Scholarships for International Students in the UK

Welcome to Affiniks Study Abroad, where we boast a high visa success rate and have partnered with thousands of universities. International students who are seeking admission to their dream universities are supported by a team of expert mentors who guide them throughout the procedure, even for scholarships.

One of the most attractive features is that students can access merit-based, need-based, partial, or full scholarships for international students in the UK.

UK scholarships for international students offer extensive financial assistance to those who may not have access to the same resources as domestic students. Scholarships help offset academic costs and make studying abroad more accessible. Scholarships open doors to education and training and equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for better career opportunities.

Overview of Scholarships Available in the UK

To make studying in the UK more affordable, you must apply for a range of scholarships before their respective deadlines.

Acquiring relevant scholarships not only provides economic benefits but also reflects on your CV as a valuable asset. It demonstrates your credibility to potential employers, frees you from the burden of part-time jobs or loan repayment stress, and offers ample time for studies.

With scholarships, paying for college fees becomes more manageable, especially for those from middle-class families. UK scholarships for international students can help students secure admission to prestigious universities and support meritorious students. Let us now discuss the different types of scholarships that international students can make the most of!

Scholarships Offering Financial Aid

UK scholarships for international students are mainly of three types: government, private, and university-specific. Let us understand each category:

1. Government Scholarships

Various scholarships are provided by the UK government for international students:

British Chevening Scholarships

These scholarships, supported by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office and partner organizations, offer full scholarships for international students in the UK or partial funding for full-time master’s or PhD programs in any field. Since 1983, more than 50,000 professionals, have acquired this scholarship.

Commonwealth Scholarships

These scholarships support master’s and PhD studies. Eligibility to gain these scholarships is based on the eligible country you reside in and is available for students from developing Commonwealth nations.

These are specifically offered to meritorious students and each year, approximately 700 students are given the chance to study at elite UK universities. Further, other scholarships fall under this broad category:

Commonwealth Scholarships for Developing Commonwealth Countries
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships for the least developed countries
Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships for low and middle-income countries)
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships for high-income countries
Commonwealth Professional Fellowships

GREAT Scholarships

These are offered to students from 15 countries and are jointly funded by the UK government’s Britain Campaign, a few institutions, and the British Council.

Marshall Scholarships

These are postgraduate scholarships for US students who have academic excellence and ambassadorial qualities. However, these scholarships don’t cover MBAs or certain courses.

2. University Scholarships

Many UK universities provide specific scholarships for international students.

Some of them include:

Leeds Beckett University for an international foundation year, undergraduate courses, postgraduate courses, and research courses.
University of Essex Scholarships for students pursuing higher education
University of Exeter with the British Council and the GREAT Britain Campaign
Anglia Ruskin University and Bristol University offer international scholarships for undergraduate or postgraduate studies.
Brunel University London offers guaranteed scholarships to Indian international students.
University of Birmingham International Scholarships
Cardiff University Elite International Scholarships offer bachelor's and master's degree scholarships.
Clarendon Scholarships at the University of Oxford for full- and part-time graduate students
University of Edinburgh Global Scholarships, including specific scholarships for students from Central and South America.
Gates Cambridge Scholarships for International Students offers full scholarships for international students in the UK.
Imperial College London offers bursaries and scholarships for undergraduate students and postgraduate students.
Kingston University International Scholarships.
Queen’s University Belfast International Scholarships
University of Nottingham International Scholarships
Rhodes Scholarships at Oxford University for International Students: Merit-based scholarships for Master’s and PhD students
Swansea University offers undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students from different regions, including the EU, Asia, and the Middle East.
Sheffield Hallam University Transform Together Scholarships for International and European Union Students
University College London Scholarships – Need-based funding for current and prospective students.
University of West London International Ambassador Scholarships - 50 scholarships to international students who serve as ambassadors for their home countries.
University of Westminster Scholarships for International Students - based on academic merit and financial need.

3. Private Scholarships

Private scholarships are non-governmental UK scholarships for international students. Some of the best ones include:

Euraxess UK - Graduate research scholarships supported by the European Commission and the British Council.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters: Designed by International partnerships for higher education institutions
Felix scholarships are available for three universities: the University of Oxford, the University of Reading, and the School of Oriental and African Studies

Merit-Based Scholarships

Merit-based UK scholarships for international students are awarded to international students based on talent, skill, and knowledge.

Eligibility Criteria:

The criteria for merit-based scholarships for international students in the UK include:

Students should have outstanding academic achievements like high grades, test scores, and academic awards.
Admission should be applied to a recognized UK institution for a degree program.
Proficiency in English is necessary for high scores in tests like IELTS or TOEFL.
Applicants must meet specified application deadlines to be considered.

Documents required are:

Statement of Purpose that highlights your achievements and aspirations.
Letters of Recommendation

Benefits of Merit-Based Scholarships

Merit-based scholarships offer several benefits:

These scholarships reward academic excellence or talent.
With these scholarships, students get the benefit of quality education.
Students gain competitiveness in jobs or further academic applications and gain recognition from reputable institutions.

Need-Based Scholarships

Need-based UK scholarships for international students aim to assist students who require financial support and come from low-income families.

Eligibility Criteria:

The eligibility criteria for need-based scholarships include:
Scholarships are given to students who have genuine financial need
The requirements are based on tuition fees and living expenses, family income, assets, and expenses.
Students must submit proof of residency or citizenship for international students.
Admission to a reputed UK Institution
English Language Proficiency

Advantages of Need-Based Scholarships

Need-based scholarships offer financial support to students in need.
Normally, they cover tuition fees and living expenses.
These funding options make higher education accessible to students from low-income backgrounds.
They promote equality of opportunity and contribute to higher academic success.
These options enhance career prospects.

Application Process for Merit-Based and Need-Based Scholarships

To apply for merit-based/need-based scholarships, you must learn how to get a scholarship in the UK for international students:

Step 1: Explore available scholarships for international students in the UK.

Step 2: Review each scholarship's criteria to ensure eligibility.

Step 3: Gather necessary documents such as transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation.

Step 4: Fill out the scholarship for international students in the UK application form accurately and provide the required information.

Step 5: Upload all required documents and ensure timely submission to meet deadlines.

Step 6: Look for email communications or interview invitations.

Exclusive Scholarships for Specific Fields of Study

Different kinds of scholarships are offered based on several factors, which can be split into the following categories:

Academic, merit, and excellence scholarships
Performance-based scholarships based on exceptional ability in an extracurricular activity
Subject-specific scholarships
Equal access scholarships
Disability scholarships

Let us look at the various subject-specific scholarships for UK students in a tabular form:

Fields of Study	Types of Scholarships
Engineering Scholarships	Chevening Scholarships Commonwealth Scholarships Gates Cambridge Scholarships Rhodes Scholarships UK University Scholarships Institutional Scholarship External Scholarships and Grants
Medical Scholarships	Hull York International Medical College Scholarship Global Health Future Leaders Scholarship Faculty of Medicine Scholarship STEM The John Abernethy (Barts) Scholarship King College London Scholarship
Scholarships for Master of Science programs	University College London Thomas Witherden Batt Scholarship London School of Economics and Political Science Master’s Degree Bursaries University of Warwick WMG Excellence Scholarships University of Oxford
Scholarships for Law-related programs	Oxford-Finnis Graduate Scholarship in Law Felix Scholarships Clarendon-scholarship UCL Laws Academic Excellence Scholarships
PhD Scholarships	Clarendon Scholarship University of Exeter Graduate Teaching Fellowship Carnegie PhD Scholarships
Business Scholarships	University of Oxford Claire and Sean Henry Scholarship Cranfield University Scholarships Imperial College Business School Full Time MBA Scholarships

How to Apply for Scholarships in the UK

Here is a step-by-step process that will tell you how to get a scholarship in the UK for international students:

Step 1 - Research Scholarships

Explore unique online scholarships for international students in the UK.. Besides, students can also visit the websites of UK universities and look into government-sponsored scholarships. It is important to conform to the application procedure, eligibility criteria, deadlines, and requirements of each UK scholarship for international students.

Step 2 – Prepare Application Documents

Collect all necessary documents and double-check all documents for accuracy and completeness. It is imperative to showcase your qualifications and achievements effectively.

Step 3 - Meet Deadlines

It is important to keep track of application deadlines and begin the application process well in advance. Avoid any last-minute issues and keep all application materials organized to make sure nothing important is missed.

Step 4 - Seek Guidance from Educational Consultants

Consider seeking assistance from Affiniks Study Abroad, as they specialize in international education. Understand all kinds of scholarship opportunities and application strategies and get personalized support tailored to your needs.

Tips for a Successful Scholarship Application

Here are some important tips, techniques, and tricks you must follow to seek scholarships:

Tip 1 - Write a Strong Personal Statement
Normally called the SOP or statement of purpose, you must be genuine while writing the application. Share your experiences, motivations, and aspirations, and communicate your passion for your field of study. Match the tone with the objectives of the UK scholarship for international students and support your writing with specific achievements and experiences.

Tip 2 - Obtain Impressive Letters of Recommendation
Seek LORs or letters of recommendation from your educational institutes or employers who know you well and can speak about your abilities and potential. Consider professors or mentors who can showcase your qualities and personalize their recommendations.

Tip 3 - Highlight Achievements and Extracurricular Activities
Prioritize achievements and activities and demonstrate the significance of your achievements. Reflect on how your experiences have shaped your personal and academic growth.

Tip 4 - Proofread and Edit Application Materials
Begin working on your application and ask professionals to review your materials and provide feedback. Pay attention to grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.

Conclusion

The United Kingdom stands out as one of the top destinations for international students. The UK government and universities offer several scholarships based on merit to ease financial burdens for international students.

Merit-based scholarships are highly competitive and require a focused application and an authentic statement of purpose. Most scholarships for international students in the UK are focused on the completion of postgraduate studies, and many of these are fully funded.

You can start your search for scholarships on Affiniks Study Abroad, specific to your subject area, level of study, and nationality. This way, you get expert assistance to personalize your applications for each UK scholarship and maximize your chances of success.