The United Kingdom is home to some of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities, offering unparalleled academic excellence and research opportunities. While tuition can be high, numerous scholarships – from government‑funded awards to university‑specific grants – make studying in the UK affordable for international students.
Whether you dream of Oxford, Cambridge, or leading institutions in London and beyond, there is funding available to help you succeed. Below is a curated list of 35 top scholarships in the United Kingdom – each name is linked to a detailed guide.
1. ESA Student Internship
The ESA Student Internship offers three to six months of hands‑on experience at the European Space Agency’s UK facilities. Interns receive a monthly allowance of up to €800 and work on cutting‑edge space projects. It is open to master’s students from ESA member states, including the UK.
2. Sir Halley Stewart Trust Main Grants Programme in United Kingdom UK
The Sir Halley Stewart Trust Main Grants Programme in United Kingdom UK supports postgraduate research that benefits humanity, particularly in social welfare, medical research, and religious education. Grants typically range from £5,000 to £30,000. Applicants must be affiliated with a UK university.
3. The World Changers Global Excellence Scholarship in UK
The World Changers Global Excellence Scholarship in UK is offered by the University of Law to high‑achieving international students. It provides up to £5,000 towards tuition fees. Candidates must demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to making a positive impact.
4. Stormzy Cambridge Scholarship
The Stormzy Cambridge Scholarship , funded by British rapper Stormzy, supports Black British students from disadvantaged backgrounds to study at the University of Cambridge. It covers full tuition, a living stipend, and travel costs. Two scholarships are awarded annually.
5. Rhodes Scholarship at the University of Oxford
The Rhodes Scholarship at the University of Oxford is one of the oldest and most prestigious fully funded scholarships worldwide. It covers all tuition fees, a generous living stipend, and travel expenses for two to three years of postgraduate study. Scholars are selected based on academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to service.
6. Birkbeck University of London Scholarship
The Birkbeck University of London Scholarship offers the Birkbeck International Excellence Scholarship, which provides £4,000 to £6,000 towards tuition. Eligible students must hold an offer for a full‑time undergraduate or postgraduate program. The scholarship rewards academic merit and personal achievement.
7. King's College Scholarships in Heart of London (UK)
The King's College Scholarships in Heart of London (UK) include the King’s International Scholarship, which covers full tuition and provides a living stipend. There are also subject‑specific awards for law, medicine, and the humanities. Applicants are automatically considered upon admission.
8. London School of Economics Free Online Courses
The London School of Economics Free Online Courses are not a traditional scholarship but provide free access to high‑quality learning in economics, finance, and social sciences. While certificates may require a fee, the course content is available at no cost. It is an excellent way to boost your credentials.
9. Keele University Scholarship for International Students
The Keele University Scholarship for International Students offers up to £5,000 in tuition fee reduction for high‑achieving undergraduates and postgraduates. No IELTS is required if you have a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from your previous degree. Keele is known for its beautiful campus and strong student support.
10. SOAS Masters Scholarships
The SOAS Masters Scholarships are available for international students pursuing master’s degrees at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. The SOAS Master’s Scholarship awards up to £10,000 towards tuition. Priority is given to students from developing countries.
11. UAL International Postgraduate Scholarships
The UAL International Postgraduate Scholarships support students from low‑income backgrounds to study at the University of the Arts London. Each scholarship covers £25,000 towards tuition fees and living costs. Applicants must hold an offer for a full‑time master’s program.
12. The University of Brighton Scholarships in UK
The University of Brighton Scholarships in UK include the International Scholarship, which provides a £5,000 tuition fee discount. There are also subject‑specific awards for engineering, business, and health sciences. Applicants are automatically considered based on their admission application.
13. Nottingham Trent University Scholarship in UK
The Nottingham Trent University Scholarship in UK offers the International Scholarship, worth up to £4,000 for the first year of study. NTU also provides the Vice‑Chancellor’s Scholarship for exceptional students, covering 50% of tuition fees. No separate application is required for most awards.
14. University of Manchester Global Futures Scholarship
The University of Manchester Global Futures Scholarship awards up to £10,000 per year to high‑achieving international undergraduates. The scholarship is automatically considered upon application. Manchester is a member of the prestigious Russell Group of UK universities.
15. JP Morgan Fully Funded Master's Scholarship in UK – No IELTS Required
The JP Morgan Fully Funded Master's Scholarship in UK – No IELTS Required covers full tuition, a living stipend, and provides a summer internship at JP Morgan. It is aimed at students from underrepresented backgrounds pursuing finance or technology degrees. English proficiency can be proven through an MOI letter.
16. The Department of Surgery and Cancer Scholarships in UK
The Department of Surgery and Cancer Scholarships in UK are offered by Imperial College London for master’s and PhD research in oncology, surgical science, and related fields. Awards cover full tuition and provide a stipend of approximately £20,000 per year. Applicants must have a strong research background.
17. The Glenmore Postgraduate Scholarship in UK
The Glenmore Postgraduate Scholarship in UK supports students pursuing master’s degrees in medicine, veterinary science, or public health at the University of Edinburgh. It provides up to £10,000 towards tuition. Preference is given to students from low‑income countries.
18. University of St Andrews Scholarship
The University of St Andrews Scholarship offers several awards, including the St Andrews International Scholarship (up to £16,000) and the Global Merit Scholarship (£5,000). The university is Scotland’s oldest and consistently ranks among the top in the UK. Applications are assessed on academic merit and financial need.
19. Goldsmiths Sanctuary Scholarship in UK
The Goldsmiths Sanctuary Scholarship in UK is for forced migrants, including asylum seekers and refugees, who wish to study at Goldsmiths, University of London. It covers full tuition, a living stipend, and accommodation support. Up to five scholarships are awarded each year.
20. Rotary Club Peace Fellowship
The Rotary Club Peace Fellowship funds master’s degrees in peace and conflict resolution at partner universities, including the University of Bradford in the UK. The fellowship covers tuition, room and board, and travel expenses. Fellows become part of a global network of peacebuilders.
21. Cambridge University MBA Scholarship in UK
The Cambridge University MBA Scholarship in UK is offered by the Cambridge Judge Business School. It provides up to £30,000 towards the MBA tuition fee. Candidates must demonstrate exceptional leadership potential and academic achievement. The scholarship is highly competitive.
22. The International Excellence Scholarship at the University of Leeds in UK
The International Excellence Scholarship at the University of Leeds in UK awards up to £7,500 to high‑achieving international undergraduates. No separate application is required – eligible students are automatically considered. Leeds is a member of the Russell Group and offers over 300 degree programs.
23. Hoogenboom Scholarship for Women in United Kingdom
The Hoogenboom Scholarship for Women in United Kingdom supports female students from developing countries pursuing postgraduate degrees in STEM fields. It provides full tuition, a living stipend, and travel costs. The scholarship is hosted at the University of Glasgow.
24. KCL Scholarships in London | King’s College
The KCL Scholarships in London | King’s College include the King’s International Scholarship (full tuition plus stipend) and the King’s Undergraduate Scholarship (up to £15,000). King’s College London is one of the UK’s oldest and most prestigious universities. Applications are judged on academic merit and personal statement.
25. University of Glasgow GREAT Scholarships in UK
The University of Glasgow GREAT Scholarships in UK are funded by the British Council and the UK government. Each scholarship is worth £10,000 towards tuition for one‑year master’s programs. Students from selected countries, including Pakistan, India, and Malaysia, are eligible.
26. University of Liverpool Hong Kong Tung Scholarships
The University of Liverpool Hong Kong Tung Scholarships are awarded to students from Hong Kong pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees. The scholarship provides up to £5,000 per year. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and community involvement.
27. University of Salford – UK Scholarships for International Students Fully Funded
The University of Salford – UK Scholarships for International Students Fully Funded include the Salford International Excellence Scholarship (up to £5,000) and the Silver Scholarship (full tuition for top achievers). The university has strong industry links and excellent graduate employment rates.
28. The UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship in UK
The UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship in UK is awarded to international students from low‑income backgrounds. It covers full tuition and provides a living stipend of approximately £15,000 per year. University College London (UCL) is consistently ranked among the top ten universities globally.
29. Think Big Scholarship in UK
The Think Big Scholarship in UK is offered by the University of Bristol for undergraduate and postgraduate international students. Awards range from £5,000 to £20,000 per year. Applicants must submit a separate scholarship application form by the deadline.
30. Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships in United Kingdom (UK)
The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships in United Kingdom (UK) allow students from low and middle‑income Commonwealth countries to study UK master’s degrees remotely. The scholarship covers full tuition fees. Students study online while continuing to work or live in their home countries.
31. University of Birmingham Islam Scholarship 2026 in UK
The University of Birmingham Islam Scholarship 2026 in UK supports research in Islamic studies, theology, or Muslim societies. It provides full tuition and a living stipend for master’s or PhD students. Applicants must submit a research proposal aligned with the scholarship’s themes.
32. University of Birmingham Islam Scholarship Fully Funded
The University of Birmingham Islam Scholarship Fully Funded is a similar award (possibly the same program) offering comprehensive funding for postgraduate research. Benefits include tuition, a stipend (approx. £15,000 per year), and research travel grants. International students are eligible.
33. ECU–UoP Joint PhD Scholarship in UK
The ECU–UoP Joint PhD Scholarship in UK is a collaborative program between Edith Cowan University (Australia) and the University of Portsmouth. It funds doctoral research in fields like marine science, engineering, and public health. The scholarship covers tuition and provides a living stipend.
34. Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies University of Oxford Scholarships in UK
The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies University of Oxford Scholarships in UK fund master’s and doctoral research on Islamic thought, culture, and society. They cover full tuition and a generous living stipend. Scholars become members of Oxford’s prestigious Oriental Institute.
35. The University of Oxford Croucher Scholarships in UK
The University of Oxford Croucher Scholarships in UK are for students from Hong Kong pursuing postgraduate studies in natural sciences, medicine, or engineering at Oxford. The scholarship covers full tuition and a living stipend. It is funded by the Croucher Foundation.
Conclusion
The United Kingdom offers an incredible range of scholarship opportunities for international students at every level – from undergraduate and master’s programs to PhD research and professional fellowships. Whether you aim for the historic halls of Oxford and Cambridge, the vibrant campuses of London, or innovative institutions across the country, there is funding to match your ambitions.
Many of these scholarships cover full tuition, living expenses, and even travel. Start your research early, prepare compelling applications, and take the first step toward a world‑class UK education.
