Scholarships for International Students in UK 2025
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Scholarships for International Students in UK 2025

A 2025 guide to scholarships for international students in the UK, from fully funded options like Chevening to partial awards such as GREAT and Saltire.

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September 11, 2025 5 min read

The United Kingdom is one of the most sought-after destinations for international education. Its world-class universities, diverse culture, and globally recognized qualifications attract thousands of students each year. However, studying in the UK can be expensive. That’s why understanding the landscape of scholarships for international students in UK is crucial.

This guide breaks down the most accessible and valuable fully funded and partially funded scholarships available for 2025, so you can find the support you need to turn your academic goals into reality.

 

Table of Content


 

Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students in Uk

Partially Funded Scholarships for International Students in Uk

Quick Comparison Overview: Fully vs. Partially Funded

Tips to Win UK Scholarships

Conclusion

FAQs

 


 

Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students in Uk

 

These scholarships cover the complete cost of studying in the UK, including tuition fees, living expenses, and often flights and visa costs. They are highly competitive but life-changing.

 

1. Chevening Scholarships

 

  • Funded by the UK Government
     
  • Covers tuition, monthly stipend, travel, visa, and other expenses
     
  • Open to over 160 countries.
     
  • Ideal for one-year Master’s degrees
     

2. Commonwealth Scholarships

 

  • Funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID)
     
  • Available to students from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries
     
  • Covers tuition, airfare, stipend, and research/travel grants
     
  • Open for Master’s and PhD levels.
     

3. Gates Cambridge Scholarships

 

  • Offered by the University of Cambridge
     
  • Covers full tuition, a living stipend, visa, and airfare
     
  • Open to international postgraduate applicants
     
  • Requires a strong academic and leadership profile
     

4. Rhodes Scholarships

 

  • For postgraduate study at the University of Oxford
     
  • Includes tuition, living allowance (~£18,000/year), and travel expenses
     
  • Open to students from selected countries, including Pakistan, India, Nigeria, and more.
     
  • Focuses on academic excellence and leadership potential
     

5. Clarendon Scholarships (Oxford)

 

  • Offered by the University of Oxford
     
  • Fully funds Master’s and PhD programs
     
  • Includes tuition and a generous living stipend
     
  • Automatic consideration when you apply for eligible courses
     

6. Imperial President’s PhD Scholarships

 

  • For full-time PhD students at Imperial College London
     
  • Covers tuition fees and provides a substantial stipend
     
  • Competitive and research-focused

 


 

Partially Funded Scholarships for International Students in Uk

 

These scholarships help reduce the financial burden by covering part of the tuition fees or providing limited support. They’re more widely available and still highly valuable.

 

1. GREAT Scholarships

 

  • Joint initiative by the British Council and UK universities
     
  • Offers £10,000 toward tuition fees for one-year postgraduate programs
     
  • Available to students from selected countries (e.g., India, Pakistan, China, Malaysia)
     
  • Requires acceptance to a participating UK university
     

2. Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships

 

  • £8,000 towards tuition fees for Master’s programs in Scotland
     
  • Open to students from countries like India, Pakistan, the USA, and Canada.
     
  • Focus on future-oriented subjects like science, tech, health, and creative industries.
     

3. Think Big Scholarships (University of Bristol)

 

  • Undergraduate and postgraduate awards
     
  • Funding between £5,000–£20,000 for tuition fees
     
  • Based on academic merit and impact

 

 

4. Global Future Scholarships (University of Manchester)

  • Master’s level awards
     
  • Offers £5,000–£10,000 toward tuition
     
  • Available to students from selected countries and courses

 

5. Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence Scholarships (Newcastle University)

 

  • Covers up to 50% of tuition fees
     
  • Awarded based on academic excellence

 

6. Global Merit Scholarships (University of Southampton)

 

  • Partial tuition fee reductions between £3,000 and £5,000
     
  • Awarded on merit for international students entering undergraduate or postgraduate taught programs

 


 

Quick Comparison Overview: Fully vs. Partially Funded

 

Scholarship Name

Funding Type

Level

Coverage Highlights

Ideal For

Chevening Scholarships

Fully Funded

Master’s

Tuition, stipend, travel, visa, and extras

Future leaders from 160+ countries

Commonwealth Scholarships

Fully Funded

Master’s, PhD

Tuition, living expenses, flights, thesis support

Students from Commonwealth nations

Gates Cambridge Scholarships

Fully Funded

Master’s, PhD

Tuition, stipend, visa, and flights

High-achievers in any field

Rhodes Scholarships

Fully Funded

Postgraduate

Tuition, allowance (~£18k), travel

Students with leadership & service

Clarendon Fund (Oxford)

Fully Funded

Master’s, PhD

Tuition, generous stipend

Top academic performers

President’s PhD (Imperial College)

Fully Funded

PhD

Tuition, research costs, and living stipend

STEM & research-focused students

GREAT Scholarships

Partially Funded

Master’s

£10,000 toward tuition

Country-specific eligibility

Saltire Scholarships (Scotland)

Partially Funded

Master’s

£8,000 tuition support

Innovation & sustainability fields

Think Big (Bristol)

Partially Funded

UG & PG

£5,000–£20,000 tuition discount

Merit-based international students

Global Future (Manchester)

Partially Funded

Master’s

£5,000–£10,000 tuition support

Specific eligible regions

Vice-Chancellor’s (Newcastle)

Partially Funded

UG & PG

Up to 50% tuition coverage

Academic achievers

Global Merit (Southampton)

Partially Funded

UG & PG

£3,000–£5,000 tuition discount

Entry-level scholarships

 

 


 

Tips to Win UK Scholarships

 

Whether you’re applying for a full or partial scholarship, follow these steps to increase your chances:

 

  1. Start Early: Most deadlines open 6–10 months before the academic year begins.
     
  2. Tailor Every Application: Each scholarship has unique requirements and priorities. Customize your essays and documents accordingly.
     
  3. Show Impact: Highlight how your work, research, or career plans will make a difference.
     
  4. Get Great References: Strong recommendation letters can boost your credibility.
     
  5. Practice for Interviews: Some programs (like Chevening, Gates, Rhodes) include an interview stage.
     

 


Conclusion

 

Looking for a fully funded scholarship in UK that covers all your expenses or a partially funded option to lighten the financial burden? The UK provides a wide range of scholarship opportunities for international students to support every academic path. The key is to start early, stay organized, and submit a thoughtful, polished application.

These scholarships aren’t just about saving money; they're about opening doors to world-class education, meaningful connections, and a future you design on your terms.

Need help with your personal statement or choosing which scholarship fits best? Apply through our website. Or do you want scholarship options just for Pakistani students? Check out our blog: “Fully Funded Scholarships for Pakistani Students in UK”.

 

FAQs

 


 

  • How to get full scholarship in the UK for international students?

International students can apply for fully funded UK scholarships like Chevening, Commonwealth, Gates Cambridge, Rhodes, and Clarendon by submitting strong academic records, personal statements, and references.
 

  • Is there a 100% scholarship in the UK?

Yes. Scholarships such as Chevening, Commonwealth, Rhodes, Gates Cambridge, and Clarendon cover 100% of tuition fees plus living costs, airfare, and visa expenses.
 

  • How to get a scholarship in the UK for Pakistani students?

Pakistani students can apply for UK scholarships like Chevening, Commonwealth, and GREAT, or university-based awards, by preparing early, meeting eligibility, and submitting strong applications.
 

  • How to get 100% scholarship?

To get a 100% scholarship, apply for fully funded programs like Chevening, Rhodes, or Gates Cambridge, and focus on academic excellence, leadership, and strong personal statements.