What scholarships are available for international students in the UK?

Major options include Chevening Scholarships (UK Government), Commonwealth Scholarships, GREAT Scholarships, university-specific merit and need-based scholarships, and awards from organisations such as the British Council and various charitable foundations.

Can I get a full scholarship to study in the UK?

Yes. Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships cover full tuition, living costs, and travel. Some universities also offer full-fee waivers for exceptional candidates. These are competitive — UNICONS helps you build the strongest possible application.

When should I start looking for scholarships?

At least 12–18 months before your intended start date. Many high-value scholarships (Chevening, Commonwealth) have deadlines in the autumn for courses starting the following autumn.

Do I need to be accepted by a university before applying for a scholarship?

It varies. Some scholarships (like Chevening) require a provisional university place. Others can be applied for at any time. UNICONS advises on the best sequence for each scholarship.

Are there scholarships for undergraduate international students?

Yes, though they are less numerous than postgraduate scholarships. Many universities offer automatic merit reductions (£2,000–£5,000 off fees), and some provide larger awards for students with exceptional grades.

Can I work while on a scholarship?

Most scholarships permit part-time work within your Student Visa allowance (up to 20 hours per week during term time). Some scholarships prohibit additional employment — check the terms of each award.

Guidance Hub

Make Your Education More Affordable

Discover scholarships, bursaries, and funding options available to international students studying in the UK and abroad.

Overview

Financing your international education is one of the biggest challenges students face. The good news is that there are hundreds of scholarships, bursaries, and funding schemes specifically designed for international students — many of which go unclaimed simply because students are unaware they exist.

Scholarships range from full tuition waivers to partial fee reductions, living cost allowances, and one-off awards. They are offered by universities themselves, the UK Government, independent foundations, national governments, international organisations, and private companies.

UNICONS maintains an up-to-date database of funding opportunities and provides personalised scholarship matching based on your nationality, subject area, academic achievement, and financial circumstances. Our counsellors have helped students secure hundreds of thousands of pounds in scholarship funding.

Step-by-Step Guide

1
Assess Your Eligibility
Different scholarships have different criteria: nationality, academic achievement, financial need, subject area, or demographic background. Start by identifying which categories apply to you.
2
Research Available Funding
Explore university scholarship pages, the British Council's funding database, your own government's student loan or sponsorship schemes, and independent scholarship directories.
3
Note Deadlines Early
Many major scholarships (Chevening, Commonwealth, GREAT) have deadlines months before course start dates — sometimes in the previous calendar year. Missing a deadline means waiting another year.
4
Prepare Your Application
Most scholarship applications require a personal statement (different from your UCAS one), references, proof of academic achievement, and sometimes a research proposal or project outline.
5
Apply for Multiple Scholarships
Do not rely on one scholarship. Apply for all relevant opportunities simultaneously — receiving multiple awards means you can select the best combination.
6
Follow Up and Track
Keep a spreadsheet of applications, deadlines, and outcomes. Some awards involve interviews — UNICONS prepares students for scholarship interviews as well.

Expert Tips

Apply for your university's internal scholarships first — they often have high success rates for admitted students.
Chevening Scholarships (UK Government) cover full tuition, living costs, and flights — applications open in August each year.
Commonwealth Scholarships are specifically for students from Commonwealth countries studying postgraduate courses.
Many universities offer automatic merit scholarships to students with high grades — check if yours qualifies.
Some scholarships require you to return to your home country after graduation — read the terms carefully.
Financial aid from your home country (student loans, government grants) can often be used alongside UK university scholarships.