The United Kingdom (UK) is one of the world’s most popular study destinations, but it can also be one of the most expensive. Because the UK is known for the high quality of its education system, many students consider tuition costs an investment into their futures. However, using financial aid, like scholarships, can make becoming an international student more accessible. That said, it can be hard to know which scholarships you’re eligible for, or which ones are currently available. So, we’ve rounded up some of the top UK scholarships for international students below. Read on to learn more!
Did you know London was just ranked the world’s best student city for the sixth year in a row? Find out what makes it a great place to study, and which institutions are based there.
A.S. Hornby Trust Scholarship
The A.S. Hornby Educational Trust was established in 1961 to promote English-language teaching. This trust awards Hornby Scholarships to English language teachers from “low- and middle-income countries” so they can earn their master’s degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) in the UK. In 2024, recipients of this award will complete their MED TESOL Programme at the University of Exeter.
Applications for this scholarship are typically due in May, and scholarship recipients begin classes in September.
Get ready to go with our UK guide for international students.
Chevening Scholarships
Chevening is the UK Government’s scholarship and fellowship program. This program was created to encourage future leaders to study in the UK. Since 1983, the organization has granted scholarships or fellowships to over 57,000 professionals from over 160 countries. Could you be next?
Outstanding international students enrolling in a one-year master’s degree who show high leadership potential may be eligible for a Chevening Scholarship. These scholarships cover the full cost of tuition, flights, and housing.
While future students in any one-year master’s course at an institution in the UK may apply, the Chevening Scholarships have other eligibility criteria to meet. For example, students must have at least two years of work experience, and must also return to their country of citizenship for a minimum of two years after graduating.
It’s important to plan ahead as the Chevening scholarship process can take up to 10 months. The next round of applications open in August 2024 and close in November.
Considering where to study in the UK? Take a closer look at these top-ranked UK universities.
Commonwealth Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) is the UK’s main scholarship initiative focused on international development. These scholarships support innovators and future leaders from across the Commonwealth who would not otherwise be able to afford studying in the UK. All Commonwealth Scholarships cover tuition fees. For UK-based study, initial travel costs, visa expenses, and a living allowance are also covered.
The CSC offers several scholarships, including:
- PhD scholarships
- Split-site scholarships
- Master’s scholarships
- Shared scholarships
- Distance learning scholarships
While each of these scholarship options have different criteria, they are generally available to students from Commonwealth countries outside the UK, including India, Nigeria, and Pakistan.
Marshall Scholarships
American citizens who are starting postgraduate studies in the UK may be eligible for a Marshall Scholarship. Every year, this organization chooses up to 50 scholars to study a wide range of full-time postgraduate courses in the UK. Both one- and two-year Marshall Scholarships are available.
Note: Students in some popular degrees, like MBAs and professional degrees (law, dentistry, medicine), are not eligible for a Marshall Scholarship.
To qualify, students must:
- Hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited four-year college or university in the United States
- Have graduated within the last two years (i.e. 2025 Marshall Scholars must have graduated after April 2022)
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.7 in their undergraduate studies
- Demonstrate leadership and ambassadorial potential
Global Wales Postgraduate Scholarship
International students beginning a full-time master’s program at any university in Wales may apply for a Global Wales Postgraduate Scholarship. These scholarships are for one year of study and are valued up to £10,000. They’re offered as a partnership between the Welsh Government, Universities Wales, The British Council, and HEFCW.
Scholarships are generally offered for courses starting in September, so the application window closes at the end of April.
Citizens of the following countries are eligible:
- Canada
- One of the countries of the European Union
- India
- The United States
- Vietnam
Wales should be on your radar as an international study destination. From a more affordable cost of living to its lively cultural scene, the Land of Song has a lot to offer!
University-Specific Scholarships, Fellowships, and Bursaries
Many universities offer scholarships, fellowships, and bursaries to eligible international students. Scholarships are based on a varying combination of academic merit, leadership potential, and financial need. Check official university or college websites for current scholarship lists.
While they need to be paid back, unlike scholarships, student loans can also help you reach your academic goals. Did you know that ApplyBoard offers student loan options?
For more information on scholarships, bursaries, and postgraduate funding options, visit the British Council, the UK Council for International Student Affairs, or Postgraduate Studentships websites.
Ready to start your study journey to the UK? Visit the ApplyBoard platform to find a course that matches your academic goals!
