This guide ranks the top 10 UK scholarships for international students, detailing eligibility, requirements, and deadlines to help you land a first-page-worthy application.

Scholarship United Kingdom International Students

1. Chevening Scholarships (UK Government)

Rank: Best for Future Leaders
Chevening is the UK’s most prestigious government award, offering full financial support for a one-year Master’s degree at any UK university.

• Eligibility: Citizen of a Chevening-eligible country; undergraduate degree; minimum 2 years (2,800 hours) of work experience.
• Requirements: Must return to your home country for 2 years post-study; English language proficiency; three different UK Master’s course choices.
• Deadline: Typically, October or November for the following academic year.
• Application Link: Chevening Official Apply

2. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships

Best for Commonwealth Citizens
Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), these awards support students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries.

• Eligibility: Citizen or refugee in an eligible Commonwealth country; hold at least an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree.
• Requirements: Demonstrated financial need; inability to afford UK study otherwise.
• Deadline: Generally October each year.
• Application Link: CSCUK Application Portal

3. Gates Cambridge Scholarship

Rank: Most Prestigious for Research
Established by Bill and Melinda Gates, this scholarship supports postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge.

Applications for entry in the academic year 2026/7 are now closed. Applications will open again in September 2026 for entry in the academic year 2027/8.

• Eligibility: Citizens of any country outside the UK; applying for a full-time PhD, MSc/MLitt, or one-year postgraduate course.
• Requirements: Outstanding intellectual ability; leadership potential; commitment to improving the lives of others.
• Deadline: October: Applications will open again in September 2026
• Application Link: Gates Cambridge Apply

4. Rhodes Scholarship (University of Oxford)

Rank Global Recognition
The oldest international scholarship in the world, providing full funding for postgraduate study at Oxford.

• Eligibility: Students from specific global constituencies (check the website for your country).
• Requirements: Exceptional academic achievement; strong character; leadership and service.
• Deadline: Applications for the Rhodes Scholarship 2026 are now closed. You can sign up to our mailing list to be notified when applications reopen in 2026, for entry to University of Oxford in 2027.
• Application Link: Rhodes House Application

5. GREAT Scholarships

Best for 1-Year Masters
A joint initiative by the British Council and the UK government, offering at least £10,000 toward tuition for students from 18 countries.

• Eligibility: Citizens of countries like India, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey.
• Requirements: Hold an undergraduate degree; meet the English requirements of the chosen UK university.
• Deadline: Varies by university, typically between April and June.
• Application Link: British Council GREAT Scholarships

6. Clarendon Fund (University of Oxford)

Rank Merit-Based Award
Clarendon awards roughly 200 full scholarships annually based purely on academic excellence.

• Eligibility: All graduate applicants to the University of Oxford.
• Requirements: No separate application; students are automatically considered when applying for their course.
• Deadline: Apply by the relevant December or January deadline for your course.
• Application Link: Clarendon Fund Info

7. University of Bristol Think Big Scholarships

Good for Undergraduate & Masters
Bristol invests over £3 million to support international students across all levels.

• Eligibility: International students for any full-time undergraduate or postgraduate course (excluding some professional fields).
• Requirements: Answer three essay questions about your future contribution to the Bristol community.
• Deadline: February (Round 1) and April (Round 2).
• Application Link: Bristol Think Big Apply

8. UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship

Best for Low-Income Students
UCL offers up to 33 scholarships for students from low-income backgrounds to pursue undergraduate study.

• Eligibility: International students from low-income households.
• Requirements: Must have applied for an undergraduate degree at UCL.
• Deadline: Usually April of the entry year.
• Application Link: UCL Scholarships

9. Nottingham Developing Solutions Scholarships

Best for Developing Nations

Targeted at students from Africa, India, and select Commonwealth countries to pursue a Master’s degree.

• Coverage: 50% or 100% tuition fee waiver.
• Requirements: Hold an offer for a full-time Master’s at the University of Nottingham.
• Deadline: Typically April or May.
• Application Link: Nottingham Developing Solutions

10. University of Westminster International Awards

Best for Full Living Coverage
Westminster is known for generous full-funding packages for students from developing nations.

• Eligibility: Full-time undergraduate or postgraduate students from developing countries.
• Requirements: High academic criteria and financial need.
• Deadline: Usually May for September entry.
• Application Link: Westminster Scholarships

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are there 100% scholarships available in the UK?

Yes. “Fully funded” scholarships like Chevening, Commonwealth, and Gates Cambridge cover 100% of tuition plus monthly living stipends.

Can I apply for a scholarship without an offer letter?

For most university-specific awards, you must have an unconditional or conditional offer first. However, government schemes like Chevening allow you to apply before receiving an offer, though you must secure one later to finalize the award.

Do I need IELTS for a UK scholarship?

While the scholarship provider might not always require it, the university and the UK Student Visa route almost always do.

What is the minimum GPA required for a UK scholarship?

Most top-tier scholarships require at least a 3.0–3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale, or an upper second-class (2:1) degree.

Can international students work while on a scholarship?

Most UK Student Visas allow you to work up to 20 hours per week during term time, but some scholarship terms may restrict this. Always check your award’s fine print.

CHECK THESE OUT:

University of Westminster Studentships in UK 2026 | Fully Funded PhD Scholarship

National Black Nurses Association Scholarship Program 2026 (Up to $1,000+)

How to Get Admission Abroad with a 2nd Class Lower (2:2) Degree

The post  Top 10 UK Scholarships for International Students 2026/2027 appeared first on Scholarships, Visas & Study Abroad Guide.