Scholarships to Study in UK 2026
AECC provides expert guidance to help you discover and apply for UK scholarships, turning your educational goals into reality.
If you prepare in advance, studying in the UK can be reasonably priced. International students are eligible to apply for a variety of scholarships at UK universities and colleges. Depending on the requirements, course, and institution, these scholarships may fully or partially support a student.
In addition, a wide range of public and private institutions, including the UK government, provide grants and scholarships to study in UK. These grants are intended to assist deserving students in covering the cost of their education. It is important to carefully review the eligibility requirements and application deadlines before applying for these scholarships.
Types of UK Scholarships for International Students
There are different types of scholarships to study in UK for international students. The availability of scholarships in the UK for international students and the requirements for eligibility differ greatly among UK universities and degree types.
Scholarships Particular to Universities
Scholarships to study in the UK are often specific to a level of study. Some are exclusively for undergraduate students, and others are only for postgraduates (PG). However, many universities also offer scholarship programmes that are open to applicants at both levels.
These awards are typically merit-based and can provide partial or full tuition funding. For example:
- UG Only: Reach Oxford Scholarship
- PG Only: Chevening Scholarship
- Both UG & PG: Global Excellence Scholarship
Scholarships by Subject
There are scholarships available to individuals who want to pursue a specific field of study. For example, students who wish to pursue higher studies in engineering, business, or medical fields.
Government-Sponsored Awards
Scholarships offered by the UK government can also be applied for by International Students. The Commonwealth Scholarship and the Chevening Scholarship are two widely recognised government-funded scholarships.
Individual Scholarships
International students can also apply for scholarships from private foundations, organisations, and businesses. Usually, one of two criteria—financial need or academic merit—is used to award these scholarships.
What Amount of Money is Available through Scholarships?
The amount of money available through UK scholarships is not a single figure but a wide spectrum. This implies that funding can range from small, automatic tuition fee discounts to comprehensive packages that cover all your expenses for the duration of your study.
To make this easier to understand, the table below categorises the most common scholarship types into four distinct tiers. Each tier is defined by its typical financial value and the level of competition involved, helping you see what level of funding you might be eligible for.
UK Scholarship Funding Tiers
| Scholarship Tier | Typical Funding Amount | Basis & Competitiveness | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic & Regional Awards | £2,000 – £3,000 | Low: Often automatic for students from eligible countries. | University-specific regional bursaries |
| Merit-Based Scholarships | £5,000 – £10,000 | Competitive: Based on strong academic performance. | University of Bristol's Think Big Scholarship |
| High-Value Scholarships | 50% – 100% of tuition fees | Very Competitive: Awarded to exceptional students. | Warwick Global Excellence Scholarship |
| Fully-Funded Scholarships | Covers all costs (tuition, living stipend, flights) | Extremely Competitive: Requires academic excellence, leadership, and experience. | Chevening Scholarship (PG), Reach Oxford Scholarship (UG) |
Top UK Scholarships for International Students (2025-2026)
For students aspiring to study in the UK, securing financial aid is a crucial step. Below is a detailed list of the most prominent scholarships in the UK for international students. This table provides a quick overview to help you compare the best options available for the upcoming academic year.
| Scholarship Name | Who Is It For? | Funding Type & Amount | Key Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevening Scholarship | Master's Students | Fully funded: Covers tuition, living allowance & travel costs. | 2+ years of work experience; leadership potential. |
| Commonwealth Scholarships | Master's & PhD Students from Commonwealth countries | Fully funded: Covers tuition, airfare, and living stipends. | Strong academic record; from an eligible Commonwealth country. |
| GREAT Scholarships | Master's Students from 18 countries (including India) | Minimum £10,000 towards tuition fees for a one-year Master's. | Citizen of a GREAT-eligible country; offer from a participating UK university. |
| Rhodes Scholarships | Postgraduate Students (at Oxford) | Fully funded: Covers all university fees, plus a personal stipend. | Exceptional academic achievement and character. |
| Gates Cambridge Scholarship | PhD & Master's Students (at Cambridge) | Fully funded: Covers the full cost of studying plus additional discretionary funding. | Outstanding intellectual ability and commitment to improving the lives of others. |
| Reach Oxford Scholarship | Undergraduate Students from low-income countries | Fully funded: Covers course fees, living cost grant & one return airfare per year. | High academic ability; from a DAC-listed country with financial need. |
| Think Big Undergraduate Scholarship | International Undergraduate Students (at Bristol) | £6,500 and £13,000 per year towards tuition fees (value varies with UG and PG). | Must be classed as an overseas student for fee purposes and have an offer to study at the University of Bristol. |
Note: Refer to the official websites or reach out to our counsellors at AECC for the most current deadlines and application details.
Categories of Scholarship to Study in the UK
Exploring the world of UK scholarships is easier when you narrow down your search. Although you have seen the various types of scholarships that are awarded to eligible students, you will also find that there are also scholarships that are categorised based on the study level (i.e., UG, PG, or PhD) or based on the country of your origin (i.e., if your country is listed under the list of developing countries, then you may be eligible to apply for the said scholarship), among others. Here are some of the best options, categorised to help you find the right fit.
1. Scholarships by Level of Study
- Undergraduate Scholarships to study in UK: While less common than postgraduate awards, many universities offer funding for bachelor's degrees. A key example is the University of Bristol's Think Big Scholarship, which offers up to £13,000 towards tuition fees for UG and £26,000 towards tuition fees for PG for each year of study.
- Masters Scholarships to study in UK: This is the most common category. Besides the major government awards like Chevening and Commonwealth, almost every UK university offers specific Master's scholarships. The University College London (UCL) Global Master's Scholarship, for instance, provides £15,000 for one year.
- PhD Scholarships in the UK: For doctoral candidates, funding is often tied to research projects. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a world-renowned option for PhD students, covering all costs for the duration of your course at the University of Cambridge.
2. Scholarships for Indian Students
Several UK scholarships are available for students from India, recognising the strong academic ties between the two countries.
- GREAT Scholarships – India: This is the flagship programme, with over 25 UK universities participating to offer £10,000 scholarships specifically for Indian postgraduate students.
- Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships: These grants support doctoral studies, research, and visiting fellowships in the arts and humanities for Indian citizens.
- Felix Scholarships: Offered to academically outstanding students from India and other developing countries to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford, University of Reading, and SOAS University of London. The award covers 100% of fees and provides a stipend for living costs.
For more information, reach out to AECC to get the latest update on the scholarship that you seek to apply for towards your education in the UK.
Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships to Study in UK
Scholarships to study in the UK for Indian students generally require the following eligibility criteria. You should:
- Have academic excellence
- Have the required English language eligibility requirements (such as IELTS or TOEFL scores)
- Have an appealing statement of purpose (SOP)
- Have letters of recommendation (LORs)
- Have proof of financial requirements
- Have appropriate work experience (for courses that need prior experience)
- Have subject-matter expertise
In addition, students also have to follow the deadlines for applications and any special requirements that the scholarship provider specifies.
How to Apply for Scholarships to Study in the UK?
Like applying for anything, be it for a university application or a visa, scholarships also need to be applied to the respective departments to be able to avail them for funding your educational pursuits. To help you understand how you can apply for Scholarships to study in UK, here is a simple step-by-step guide to your UK scholarship application process.
Research Scholarships Options
Start by finding out which scholarships are available for your field of study and what the requirements are. Use resources such as the British Council, EURAXESS and the websites of specific universities.
Confirm Your Eligibility
Examine each scholarship's qualifying conditions carefully, taking into account your nationality, academic background, and any special requirements about your field of study or research interests.
Prepare the Required Documents
Obtain the required paperwork. This typically includes academic documents, a letter of recommendation, an essay or personal statement, evidence of English language proficiency (such as TOEFL or IELTS scores), and a research project.
Write a Strong Personal Statement
Write an appealing personal statement that highlights your goals for your career, academic accomplishments, and reasons for selecting the UK and the particular programme to study. Adjust each statement to the conditions of the scholarship.
Submit Your Application
Accurately fill out the application form and submit it before the deadline with the necessary paperwork. Double-check to verify that all data is accurate and that all related documents have been organised correctly.
Follow Up
Following submission, watch out for any changes or requests for more information via the scholarship site and your email. Answer any questions the scholarship committee may pose right away.
Prepare for the Interview
If you make it to the shortlist, you might get an interview invitation. Be well prepared by learning the objectives of the scholarships and how you fit in with them. Practise standard interview questions and be prepared to go into detail about your application.
By following these steps, you can enhance your chances of securing a scholarship to study in the UK.
Scholarships to study in UK are a great way to reduce the cost of studying in the country. However, students looking to apply for scholarships abroad should manage their expectations, as there are thousands of applicants like you competing for grants. And while there are multiple scholarships on offer, the grants are limited, and only the most promising applications are shortlisted. Candidates who do not make the cut are strongly advised to opt for other financial aid, such as educational loans, to continue their study abroad dreams. If you want to discover and apply for top scholarships in the UK, get in touch with AECC. Secure your future today—contact our counsellors for expert guidance!