From the ivy-covered halls of Oxford to the innovation hubs at UCL and Cambridge, the UK is a top destination for ambitious students. But while the education is world-class, the cost can feel out of reach—until you discover the right scholarships.
Whether you’re aiming for a Master’s, PhD, undergraduate degree, or a postdoc opportunity, the UK offers a wealth of fully funded scholarships that don’t just cover tuition—they take care of your living expenses, travel, health insurance, and more.
Get Up to $100,000 Student Loan for Your Master in US or Canada.
In this guide, we’ve handpicked 20 of the most prestigious UK scholarships you should start preparing for in 2026. These awards are open to international students across all continents, and many come with life-changing opportunities—think global networks, leadership programs, and access to elite research institutions.
When is the Application Deadline:
Most open between June and December 2025 and close by January–April 2026.
Some early deadlines:
- Chevening: 5 Nov 2025
- Rhodes: Oct 2025
- Marshall: Sept 2025
Tell Me About The Award:
The UK offers some of the world’s most prestigious and fully funded scholarships for international students across all levels—undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and postdoc. These awards often cover full tuition, living expenses, airfare, visa fees, and even research or clothing allowances.
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Master’s and/or PhD Scholarships
- Chevening Scholarships – Master’s
- Commonwealth Scholarships – Master’s & PhD
- GREAT Scholarships – Master’s (some fully funded)
- Marshall Scholarships (for US citizens) – Master’s & PhD
- Rhodes Scholarships (selected countries) – Master’s & PhD
- Gates Cambridge Scholarships – Master’s & PhD
- Clarendon Fund (Oxford) – Master’s & PhD
- Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships – Master’s
- UCL Global Masters Scholarship – Master’s
- UCL Research Excellence Scholarships – PhD
- Cambridge International Scholarships – PhD
- Commonwealth PhD Scholarships – PhD
- British Council Women in STEM Scholarships – Master’s
🧑🔬 Postdoctoral Fellowships
- Newton International Fellowships – Postdoc
- British Academy International Fellowships – Postdoc
- Leverhulme Trust Fellowships – PhD/Postdoc
🎓 Undergraduate Scholarships
- Jardine Foundation Scholarship (for Oxford/Cambridge, SEA nationals) – Undergraduate
- University of Glasgow Scholarships (includes online & on-campus) – UG/PG
- Cardiff University International Scholarships – UG/PG
🧪 STEM-Focused / Special Field Scholarships
- Winston Churchill Foundation Scholarships (for US STEM students at Cambridge) – Master’s
Which Fields are Eligible?
All academic disciplines, including:
- Social Sciences
- Engineering & Technology
- Medicine & Public Health
- Humanities
- STEM
- Arts & Design
- Business & Law
Type:
🎓 Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD, and Postdoctoral Scholarships
💸 Fully Funded (many include full tuition, monthly stipend, airfare, and insurance)
Who can Apply?
🌍 Open to international students, and in some cases, specific regions:
- Africa
- Asia
- North & South America
- EU/EEA
- Oceania
Eligibility varies by program (academic excellence, leadership, financial need, etc.)
How are Applicants Selected?
Selection is typically based on:
✅ Academic merit
✅ Research/project proposal (for PG/PhD/Postdoc)
✅ Leadership potential
✅ References & motivation statements
✅ Interviews (for some top-tier awards)
Which Countries Are Eligible?
🌍 All countries — eligibility depends on the scholarship, but most are open globally. Some are specific to certain nationalities or regions (e.g., Rhodes, Marshall, Commonwealth).
Where will the Award be Taken?
🏛️ United Kingdom – top universities including Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Glasgow, Cardiff, etc.
How Many Awards?
🎯 Varies across scholarships.
Examples:
- Chevening: ~1,500 globally
- Commonwealth: ~700+
- Rhodes: ~100 per year
- Gates Cambridge: ~80–100 annually
What is the Benefit of the Award?
🎁 Most awards offer:
- Full tuition
- Monthly stipend (up to £18,000/year)
- Round-trip airfare
- Visa & health insurance
- Research/travel allowances
- Leadership training and alumni networks
Some even provide clothing or relocation support!
How Long Will the Award Last?
- Undergraduate: 3–4 years
- Master’s: 1–2 years
- PhD: 3–4 years
- Postdoc: 2–3 years
(Some scholarships offer extensions)
How to Apply:
- Start preparing documents by June 2025 (SOP, recommendations, transcripts)
- Identify programs and deadlines
- Apply via official scholarship portals or university websites
- Some require separate admission applications
Visit the Award Webpage for Details:
🔗 Chevening Scholarships
🔗 Study UK Scholarships
🔗 UK Government Scholarship Portal
🔗 Gates Cambridge
🔗 Oxford Scholarships
