Scholarships in the UK for International Students

The United Kingdom is one of the world's most popular destinations for international students, offering globally recognised universities and major scholarship opportunities. Fully funded scholarships can help eligible students cover tuition, living costs, travel and other study expenses.

This guide highlights major UK scholarship opportunities available to international students and explains how to approach the application process.

Important: Deadlines, eligibility rules and required documents can change between application cycles. Always verify the latest requirements with the official scholarship provider before applying.

Featured UK Scholarships

Chevening Scholarship

The Chevening Scholarship is a UK government scholarship for outstanding international students pursuing eligible master's degrees in the United Kingdom. It looks for candidates with leadership potential, professional experience, networking ability and clear future goals.

Gates Cambridge Scholarship

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship supports outstanding international applicants pursuing eligible postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge. Selection considers academic excellence, intellectual ability, leadership potential and commitment to improving the lives of others.

Commonwealth Master's Scholarship

The Commonwealth Master's Scholarship supports eligible citizens of Commonwealth countries to pursue master's study in the UK, particularly candidates who can contribute to development in their home countries.

Commonwealth PhD Scholarship

The Commonwealth PhD Scholarship provides an opportunity for eligible Commonwealth citizens to undertake doctoral study in the UK. Applicants should demonstrate strong academic potential and a research plan with development relevance.

Commonwealth Fellowship Programme

The Commonwealth Fellowship Programme provides eligible Commonwealth citizens with academic or professional development opportunities in the UK. The programme is not a standard degree scholarship, so applicants should carefully review the specific fellowship strand and eligibility requirements.

Rhodes Scholarship

The Rhodes Scholarship supports exceptional candidates pursuing postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. Selection considers academic excellence, character, leadership and commitment to service.

Rhodes Scholarship for West Africa

The Rhodes Scholarship for West Africa is a regional Rhodes opportunity for eligible applicants from West African countries, including Nigeria. It is highly competitive and provides a pathway to postgraduate study at Oxford.

What can a fully funded UK scholarship cover?

Depending on the programme, funding may include:

• Tuition fees
• Living or maintenance allowance
• Airfare or travel support
• Visa-related costs
• Health or medical coverage
• Study or research-related allowances

The exact package differs by scholarship, so applicants should check the individual award details rather than assuming every fully funded scholarship covers every expense.

Who can apply?

Eligibility varies by scholarship, but common requirements include:

• Citizenship or residency in an eligible country
• The required previous degree
• Meeting academic requirements
• Applying for an eligible UK programme
• Demonstrating academic excellence, leadership, research potential or development impact, depending on the award
• Providing required documents such as transcripts, CV, references and personal statements
• Meeting any applicable English-language requirements

How to apply for UK scholarships

1. Find scholarships that match your profile

Start with your nationality, degree level, field of study, academic record, professional experience and target universities. Do not apply solely because a scholarship is fully funded; confirm that you meet its eligibility criteria.

2. Check the deadline and requirements

Create a deadline tracker and carefully review the current application cycle. Check whether you need university admission before submitting the scholarship application.

3. Prepare your documents early

Common documents include academic transcripts, a CV, recommendation letters, personal or motivation statements and, for some programmes, a research proposal or proof of English proficiency.

4. Build a strong application

Explain your achievements, leadership experience, career goals and intended impact with specific evidence. Connect your plans to the scholarship's mission rather than submitting a generic statement.

5. Submit before the deadline

Submit early whenever possible. Scholarship portals can become busy close to deadlines, and some programmes use strict closing times.

Tips for international students

Start early. Strong applications often require several weeks of preparation.

Show evidence of impact. Use specific projects, responsibilities, achievements and measurable results to demonstrate leadership or community impact.

Tailor every application. Adapt your personal statement to the scholarship and programme instead of recycling one generic essay.

Check nationality rules carefully. International scholarships may still restrict eligibility to specific countries or regions.

Apply strategically. Build a portfolio of scholarships that match your profile rather than relying on a single opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can international students get fully funded scholarships in the UK?

Yes. Several UK government, university and foundation-funded programmes provide full or substantial funding to eligible international students.

Which UK scholarships are fully funded?

Examples include Chevening, Gates Cambridge, Commonwealth scholarships and Rhodes scholarships. Their funding packages and eligibility requirements differ.

Can African students apply for UK scholarships?

Yes. Many UK scholarship programmes accept applicants from African countries, while some have specific regional opportunities for African or Commonwealth applicants.

Do I need IELTS for a UK scholarship?

Not necessarily. English-language requirements vary between scholarships and universities. Always check the current rules for both the scholarship and the university programme.

When should I start preparing?

Ideally, begin several months before the deadline. This gives you time to research programmes, prepare essays, request references, gather documents and complete any required university applications.

Find more UK scholarships

ScholarshipRight helps international students discover scholarship opportunities and compare them based on degree level, field, nationality, funding and other eligibility requirements.

Always confirm the latest information with the official scholarship provider before submitting an application.