The United Kingdom is one of the world’s most popular destinations for higher education. UK universities are known for academic excellence, rich history, strong research, and global recognition. However, studying in the UK can be expensive for international students — including tuition fees, living costs, and travel. That’s why scholarships are essential for students who want high-quality education without financial stress.
In this guide, you’ll find the major scholarships available for international students in the UK, including well-known programmes, university-based funding, and tips to increase your chances of winning financial support.
Why UK Scholarships Are Important
Scholarships help cover part or all of your study expenses. Some awards pay full tuition fees and even living allowances, while others offer partial funding based on academic merit, financial need, leadership potential, or country eligibility. Applying for scholarships can make your UK study dream more affordable and achievable.
Top Scholarships for International Students
1. Chevening Scholarships (UK Government)
The Chevening Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards for international students. It is funded by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and partners. This scholarship supports one-year master’s degree studies in the UK and includes tuition, living stipend, travel costs, and other allowances. Wikipedia
Key Features
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Fully funded for one-year master’s programmes
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Covers tuition, monthly living stipend, travel, and more
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Highly competitive with applicants from all over the world
Chevening seeks students who show leadership potential and strong academic records, making it ideal for future global leaders. Wikipedia
2. Commonwealth Scholarships
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are funded by the UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office for students from Commonwealth countries. These scholarships are available for master’s and PhD programmes and cover tuition fees, living allowance, travel, and other expenses.
Commonwealth scholarships aim to support students who want to contribute to development in their home countries after graduation. Many UK universities participate in this programme.
3. Rhodes Scholarship (University of Oxford)
The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the oldest and most prestigious international scholarships in the world. It is awarded by the Rhodes Trust for postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. Wikipedia
Benefits
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Full funding for tuition fees
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Living stipend
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University and college fees
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Travel allowance
Rhodes Scholars are selected based on academic excellence, leadership, character, and commitment to service. Wikipedia
University-Specific Scholarships
4. GREAT Scholarships (British Council + UK Universities)
The GREAT Scholarships are a collaboration between the British Council and participating UK universities. These awards are available to students from specific countries — including Pakistan. For example, Pakistan students can apply for GREAT Scholarships with minimum funding of £10,000 toward tuition fees for one-year postgraduate programmes. British Council
Participating UK universities include Cardiff University, City St George’s, University of London, and others. British Council
5. Global Futures Scholarships (University of Manchester)
The University of Manchester offers hundreds of awards for international students. The Global Futures Scholarships 2026 include more than 330 awards worth millions of pounds. These are available to undergraduate and master’s applicants, with merit-based funding up to £30,000 over the course of study. The University of Manchester
6. Global Excellence and Merit Scholarships
Many UK universities offer their own merit-based scholarships to reward outstanding students. Some common examples include:
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Global Excellence Scholarships — ranging from £5,000 to £10,000 for high-achieving students. HR International
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Exeter Undergraduate Scholarships — up to £5,000 per year for excellent undergraduates. HR International
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Postgraduate Global Scholarships — usually around £5,000 for master’s students with strong academics. HR International
These scholarships may be offered by universities like the University of York, University of Exeter, and others. HR International
7. University of Birmingham Scholarships
The University of Birmingham offers a range of international scholarships worth millions of pounds. These awards are available to students from many countries and aim to support talented applicants with competitive tuition discounts and financial awards. University of Birmingham
8. Other UK University Scholarships
Many universities across the UK have their own funding opportunities for international students. Some examples include:
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University of Edinburgh Scholarships — including subject-specific awards. 1Study.UK
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University of Sussex Chancellor’s International Scholarships — postgraduate funding. 1Study.UK
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Nottingham Developing Solutions Scholarships — up to 50% or 100% tuition coverage for developing country students. 1Study.UK
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University College London (UCL) Scholarships — including the IOE Centenary Masters Scholarships. 1Study.UK
These scholarships differ by university and study level, but they all aim to reduce financial barriers for international applicants. 1Study.UK
How to Find and Apply for UK Scholarships
1. Check University Websites
Every UK university has a dedicated “Scholarships and Funding” section on their website. This section lists available awards, eligibility criteria, deadlines, and application procedures.
2. Use British Council Resources
The British Council provides information about scholarship programmes like GREAT Scholarships and Commonwealth Scholarships for international students. British Council
3. Apply Early
Most UK scholarship deadlines are 6–9 months before the academic year starts. Make sure to plan early and prepare all documents well in advance.
4. Prepare Strong Documents
Common requirements include:
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Academic transcripts
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English language proof (e.g., IELTS/TOEFL)
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Personal statement or scholarship essay
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Letters of recommendation
Tips to Increase Your Chances
Aim for strong academic performance
Demonstrate leadership and extracurricular involvement
Write a persuasive personal statement
Apply to multiple scholarships to increase opportunities
Final Thoughts
Studying in the UK can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life — academically, professionally, and personally. Scholarships make it financially possible for students across the world to pursue degrees from top UK universities. From fully funded UK government scholarships like Chevening to university-specific merit awards, there are many ways to reduce your study costs and achieve your academic goals in the United Kingdom.
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