and UK universities.

For the 2026–27 academic year, the programme offers more than 140 scholarships across more than 60 universities in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

The scholarships provide £10,000 towards tuition fees for eligible one-year taught postgraduate courses, with opportunities available to students from 18 countries.

The participating countries include:

Bangladesh
China
Egypt
France
Ghana
Greece
India
Indonesia
Italy
Kenya
Malaysia
Mexico
Nigeria
Pakistan
Spain
Thailand
Türkiye
Vietnam

However, not every university offers a GREAT Scholarship to students from every participating country.

Students should check the country-specific and university-specific information before applying.

GREAT Scholarships — Study UK

Scholarships for Pakistani Students in the UK

Students from Pakistan have access to a number of UK scholarship opportunities, depending on their academic level and eligibility.

For example, the 2026–27 GREAT Scholarship programme includes Pakistan among its eligible countries. The British Council lists participating UK universities and explains that applicants should apply according to each university’s individual scholarship instructions.

The current Pakistan GREAT Scholarship information includes universities such as:

Cardiff University
City St George’s, University of London
Keele University
Northumbria University
Robert Gordon University
SOAS University of London
University of Manchester
University College Birmingham
University College London
University of Bath
University of Glasgow
University of Leicester
University of Portsmouth

The available courses and deadlines vary by institution.

This is a good example of why students should check the individual university page instead of assuming that every scholarship has the same deadline or eligibility criteria.

University Scholarships in the UK

Government programmes are not the only source of financial support.

Many UK universities offer scholarships directly to international students.

When researching a university, look for pages such as:

International scholarships
Scholarships and funding
International student funding
Postgraduate scholarships
Undergraduate scholarships
Research funding
Tuition fee scholarships
Financial support

Some scholarships may be automatically considered as part of the university admission process, while others require a separate application.

Always read the university’s instructions carefully.

Scholarships for Bachelor’s Students

International students looking for undergraduate scholarships should search individual university websites as well as scholarship databases.

Undergraduate scholarships can differ significantly from postgraduate programmes.

Some may be based on:

Academic achievement
Nationality
Subject
Leadership
Sporting achievement
Artistic ability
Financial circumstances

The availability of fully funded undergraduate scholarships can be more limited than postgraduate funding, so students should search widely and consider partial awards as well.

Scholarships for Master’s Students

There are many funding opportunities for international students pursuing master’s degrees in the UK.

Depending on eligibility, students may find:

University scholarships
Government scholarships
GREAT Scholarships
Chevening Scholarships
Commonwealth scholarships
Subject-specific funding
Research-related funding
Foundation scholarships

The UK government’s official scholarship guidance specifically highlights postgraduate opportunities such as Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships.

Scholarships for PhD Students

PhD students should search beyond general scholarship websites.

Look for:

University doctoral funding
Research scholarships
Departmental funding
Faculty scholarships
Commonwealth PhD opportunities
Studentships
Research council funding

PhD funding may depend heavily on your proposed research topic, academic background, supervisor, university, and nationality.

Always check the specific programme requirements.

Fully Funded vs Partially Funded UK Scholarships

Not every UK scholarship is fully funded.

A scholarship might provide:

Full tuition fees
Partial tuition fees
A fixed financial award
Monthly living support
Accommodation assistance
Travel support
Research funding

For example, GREAT Scholarships for 2026–27 provide £10,000 toward tuition fees rather than automatically covering every cost associated with studying in the UK.

By contrast, Chevening describes its scholarship as fully funded.

This difference is extremely important.

Never assume that a scholarship covers all expenses simply because it is described as a “scholarship.”

Read the official funding information.

What Can a UK Scholarship Cover?

Depending on the programme, scholarship benefits may include:

Tuition Fees

Some scholarships pay all or part of your tuition fees.

Living Costs

Some fully funded programmes provide financial support for living expenses.

Travel

Certain scholarships may include travel or return flights.

Accommodation

Some programmes may provide accommodation or financial support toward living arrangements.

Other Expenses

Depending on the scholarship, additional support may be available for specific approved expenses.

The exact benefits vary considerably, so students should check the official scholarship terms.

How to Find UK Scholarships

Follow these steps to find suitable opportunities.

Step 1: Choose Your Degree

Decide whether you want to study:

Bachelor’s
Master’s
PhD
Research programme
Professional programme

Step 2: Choose Your Subject

Search for funding related to your field.

For example:

Business scholarships UK
Engineering scholarships UK
Computer science scholarships UK
Medicine scholarships UK
Law scholarships UK
Education scholarships UK

Step 3: Check Your Nationality

Some scholarships are open to students worldwide, while others are restricted to specific countries.

Nationality can therefore be one of the most important search filters.

Step 4: Search University Websites

Make a list of UK universities offering your preferred course.

Then check each university’s international scholarship and funding pages.

Step 5: Search Government Programmes

Check official programmes such as:

Chevening
Commonwealth
GREAT

These programmes have their own eligibility criteria and application procedures.

Step 6: Check the Funding

Determine exactly what the scholarship provides.

Don’t simply write “fully funded” in your notes.

Record:

Tuition
Living allowance
Accommodation
Travel
Insurance
Other benefits

Step 7: Check the Deadline

Scholarship deadlines can differ from university admission deadlines.

Record them separately. If you are new to scholarship searching, read our guide on How to Find Scholarships Online.

What Are the Requirements for UK Scholarships?

Requirements vary by scholarship.

Common criteria may include:

Academic qualifications
Nationality
Degree level
English-language requirements
Work experience
Leadership experience
Professional experience
Research experience
Admission to a UK university
Proposed field of study
Personal or career goals

For example, Chevening has specific work-experience and other eligibility requirements, while GREAT Scholarships have country, course, university, and English-language requirements.

Never assume that meeting one requirement means you are eligible for the entire programme.

Do You Need IELTS for UK Scholarships?

There is no single IELTS rule that applies to every UK scholarship.

English-language requirements may depend on:

The scholarship
The university
Your chosen course
Your previous education
Your nationality
Your academic background

Some universities may accept alternatives or provide exemptions in certain circumstances.

Always check the current language requirements of the specific university and scholarship.

How to Apply for a UK Scholarship

The application process varies.

A typical process may look like this:

1. Find a Suitable Scholarship

Make sure you meet the main eligibility criteria.

2. Read the Official Requirements

Check the scholarship website carefully.

3. Prepare Your Documents

You may need:

Passport
Academic transcripts
Degree certificates
CV
Personal statement
Scholarship essays
Recommendation letters
English-language test results
University admission documents

4. Prepare Your Application

Answer each question carefully and provide accurate information.

5. Submit Before the Deadline

Do not leave your application until the final day if you can avoid it.

6. Monitor Your Application

Follow the official instructions for receiving updates and scholarship decisions.

For more detailed application advice, explore our Scholarship Application Guides.

For official information about UK government scholarship programmes, students can also consult the UK government’s scholarship guidance.

How to Improve Your Chances

UK scholarships can be highly competitive.

You can improve your application by:

Choosing scholarships that match your profile
Starting early
Preparing strong personal statements
Using specific examples of your achievements
Explaining your career goals clearly
Following the instructions exactly
Proofreading your application
Requesting recommendation letters early
Applying only for scholarships you genuinely qualify for

Don’t simply copy the same personal statement into every application.

Tailor your application to the scholarship and university.

You can also learn more about application documents in our Personal Statement & Documents guide.

Be Careful With Scholarship Scams

International students should be careful when searching for scholarships online.

Be suspicious if someone claims:

You have won a scholarship you never applied for
You are guaranteed funding
You must pay an upfront fee to receive a scholarship
You need to send bank information to confirm an award
You must pay immediately to secure a scholarship

Always verify the opportunity through the official university, government, British Council, or scholarship-provider website.

Never rely only on a social media post or an unofficial website.

How to Organize Your UK Scholarship Search

For more practical advice, visit our Scholarship Tips for Students guide.

Create a simple spreadsheet.

Scholarship	University	Degree	Funding	Deadline	Status
Scholarship A	University	Master’s	Full	Date	Researching
Scholarship B	University	Master’s	£10,000	Date	Preparing
Scholarship C	University	PhD	Funding package	Date	Checking

You can also record:

Official website
Eligibility
Required documents
English-language requirements
Application link
Date submitted
Result

This makes it much easier to manage multiple applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can international students get scholarships in the UK?

Yes. UK universities, government programmes, the British Council, and other organizations offer scholarship opportunities for international students. Eligibility varies by programme.

What is the best UK scholarship for international students?

There is no single best scholarship for everyone. Chevening, Commonwealth, GREAT, university scholarships, and other programmes serve different groups of students and have different eligibility requirements.

Is Chevening fully funded?

Chevening describes its scholarship as fully funded for eligible students pursuing one-year master’s degrees in the UK.

Does GREAT Scholarship cover full tuition?

Not necessarily. For 2026–27, GREAT Scholarships provide £10,000 toward tuition fees for eligible one-year taught postgraduate courses. Individual universities may have additional terms.

Can Pakistani students apply for UK scholarships?

Yes. Pakistani students are eligible for some UK scholarship programmes. For example, Pakistan is included among the countries participating in the 2026–27 GREAT Scholarship programme.

Can I get a fully funded Bachelor’s scholarship in the UK?

Some funding opportunities exist, but fully funded undergraduate scholarships can be more limited than postgraduate opportunities. Check individual university and scholarship-provider requirements.

Can I get a UK scholarship without IELTS?

Possibly, depending on the university, programme, and scholarship. There is no universal IELTS rule for all UK scholarships. Always verify the current requirements with the official provider.

Final Thoughts

Finding scholarships in the UK requires careful research, but international students have several potential sources of funding.

Start with official government programmes, British Council resources, university scholarship pages, and reputable funding organizations.

Don’t assume that every scholarship covers the same expenses. Carefully compare tuition support, living allowances, travel benefits, and other funding before applying.

Most importantly, always verify the latest eligibility requirements, deadlines, and application instructions through the official scholarship provider.

If you are serious about studying in the UK, start your research early, prepare your documents in advance, and keep track of every application.

For more scholarship advice, explore our Scholarship Guides for help with finding scholarships, preparing applications, writing essays, personal statements, and organizing important documents.