Fully Funded Scholarships in UK 2025 Guide
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Fully Funded Scholarships in UK 2025 Guide

A comprehensive 2025 guide to fully funded scholarships in the UK, including Chevening, Commonwealth, GREAT, and top university-based awards.

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September 10, 2025 5 min read

If you're dreaming of studying in the UK but tuition fees and living costs feel like a huge barrier, here's the good news: fully funded scholarships in the UK exist, and they're not just for the elite few. They're for ambitious students like you who are ready to put in the effort, tell their story, and make a real impact.

This guide is designed to help you understand what's out there, what these scholarships actually cover, and how to put yourself in the best position to win one. Fully funded scholarships in the UK aren't just for master’s or PhD students. Undergraduate students also have real opportunities to study without the weight of tuition or living costs. This is your step-by-step overview of the scholarships for international students in the UK that can change your academic path and your future.

 

Table of Content


 

What Is a Fully Funded Scholarship?

The Big Ones: Government-Funded Scholarships

Universities Based Fully Funded Scholarships in UK

Applying for Scholarships: Where to Begin

Why Fully Funded Scholarships in UK Matter

Conclusion 

FAQs

 


What Is a Fully Funded Scholarship?

 

Let’s get clear on what “fully funded” really means. When you receive a fully funded scholarship in the UK, it usually covers:

 

  • 100% of your tuition fees
     
  • A monthly living allowance (yes, rent and groceries included)
     
  • Flights to and from the UK
     
  • Sometimes, extras like visa costs, books, or travel grants
     

The goal is to take money off your mind so you can focus entirely on your studies.

 


 

The Big Ones: Government-Funded Scholarships

 

These scholarships are backed by the UK government and open to students from around the world. They're competitive but also very well supported and often tailored to leadership, development, and future impact.

 

1. Chevening Scholarships

 

  • Available in over 160 countries
     
  • Covers tuition, living costs, flights, and more
     
  • Ideal for future leaders in any field

 

Tip: Chevening values leadership and community involvement just as much as grades.
 

2. Commonwealth Scholarships

 

  • For students from eligible Commonwealth countries
     
  • Covers everything from fees to airfare
     
  • Focused on development, innovation, and equity

 

Tip: Tailor your application to show how you’ll use your degree to give back.
 

3. GREAT Scholarships

 

  • Jointly offered by UK universities and the British Council.
     
  • Usually worth £10,000 for postgraduate study
     
  • Available in select subject areas and countries 

 

Tip: These vary by university, so check each school’s offerings directly.
 

 


 

Universities Based Fully Funded Scholarships in UK

 

Some of the most generous scholarships come directly from the universities themselves. Here's a snapshot of what’s available:

 

Scholarship Name

University

Who It’s For

What You Get

Clarendon Fund

University of Oxford

Master’s & PhD

Full tuition + living allowance (~£18,600/year)

Rhodes Scholarship

Oxford

Postgraduate

All fees, stipend, and flights

Gates Cambridge Scholarship

Cambridge

Master’s & PhD

Tuition, living costs, visa, travel

UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship

UCL

Undergraduate

Tuition + maintenance for low-income applicants

Warwick Chancellor’s Scholarship

University of Warwick

PhD

Full fees + living stipend

Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust

Oxford

Master’s

Tuition, living costs, plus mentorship

Edinburgh Global Research Scholarship

Edinburgh

PhD

Covers tuition + research support

Imperial College President’s Scholarship

Imperial College London

PhD

Full funding + training grant

 

Each scholarship has its own application process and focus. Some look for academic merit, others focus on leadership potential, and a few combine both.

 


 

Applying for Scholarships: Where to Begin

 

Getting a fully funded scholarship can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s how to simplify the process:

1. Start Early

Most major scholarships open between August and December for the following academic year. Give yourself time to get your documents, tests, and recommendations ready.

2. Pick the Right Scholarships

Don’t try to apply for everything. Focus on 2–4 fully funded scholarships that align with your background, goals, and subject.

3. Polish Your Personal Statement

Your story matters. Why do you want this degree? How will you use it to create impact? Be honest. Be specific. Avoid clichés.

4. Secure Strong References

Choose people who know you well, professors, supervisors, and mentors. Give them plenty of time to write meaningful recommendations.

5. Prep for Interviews

Some scholarships include an interview. It’s not just about what you’ve done, it’s about what you stand for, where you’re going, and how this scholarship fits into that.

 


 

Why Fully Funded Scholarships in UK Matter

 

These scholarships for international students in UK don’t just fund your education, they unlock:

  • Debt-free study at some of the world’s best universities
     
  • Life-changing networks and global opportunities
     
  • A chance to give back with the tools to do it well
     

You’ll leave with not just a degree but also experience, support, and connections that can shape your career and your life.

 


 

Conclusion 

 

If you're motivated, capable, and ready to make a difference, there’s no reason cost should hold you back. These fully funded scholarships in the UK are built for students like you who are ready to take their next big step.

Start now. Make a shortlist. Reach out for help if you need it. And don’t talk yourself out of applying just because it looks competitive. Every scholarship winner once thought the same thing: “I might not get this.” But they tried anyway.

Need help reviewing your application or refining your personal statement? I’ve got you covered. Let’s make it happen.

If you are looking for more options that are not fully funded, check out our blog: “Scholarships for International Students in the UK.”

 

FAQs

 


 

  • Can I get a 100% scholarship in the UK?

Yes. Fully funded scholarships like Chevening, Commonwealth, Rhodes, Clarendon, and Gates Cambridge cover 100% of tuition fees along with living costs, flights, and other expenses.
 

  • Which scholarship is fully funded in the UK?

The major fully funded scholarships in the UK include Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, Clarendon Fund (Oxford), Rhodes Scholarship, and Gates Cambridge Scholarship.
 

  • How to get a UK scholarship from Pakistan?

Pakistani students can apply for fully funded UK scholarships like Chevening, Commonwealth, and GREAT by preparing strong applications with academic merit, leadership potential, personal statements, references, and interviews.
 

  • Is Pakistan a Chevening eligible country?

Yes. Pakistan is one of the 160+ countries eligible for the Chevening Scholarship, which fully funds master’s study in the UK.