The United Kingdom is renowned for its prestigious universities, world-class education, and diverse cultural experiences. For international students aspiring to pursue higher education in the UK, the financial burden of tuition fees and living costs can pose a substantial challenge.
However, there are numerous fully funded scholarships available to help mitigate these costs and make studying in the UK a reality for students from around the world. In this article, we will look at 15 fully funded scholarships in the UK dedicated to providing financial assistance to international students.
Fully funded scholarships in the UK for international students
International students can apply for a wide variety of scholarships that the UK provides, encouraging both academic performance and cultural diversity. These scholarships cover a range of academic levels and subject areas, opening up higher education in the UK. Many of these opportunities pay for living expenses, travel costs, and even tuition. Aspiring students might look into these scholarships if they want to pursue their academic goals in the UK.
15 fully funded Scholarships in the UK for international students
Here are 15 fully funded scholarships in the UK for international students:
Gates Cambridge Scholarships
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship initiative originated in October 2000 with a generous $210 million endowment from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to the University of Cambridge. These fully funded master’s and Ph.D. scholarships, provided by the Gates Cambridge program, are bestowed upon exceptional candidates hailing from countries beyond the United Kingdom.
These scholarships enable recipients to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree in any field at the University of Cambridge. To date, the program has granted over 1,700 Gates Cambridge Scholarships to individuals from over 100 different countries, with approximately 90 new scholarships being awarded annually.
Level of Study: Master’s
Deadline: October 11, 2023 (for US citizens residing in the USA) or December 5, 2023, or January 4, 2024 (depending on the course).
Reach Oxford Scholarships
Several Oxford colleges provide Reach Oxford Scholarships, formerly known as Oxford Student Scholarships, to individuals from developing nations. These scholarships are designed for students who face obstacles such as political or financial constraints or the absence of equivalent educational resources in their home countries that prevent them from pursuing higher education degrees locally.
Level of Study: Undergraduate programs in all fields of study listed in the curriculum, except medicine.
The deadline is October 16, 2023/February 16, 2024.
Official Website:
Rhodes Trust Scholarships
Founded in 1902 as per Cecil John Rhodes’ testament, the Rhodes Scholarship stands as the world’s oldest and arguably the most esteemed international scholarship initiative. This program offers exceptional individuals from diverse global backgrounds the opportunity to pursue full-time postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford. The Rhodes Scholars community, comprising over 7,000 members across generations and the world, remains vibrant and engaged. Annually, 95 Rhodes Scholars are chosen from 20 Rhodes constituencies spanning 64 countries globally.
Deadline: October 3, 2023
Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships
This global scholarship program in the UK includes the following benefits: airfare to and from your home country to the UK (the CSC does not typically cover fares for dependents or journeys made before award confirmation), approved tuition and examination fees, a living stipend, a thesis grant to assist with thesis or dissertation expenses, where applicable, an allowance for warm clothing, if needed, and a study travel grant to support study-related travel expenses within the UK or overseas.
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) annually provides approximately 800 awards for postgraduate studies and professional development. Since 1959, the UK government has funded over 27,500 Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows through the CSC. These international scholarships in the UK are awarded to deserving candidates.
Deadline: October 17, 2023
British Chevening Scholarships (UK)
Since 1983, Chevening has been the UK government’s scholarship program for international students, primarily focused on nurturing future global leaders. Supported by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and collaborating organizations, Chevening comprises two award categories: Chevening Scholarships and Chevening Fellowships. These recipients are handpicked by British embassies and high commissions across the globe, and Chevening Scholarships are granted to approximately 1,500 individuals annually.
Level of Study: Master’s
Deadline: November 1, 2023
Felix Trust Scholarships
Established in 1990, the Felix Scholarship was created with the mission of providing talented, underprivileged students from India and other developing nations with the chance to advance their postgraduate studies at a UK university. These scholarships, known as Felix scholarships, are available at three academic institutions: the University of Oxford, the University of Reading, and the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), a part of the University of London.
Every academic year, approximately 20 scholarships are granted, and since the program’s inception, a total of 428 scholarships have been awarded. These scholarships encompass full tuition fees, living expenses, and return airfare.
Level of Study: Master’s
Deadline: January 30, 2024
Westminster International Scholarships
The University of Westminster grants scholarships to qualified students from developing nations aspiring to pursue full-time degree programs in various fields of study at the university in the UK. These scholarships encompass complete tuition fee coverage, accommodations, living expenses, and round-trip flights to and from London.
Level of Study: Master’s
Deadline: October 6, 2023
Cambridge Trust International Scholarships
These UK international scholarships are applicable for a maximum period of three years and are open to all students enrolling in a three-year research program, ultimately leading to a Ph.D. (including CPGS), commencing in the upcoming academic year.
The Cambridge Commonwealth, European, and International Trust was created through the amalgamation of the Cambridge Commonwealth Trust and the Cambridge Overseas Trust on August 1, 2013. Annually, the Trust bestows around 500 scholarships and provides support for a diverse group of 1,100 to 1,400 resident students hailing from 85 countries worldwide.
Level of Study: Undergraduate
Deadline: December 5, 2023 or January 4, 2024
Windle Trust Postgraduate Scholarships
Over the course of nearly thirty years, Windle Trust International has established strong scholarship collaborations with various universities in the UK, offering postgraduate prospects to youth from African nations. Annually, approximately 18–20 students journey to the UK to undertake one-year taught master’s programs.
This scholarship encompasses all expenses, including tuition fees, airfare, and a stipend for living costs, throughout the entire 12-month study period. Additionally, it includes participation in leadership training and coaching programs.
Level of Study: Postgraduate or Master’s
Deadline: October 17, 2023
University of Bradford Global Development Scholarships
The University of Bradford Global Development Scholarships aim to assist international students facing financial challenges due to their residency in a country experiencing crises such as political instability, conflict, natural disasters, and more.
This scholarship opportunity is open to students currently enrolled or planning to enroll in a full-time Master’s program (excluding MBA) at the University of Bradford. Each scholarship holds an approximate value of £25,000, covering full tuition fees, accommodations, and living expenses.
The OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) Scholarship
The OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) provides a fully funded scholarship opportunity for eligible candidates aspiring to pursue a Master’s degree at an accredited global university.
These scholarships are valued at up to $50,000 and encompass tuition fees, a monthly stipend for living expenses, housing, insurance, textbooks, relocation assistance, and travel expenses. To apply, interested individuals must complete an online registration process, submit an application form, and upload the required supporting documents.
Level of Study: Master’s
University of Nottingham Developing Solutions Scholarships
Established in 2001, the University of Nottingham takes pride in its commitment to providing full tuition fee scholarships via the Developing Solutions Scholarship Scheme. This program offers a total of 105 scholarships annually, comprising 30 scholarships covering 100% of tuition fees and 75 scholarships covering 50% of tuition fees.
Level of Study: Master’s
MasterCard Foundation Scholarships
The scholarship offers comprehensive funding that incorporates housing expenses, living allowances, travel, and tuition fees for students enrolled in on-campus courses at the University of Edinburgh. Over the upcoming seven years, the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh will extend fully funded scholarships to 80 undergraduates and 120 postgraduates from Africa.
Moreover, 60 scholars from other institutions within the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program will have the opportunity to engage in various online distance learning Master’s programs provided by the University of Edinburgh.
Level of Study: Undergraduate or Master’s
Joint Japan-World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
The Joint Japan-World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program offers scholarships to individuals hailing from member nations of the World Bank. These scholarships support studies in the field of development at designated universities worldwide. The scholarship encompasses expenses for travel between your home country and the hosting university, graduate program tuition, essential medical insurance, and a monthly allowance to support living costs, including book expenses.
Level of Study: Master’s
Clarendon Scholarships at the University of Oxford
The Clarendon Scholarship Fund is a renowned program that annually awards approximately 140 new scholarships to eligible graduate candidates, including international students, at the University of Oxford. These scholarships are granted based on exceptional academic performance and potential across all graduate-level subjects at the university. They provide comprehensive coverage, including full tuition and college fees, along with a substantial stipend to support living expenses.
Level of Study: Master’s or PhD
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for fully funded scholarships in UK?
Eligibility criteria vary depending on the specific scholarship but typically include factors such as academic excellence, nationality, the chosen field of study, and sometimes community involvement or leadership.
How can I find fully-funded scholarships in UK?
You can find fully funded scholarships through online scholarship search engines, university websites, and by checking with relevant government agencies or organizations that offer international scholarships. Additionally, networking with academic advisors and professors can provide valuable insights.
What expenses do fully funded scholarships typically cover?
Fully funded scholarships usually cover tuition fees, accommodation costs, living expenses, travel expenses, and sometimes additional allowances for books and materials. These scholarships aim to alleviate the financial burden associated with studying abroad, allowing students to focus on their education and personal growth.
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