The UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship in UK 2026

The UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship is a prestigious financial support programme offered by University College London, one of the UK's leading universities. The purpose of this scholarship is to help talented international students from low-income backgrounds study a full-time undergraduate degree at UCL, removing financial barriers that might otherwise prevent access to world-class education. It is designed to remove financial barriers and give bright students from around the world the opportunity to access a world-class education in the United Kingdom at an institution consistently ranked among the best globally.

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Quick Overview

• University: University College London (UCL)

• Host Country: United Kingdom

• Programme Level: Full-time Undergraduate degree

• Scholarship Type: Financial need-based

• Number of Scholarships: Up to 33 for 2026/27

• Application Deadline: 5pm BST, Monday 27 April 2026

• Results Notification: By 3 June 2026

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Number of Scholarships Available

For the 2026/27 academic year, up to 33 scholarships will be awarded to deserving students from around the world.

Award Categories

• 10 scholarships – covering full tuition fees, a maintenance allowance for living expenses, and a fixed allowance for additional costs (visa fees and Immigration Health Surcharge)

• 20 scholarships – covering full tuition fees only

• 3 scholarships – covering full tuition fees specifically reserved for students from India

The scholarship covers the standard duration of the undergraduate programme, meaning students can receive funding for the full length of their degree as long as they meet academic and administrative requirements.

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Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship, applicants must meet several important criteria designed to identify students most in need of support.

• Must be eligible to pay the overseas tuition fee rate at UCL (applies to international students from outside the UK and EU)

• Must come from a low-income background, demonstrating genuine financial need

• UCL generally considers a household income of £42,875 or less as low income

• This figure is only a guide – students with slightly higher income may still be considered

• Must have submitted an admission application for a full-time undergraduate degree at UCL for the 2026/27 academic year before applying for the scholarship

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Important Note on Admission

It is important to understand the relationship between admission and scholarship applications:

• Students do not need to have received an offer of admission before applying for the scholarship – they can apply early in the process

• However, they must have their fee status confirmed by UCL Admissions before they can access the scholarship form

• Fee status confirmation may happen shortly after applying or closer to the time when an offer is made

• If a student cannot access the scholarship application form through the Portico system, it may be because their admission details have not yet been fully processed

• Students who are eligible but cannot access the form two weeks before the deadline should contact the Student Funding Office (SFO) as soon as possible for assistance

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Scholarship Benefits

The scholarship provides substantial financial support to help students from low-income backgrounds access world-class education at UCL.

Award Details

• 10 comprehensive awards: Full tuition fees + maintenance allowance + fixed allowance for visa/IHS costs (exact amounts for allowances will be confirmed later)

• 20 tuition-only awards: Full tuition fees covered for the entire programme duration

• 3 India-specific awards: Full tuition fees for students from India

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Available Fields of Study

The scholarship applies to all undergraduate degree programmes offered at UCL, making it accessible to students across a wide range of academic fields and interests.

Selection Process

The scholarship is awarded based on financial need rather than academic merit, though students must meet UCL's admission requirements for their chosen programme.

• Academic merit is important for admission to UCL, but this particular scholarship focuses mainly on the financial circumstances of the applicant

• Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide financial evidence, usually around mid-May 2026, including documents that confirm household income and other financial details

• It is important to provide accurate and complete information during this stage, as any discrepancies could affect the award decision

• The UCL Student Funding Office is responsible for reviewing applications and allocating the awards based on the strength of financial need demonstrated

How to Apply

The application process is completed online through UCL's student portal system called Portico, which all applicants use for their admission application.

Step-by-Step Application Process

• Step 1: Log in to Portico with your normal details

• Step 2: Click on the 'View' button for the 'Active Application' you wish to apply for funding

• Step 3: In the application screen, click on 'Funding' in the menu at the top of the page

• Step 4: On the funding page, click 'Check and apply' under 'Funds Available' to see eligible funds

• Step 5: Click on the scholarship name of the scheme you wish to apply for

• Step 6: Complete the application form carefully

Important Notes

• If a student applies for more than one undergraduate programme at UCL, they must submit a separate scholarship application form for each programme

• For help completing the form, read the UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship Application Guidance available on the website

Application Deadline

• Deadline: 5pm BST, Monday 27 April 2026

Important: Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted under any circumstances. There are no exceptions, even if a student receives their admission offer after the scholarship deadline. Students must plan ahead and submit well before the deadline.

UCL requires approximately one month to assess all applications and complete the selection process, so students must make sure their application is submitted on time to allow for proper evaluation.

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Notification of Results

• Successful candidates notified by: 3 June 2026

This notification will be sent before the UCAS offer reply deadline, allowing students enough time to make their final decision about accepting their place at UCL and planning their studies. This timing ensures that students can make informed choices about their educational future with full knowledge of their financial support.

Responsibilities of Scholarship Holders

There are important responsibilities for students who receive the scholarship that must be understood and followed.

• If a scholarship holder wishes to change their degree programme at any time, they must inform the Student Funding Office before making any changes to ensure the scholarship remains valid for the new programme

• Scholarship recipients must inform the SFO if they receive any additional funding for their undergraduate studies, either before or after the scholarship is awarded

This transparency helps maintain the integrity of the scholarship programme.

Why Choose UCL

• World-Class Institution: UCL is consistently ranked among the best universities globally

• London Location: Study in the heart of one of the world's most dynamic cities

• Diverse Community: Join students from around the world in a multicultural environment

• Academic Excellence: Access to world-leading research and teaching

• Career Opportunities: UCL graduates are highly sought after by employers worldwide

• Comprehensive Support: Dedicated Student Funding Office to assist scholarship recipients

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Tips for a Strong Application

• Apply for Admission Early: Submit your UCL admission application well before the scholarship deadline to ensure fee status is confirmed

• Prepare Financial Documents: Have household income documentation ready in case you are shortlisted

• Check Eligibility Carefully: Ensure you meet the overseas fee status and low-income criteria

• Submit Separate Forms: If applying for multiple programmes, submit a separate scholarship form for each

• Contact SFO if Needed: If you cannot access the form two weeks before the deadline, email the Student Funding Office immediately

• Complete All Sections: Ensure the application form is fully filled out

• Submit Before Deadline: Apply well before 27 April 2026

Final Thoughts

The UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship is a valuable opportunity for international students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds to study at one of the world's leading universities. With up to 33 scholarships available for 2026/27, including 10 comprehensive awards covering tuition, maintenance, and additional costs, this programme helps ensure that talented students can pursue higher education without financial barriers holding them back.

The scholarship is open to students from all countries (with 3 specifically reserved for India) applying to any full-time undergraduate programme at UCL. Selection is based on financial need, with a general household income guide of £42,875 or less. Students must have submitted their admission application before the scholarship deadline of 27 April 2026.

Successful candidates will be notified by 3 June 2026, before the UCAS offer reply deadline. If you receive the scholarship, remember to inform the Student Funding Office before making any programme changes and disclose any additional funding received.

Students who meet the eligibility criteria are strongly encouraged to apply early, prepare their financial documents carefully, and submit their application before the deadline. This could be your pathway to an outstanding education at University College London.

Good luck with your application

Apply Now

For complete and official information and to begin your application, visit the official UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship page:

Apply for UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 UK