International students studying in the UK can face tuition fees of £10,000–£38,000 per year for undergraduate programmes and £11,000–£32,000 per year for postgraduate study. Fortunately, a range of UK scholarships for international students can significantly reduce this cost or cover it entirely. This guide covers the most prestigious options available in 2026, including the fully funded Chevening Scholarship, the Commonwealth Scholarship, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, the GREAT Scholarship, the Generation Google Scholarship, and the ICE QUEST Undergraduate Scholarship, along with practical advice on how to apply successfully.
Table of contents:
- Chevening scholarships (UK government)
- Host university scholarships
- Awards from funding organisations
- Generation Google Scholarship
- Institution of Civil Engineers QUEST Undergraduate Scholarship
- General advice on applying for UK scholarships
- Commonwealth Scholarship
- Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Chevening scholarships (UK government)
International students can apply for a select number of scholarships that are offered by the UK government.
The most prominent of these come via the Chevening programme. This is funded and supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations, with the aim of identifying outstanding student candidates who display leadership potential and academic excellence. Chevening scholarships fund postgraduate students in various fields, and cover tuition fees, travel, living expenses and visa costs.
In order to qualify for a Chevening scholarship you must:
- Be a citizen of one of the 140+ participating countries and territories
- Intend to return to your place of citizenship for at least two years after completing your studies
- Hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies you for a UK master's programme
- Have at least 2,800 hours of work experience (from 2026, only work experience gained after your graduation date will count)
- Apply to three eligible courses of study and receive an unconditional offer from at least one
Host university scholarships
Most universities in the UK have scholarship programmes for international students, and some of the most prestigious are fully funded. Academic merit is the primary criterion for these awards, and competition is intense, so starting your application early is essential.
Among the most well-known university-based scholarships are:
1. Clarendon Scholarship (University of Oxford)
Around 140 new scholarships are awarded each year to academically outstanding graduate students from any country. The award covers full tuition fees and provides a living expenses grant of approximately £18,622 per year. There is no separate application: all graduate applicants to Oxford are automatically considered.
2. UCL Global Engagement Scholarships (University College London)
Partial scholarships for high-achieving international students applying to selected master's programmes. Awards vary by programme; check the UCL website for the current list of eligible courses.
3. Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships (University of Edinburgh)
Competitive awards for international PhD students, covering tuition fees at the home rate. Applicants must be self-funding and applying for a research doctorate.
When applying for any university scholarship, make sure to mention any information that may help you stand out from other candidates, from voluntary work and community projects to your skills and professional experience.
Applications for UK scholarships and funding usually coincide with university applications. It is critical that you check your chosen institution's website for the finer details of the application process, including eligibility criteria and payment timelines.
Browse UK scholarship programmes
Awards from funding organisations
Beyond government and university scholarships, a significant number of organisations, councils and companies offer funding to international students studying in the UK. Two of the most accessible are:
1. GREAT Scholarships (British Council)
Jointly funded by the UK government's GREAT Britain Campaign, the British Council, and participating UK universities, GREAT Scholarships offer students from 18 countries a minimum of £10,000 towards tuition fees for a one-year taught postgraduate course. In the 2026–27 academic year, over 140 scholarships are available across more than 60 UK universities. Applications are made directly through the participating university. Visit the British Council website to find scholarships available for your country.
2. UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
UKRI offers a variety of funding options for postgraduate studies across a range of disciplines and subjects, primarily for research-based programmes.
Further funding opportunities can be identified through dedicated websites such as the Scholarship Hub and the Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding. You can also search for funding and scholarships by using our scholarships search page.
Generation Google Scholarship
The Generation Google Scholarship provides funding for female undergraduate students of computer science and other closely related subjects at universities throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Applications for the scholarship need to be made online, so having all the required documents in digital form is vital. In addition to being able to demonstrate a strong academic background, you’ll also need to illustrate your leadership qualities and commitment to increasing diversity in the tech industry. The scholarship is a one-time award of EUR 7,000 (or local equivalent), with previous recipients of Google scholarships being ineligible.
Institution of Civil Engineers QUEST Undergraduate Scholarship
The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) QUEST scholarship is aimed at people looking to begin undergraduate engineering studies in the UK. The award is given to new students at institutions that offer ICE-accredited degrees, and is underwritten by civil engineering and construction firms. As part of the scholarship, you’ll work for your sponsoring company during your holidays, which is a great way to gain professional experience. Further, upon graduation, working for that company full-time is a real possibility. Awards are worth up to GBP 8,000 over the course of your undergraduate study.
The application process requires you to demonstrate your dedication to civil engineering, leadership skills and strong academic ability. Qualifications equivalent to UK A-level grades of ABB are needed as a minimum. If this doesn't work for you, ICE also offers other awards under the QUEST banner which may be a better fit.
Commonwealth Scholarship
The Commonwealth Scholarship is one of the UK's most prestigious fully funded awards for international students. Administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), it offers around 700 awards each year for postgraduate study at UK universities. Since the programme began in 1960, over 31,000 scholars have benefited, among them Prime Ministers, Nobel Prize winners, and leaders of major international organisations.
To be eligible for a Commonwealth Scholarship, you must:
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of a Commonwealth country
- Hold an undergraduate honours degree of at least upper second class (2:1)
- For PhD scholarships: also hold an appropriate master's degree
- Be unable to afford to study in the UK without a scholarship
Most Commonwealth Scholarships are fully funded, covering your tuition fees, a return airfare to and from the UK, and a living allowance for the duration of your studies. There is no restriction on subject, but the CSC gives priority to applicants whose studies are most relevant to its six development themes, which include science and technology for development, strengthening health systems, and promoting global prosperity.
Applications are made through a National Nominating Agency, a UK university, or a Non-Governmental Organisation, depending on the type of scholarship. You will need a scanned copy of your passport, your academic transcript, your degree certificate, two references, and your university admission letter. Applications for the 2026–27 academic year closed on 14 October 2025; check the CSC website for the next cycle's deadline.
Gates Cambridge Scholarship
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the most competitive postgraduate scholarships in the world. Established in October 2000 through a US$210 million donation from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to the University of Cambridge, it offers around 80 full-cost scholarships each year to outstanding applicants from any country outside the United Kingdom. Approximately two-thirds of awards go to PhD students.
To be eligible for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship, you must:
- Be a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom
- Be applying for a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge
- Demonstrate outstanding intellectual ability
- Show a commitment to improving the lives of others
- Demonstrate leadership potential
The scholarship is fully funded and covers the full University Composition Fee (tuition), a maintenance allowance of £22,050 for 12 months (2025–26 rate; PhD scholars are funded for up to four years), one economy return airfare, and inbound visa costs including the Immigration Health Surcharge. Additional discretionary funding is available for academic development, dependent children, and fieldwork.
There are two application rounds: an International round (approximately 55 awards) and a US round (approximately 25 awards). Applications are submitted as part of the standard Cambridge graduate admissions process, there is no separate application form. Shortlisted candidates are invited to interview.
General advice on applying for UK scholarships
The selection process for UK scholarships is extremely competitive, particularly for fully funded awards such as Chevening and the Commonwealth Scholarship, both of which include a formal interview stage. Here are five practical tips to strengthen your application:
- Start early. Most major UK scholarships open applications 6–12 months before the course start date. Missing the deadline means waiting another year.
- Tailor your personal statement. Generic statements rarely succeed. Read the scholarship's stated values and objectives carefully, and align every paragraph of your statement to them.
- Secure strong references early. Chevening, Commonwealth, and Gates Cambridge all require academic or professional references. Give your referees at least 6–8 weeks' notice.
- Prepare for the interview. Chevening and Commonwealth both shortlist candidates for a formal interview. Research the scholarship's development themes and be ready to explain how your studies will benefit your home country.
- Pay attention to the small details. Who to address your application to, the word count, the formatting requirements, these details matter and can make all the difference.
Now that you have some insight into the potential for funding your studies with UK scholarships, it may be worth looking at some of the courses and institutions you can find in the country.
Frequently asked questions
Q1: Can international students get fully funded scholarships to study in the UK?
Yes. Several UK scholarships for international students are fully funded, meaning they cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. The most prominent examples are the Chevening Scholarship, the Commonwealth Scholarship, and the Gates Cambridge Scholarship. Eligibility and application processes vary by programme.
Q2: What is the Chevening Scholarship and who can apply?
The Chevening Scholarship is a UK government-funded award for outstanding postgraduate students from 140+ countries. It covers tuition fees, travel, living expenses, and visa costs for a one-year master's degree at any UK university. Applicants must have at least 2,800 hours of post-graduation work experience and demonstrate leadership potential.
Q3: What is the Commonwealth Scholarship for the UK?
The Commonwealth Scholarship is a fully funded postgraduate award for citizens of Commonwealth countries who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK. Administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), it offers around 700 awards per year for master's and PhD study, covering tuition fees, a return airfare, and a living allowance.
Q4: How competitive are UK scholarships for international students?
UK scholarships — particularly fully funded awards like Chevening and Commonwealth are extremely competitive, with acceptance rates typically below 5%. Successful applicants usually have strong academic records, clear leadership potential, and a well-articulated plan for how their studies will benefit their home country. Both Chevening and Commonwealth include a formal interview stage.
Q5: What documents do I need to apply for a UK scholarship?
Most UK scholarship applications require a valid passport, academic transcripts, your undergraduate degree certificate, a personal statement, and two academic or professional references. Some scholarships such as the Commonwealth Scholarship also require a university admission letter. Check the specific requirements for each scholarship on its official website before applying.
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