List of scholarships available for international students in UK in 2023
As an international student looking to study in the UK, funding your education can be challenging. While educational expenses keep on rising, fortunately, numerous liberal grants are accessible to assist with making your fantasies about concentrating abroad more reasonable and open.
A comprehensive list of scholarships for international students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs in 2023 is provided in this article by universities, private organizations, and the UK government. There are numerous choices to consider, regardless of whether you are interested in business and law, arts and humanities, science, technology, engineering, or math programs.
You could receive funding to help pay for things like tuition, living expenses, travel, and more if you put some time and effort into the application process. Take advantage of these opportunities to study in the UK for less money because investing in your education is an investment in your future.
- UK Government Scholarships for International Students
As an international student looking to study in the UK, you have several scholarship options to help fund your education. The UK government offers scholarships for international students based on both merit and need.
The Chevening Scholarship is a prestigious award that enables students from over 160 countries to pursue a one-year master’s degree in any subject at any UK university. The scholarship covers university tuition fees, a living allowance, travel costs, and more. To be eligible, you must have an undergraduate degree and at least two years of work experience. Applications open in August for the following academic year.
The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan offers scholarships and fellowships for citizens of Commonwealth countries to study in the UK at the master’s, doctoral, and postdoctoral levels. The awards include university fees, travel costs, and living allowances. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with at least upper second-class honors. Applications open in November for the following academic year.
The Marshall Scholarship funds young Americans to study at any university in the UK for up to three years in any subject at the graduate level. The award includes university fees, travel expenses, and cost of living. To qualify, you must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.7. Applications open in May for the following academic year.
In summary, the UK government provides generous scholarships for international students from around the world to study in the UK. By researching the eligibility criteria and application deadlines, you can find funding to make your dream of studying in the UK a reality.
- University Scholarships and Grants for International Students
As an international student looking to study in the UK, you have several options for scholarships and grants to help fund your education. Many UK universities offer scholarships and bursaries for international students based on academic merit and financial need.
University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge: The UK’s top two universities offer generous scholarships and bursaries for international students, covering a large portion of tuition and living costs. Selection is very competitive, based on outstanding academic achievement and potential.
The Chevening Scholarship: Funded by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Chevening Scholarship offers full tuition fees, a living stipend, and travel costs for a one-year master’s degree at any UK university. Candidates must have an excellent academic background and demonstrate strong leadership potential.
Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan: For students from Commonwealth countries, the CSC offers scholarships for masters and Ph.D. studies in the UK. Awards include tuition fees, living stipends, and travel costs. Applicants must have a first degree with upper second-class honors or higher.
University-Funded Scholarships: Many UK universities provide scholarships and bursaries for international students covering partial to full tuition fees. Eligibility and amounts vary, but awards are typically based on academic merit and the university’s priorities. Check with your target schools for options.
With numerous scholarships and a world-class university system, the UK remains an attractive destination for higher education. By researching the many opportunities available for international students, you can find funding to make your dreams of studying in the UK a reality.
- Private Organization Scholarships for International Students in the UK
Chevening Scholarships
The Chevening Scholarships are the UK government’s global scholarship program, funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organizations. The scholarships offer full financial support for international students from Chevening-eligible countries to study for a one-year master’s degree at any UK university. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. To be eligible, you must:
- Have an undergraduate degree that will enable you to gain entry into a postgraduate program at a UK university.
- Have at least two years of work experience.
- Meet the Chevening English language requirement.
- Return to your country of citizenship for at least two years after your scholarship award.
- The application deadline is typically in early November for courses beginning the following academic year.
Commonwealth Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarships are funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and provide opportunities for students from developing Commonwealth countries to pursue master’s and Ph.D. studies in the UK. The scholarships include:
- Full tuition fees
- Living expenses
- Travel costs
- Thesis grant (for Ph.D. scholars)
- To qualify, you must:
- Be a citizen of a developing Commonwealth country.
- Hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) honors standard.
- Be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship.
The application deadline is typically in early January for courses beginning in September or October of the same year.
Rhodes Scholarships
The Rhodes Scholarship are prestigious international postgraduate awards for study at the University of Oxford. They provide:
- All university and college fees
- A living expenses stipend
- One economy class airfare to and from Oxford
To be eligible, you must:
- Be an international student from a country where Rhodes Scholarships are offered.
- Be aged 19 to 25 years old.
- Hold a first degree with at least a 3.7 GPA equivalent.
- Demonstrate outstanding intellect, character, leadership, and commitment to service.
The application deadline is typically in early October for courses beginning the following October.
Subject-Specific Scholarships for International Students
As an international student looking to study in the UK, you may be eligible for scholarships in your field of study. Many UK universities and external organizations offer scholarships for specific subjects to attract top talent from around the world.
The Chevening Scholarships are the UK government’s global scholarship program, offering full or partial funding for master’s degrees in any subject. Candidates are selected based on academic excellence and leadership potential.
The Commonwealth Scholarships are for students from Commonwealth countries, including many in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. They provide full funding for Ph.D. and master’s studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The Rhodes Scholarships, administered by the Rhodes Trust, provide full funding for postgraduate study at the University of Oxford in any subject. They are among the most prestigious international scholarships, awarded based on outstanding intellect, character, leadership, and commitment to service.
The Marshall Scholarships finance young Americans of high ability to study for a degree in the UK. They cover university fees, cost of living expenses, annual book grants, thesis grants, research, and daily travel grants, fares to and from the United States, and, where applicable, a contribution towards the support of a dependent spouse.
The Felix Scholarships provide full funding for Ph.D. study in any subject at the University of Reading. They are open to students from developing countries who want to pursue research that addresses a development challenge.
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships offer full tuition, travel, and living allowance for master’s study in development-related subjects at UK universities. They are open to candidates from least developed and lower-middle-income Commonwealth countries.
In summary, international students have many opportunities to fund their studies in the UK through merit-based scholarships in specific fields. Do thorough research on the options available for your subject area and country of origin. With diligent work, you can find funding to achieve your academic dreams.
Eligibility Criteria for Most UK Scholarships in 2023
To be eligible for most scholarships in the UK for international students in 2023, you must meet certain criteria. The specific criteria will vary depending on the scholarship but typically include:
- Nationality and Residency
The majority of UK scholarships for international students are open to applicants of all nationalities. However, some scholarships may prioritize or require applicants from developing countries. You must not be a UK resident.
- Academic Merit
Most scholarships require a minimum GPA, typically 2.5 or higher. Some scholarships may require a higher GPA, especially for postgraduate study. Your grades and test scores in required subjects will also be considered.
- Program of Study
Scholarships are often available for specific degree programs, levels of study (undergraduate, postgraduate), and subjects. Make sure the program you want to pursue is covered by the scholarship. Some scholarships also require you to study at a specific university or set of universities.
- Language Proficiency
If the program of study is taught in English, you will need to demonstrate English language proficiency through a standardized test like the IELTS or TOEFL. The required scores will depend on the scholarship and university.
- Financial Need
Some scholarships consider your financial situation and ability to pay for studies without assistance. Be prepared to provide evidence of your financial need through bank statements, income statements, and other documents.
- Application
To be considered for any scholarship, you must submit a complete application, including all required documents like transcripts, test scores, references, essays, and a CV. Make sure you meet all deadlines and eligibility criteria before applying. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Following the eligibility criteria carefully and submitting a strong, well-documented application will maximize your chances of being awarded a scholarship to study in the UK. Do thorough research on the options available and apply to as many as possible that you are eligible for.
Conclusion
As an international student looking to study in the UK, the opportunities for funding your education are plentiful if you do your research. The scholarships and grants listed here are just a starting point; many more exist if you explore other private organizations, religious groups, and charities. While the application processes can be rigorous, the rewards of a fully or partially funded education at a world-class university are well worth the effort. Dream big, believe in yourself, and don’t let financial limitations hold you back from this life-changing experience of studying in the UK. With hard work and perseverance, you have the power to make your goals a reality. Now get started and good luck!