The UK offers several prestigious scholarships for international students at various levels of study. Here are some of the most well-known scholarship programs available:
1. Chevening Scholarships
● Description:
○ Funded by the UK government, the Chevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding international students from around the world who wish to pursue a one-year master’s degree in the UK.
● Eligibility:
○ Open to students from Chevening-eligible countries.
○ Applicants must have at least two years of work experience and meet the Chevening leadership criteria.
● Benefits:
○ Full tuition fees.
○ Airfare to and from the UK.
○ A living stipend.
○ Additional allowances for travel and visa fees.
● Application:
○ Apply online through the Chevening website.
● Website:Chevening Scholarships
2. Commonwealth Scholarships
● Description:
○ The Commonwealth Scholarships are funded by the UK government and are available for students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries. These scholarships are primarily for postgraduate study.
● Eligibility:
○ Open to students from Commonwealth countries pursuing master's or PhD programs.
● Benefits:
○ Full tuition fees.
○ Airfare to and from the UK.
○ A living allowance.
○ Additional allowances for dependents.
● Application:
○ Apply through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC).
● Website: Commonwealth Scholarships
3. Rhodes Scholarships
● Description:
○ One of the oldest and most prestigious international scholarship programs, the Rhodes Scholarships are awarded to exceptional students from select countries who wish to study at the University of Oxford.
● Eligibility:
○ Applicants must be from specific countries (e.g., the United States, India, South Africa, etc.).
○ Must be pursuing a full-time graduate course at Oxford.
● Benefits:
○ Full tuition fees.
○ Living stipend.
○ Airfare to and from the UK.
● Application:
○ Apply through the Rhodes Trust in Oxford.
● Website: Rhodes Scholarships
4. Gates Cambridge Scholarships
● Description:
○ Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gates Cambridge Scholarships are available to exceptional international students pursuing a postgraduate degree (Master’s or PhD) at the University of Cambridge.
● Eligibility:
○ Open to international students from any country outside the UK.
○ Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential.
● Benefits:
○ Full tuition fees.
○ Living allowance.
○ Airfare.
○ Visa costs.
● Application:
○ Apply through the University of Cambridge.
● Website:Gates Cambridge Scholarships
5. The GREAT Scholarships
● Description:
○ The GREAT Scholarships are offered by the UK government in partnership with UK universities. These scholarships are for students from China, India, and several other countries who wish to pursue postgraduate study in the UK.
● Eligibility:
○ Open to students from eligible countries applying for postgraduate study.
● Benefits:
○ Varies by university but generally includes partial tuition fee waivers and other support.
● Application:
○ Apply through participating universities.
● Website: GREAT Scholarships
6. University-Specific Scholarships
Many UK universities offer their own scholarships to international students. Here are a few notable examples:
a. University of Oxford – Clarendon Scholarships
● Description: The Clarendon Scholarships provide full funding for international students pursuing graduate study at the University of Oxford.
● Eligibility: Open to graduate students from all countries who are admitted to Oxford University.
● Benefits: Full tuition, living expenses, and travel allowances.
● Application: Apply through the University of Oxford’s graduate admissions portal.
● Website: Clarendon Scholarships
b. University of Cambridge – Cambridge International Scholarships
● Description: The University of Cambridge offers several scholarships for international students at the postgraduate level.
● Eligibility: Open to international students who have received an offer for a postgraduate course at the University of Cambridge.
● Benefits: Full tuition fees and maintenance allowance.
● Application: Apply through the University of Cambridge’s graduate admissions portal.
● Website:Cambridge International Scholarships
c. University of Edinburgh – International Scholarships
● Description: The University of Edinburgh offers various scholarships for international students across undergraduate, postgraduate, and research levels.
● Eligibility: Open to international students from various countries.
● Benefits: Varies from partial to full tuition fee coverage.
● Application: Apply directly through the University of Edinburgh website.
● Website: University of Edinburgh Scholarships
d. Imperial College London – Imperial College PhD Scholarships
● Description: Imperial College offers PhD scholarships for international students pursuing research studies.
● Eligibility: Open to all international students applying for PhD programs.
● Benefits: Full tuition fees and a living stipend.
● Application: Apply directly through Imperial College London’s PhD admissions page.
● Website:Imperial College PhD Scholarships
7. Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships
● Description:
○ The University of Edinburgh offers these scholarships to international students pursuing doctoral research.
● Eligibility:
○ Open to international students with excellent academic records applying for PhD programs.
● Benefits:
○ Covers the difference between international and home fee status.
● Application:
○ Apply through the University of Edinburgh’s PhD admissions portal.
● Website: Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships
8. University of West London International Ambassador Scholarships
● Description:
○ The University of West London offers scholarships for international students who wish to pursue an undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
● Eligibility:
○ Open to international students from outside the EU.
○ Students must demonstrate exceptional academic performance.
● Benefits:
○ £5,000 towards tuition fees.
● Application:
○ Apply directly through the University of West London.
● Website:University of West London Scholarships
9. UK Government’s International Scholarship Programs
a. The Chevening Fellowships
● Description: These fellowships provide a fully funded one-year master's degree for leaders and future decision-makers from various countries.
● Eligibility: Open to students from eligible countries with professional experience and leadership qualities.
● Application: Apply via the Chevening website.
● Website:Chevening Fellowships
Tips for Applying:
● Eligibility: Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements before applying.
● Deadlines: Be aware of each scholarship’s deadlines, as many programs have annual or semi-annual application periods.
● Documents: Gather all necessary documents such as transcripts, recommendation letters, and personal statements.
● Admission: Some scholarships require you to have received an offer of admission from a UK university before applying for the scholarship, so make sure to apply for university admission first if necessary.
