Funding and scholarships that are available for international students in the UK

The United Kingdom is a hotspot for international education, with hundreds of thousands of
students travelling from overseas every year to study in the prestigious colleges and
universities. With a vast variety of courses in every imaginable sector, UK universities are
renowned for offering a multitude of unique and life changing opportunities to their students.
But going abroad to study doesn’t come cheap. So how can you survive financially?
It’s a good question, and one that you’ll need to answer before you can make your dream of
studying in the UK a reality. Here we will discover the options and resources available to
help you find the funding and scholarships you need.

Government funded postgraduate scholarships

A scholarship is usually awarded to exceptional students, based on their academic results and other achievements, for example being particularly talented in sports or music. Some scholarships are funded by government bodies, such as the GREAT, Chevening or Commonwealth scholarships. These also help cover your course fees and pay towards your cost of living whilst you study. However, there are varying eligibility criteria’s for different countries, and restrictions on which course you can apply for depending on your country of residence too.

Private postgraduate scholarships

There are also many private companies and organisations which offer scholarships to
students dedicated to beginning a career in specific areas such as science and research. Be
sure to research all the available scholarships, plus their eligibility requirements to be sure
you don’t miss out on one you could apply for.

Most universities also have their own scholarships available to international students, and they often vary in eligibility. Therefore it’s important to research your prospective schools thoroughly to check which have internal opportunities which suit you.

Undergraduate funding and scholarships

Whilst there are admittedly less available funded opportunities to study in the UK as an
undergraduate student, it is possible. Some colleges and universities have unique programs
which enable them to fund international students of exceptional talent, either with access to
cost of living funds or by offering them a place in a live-in college. This can be a great
opportunity for younger students who may not have the opportunities in their native country
to achieve their full potential.

A bright future

Whether funded by the state or privately, scholarships are highly valued and sought after.
However, they are typically only awarded to individuals who demonstrate impressive
academic achievements, as well as being involved with voluntary work. Some prioritise
students who possess extraordinary talents, or those who are passionate about improving
the living conditions of their home country by becoming educated in the UK.
If you decide to apply for any funding or a scholarship to study in the UK, remember to do
your research thoroughly. It can also be a good idea to look for ways to connect with the
current students in your chosen school before you arrive. Look on the school website to find
forums and blogs where you can chat and begin to make friends. Good luck!