Introduction
Fully Funded Scholarships in the UK for International Students – Pursuing higher education in the UK can be a transformative experience, offering world-class education and a vibrant cultural environment. However, the costs can be prohibitive for many international students. Fully funded scholarships are an excellent way to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs. This guide highlights some of the top fully funded scholarships in the UK for international students, including eligibility, benefits, and application processes.
1. Chevening Scholarships
Chevening Scholarships are prestigious awards funded by the UK government for outstanding emerging leaders to pursue a one-year Master’s degree in any subject at any UK university.
Eligibility:
- Must be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country.
- Return to your country of citizenship for a minimum of two years after your scholarship ends.
- Have an undergraduate degree that will enable you to gain entry into a postgraduate program at a UK university.
- Have at least two years of work experience.
- Meet the Chevening English language requirement.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fees.
- Monthly stipend.
- Travel costs to and from the UK.
- Arrival allowance.
- Homeward departure allowance.
- Cost of one visa application.
- Travel grant to attend Chevening events in the UK.
How to Apply: Applications open in August and close in early November. Visit the Chevening website for detailed application procedures.
2. Commonwealth Scholarships
Commonwealth Scholarships are aimed at students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries who would not otherwise be able to study in the UK. These scholarships are available for Master’s and PhD programs.
Eligibility:
- Be a citizen or have refugee status in a Commonwealth country.
- Be permanently resident in a Commonwealth country.
- Be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship.
- For Master’s: Hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) standard.
- For PhD: Hold a Master’s degree or equivalent.
Benefits:
- Approved airfare from your home country to the UK and return at the end of your award.
- Approved tuition fees.
- Stipend (living allowance).
- Thesis grant towards the cost of preparing a thesis or dissertation.
- Warm clothing allowance, where applicable.
- Study travel grant.
How to Apply: Applications are generally open from August to October. Check the Commonwealth Scholarships website for specific dates and application procedures.
3. Gates Cambridge Scholarships
Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gates Cambridge Scholarships are awarded to outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree in any subject at the University of Cambridge.
Eligibility:
- Be a citizen of any country outside the UK.
- Applying to pursue one of the following full-time residential courses of study at the University of Cambridge: PhD, MSc/MLitt, or a one-year postgraduate course.
Benefits:
- University composition fee at the appropriate rate.
- A maintenance allowance for a single student.
- One economy single airfare at both the beginning and end of the course.
- Inbound visa costs and the cost of the Immigration Health Surcharge.
How to Apply: Applications open in September and close in early December. Detailed application guidelines are available on the Gates Cambridge website.
4. Clarendon Scholarships at the University of Oxford
The Clarendon Fund offers over 130 full scholarships every year to academically excellent graduate students from all around the world at the University of Oxford.
Eligibility:
- All graduate applicants to the University of Oxford are automatically considered.
- Academic merit and potential are the main criteria for selection.
Benefits:
- Full tuition and college fees.
- Generous grant for living expenses.
How to Apply: No separate application is needed as all applicants for graduate study are automatically considered. Visit the Clarendon Fund website for more details.
5. Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarships
Imperial College London offers up to 50 President’s PhD Scholarships to exceptional students from around the world.
Eligibility:
- Applicants must be among the highest achievers in their undergraduate cohort.
- Have a strong desire to undertake a PhD program at Imperial College London.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fees.
- A stipend for living expenses.
- A consumables fund for the first three years of study.
How to Apply: Applications are typically open from November to January. Visit the Imperial College London website for more information.
6. Rhodes Scholarships at the University of Oxford
The Rhodes Scholarships are awarded to exceptional international students to study at the University of Oxford. This is one of the oldest and most prestigious scholarship programs in the world.
Eligibility:
- Each applicant must fulfill the citizenship and residency requirements of the Rhodes constituency for which they are applying.
- Age limits vary between constituencies but generally range from 18 to 24.
- Academic achievement and integrity of character.
Benefits:
- University and college fees.
- A living stipend.
- One economy class airfare to Oxford at the start of the scholarship and one economy flight back to the student’s home country at the conclusion of the scholarship.
How to Apply: Applications open in June or July and close in October. Visit the Rhodes Scholarships website for detailed application procedures.
7. Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships
The University of Edinburgh offers these scholarships for PhD research programs in any field of study offered by the University.
Eligibility:
- International students commencing a PhD in any field of study at the University of Edinburgh.
- Applicants must be of outstanding academic merit.
Benefits:
- Cover the difference between the tuition fee for a UK/EU graduate student and that chargeable to an overseas graduate student.
How to Apply: Applications are usually open from November to February. Visit the University of Edinburgh website for more information.
8. Warwick Chancellor’s International Scholarships
The University of Warwick offers Chancellor’s International Scholarships to the most outstanding international PhD applicants.
Eligibility:
- Applicants for a PhD at the University of Warwick.
- Open to international students in any discipline.
Benefits:
- Full payment of tuition fees.
- Maintenance stipend.
- Research, training, and support grant.
How to Apply: Applications open in October and close in January. Visit the University of Warwick website for more information.
9. UCL Global Masters Scholarships
University College London (UCL) offers these scholarships to international students enrolled in a full-time Master’s degree program.
Eligibility:
- Must be an international student.
- Have applied to a full-time Master’s program at UCL.
Benefits:
- £15,000 (for one year).
- There are a number of awards available, and they are tenable for one year only.
How to Apply: Applications usually open in January and close in April. Visit the UCL website for detailed application procedures.
10. King’s College London Africa International PGR Scholarships
King’s College London offers fully funded scholarships for students from Africa who are undertaking a PhD program.
Eligibility:
- Must be a national of an African country.
- Applying for a full-time PhD program at King’s College London.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fees.
- An annual stipend.
- Research support grant.
How to Apply: Applications are typically open from November to March. Visit the King’s College London website for detailed application procedures.
Conclusion
Fully funded scholarships in the UK provide international students with an invaluable opportunity to pursue their academic and professional goals without financial constraints. Each scholarship has its specific eligibility criteria and benefits, so it’s important to carefully review and apply for those that align with your qualifications and needs. Start your application process early, stay organized, and take advantage of these opportunities to study in the UK. Good luck!
