If you’re dreaming of studying in the UK in 2025 but think the deadlines have all passed, you might be pleasantly surprised. While some universities close their applications early, several institutions keep their doors open for late applicants—especially international students.
What’s more, many of these universities also offer scholarships that can significantly reduce, or even cover, your tuition fees. The UK’s September/October intake remains the most popular for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD courses, but with a bit of research, you can still find quality programs accepting applications right now.
This guide highlights UK universities that are still open for applications in 2025, along with some of their top scholarships.
Quick Summary Table: UK Universities Still Accepting Applications in 2025
| University | Scholarship Name | Study Level | Eligible Applicants | Benefits | Application Deadline |
| University of Cambridge | Cambridge University MBA Scholarship | Master’s | All Countries | 75% tuition, accommodation, flight costs | May 15, 2026 |
| Keele University | SURF Scholarship | Master’s & PhD | Developing Countries | Full tuition, living stipend, £10,000 research allowance | Aug 18, 2025 |
| University of Oxford | Mastercard AfOx Scholarship | Master’s | African Countries | Full tuition, £20,780 stipend, flights, visa, accommodation | Jan 7, 2026 |
| University of Leeds | MBA Excellence Scholarship | Master’s | All Countries | Tuition discount | Not specified |
| University of Manchester | Equity and Merit Scholarship | Master’s | Selected African Countries | Full tuition, living stipend, travel, accommodation | Aug 31, 2025 |
| University of Warwick | Postgraduate Research Scholarships | PhD | All Countries | Full tuition, £20,780 stipend | Oct 6, 2025 |
| Swansea University | International Excellence Scholarship | PhD | All Countries | Partial tuition | Apr 15, 2026 |
University of Cambridge – Cambridge MBA Scholarship
If your goal is to study at one of the world’s most prestigious universities, the University of Cambridge offers the Cambridge University MBA Scholarship through the Boustany Foundation. This competitive award is open to talented students worldwide and is granted once every two years.
Benefits:
- Covers 75% of tuition fees
- Accommodation and travel costs for internship
- Internship opportunity after graduation
Deadline: May 15, 2026
Keele University – SURF Scholarship
Keele University’s Sustainability, Research, and Future (SURF) Scholarship provides a fully funded path for postgraduate students from low-income backgrounds. It covers both Master’s and PhD studies, along with generous research funding.
Benefits:
- Full tuition for up to 5 years
- Living stipend at UKRI rate
- £10,000 research allowance
- No IELTS required for some applicants
Deadline: August 18, 2025
University of Oxford – Mastercard AfOx Scholarship
For African students aspiring to study at Oxford, the Mastercard AfOx Scholarship is a fully funded opportunity that covers all costs and includes leadership training.
Benefits:
- Full tuition
- £20,780 living stipend
- Flight tickets, visa fee, and accommodation
- Networking and skills development programs
Deadline: January 7, 2026
University of Leeds – MBA Excellence Scholarship
The University of Leeds offers a competitive MBA Excellence Scholarship for students who demonstrate outstanding academic and professional achievements. No separate application is needed—eligible students are automatically considered after receiving a provisional MBA offer.
Benefits:
- Tuition fee discount
Deadline: Not specified
Swansea University – International Excellence Scholarship
Swansea University’s International Excellence Scholarship supports overseas postgraduate research students, including PhD and Professional Doctorate candidates.
Benefits:
- Partial tuition funding
- Available for research-focused postgraduate studies
Deadline: April 15, 2026
University of Southampton – Doctoral Studentship
The University of Southampton provides a 4-year funded studentship for PhD candidates. The award focuses on impactful research projects that aim to bring real-world benefits.
Benefits:
- Full tuition
- £19,237 annual tax-free stipend
- No IELTS required for eligible applicants
Deadline: Varies by program
University of Manchester – Equity and Merit Scholarship
For master’s students from developing countries, the University of Manchester offers the Equity and Merit Scholarship, covering all major expenses to allow scholars to focus fully on their studies.
Benefits:
- Full tuition
- Return airfare
- Living expenses and accommodation
- Visa costs
Deadline: August 31, 2025
University of Warwick – Postgraduate Research Scholarships
Warwick offers fully funded research scholarships, particularly in the Department of Chemistry, for international PhD candidates.
Benefits:
- Full tuition
- £20,780 annual stipend
- No IELTS required for some applicants
Deadline: October 6, 2025
Essential Documents for UK University Applications
When applying, make sure you have the following:
- Academic Transcripts – Secondary school (for undergraduate) or university transcripts (for postgraduate).
- Certificates of Graduation – High school and/or university degree certificates.
- English Language Proof – IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or WAEC English (minimum C6 for some universities).
- Research Proposal – Required for most PhD applications.
- Valid Passport – Must be current throughout your studies.
- Personal Statement/SOP – Explain your motivations, suitability, and career goals.
- Letters of Recommendation – Typically one or two from teachers or supervisors.
- CV/Resume – Especially important for postgraduate programs.
- Proof of Funds – Bank statements or sponsorship letters.
- Student Visa Application – Once accepted, apply for a UK student visa with the required documents.
FAQs
Can I still apply to UK universities for 2025?
Yes. While many deadlines pass earlier in the year, several UK universities still accept late applications, particularly for postgraduate programs.
Which UK universities have rolling admissions in 2025?
Universities such as Keele University, University of Leeds, and Swansea University often have rolling or extended deadlines, especially for international students.
Do I need IELTS to study in the UK in 2025?
Not always. Some universities waive IELTS for students from certain countries or those who have studied in English previously (e.g., WAEC English with C6 or better).
What is the latest I can apply for UK universities in 2025?
Deadlines vary by university and course. Some programs accept applications until a few weeks before the term starts, while competitive courses close months in advance.
Are scholarships still available for late UK university applicants in 2025?
Yes. Many institutions, including Oxford, Cambridge, and Manchester, offer scholarships with deadlines in late 2025 or early 2026, even for the September 2025 intake.
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