Top Scholarships in the UK for International Students (2025 Guide)
When you think of studying abroad, your mind first goes to the UK, because that’s the best place to get the best world class education, especially as an international student. You might be scared, and crumble your dreams of going to study abroad because of high tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs and the rest. You know, standard things come with standard prices. That’s where scholarships come in. Whether it is that you’re looking to pursue a master’s, undergraduate, or PhD program, the UK offers a wide range of scholarships designed to ease your financial burden, and in some cases, cover it completely. So keep your dreams alive.
In this article, you’ll discover the best scholarships in the UK for international students in 2025, their eligibility criteria, application tips, and how to improve your chances of success.
Why Study in the UK?
You may be wondering, why does the UK attract thousands of students from around the world? Why do people prefer to study in the UK?
They Have Prestigious Universities Universities like Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, the UK is the home to them. And these are of the highest-ranking universities in the world.
They Have Shorter Programs Undergraduate programs lasting three years, and most master’s degrees are completed in just one year, saving you a lot of time and money.
They Diverse Community
You’ll find students from every continent, making it a cultural meeting point.
Post-Study Work Options
Ever heard of the term, “work and learn”? With the UK’s Graduate Visa, international students can work in the UK for up to 2 years after graduation (3 years for PhD holders).
Top Fully-Funded Scholarships in the UK
1. Chevening Scholarships
Funded by: UK Government
Level: Master’s degree
Covers: Full tuition, monthly stipend, travel costs, visa fees
The Chevening Scholarship is one of the top awarded scholarships available to international students. It is aimed at securing individuals who have strong academic backgrounds and leadership potential. But you must return to your home country after at least two years after your studies.
Eligibility Criteria
- Undergraduate degree
- Two years of work experience
- Strong academic and leadership potential
Deadline: Around every November each year
2. Commonwealth Scholarships
Funded by: UK Department for International Development (DFID)
Level: Master’s and PhD
Covers: Tuition, travel costs, living allowance
It is offered to students from Commonwealth countries. These scholarships aim to support those who are likely not able to afford studying in the UK.
Eligibility Criteria
- Be a citizen of a Commonwealth country
- Cannot afford to study in the UK without the scholarship
- Academic merit and relevance to development
Deadline: Varies, usually December to January
3. Gates Cambridge Scholarships
Funded by: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Level: Full-time Master’s and PhD
Covers: Tuition, maintenance, visa costs, travel expenses.
One of the top scholarships globally, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship seeks students with outstanding intellectual ability, leadership potential, and dedicated to the lives of others.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applying to Cambridge
- Demonstrated excellence and fit with Gates criteria
Deadline: Around October for US applicants, December for others.
4. Rhodes Scholarships
University: University of Oxford
Level: Postgraduate
Covers: All fees, travel, and living expenses
This is the oldest international scholarship, awarded to exceptional students from select countries. It covers all costs and includes a monthly stipend.
Eligibility Criteria
- Undergraduate degree with academic excellence
- Leadership, integrity, and commitment to service
- Varies slightly by country
Deadline: Between June and October, depending on the country.
5. Clarendon Scholarships (University of Oxford)
Funded by: University of Oxford
Level: Master’s and PhD
Covers: Tuition and living expenses
Automatically considered when you apply to Oxford, no separate application needed.
Eligibility:
- Academic excellence
- Any course at Oxford
Deadline: Apply for your course by January to be considered
University-Specific Scholarships
These are scholarships specific to universities. Here are some universities that offer scholarships to international students.
1. University of Edinburgh Global Scholarships
Offers merit-based scholarships to international students enrolling in postgraduate programs.
Funding: Up to full tuition
Eligibility: Outstanding academic achievement
2. Imperial College London President’s Scholarship
For PhD candidates showing exceptional academic promise.
Funding: Tuition and monthly stipend
Deadline: January every year
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3. University of Warwick Chancellor’s International Scholarship
For the top 25 international PhD applicants each year.
Covers: Tuition and maintenance stipend
Partial Scholarships and Bursaries
Not all scholarships are fully funded, but partial awards can still take a huge financial burden off your shoulders, especially when combined with other grants or bursaries.
1. British Council GREAT Scholarships
- Offered in partnership with UK universities
- Each award worth £10,000 toward tuition
- For students from selected countries (e.g., India, Nigeria, Pakistan)
2. Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships
- Open to students from Canada, India, Japan, Pakistan, USA, and China
- Worth £8,000
- For master’s programs in science, tech, healthcare, etc.
2025 Intake: Important Deadlines at a Glance
| Scholarship | Deadline (Approx.) |
| Chevening | November 2025 |
| Commonwealth | December 2025 – Jan 2026 |
| Gates Cambridge | October – December 2025 |
| Rhodes | June – October 2025 |
| Clarendon (Oxford) | January 2026 |
Securing a scholarship to the UK may seem impossible, but it’s not. You just have to prioritize it, meet up with the requirements, and you’re good to go. Whether it may be partial, or full, it would definitely go a long way for you. Take your time to research for scholarships. Don’t rush into anything, so you can find the best one that suits you. Do not procrastinate. Start now, don’t start later. Your future is in your hands.
