Top 10 UK Scholarships for International Students in 2025
Top 10 UK Scholarships for International Students in 2025
Dreaming of studying in the UK but unsure how to fund your journey? Scholarships for international students offer more than just financial support. They hold limitless possibilities. Scholarships reduce financial stress, reward your achievements, boost your career, and link you to top global institutions.
Every year, universities in the UK commit more than £150 million in scholarships. This helps students around the world access their goals of a world-class education. These scholarships reward your hard work and provide global exposure. They open doors to long-term success. A scholarship isn’t just assistance—it’s a transformative investment in your future. So, let’s explore the top 10 scholarships to make your UK education truly extraordinary.
Why Study in the UK?
The UK stands out for several reasons. Scholarships for international students are worth aiming for in the UK to make its world-ranking opportunities more accessible. UK universities offer both advanced research facilities and historic campuses. Here are just a few reasons it features as one of our top study abroad destinations:
Top-Ranking Universities:
UK universities have global recognition as among the world’s best institutions. Many leading UK universities rank among the top 100 every year. While big, prestigious names like the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London sit at the top of the list, plenty more UK universities populate the QS World University Rankings of 2025 as well.
Diverse Programs:
Studying in the UK offers you access to specialist degrees, shorter courses (e.g., 1-year master’s), and flexible study options. An advanced search tool like GRADSearch can help you find a suitable program matching your needs, alongside featuring the scholarships for international students available at each university.
Cultural Diversity:
In the UK, your classroom and campus community will give you the chance to connect with peers from around the world. Students from more than 100 countries are currently studying in the UK. Thus, a UK education gives you the opportunity to study in a vibrant multicultural environment.
Innovative Research:
You’ll have access to, and perhaps even participate in, the top research in STEM, arts, and humanities, under experts at the forefront of discovery, innovation, and exploration. Modern facilities will support your learning.
Career Opportunities:
The UK is one of the major players in the global economy and is a hub of industry, business, and commerce. Studying industry-focused programs, with the option to participate in internships or work-integrated learning, primes you to succeed in the world’s most competitive, thriving job market. The UK also offers post-study work visas to its international students. Work experience in the UK prepares you for global employability.
Financial Support:
Many scholarships and bursaries are available to help make studying in the UK more affordable. With proper research and commitment to your goals, you can pinpoint the ideal financial opportunity to unlock your higher education journey in the UK.
Top 10 Scholarships for International Students to Study in the UK
As an international student in the UK, you can access various types of scholarships. These can be:
⦁ Government-funded
⦁ University-specific
⦁ Private/organizational
⦁ Subject-specific (STEM, EPSRC)
⦁ Need-based
⦁ Merit-based
⦁ Regional
⦁ Postgraduate research
⦁ Alumni-based scholarships etc.
Your options are truly limitless – to give you a place to start, however, we rounded up ten excellent scholarships for international students for you to consider:
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarship is a highly prestigious scholarship for international students, including students from India. If you are from a low or middle-income Commonwealth country, you may qualify for this option.
There are different types of scholarships available under the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship. To qualify for the Commonwealth Scholarship, you need to meet the following eligibility criteria:
⦁ Hold an undergraduate or bachelor's degree.
⦁ Be a citizen of a low or middle-income Commonwealth country, including India.
⦁ Apply for and receive an offer for a course at a UK university.
The Commonwealth Scholarship offers its recipients several key advantages:
⦁ Tuition Fees: It covers the full tuition fees for your program.
⦁ Airfare: The scholarship provides funding for your travel to and from the UK.
⦁ Living Allowance: You'll receive a living allowance to help cover your day-to-day expenses while studying.
⦁ Networking Opportunities: As a Commonwealth Scholar, you can meet students from around the world. This will enrich your learning and cultural journey.
Think Big Scholarships (University of Bristol)
The University of Bristol's Think Big Scholarships support talented international students by making higher more affordable. To be eligible, you need to have:
⦁ A good academic record. For undergraduates looking into ⦁ international scholarships after 12th grade, you will need to demonstrate a good academic record in your secondary school qualifications. For graduate programs, a good CGPA in your undergraduate education is a requirement.
⦁ An offer for a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate program at the University of Bristol.
⦁ International student classification for tuition fees.
The benefits of the Think Big Scholarships include:
⦁ Financial Support: The scholarships cover part of your tuition fees.
⦁ Enhanced Opportunities: Being a Think Big Scholar can boost your profile. It will open doors for future academic and career options.
⦁ Community Engagement: You’ll connect with a vibrant community of international students. This opportunity will enrich your university experience.
Chevening Scholarships (Graduate)
Chevening Scholarships are one of the most renowned scholarships for international students. These top awards help build global leaders. They offer financial aid for a one-year master’s program at any UK university.
To be eligible, you typically need to meet the following criteria:
⦁ A strong academic background - this should demonstrate your potential for success in postgraduate studies.
⦁ A minimum of two years of professional experience - you need to showcase leadership potential and commitment to making a difference.
⦁ An enrolment offer from a UK university for a master’s program.
The benefits of Chevening Scholarships include:
⦁ Full Financial Support: The scholarships cover tuition fees, travel costs, and a living stipend. This means they provide full financial support.
⦁ Networking Opportunities: As a Chevening Scholar, you’ll join a global network of alumni. You'll enjoy valuable connections for your future career.
⦁ Leadership Development: The program emphasizes leadership and personal development. You can grow both academically and professionally.
GREAT Scholarships (Undergraduate and Graduate)
The GREAT Scholarships provide international students with an opportunity to pursue their studies in the UK. They offer up to £10,000 to help students cover tuition fees. Undergraduate and graduate students from different fields can apply to UK universities and benefit from this scholarship. With funding from the UK government and universities, it’s a solid financial boost. Some universities also offer extra perks like accommodation discounts or bursaries.
The eligibility criteria are as follows:
⦁ As an applicant, you must be from eligible countries like India, China, or Malaysia.
⦁ You must receive an offer letter to study at a participating UK university.
The GREAT Scholarships 2025 program partners with several UK
Universities across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Some of the participating universities include: Lancaster University, University of Bath, University of Essex, UWE Bristol, University of Nottingham, University of Glasgow, University of Edinburgh, University of Kent, University of East Anglia, and Bangor University.
⦁ For postgraduate programs, you'll need a relevant bachelor’s degree (usually a 2:1 or equivalent). For undergraduate programs, you must complete your secondary education with strong academic performance. If you are a non-native English speaker, you must also achieve an IELTS score of 6.5-7.0. Each university may have additional subject-specific criteria.
⦁ Some universities may require essays, recommendations, or interviews.
The benefits of these scholarships for international students are
⦁ Financial Support: The GREAT Scholarships provide you £10,000 to cover tuition fees for one-year postgraduate courses at leading UK universities. With this funding, you can reduce up to 50-70% of your tuition costs, depending on the program.
⦁ Global Exposure: You will be able to study in world-class institutions and access networking opportunities.
⦁ Career Boost: The GREAT Scholarships boost your career by funding a prestigious UK degree. It has great recognition from employers globally. UK universities offering this scholarship have strong connections with industr. There will be ample opportunities for internships, networking, and real-world projects. These experiences make you job-ready while enhancing your resume.
Global Wales Postgraduate Scholarships
The Global Wales Postgraduate Scholarships offer financial support to international students wishing to pursue postgraduate degrees in Wales. The scholarship provides £10,000 towards tuition fees if you are eligible. This prestigious scholarship promotes Wales as a study destination while encouraging global connections.
To qualify, you must:
⦁ Be a citizen of an eligible country, like India, Vietnam, USA, Canada, or EU countries.
⦁ Hold an offer to study a full-time postgraduate program at a participating Welsh university (e.g., Cardiff University, Swansea University, or Bangor University).
⦁ Meet the admission requirements of the university and program in question.
⦁ Meet the English language proficiency standards (typically, an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher)
The benefits of the scholarship are:
⦁ Financial Support: Up to £10,000 to cover tuition fees.
⦁ Diverse Higher Education Options: Available at top Welsh universities offering various master’s programs.
⦁ Global Networking: Opportunity to connect with students and professionals worldwide.
⦁ Cultural Exposure: Chance to experience Welsh culture and develop a global perspective.
In short, the Global Wales Postgraduate Scholarship reduces financial barriers so that you can focus on academics and career goals while enjoying an enriching study experience in Wales.
Denys Holland Scholarship (University College London)
The Denys Holland Scholarship at UCL was set up in 1997 to honor Professor Denys Holland’s legacy. He was passionate about helping students with financial struggles who nonetheless showcased strong academic potential. This scholarship offers £9,000 per year to cover tuition and living costs. It is renewable for up to three years as long as you keep up the academic work.
To receive this scholarship, you need to meet the following eligibility criteria:
⦁ You must hold an offer of admission to an undergraduate program at UCL for full-time study. This includes both degree programs and foundation courses.
⦁ The scholarship targets students who face significant financial challenges. You must show that you require financial assistance to pursue your education at UCL.
⦁ Beyond financial need, you must demonstrate strong academic performance and motivation to succeed in your field of study.
⦁ You must also be capable of contributing to the life and community at UCL.
If you meet the criteria and receive the scholarship, here’s what you can look forward to:
⦁ Financial Aid: You'll receive £9,000 per year, which you can use for tuition fees or living expenses.
⦁ Inclusive Opportunities: It’s not just about money - this scholarship encourages you to actively participate in UCL’s social and academic life, so you’ll get to network and grow beyond the classroom.
⦁ Flexibility: The scholarship is renewable for up to three years as long as you maintain satisfactory academic progress.
BAFTA Scholarships
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) offers BAFTA Scholarships to support talented students in film, games, and television. This scholarship is perfect for you if you are passionate about creating a mark in the creative world.
To apply, you must:
⦁ Be studying or planning to study a course in film, games, or television in the UK.
⦁ Show a strong interest and potential in the creative arts.
⦁ Have a financial need to support your studies.
As a scholarship recipient, you’ll benefit from:
⦁ Financial Support: Up to £12,000 to help with tuition fees and other costs.
⦁ Mentorship: Get guidance from industry professionals to improve your skills.
⦁ Networking: Attend BAFTA events and meet key figures in the creative industry.
⦁ Career Boost: Opportunities to showcase your work and connect with top media companies.
Global Excellence Scholarships (University of Exeter)
The University of Exeter offers Global Excellence Scholarships for international students. These scholarships reward students who show great academic potential. The university wants to attract talented students from around the world. You can avail of this as an international student if you excel in your studies and contribute to the university community.
To be eligible for the scholarship, you must:
⦁ Fall under the international fee-paying student classification.
⦁ Have an offer to study an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate program at the University of Exeter.
⦁ Show outstanding academic achievements in your previous studies.
The benefits of the scholarship include:
⦁ A scholarship worth up to £10,000 to reduce your tuition fees.
⦁ Studying at a top UK university more affordably.
⦁ Becoming part of a diverse and supportive global student community.
Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarships (University of Sussex)
Talented and ambitious international students consider Sussex as one of top universities in the UK. It is a university famous for its academic excellence and diverse community. The Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship is a great opportunity for students like you who dream of studying abroad. This scholarship is highly competitive and helps you focus on education without worrying too much about finances.
To be eligible, you need to meet a few important criteria. You must:
⦁ Classify as international student for tuition fee purposes.
⦁ Receive and accept an offer to study for a full-time master’s degree at the University of Sussex.
⦁ Demonstrate excellent academic achievements, typically with a first-class or upper-second-class degree.
⦁ Submit a personal statement explaining your academic goals, future ambitions, and why you deserve the scholarship.
The attractive benefits include:
⦁ 50% Tuition Fee Reduction: You’ll receive a significant discount on your course fees, making your studies more affordable.
⦁ Prestige and Recognition: As a scholarship recipient, you showcase your strengths and academic potential, which adds value to your profile.
⦁ Access to a Global Network: You’ll join a vibrant, diverse community of scholars at Sussex, building valuable connections for your future.
⦁ Career Boost: The scholarship highlights your academic excellence and can give you a competitive edge in job markets.
Saltire Scholarships
If you're planning to study in Scotland, the Saltire Scholarships are a golden opportunity. With funding from the Scottish Government and partner universities, these scholarships aim to attract talented international students to Scotland’s world-class education system. It focuses on key industries like STEM, healthcare, and the creative arts. Scotland’s stunning landscapes, rich history, and friendly people make it an amazing place to study and live.
To apply for a Saltire Scholarship, you must:
⦁ Be a citizen of an eligible country (e.g., India, Canada, China, USA, Pakistan).
⦁ Hold an offer to study a full-time master’s program in Scotland.
⦁ Choose a program in STEM, healthcare, or creative industries.
⦁ Show strong leadership skills and a commitment to promoting Scotland as a study destination.
⦁ Be able to meet the financial requirements not covered by the scholarship.
This scholarship goes beyond just financial help. You'll receive:
⦁ A £8,000 grant toward your tuition fees.
⦁ Access to a global network of professionals and industry leaders.
⦁ Opportunities to enhance your skills and career prospects.
⦁ A chance to experience Scotland’s rich culture and education system.
Preparing Documents for Top UK Scholarships
When applying for top scholarships in the UK, organizing your documents is key. Here’s how you can manage everything you’ll need for a smooth application process:
Financial Documents for Need-Based Aid:
If you’re applying for need-based scholarships, prepare to show your financial situation. Make sure all these documents are up to date and clear to ensure your application receives fair consideration.
You will need:
⦁ Bank Statements: Demonstrating your family’s income or savings.
⦁ Income Proof: Documents like tax returns or salary slips from parents or guardians.
⦁ Financial Aid Forms: Some scholarships may require you to fill out specific forms outlining your financial need.
Academic Performance Requirements:
UK scholarships will ask for your academic achievements. This means you'll need to submit:
⦁ Official Transcripts: Your grades or marks from your current or previous studies.
⦁ CGPA: Make sure to highlight your CGPA, as many scholarships have a minimum requirement.
⦁ Test Scores: If applicable, submit your test scores (e.g., GRE, SAT, or subject-specific exams) to prove your academic readiness.
Proof of English Proficiency:
Since the language of instruction in the UK is English, you’ll need to demonstrate your proficiency, typically through:
⦁ IELTS/TOEFL Scores: Most universities and scholarships will ask for your English test results. Be sure to take the test early and send your official scores to the universities.
Leadership, Extracurricular Achievements, and Work Experience:
Some scholarships value well-rounded applicants. Include any documents that showcase your leadership, extracurricular activities, and work experience:
⦁ CV/Resume: Include any relevant work experience, internships, or volunteer work.
⦁ Certificates or Letters of Recommendation: These can back up your achievements in extracurriculars or leadership roles.
⦁ Personal Statement or Essays: Many scholarships ask for a personal essay where you can highlight your achievements and goals.
How to Apply for Scholarships in the UK
Applying for scholarships for international students in the UK will typically follow these steps:
⦁ Research Scholarships: Identify scholarships that suit your field, financial needs, or background.
⦁ Secure Admission: Apply early to UK universities and secure an offer letter from an eligible program. Some scholarships require proof of admission before you can qualify.
⦁ Check Eligibility: Carefully read the criteria, including requirements for academic performance, English language requirements (e.g., IELTS), and nationality-specific guidelines.
⦁ Submit the Application: Complete the scholarship forms, attach your documents, and review them thoroughly before submitting, with time to spare before deadlines.
⦁ Prepare for Interviews: Scholarships like Chevening may require an interview. Practice answering questions confidently and clearly.
⦁ Track Deadlines: Keep track of university and scholarship deadlines to avoid missing out.
Rounding Up
The UK is brimming with scholarships for international students, both undergraduates and postgraduates. Be it merit or need-basis awards, there are plenty of options as long as you commit to do your research and invest the time and effort to find and apply for them. Look into your options, craft killer applications, and don’t wait till the last minute. 2025 is your year to shine—start today and grab the funding you deserve!