
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.

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:
- Start Early: Most deadlines open 6–10 months before the academic year begins.
- Tailor Every Application: Each scholarship has unique requirements and priorities. Customize your essays and documents accordingly.
- Show Impact: Highlight how your work, research, or career plans will make a difference.
- Get Great References: Strong recommendation letters can boost your credibility.
- 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.
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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.