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UK Scholarships for International Students 2027: Fully Funded Options and How to Apply
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International students can get scholarships in the UK from three main sources: the UK government, universities, and private organisations. The best-known fully funded UK scholarships for international students are Chevening, Commonwealth, Gates Cambridge, and Rhodes, which cover tuition fees, living costs, and travel for postgraduate study.
Hundreds of universities across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland also offer partial scholarships for foreign students at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
With tuition, living costs, and travel representing a major investment, a scholarship can transform the affordability and return on investment of studying in the UK. This guide covers the main UK scholarships, 2027 entry deadlines, eligibility, and exactly how to apply.
What Types of Scholarships Are Available in the UK?
UK scholarships for international students fall into four main categories. Many students combine more than one type to reduce their overall costs.
Government-Funded Scholarships
The UK government funds several internationally recognised programmes, including Chevening, Commonwealth, and GREAT Scholarships. These are highly competitive and usually focus on academic achievement, leadership potential, and the impact you’ll make after graduating.
University Scholarships
Most UK universities offer their own scholarships for international students. These range from automatic fee discounts for strong grades to competitive awards that cover full tuition. Common types include:
- Automatic merit scholarships based on your grades
- Vice-Chancellor and academic excellence awards
- Country-specific and regional scholarships
- Faculty or department scholarships
- Sports scholarships
Subject-Specific Scholarships
Many scholarships target high-demand fields linked to skills shortages and strong graduate employability, including artificial intelligence, computer science, engineering, healthcare and nursing, business, finance, and law.
Private and External Scholarships
Charities, foundations, and international companies also fund UK study. These awards may focus on financial need, research potential, industry talent development, or support for underrepresented groups.
What Are the Best Fully Funded UK Scholarships for International Students?
The table below compares the UK’s most popular scholarships for international students starting in 2027. Deadlines for the 2027 to 2028 academic year are already approaching, so check each one early.
| Scholarship | Study Level | What It Covers | 2027 Entry Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevening | One-year master’s | Fully funded | 6th October 2026, 11:00 AM UTC |
| Commonwealth Master’s | Master’s | Fully funded | 20th October 2026, 4:00 PM BST (nominator deadlines are earlier) |
| GREAT Scholarships | One-year master’s | At least £10,000 towards tuition | Set by each university |
| Gates Cambridge | Postgraduate at Cambridge | Fully funded | Linked to your Cambridge course deadline, usually October to January |
| Rhodes | Postgraduate at Oxford | Fully funded | Varies by country, usually July to October the year before study |
| University scholarships | Undergraduate and postgraduate | Partial to full tuition | Varies, often January to May 2027 |
Chevening Scholarships
Chevening is the UK government’s flagship international scholarship, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. It fully funds a one-year master’s degree at any UK university, covering tuition, a monthly living allowance, travel, and visa costs. Applicants need at least two years of work experience and must apply to three eligible UK courses, securing an unconditional offer from one by 8th July 2027.
Commonwealth Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission funds master’s and PhD study for talented students from eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries who couldn’t otherwise afford to study in the UK. You must apply through an approved nominating body, such as your country’s national agency, which usually sets an earlier internal deadline than the Commission’s.
GREAT Scholarships
GREAT Scholarships are jointly funded by the British Council, the UK government’s GREAT Britain campaign, and participating universities. Each award is worth at least £10,000 towards tuition for a one-year master’s and is open to students from selected countries, including India, Bangladesh, China, Malaysia, Nigeria, and several European countries. GREAT Scholarships aren’t fully funded, but they can be combined with other support.
Gates Cambridge Scholarships
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers the full cost of postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge for students from outside the UK. You apply through your Cambridge course application, so meeting your course’s funding deadline is essential.
Rhodes Scholarships
The Rhodes Scholarship funds postgraduate study at the University of Oxford for exceptional students from eligible countries. Selection focuses on academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to making a positive impact.
Expert View
“Most students start looking for scholarships once they have an offer, but the major government schemes and many university awards close long before offers arrive. Submit your university applications by December, and you’ll be eligible for far more funding rounds than students who wait until spring.” – Rajashree Devi, Counsellor, StudyIn.
How Do You Get a Scholarship in the UK?
Getting a scholarship in the UK comes down to planning early, targeting awards you’re genuinely eligible for, and submitting a focused application. Follow these steps:
- Start 12 to 18 months before your course: Major government scholarships for September 2027 close between October 2026 and January 2027
- Shortlist scholarships you qualify for: Check nationality, study level, subject, and work experience requirements before you invest time in an application
- Apply to your courses early: Many university scholarships require an offer or a submitted application before you can apply
- Prepare your documents: Gather transcripts, English language test results, references, and a CV
- Write a tailored scholarship essay: Explain why you chose the UK, how the course supports your career goals, and the impact you’ll make afterwards
- Apply to several scholarships: Combine government, university, and external awards to improve your chances
- Prepare for interviews: Shortlisted candidates for Chevening and other major awards are usually interviewed
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for UK Scholarships?
Eligibility varies by scholarship, but most providers look for:
- Strong academic results, often equivalent to a UK upper second-class (2:1) degree for postgraduate awards
- English language proficiency, such as an IELTS or PTE score that meets your course requirements
- An offer, or a submitted application, from a UK university
- A personal statement or scholarship essay
- Letters of recommendation
- Leadership, work, or extracurricular achievements
Some scholarships also consider financial need, country of residence, research interests, or industry experience. For general academic expectations, see our guide to UK university entry requirements.
Can Undergraduate International Students Get Scholarships in the UK?
Yes. Many UK universities offer undergraduate scholarships for international students, although fully funded undergraduate awards are rare. Most undergraduate support comes as tuition fee discounts, which may be automatic for high-achieving applicants or awarded competitively. Options include:
- Tuition fee reductions for the first year or the full degree
- Academic merit awards based on IB, A level, or national exam results
- Regional and country-specific scholarships
- Sports and extracurricular awards
- Foundation programme scholarships
Are Scholarships Available for Master’s and MBA Students in the UK?
Postgraduate students have access to the largest scholarships in the UK, including every major government-funded scheme. Universities also use scholarships to attract high-performing international students to career-focused programmes such as MBA programmes, data science, finance, engineering, and public health. Check each scheme’s rules carefully, as some, including Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships, don’t fund MBAs.
Are There Scholarships for European Students in the UK?
Yes. Since Brexit, most EU and EEA students who don’t have settled or pre-settled status pay international tuition fees and need a Student visa, which makes scholarships especially valuable. Irish citizens are the main exception, as they can usually still study in the UK on home fee terms. Funding options for European students include:
- University scholarships for EU students, which many universities introduced after Brexit
- GREAT Scholarships, which have included selected European countries in recent cycles
- Chevening, whose eligible countries include several in Europe, such as Turkey and Ukraine
- Subject-specific and merit awards open to all international students
Do Scholarships Improve the ROI of Studying in the UK?
Yes. A scholarship directly lowers your total investment, and the UK already offers shorter degrees than many destinations, with most master’s courses lasting one year. After graduating, you can apply for the Graduate Route visa to gain UK work experience, which lasts 18 months for bachelor’s and master’s graduates from January 2027. The ROI is strongest in high-demand fields such as STEM, AI, healthcare, and business, where graduate demand remains high.
How StudyIn Can Help You Find UK Scholarships
Finding the right scholarship is challenging, as eligibility rules, deadlines, and funding levels vary between providers. StudyIn supports international students through the entire process, from shortlisting universities to preparing your visa application. Our counsellors can help you:
- Identify scholarships that are realistic for your profile
- Shortlist universities with strong scholarship funding for your subject
- Plan applications around scholarship deadlines
- Strengthen your personal statement and scholarship essays
- Prepare for your Student visa once your funding is confirmed
Whether you’re applying for undergraduate, postgraduate, MBA, or research study, book a free consultation to build a funding plan around your academic background and career goals.
FAQs
Can International Students Get Scholarships in the UK?
Yes. International students can get scholarships from the UK government, universities, and private organisations at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.
Which UK Scholarships Are Fully Funded for International Students?
The main fully funded UK scholarships are Chevening, Commonwealth, Gates Cambridge, and Rhodes Scholarships. They cover tuition fees, living costs, and usually travel.
How Do You Get a Scholarship in the UK?
Start 12 to 18 months before your course, shortlist scholarships you’re eligible for, apply to your university early, and submit a tailored scholarship essay. Applying to several scholarships improves your chances.
When Is the Chevening Deadline for 2027 Entry?
Chevening applications for the 2027 to 2028 academic year close on 6th October 2026 at 11:00 AM UTC. Studies begin in September or October 2027.
Are GREAT Scholarships Fully Funded?
No. GREAT Scholarships are worth at least £10,000 towards tuition fees for a one-year master’s, so you’ll need other funding for the remaining fees and living costs.
Do UK Scholarships Cover Living Costs?
Some do. Fully funded scholarships such as Chevening and Commonwealth cover living costs, while most university scholarships only reduce tuition fees.
Can European Students Get Scholarships in the UK?
Yes. Most EU students now pay international fees, so they’re eligible for international scholarships, including university awards, Chevening, and GREAT Scholarships in selected countries.
Can StudyIn Help Me Apply for Scholarships?
Yes. StudyIn counsellors help students identify suitable scholarships, understand eligibility, plan around deadlines, and strengthen their applications.