How to Get Scholarships in the UK for International Students?

Education in the UK is not cheap nowadays, so scholarships and similar funding opportunities are in high demand. While this means that scholarship funding is extremely competitive, it also means that more and more scholarships are being offered as UK universities look to attract the most talented international students.

Below is a selection of scholarships to study in the UK, some funded by the UK Government, some by outside organizations, and many by individual UK universities.

Top 4 UK Government-Funded Scholarships for International Students

1. Chevening Scholarships in the UK 

These UK scholarships for international students are funded by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office and partner organizations. It is important to note that Chevening offers fully-funded scholarships to help deserving students focus on their career goals without any stress or distraction.

2. Commonwealth Scholarships for Developing Commonwealth Countries 

Commonwealth Scholarships are given to students from commonwealth countries who have the potential to make a global impact but can’t afford to fund their UK Studies. Most of these scholarships are fully funded if you meet the eligibility criteria.

3. Joint Commonwealth Scholarships Program at UK Universities 

These are UK scholarships for international students pursuing UK-taught master’s programs. The courses studied must be demonstrably linked to the technological, economic, or social evolution of the country of origin.

4. Marshall Scholarships 

These are postgraduate scholarships for American students who demonstrate academic merit, leadership potential, and ambassadorial potential to study in the UK. (Excluding MBA and some graduate programs)

 

Top 4 UK Non-Government Scholarships for International Students

1. Euraxess UK 

Euraxess is an initiative of the European Commission to support researchers in Europe. The UK branch of the program is managed by the British Council and offers a range of postgraduate research fellowships to international students from around the world.

2. CastleSmart Scholarship 

CastleSmart Estate Agents offers £ 6,000 annually to a UK university student (open to all nationalities). Candidates must create a compelling YouTube video that outlines their educational and career plans to avail of this scholarship.

3. Surf Shark Privacy and Security Scholarship  

A $ 2,000 award is available to a student currently enrolled in the UK or elsewhere as a secondary school student, undergraduate, or postgraduate student. You must submit an essay to apply and the scholarship is open to all nationalities.

4. Royal Society Grants 

Various grants and assistantships are available to talented researchers in the UK and beyond.

 

10 Popular UK University Scholarships for International Students

1. Aberystwyth University International Scholarships 

A range of scholarships, grants, and awards programs to support international students are provided by Aberystwyth University in Wales.

2. University of Bristol International Scholarships 

These are UK scholarships for international students to study at the University of Bristol in an undergraduate or postgraduate program.

3. University of Birmingham International Scholarships  

Various scholarships are available for international students to study at the University of Birmingham.

4. Cardiff University Elite International Scholarships 

These are undergraduate and master’s scholarships in the UK for international students who wish to study at Cardiff University in Wales.

5. Clarendon Scholarships at the University of Oxford

The Clarendon Fund, sponsored by Oxford University Press, offers scholarships for full-time and part-time students at the University of Oxford in the UK.

6. University of Edinburgh Global Scholarships 

There are various UK scholarship schemes for international Ph.D. students enrolling at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. 

7. Gates Cambridge Scholarships for International Students

This is a fully-funded scholarship for international students wanting to study full-time in the UK at the University of Cambridge.

8. Kingston University International Scholarships

The international office of the university awards scholarships for all levels of study including undergraduate scholarships for Indian students.

9. Queen’s University Belfast International Scholarships  

A variety of undergraduate and postgraduate scholarship options are available to study at Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland.

10. Oxford University Scholarships for International Students 

Merit-based UK Scholarships are available for Masters and PhD students to study at the University of Oxford.

Also read: Best scholarship for Indian atudents to atudy in the UK

Eligibility criteria to apply for International Scholarships in the UK

International students need certain eligibility criteria to apply for UK scholarships. While each scholarship has specific eligibility criteria, here are the general requirements for applying for a UK scholarship:

1. Academic Achievements 

Applicants must have an excellent academic track record with a competitive GPA in their prior studies. While average scores are required for entry into programs at UK universities, students need to score approximately 60-80% in their previous undergraduate programs to qualify for UK scholarships.

2. English Proficiency

Students whose primary language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English to qualify for some scholarships. Students need a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent on similar tests to qualify for major UK scholarships.

3. Extracurricular Activities 

Students who participate in various extracurricular activities will be considered for certain scholarships. Students with leadership experience and active involvement in social welfare are considered for some of the top scholarships. Athletic and athletic achievements can also qualify you for various scholarships to study in the UK.

 

5 Popular Scholarships in the UK for Indian Students

Here’s a rundown of five popular scholarships available to Indian students pursuing various programs in the UK.

1. Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships

Students pursuing a Ph.D. or research program can receive these scholarships. Different types of Charles Wallace India Trust scholarships offer comprehensive tuition, accommodation, and even international awards. Additionally, PhD students receive up to £ 10,000 (~ INR 10.32,000) in the final year.

2. Saltire Scholarships

Saltire scholarships are offered by the Scottish Government and Scottish universities to international students pursuing science, technology, creative industries, renewable and clean energy, medicine, and healthcare. 

Scholarships are limited to a few countries including India, Pakistan, Japan, China, United States, and Canada. In one academic year, only fifty people are eligible for Saltire Scholarships, each worth £ 8,000. (approx.)

3. Felix Scholarship

This is a merit-based and needs-based scholarship that aims to provide full financial support to disadvantaged UK students from 21 developing countries including India. 

Each year around twenty people receive these scholarships from the University of Oxford, the School of Oriental and African Studies, and the University of Reading. The basic requirement to qualify for this scholarship is a degree from a recognized university and a recommendation from the institution.

4. Rhodes Scholarships

Five awards are given to outstanding students from India each year. Being one of the oldest international scholarships, the scholarships are awarded to students pursuing postgraduate studies lasting one or two years. The scholarship amount is GBP 59,490 (~ 61.28 lakh INR).

Work while studying in the UK

As an international student, you can apply for jobs whilst studying programs offered by various UK universities. You may work a maximum of 20 hours per week during meetings and full-time during holidays. There are certain entry requirements to work as a student, one from the university and one from official government agencies.

Students must be over 16 and hold a UK Tier 4 student visa to work part-time. Some universities have restrictions on working outside the university, but there are several options for international students. Indian passport holders must have Employment Eligibility shown on their passport stickers in order to be able to work whilst studying as an international student in the UK.

 

Student loans to study in the UK

The UK government strengthens the budget for international students through student funding. If you are unable to get a scholarship to study in the UK, you are eligible for student education loans. The monthly refund policy is dependent on the salary earned by the student after completing the course.

Students under the age of 25 can apply for the separate program if they have no connection to their parents. Proof of student self-employment is required for student funding.

The growing need for skilled professionals in various UK businesses has allowed universities to gradually attract more overseas students. However, as education in the UK is expensive these days, scholarships play an important role in the admission of international students. Although competition for scholarships in the UK is quite fierce, students are encouraged to apply for scholarships if needed.

 

MBA Scholarships in the UK

The MBA is one of the most enrolled programs in the world. Students who choose to study for an MBA in the UK are eligible for a variety of scholarships based on merit and need. In addition to international organizations, UK universities also offer specific program scholarships for MBA students. Here are listed some of the best UK universities and MBA scholarships offered.

 

Universities	Scholarships	Eligibility Criteria	Grant Details
University of Oxford	Saïd Business School Foundation Scholarships	Academic achievements, potentials, and GMAT or GRE scores	Variable awards to 40 MBA students.
University of Birmingham	Claire and Sean Henry Scholarship	Outstanding Indian student, genuine need determined by the university, relevant experience, and clear future perspective	30,450 GBP (Full tuition fee).
Cranfield University	Exceptional Student Scholarship	Scholastic and professional excellence, Minimum GMAT score: 730	Up to 39,000 GBP (100% tuition fees).
University of Cambridge	The Cambridge MBA Beyond Profit/Social Impact Scholarship	Significant experience of working with a social enterprise or non-profit organizationÂ	25,000 GBP
Imperial College London	Imperial College Business School Full Time MBA Scholarships	Upper second-class bachelor’s degree and competitive GRE or GMAT	15,000-54,500 GBP.

MS Scholarships in the UK

Distinguished international students pursuing various master’s programs in the UK are awarded some of the best scholarships available in the UK. Most scholarships for EM programs are either need-based or merit-based. Some of the ranked universities offering UK MS and program-specific scholarships are listed below:

Universities	Scholarships	Eligibility Criteria	Grant Details
University College London	Thomas Witherden Batt Scholarship	Financial need determined by the university	10,000 GBP
London School of Economics and Political Science	LSE Scholarships for Indian Students	LSE Graduate Financial Support application, demonstrated need	Fully funded program
University of Manchester	Master’s Degree Bursaries	Any master’s school applicant with an offer can apply	4,000 GBP
University of Warwick	WMG Excellence Scholarships	Self-funded, full-time M.Sc. student	10-50% tuition fee discount.
University of Oxford	Oxford Funding	Accepted students are automatically considered	Course fees and accommodation fees

The bottom line

As discussed above, there are numerous scholarships in the UK for international students. However, securing scholarships in the UK requires thorough planning, proactive research, and compelling applications.

Choosing the right scholarship opportunity and crafting a persuasive application is quite challenging. It is best to get in touch with leading study abroad consultants at MSM Unify to get tailored advice, select the right course and university offering a good scholarship, and get end-to-end assistance on your study-abroad journey.

So, do not procrastinate on your path to success. Contact MSM Unify today and scale the peaks of success in your career!