Understanding UK Student Funding
Studying in the UK can be expensive, but there are many funding options available to international students. The key is knowing where to look and applying early.
Government-Funded Scholarships
Chevening Scholarships
The UK government's global scholarship programme. Chevening funds outstanding professionals with leadership potential to study a one-year Masters degree in the UK.
- Covers: tuition fees, living allowance, travel costs, and visa fees
- Eligibility: from a Chevening-eligible country, 2+ years work experience, return to home country for 2 years after studies
- Deadline: typically early November for the following academic year
Commonwealth Scholarships
Funded by the UK government through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. For students from Commonwealth countries.
- Covers: tuition fees, living allowance, airfare, thesis grant
- Eligibility: citizen of a Commonwealth country, typically for Masters or PhD
- Application: through your national nominating body
Marshall Scholarships
For American students to study at any UK university. One of the most prestigious scholarships available.
- Covers: tuition fees, living expenses, travel, and other allowances
- Eligibility: US citizens, under 26, first-class honours degree or equivalent
GREAT Scholarships
Funded by the British Council and UK universities. Available to students from specific countries including India, China, Malaysia, and many others.
- Amount: typically £10,000 towards tuition fees
- Eligibility: citizen of a participating country, applied to a participating university
University-Specific Scholarships
Most UK universities offer their own scholarships for international students. Some examples:
- Oxford: Clarendon Fund Scholarships (full funding for graduate students)
- Cambridge: Gates Cambridge Scholarships (full funding for graduate students)
- Imperial College London: President's PhD Scholarships
- UCL: UCL Overseas Research Scholarships
- Edinburgh: Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships
- Manchester: Manchester International Excellence Scholarships
- KCL: King's International Scholarships
Check each university's website for specific scholarships and deadlines.
Country-Specific Funding
Many countries offer funding for their citizens to study abroad:
- Saudi Arabia: King Abdullah Scholarship Program
- India: Indian Government Scholarships (ICCR, CSIR)
- China: China Scholarship Council (CSC)
- Nigeria: PTDF (Petroleum Technology Development Fund)
- Pakistan: HEC Scholarships
- Brazil: Science Without Borders / CAPES
- Mexico: CONACYT Scholarships
Professional and Charity Scholarships
Many organisations offer scholarships for students in specific fields:
- Royal Society: grants for science and engineering students
- British Academy: funding for humanities and social sciences
- Wellcome Trust: funding for health research
- Commonwealth Fund: scholarships for healthcare professionals
- British Council: various scholarships and funding programmes
How to Find Scholarships
The best places to search for scholarships:
- UKCIS (UK Council for International Student Affairs) - ukcisa.org.uk
- British Council - britishcouncil.org
- Postgrad.com - scholarship search tool
- FindAMasters.com - lists scholarships alongside courses
- Scholars4Dev.com - comprehensive list of international scholarships
- Your university's website - search for "international scholarships"
Application Tips
- Start early - many scholarships have deadlines 6-12 months before the course starts
- Apply to multiple scholarships - do not put all your eggs in one basket
- Read the criteria carefully - make sure you are eligible before applying
- Write a strong personal statement - explain why you deserve the scholarship
- Get references early - ask professors or employers well in advance
- Proofread everything - spelling and grammar mistakes can cost you the scholarship
- Follow up - check your email regularly after applying
What Scholarships Typically Look For
- Academic excellence - strong grades and test scores
- Leadership potential - evidence of leading projects, teams, or initiatives
- Community involvement - volunteering, charity work, or social impact
- Personal statement quality - clear, compelling, and specific
- References - strong letters from people who know you well
- Fit with the programme - how the course aligns with your goals
Cost of Studying in the UK (Summary)
| Cost Type | Range (per year) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate tuition | £11,400 - £38,000 |
| Masters tuition | £12,000 - £45,000 |
| Living costs (outside London) | £10,000 - £13,000 |
| Living costs (London) | £13,000 - £18,000 |
| Student visa | £490 + £776/year IHS |
Key Deadlines
- Chevening: early November (year before entry)
- Commonwealth: varies by country (usually December-January)
- GREAT Scholarships: varies by university (usually March-May)
- University scholarships: check individual websites
Do not assume you cannot afford to study in the UK. There is more funding available than most people realise. Start researching early, apply widely, and you could save thousands on your education.
