Everything You Need to Know about Scholarships in the UK: 2025-26

Everything you need to know about scholarships in the UK, students who wish to study in the UK, are intelligent, worthy, and have a desire to make a difference in the world but lack the funds to support their aspirations, benefit greatly from scholarship options in the UK. In the UK, scholarships are the ideal means of obtaining assistance. You must search for fully financed UK scholarships for international students if you are an overseas student hoping to attend one of the top universities in the country.

We recognize that figuring out which UK scholarship options are right for you can be extremely difficult. Rest assured, we are here to help! Whether you’re searching for undergraduate or graduate scholarships in the UK, our guide to scholarships in the UK for international students will tell you about all of your options.

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Types of Scholarships in the UK

If you intend to continue your higher study in the UK, there are many excellent scholarship possibilities there. Tuition, living expenses, and even travel costs are covered by these UK scholarships for overseas students. Thus, scholarships in the UK for overseas students make it simple for students who might not be able to pay for tuition. Let’s examine the many kinds of scholarships available in the UK.

1. Academic scholarships in the UK

A student’s academic performance, including grades, test scores, and class rankings, determines their eligibility for these UK scholarships. They may be provided by independent schools, universities, or other educational establishments. In the UK, academic scholarships can pay for living expenses, tuition, or both.

2. Merit-based scholarships in UK

These UK international student scholarships are given to outstanding performers in a specific sector and will be included in the fully funded UK international student scholarships for 2025 and 2026. An all-focused application and a compelling statement of purpose are necessary for these very competitive UK scholarships.

3. Need-based scholarships in the UK

Students who require financial assistance or support are given these scholarships. Students from low-income households who are unable to pay for the high tuition and living expenses are the main target audience for need-based scholarships.

Subject-specific scholarships in the UK

As the name implies, students enrolled in a particular discipline, such as law, medicine, social sciences, etc., are eligible for these UK scholarships.

5. Research scholarships in the UK

Students who want to conduct research in a particular area of their interest are given access to these. They may provide funds for living expenses, tuition, or both, as well as for travel or equipment costs associated with the research.

6. Sports scholarships in the UK

Students who succeed in sports and wish to continue playing at the collegiate level and beyond are given these scholarships in the UK. sporting scholarships may be available in the UK from universities and sporting organizations, including private foundations. They might also pay for future sports stars’ sporting expenses.

7. Industry-sponsored scholarships in the UK

These scholarships are frequently offered in the UK to students who want to work in a certain sector by private corporations or organizations.

Qualification Requirements for International Students Seeking Scholarships in the United Kingdom

Applying for scholarships in the UK requires you to meet specific qualifying standards. Although the qualifications for each UK scholarship may vary, there are a few things you should be aware of:

1. Academic achievement is essential

To be eligible for the specific scholarship in the UK, candidates must have excelled academically and maintained a competitive GPA in their previous courses. To be eligible for UK scholarships for international students, students must have achieved a score of 60-80% or above in their previous academic programs, even though admission to UK universities often requires average marks.

2. Proficiency in English communication is crucial.

To be eligible for several scholarships in the UK, students whose first language is not English must prove they are proficient in the language. Major scholarships in the UK often need a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or an equal score on comparable tests.

3. Extracurricular pursuits

This may also affect one’s eligibility for scholarships in the UK. Specialized, fully funded scholarships for international undergraduate students in the UK may be awarded to students who have engaged in a variety of extracurricular activities, especially if they have leadership experience or have been involved in social welfare efforts. Additionally, participation in sports and athletic achievements may open up scholarship options in the UK.

What are the prerequisites for a scholarship in the UK?

If you want to submit an application for scholarships in the UK, you should:

1. Find out which of the many scholarships available in the UK you qualify for. Since some applications for fully supported scholarships in the UK for international undergraduate students may take many months to complete, it is a good idea to start early in the process. Scholarship databases, government scholarship portals, and UK university scholarship websites all provide information on available scholarships in the UK.

2. Carefully review the eligibility requirements and application processes if you have identified UK scholarships that match your qualifications and interests. Scholarship options in the UK will differ, although they frequently take into account extracurricular activities, academic achievements, and proficiency in the English language.

3. You must demonstrate your English language competency as an overseas student by taking exams like the IELTS. Both the IELTS Life Skills Test and the IELTS for UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) are available for you to take.

4. The next step is to prepare your application documents, which include essays, recommendation letters, academic records, and other papers. Give yourself enough time to finish these tasks thoughtfully and correctly.

5. After completing your application, get in touch with the scholarship provider to find out if your documents were received and to find out how your application is doing.

6. Check up with the UK scholarship sponsor after submitting your application to make sure they received it and to find out if they require any further information.

Government Scholarships in the UK

It’s important to remember that the UK government offers a variety of scholarship possibilities, each with specific prerequisites and eligibility criteria. For instance, the UK offers a number of scholarship programs that are intended to help students from underprivileged families. Others, on the other hand, target pupils who excel in particular subjects or have extraordinary intellectual aptitude.

1. Chevening Scholarship

Eligibility: UG Program
Award Amount: £18,000
Duration: 1 year

Since the Chevening Scholarship in the UK is completely financed, it will pay for all of your living expenses, tuition, and even your airfare to the UK. Funded by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and its partner organizations, this is one of the top fully funded scholarships available to international students in the UK in 2025 and 2026. One of the most prestigious scholarships in the UK is given to exceptional individuals who have demonstrated leadership potential, academic success, and a commitment to bettering their communities.

2. UK Research and Innovation

Eligibility: At least 10 researchers who hold PhD degrees
Award Amount: £18,622
Duration: 3 or 4 years

Both domestic and EU nationals, as well as foreign students, are eligible to apply for UKRI scholarships. The goal of this merit-based fellowship is to find successful candidates who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, research potential, and the capacity to advance knowledge in their profession.

3. Commonwealth Scholarship

Eligibility: UG Program
Award Amount: £12,500
Duration: Depends on the course

Students from Commonwealth nations who want to pursue higher education in the UK are the target of the Commonwealth scholarship. For the length of the course, the scholarship pays for living expenses, travel, and tuition, enabling students to concentrate on their studies and meet their academic objectives. The fellowship is available in several fields and is available to students from Commonwealth nations pursuing master’s and doctorate degrees.

4. GREAT Scholarship

Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree
Award Amount: £10,000
Duration: 1 year

One of the most coveted fully funded scholarships in the UK for international undergraduate students is this one, which is supported by the British Council and the government’s GREAT Britain program. Postgraduate students from all around the world are supported by this prize. Imagine applying for this scholarship out of the many available in the UK. In that instance, the UK government pays for the tuition for a one-year master’s program at participating UK universities in any topic.

The selection process for a very competitive scholarship is based on several criteria, such as professional objectives, leadership potential, and academic merit. Apart from paying tuition, the GREAT fellowship offers students extra assistance in the form of a living allowance, travel expenses, and other expenditures associated with studying in the UK.

6. Global Wales Scholarships for Postgraduate International Students

To help you on your academic journey and toward a promising future, Global Wales provides four scholarship options. Students from North America, India, Vietnam, and the European Union are eligible to apply for these scholarships.

Non-Government Scholarships in the UK

There are numerous non-government scholarship possibilities in the UK for students who need financial support to continue their studies. With the objective of assisting gifted people in their academic pursuits, universities, private organizations, and charity foundations in the UK give these scholarships.

1. Rhodes Scholarship

Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree & English proficiency
Award Amount: £19,092
Duration: 2 years

One of the most prominent scholarship programs in the UK is the Rhodes Scholarship. It is given to exceptional students all across the world and is run by the Rhodes Trust. For postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford, the fellowship pays for all living expenses, tuition, and travel. The Rhodes Scholarship typically has an application deadline in September, and the following criteria must be met to be eligible:

Academic excellence
Leadership potential
A minimum four-year formal education
A commitment to positively impacting the world

2. Clarendon Scholarship

Eligibility: First-class honors degree or its equivalent
Award Amount: £18,622
Duration: Depends on the course

The Clarendon Scholarship is given by the University of Oxford to deserving graduate students from all over the world. It offers a sizable living expense subsidy in addition to full or partial tuition rates. It is crucial to consult the university’s website to verify the precise dates for applications, as they differ based on the faculty and course. Outstanding academic merit and the ability to make a contribution to the field of study are among the eligibility requirements.

3. Santander Scholarships in the UK

Eligibility: Be eligible for home fee status as a student.
Award Amount: £30,000
Duration: 3 years

Santander Universities, in collaboration with other UK universities, offers Santander Scholarships in the UK. International undergraduate students studying in the UK, as well as postgraduate and research students in a variety of fields, can benefit from these fully funded scholarship possibilities. The qualifying requirements and application deadlines differ for each participating university. Students seeking more specific information must visit the university’s website or get in touch with the scholarship office.

Scholarships for Masters in the UK

Do you want to study for a master’s degree in the UK? You can simply realize your aspirations with the abundance of master’s UK scholarships offered to international students. You can select to apply to a variety of master’s scholarships in the UK, ranging from fully funded to partially funded.

1. Commonwealth Masters Scholarships in the UK

Eligibility: UG Program
Award Amount: £12,500
Duration: Depends on the course

Suppose you are a student from a developing Commonwealth country interested in pursuing maste’s studies in the UK. The UK Department for International Development (DFID) offers some amazing scholarships that you might qualify for if that’s the case. By paying for tuition, travel, and living expenses for the length of the course, the scholarship enables students to concentrate on their studies and meet their academic objectives.

2. Marshall Scholarship

Eligibility: US citizen
Award Amount: £30,000
Duration: 2 years

High-achieving American students seeking a degree in any field of study are eligible to apply for these scholarships in the UK in 2025. An annual book grant, thesis grant, research grant, daily travel grant, round-trip airfare from and to the United States, living expenses, university fees, and, in rare instances, financial support for a dependent spouse are among the many expenses that are covered by the 50 scholarships given out each year.

Scholarships in the UK for Undergraduate Students

There are numerous excellent undergraduate scholarships available in the UK if you choose to pursue an undergraduate degree. These scholarships will enable you to complete your academic goals and pave the way for academic success. These are a few available undergraduate scholarships in the UK.

1. The University of Manchester

Eligibility: Hold a University of Manchester offer.
Award Amount: £21,000
Duration: 3 years

The University of Manchester is well-known for offering merit-based, fully-funded undergraduate scholarships in the UK as well as UK scholarships for overseas students, which are intended to attract talented international students. The University of Manchester offers three scholarships to international students: the Humanitarian Scholarship, the Global Futures Scholarship, and subject-specific grants.

2. Scotland Saltire Scholarships in the UK

Eligibility: Hold a Scottish university offer
Award Amount: £8,000
Duration: 1 year

Assume you are interested in enrolling at a Scottish institution for a full-time undergraduate program and are from Canada, China (including Hong Kong), India, Japan, Pakistan, or the United States. What’s the best? A total of £8,000 is awarded for each scholarship, which can be applied to tuition for a complete year of study. This is an excellent chance for you to broaden your horizons and continue your studies. One of the greatest scholarships in the UK available to overseas students.

3. British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM

Eligibility: possess all the prerequisites for an undergraduate degree.
Award Amount: £10,000
Duration: 1 year

There may be a fantastic scholarship opportunity for women who have earned a degree or PhD in a STEM subject. This prize is only meant for early academic fellowships or master’s degree programs in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics at a prestigious university in the United Kingdom.

Scholarships for international students in the UK lessen the financial load on individuals who want to pursue higher education. The purpose of these UK scholarships is to help out talented peers. So check out the various scholarship choices here if you’re considering studying in the UK! Scholarships offered by the UK can significantly ease the financial strain on overseas students.

For those from other countries who wish to study in the UK, numerous scholarships are available. Although there are many misconceptions about scholarships for overseas students, they can make it easier for them to study in the UK. We hope that all international students who are applying for UK scholarships will have a successful time studying there!

We really hope that the information in this article has helped you find the right help and facilities. Don’t forget to conduct a thorough study, maintain organization, and meet all application dates. With perseverance and hard effort, you could realize your dream of studying in the UK. While some scholarships pay for rent, this is not always the case.