Top 8 Scholarships for International Students Studying in the UK (2025)

Why Scholarships Matter

International tuition fees at UK universities typically range from £12,000 to £45,000 per year, with medicine and some specialist courses costing more. Scholarships can dramatically reduce or eliminate this cost — making a UK education achievable for students from all economic backgrounds.

1. Chevening Scholarships

The UK Government's flagship international scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Chevening covers full tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, return flights, and other allowances. Open to students with at least two years of work experience applying for a one-year master's degree. Applications open in August each year.

2. Commonwealth Scholarships

Funded by the UK Department for International Development, Commonwealth Scholarships are for talented and motivated individuals from Commonwealth countries who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK. They cover full fees, living costs, and travel. Primarily for postgraduate study.

3. GREAT Scholarships

A partnership between the British Council and UK universities, offering scholarships of at least £10,000 towards tuition fees for one-year postgraduate courses. Available to students from specific countries — check the British Council website for the current list of eligible nationalities and participating universities.

4. Rhodes Scholarships (Oxford)

One of the world's most prestigious scholarships, the Rhodes covers all tuition fees and provides a living stipend for study at the University of Oxford. Highly competitive — candidates are selected for academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to service.

5. Gates Cambridge Scholarships

Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Gates Cambridge Scholarships support outstanding students from outside the UK to pursue postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge. Approximately 80 awards are made per year — a small number given Cambridge's size, making this extremely competitive.

6. University Merit Scholarships

Most UK universities offer automatic merit reductions for international students who achieve exceptional grades — typically ranging from £2,000 to £10,000 per year off tuition fees. These do not require a separate application — they are awarded based on your academic record when you accept an offer. Check your university's scholarship page immediately after receiving your offer.

7. Scotland's Saltire Scholarships

For students from Canada, China, India, Japan, Pakistan, and the United States studying at Scottish universities, the Saltire Scholarship provides £8,000 towards one year of study. Administered by the Scottish Government in partnership with Scottish institutions.

8. Charles Wallace Trust Scholarships

For citizens of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Burma (Myanmar), and Sri Lanka, the Charles Wallace Trust offers grants, fellowships, and scholarships for short visits, arts projects, and postgraduate study in the UK.

Start Your Scholarship Search

UNICONS maintains a database of over 200 scholarship opportunities matched to student profiles. Book a free scholarship consultation to find the opportunities you qualify for and receive support preparing competitive applications.