The UK offers some of the world's most prestigious scholarships for international students, including fully funded options that cover tuition, living expenses, and flights. These scholarships support recipients' personal growth, skill development, and societal advancement. 

Whether you're applying for a master's degree, PhD, or postgraduate certificate, there are UK government, university, and international organisation scholarships available across almost every subject and nationality. This guide covers 13 major UK scholarships for international students in 2026, including eligibility criteria, funding amounts, and application details.

Does the UK Offer Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students? 

Yes. The UK government funds several fully funded scholarships for international students, including the Chevening Scholarship, the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship (for developing Commonwealth nations), and the Marshall Scholarship (for US citizens). These cover tuition, living costs, and flights.

UK General Scholarships for International Students 2026: Quick Comparison

We will now look into the general scholarships offered by the government and various organisations in the UK for international students. The said scholarships are listed below. 

Scholarships	Students	Level	Value	Deadline
Chevening	All eligible countries	Master's	Fully Funded	November
Commonwealth Scholarship	Developing Commonwealth nations	Master’s	Fully Funded	October
GREAT Scholarships	14 Countries	Master's	£10,000	April - June
Marshall Scholarship	US citizens	Master's	Fully Funded	Late September
Scotland's Saltire	Canada, China, India, Japan, Pakistan, USA	Master's	£8,000	May
Global Wales	EU, USA, Canada, India, Vietnam	Master's	£10,000	April
Rotary Peace Fellowship	Global leaders	Master's	Full funding	May
Commonwealth Shared	Poorest Commonwealth countries	Master's	Full funding	December
Colt Foundation PhD	Global	PhD	£15,009/year + fees	September
Marshal Papworth	Developing countries	Master's/Short course	£19,000	April
Erasmus Mundus ACES	EU and non-EU	Master's	Up to €8,000/year	February
Marie Curie IIF	Developing country researchers	Research	12–24 months funding	August
Erasmus+ GLOBED	All nationalities	Master's	Full funding	February

 

1. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 

Commonwealth Scholarships for Master's study in the UK are open to citizens of developing Commonwealth nations and are financed by the UK Department for International Development (DFID). The British Chevening Scholarship, the UK's leading international award funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and partner organisations, provides exceptional students worldwide with a fully funded one-year master's degree opportunity at any UK university.

What it covers: The scholarship covers the following

• Airfare to and from the UK, 
• Tuition and examination fees, 
• A stipend, 
• A thesis grant (if applicable), 
• A warm clothing allowance, etc.

Who can apply for the scholarship: Applicants must apply for the scholarship only if they meet the following criteria:

• Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country, or you must be a British Protected Person.
• Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) honours standard or a second class degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master's degree) by September.
• Demonstrate an inability to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship.
• Provide all supporting documentation in the required format.

How to apply: The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) does not process direct applications. Instead, applicants must go through their national nominating agency or an approved NGO. All submissions are to be made using the CSC's Electronic Application System (EAS) by mid-October.

2. GREAT Scholarships 

GREAT Scholarships offer around 14 countries £10,000 each to assist with tuition fees for various one-year taught postgraduate programs. Moreover, Global Wales Scholarships are accessible to students from the EU, the USA, Canada, India, and Vietnam. Typically, about 210 scholarships are awarded annually.

What it covers: Each scholarship covers £10,000 towards tuition fees for one year.

Who can apply: Applicants must apply for the scholarship only if they meet the following criteria:

• Must be from one of the participating countries.
• Must hold an undergraduate degree and show motivation and interest in the chosen subject area.
• Must meet the English language requirements of the UK higher education institution (HEI). 

How to apply: Submit your application directly via your selected university's scholarship webpage. Deadlines differ by institution, but usually occur between April and June.

Need help with your scholarship essay? Get in touch with our counsellor, Noor Raza Cheema! 

3. Marshall Scholarship 

The Marshall Scholarships provide talented young Americans the chance to pursue graduate studies in the UK. Each year, up to 50 individuals are selected to study at a UK university of their choice. The programme's goal is to support intellectually gifted young Americans, recognised as future leaders, in their studies in the UK.

What it covers: The Marshall Scholarship covers the following areas of a student’s finances:

• Covers university fees, cost of living expenses, annual book grants, thesis grants, research and daily travel grants
• Includes fares to and from the United States
• Contributes to the support of a dependent spouse
• Two-Year Marshall Scholarship: Tenure for two academic years (22 months), extendable by the Commission for up to a third academic year
• One-Year Marshall Scholarship: Tenure for one academic year (12 months) cannot be extended

Who Can Apply: Applicants must apply for the scholarship only if they meet the following criteria:

• Open only to United States citizens
• Must hold a first degree from an accredited four-year college or university in the United States with a minimum GPA of 3.7
• Persons already studying for or holding a British degree or degree-equivalent qualification are not eligible.

How to apply: Applications are submitted via one of eight US regional centres, depending on your home address or place of study. The deadlines usually occur in late September, typically around the 26th, for applicants and recommenders.

4. Fully-funded Rotary Peace Fellowships

Rotary International awards up to 130 fully funded Peace Fellowships annually to leaders in peace and conflict resolution from anywhere in the world. Fellows study at one of six Rotary Peace Centres globally, including the University of Bradford in England. The fellowship recipients must be enrolled at one of the peace centres worldwide.  Mentioned below are the countries they can study in:

• USA
• Japan
• Australia
• England
• Sweden
• Uganda

What it covers: Tuition, living expenses, room and board, round-trip transportation, internship costs, and field-study expenses.

Who can apply: 

Applicants must apply for the fellowship only if they meet the following criteria:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree in related fields.
• Have at least three years of professional work experience to qualify for a scholarship for the master’s programme.
• Have a minimum of five years of professional experience to qualify for a scholarship for the certificate programme.
• Write a brief statement about their plans for promoting peace and how these align with Rotary’s mission.
• Possess good English language skills.
• Demonstrate leadership qualities.
• Be strongly committed to understanding various cultures and promoting peace.
• Provide evidence of supporting cross-cultural understanding and peace through professional, academic, and personal efforts.

Target Degrees 

You can apply for the fellowship if you want to pursue a master's or professional development certificate in:

• Development Policy Programme (MIDP) or related degrees
• Master’s Degree in Peace Studies
• Master’s Degree in Advanced Practice in Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution
• Master of Peace and Conflict Studies (MPACS)
• Master’s Degree in Peace and Conflict Studies
• Post-graduate diploma in Peace and Development Studies

How to apply: The usual application deadline is around mid-May. Reach out to your local Rotary club or visit the Rotary International website to start the application process.

5. Global Wales Postgraduate Scholarships 

The Global Wales Postgraduate Scholarship programme offers up to £10,000 in financial support to international students from countries like Vietnam, India, the USA, and the EU who want to pursue a full-time master's programme in Wales. The Global Wales Programme, a collaboration between the Welsh Government, Universities Wales, the British Council, and HEFCW, funds these scholarships.

What the Scholarship Covers: 

• Each scholarship offers up to £10,000 towards tuition fees for one year of a postgraduate master's programme. 
• The student is responsible for any extra expenses.

Who Can Apply: Applicants must apply for the scholarship only if they meet the following criteria:

• Must have applied for an eligible postgraduate programme at one of the Welsh Universities listed above.
• The intended start date for the postgraduate programme should be September.
• Must be classified as an overseas student for fee-paying purposes.
• Must be a citizen of one of the eligible countries mentioned above.

How to apply: You should have already applied to an eligible postgraduate program at one of the listed Welsh universities. Make sure to include your university application number in your scholarship application. Complete and submit the online scholarship form by the end of April for a September start.

6. Chevening Scholarships 

The Chevening Scholarship is the UK government’s prestigious, fully funded international award program that enables outstanding emerging leaders from over 160 countries to pursue a one-year Master’s degree in the UK. It covers tuition, a monthly stipend, and travel costs to foster future leaders, influencers, and decision-makers. 

The Chevening programme aims to support UK foreign policy goals by fostering enduring relationships with future leaders, influencers, and decision-makers. It grants awards to outstanding individuals worldwide with exceptional leadership and influence skills, allowing them to undertake a study period in the UK. The programme includes participants from over 140 countries and territories

What the scholarship covers: Chevening Scholarships usually cover: 

• Tuition fee payment
• Travel expenses for economy class to and from your home country via an approved route
• An arrival allowance
• The cost of a visa application for yourself
• A departure allowance
• Up to £75 contribution for TB testing if needed
• A travel supplement
• A monthly personal living allowance (stipend) to cover accommodation and living costs

Who can apply:  Applicants must apply for the scholarship only if they meet the following criteria:

• Must be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country or territory.
• Commit to returning to your country of citizenship for at least two years after completing the scholarship.
• Have an undergraduate degree.
• Typically, hold a 2:1 honours degree in the UK.
• Have at least two years (2,800 hours) of work experience.

How to apply: Applications must be submitted solely via the Chevening online portal. You are required to apply to three eligible UK university courses and obtain an unconditional offer from at least one university by July. The application deadline is early November each year.

7. Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships

The Scottish Government and Scottish universities provide Scotland's Saltire Scholarships. These scholarships are for citizens of specific countries who want to pursue full-time master's degrees in Scottish universities. The courses cover various fields, such as science, technology, creative industries, healthcare and medical sciences, and renewable and clean energy.

What it covers: Each scholarship is valued at £ 8,000 to cover tuition fees for one year of full-time study on a postgraduate Master's programme at a Scottish higher education institution. 

Who can apply:

Applicants must apply for the scholarship only if they meet the following criteria:

• Must have a conditional or unconditional offer of a place at a Scottish university for an eligible course.
• Citizens of Canada, India, Japan, the USA, Pakistan, or China (including Hong Kong).
• Ability to demonstrate financial capability to cover living costs in Scotland and the remaining tuition fees.
• Must not have previously studied in Scotland or received a Saltire Scholarship.
• Meet the language requirements of the course.

How to apply: Applicants need to have either a conditional or unconditional offer from a Scottish higher education institution. The online scholarship application form must be submitted by the end of May each year.

8. Erasmus Mundus Scholarships for a Joint Master's Degree in Aquaculture, Environment, and Society

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degree in Aquaculture, Environment and Society Plus (EMJMD ACES+) offers a distinctive opportunity to study at up to four leading European centres known for their expertise in aquaculture research and education: Scotland, Crete, France, and the Netherlands. It combines practical hands-on training with theoretical knowledge, essential for a successful career in aquaculture, through industry-focused research projects, internships, and fieldwork.

Students will gain a thorough understanding of core aquaculture principles and acquire in-depth knowledge of the key scientific, technological, and social challenges involved in the sustainable development of the global aquaculture industry. 

What it covers

• Partner Country scholarships: Up to €8,000 annually, including travel, installation costs, and a monthly allowance.
• Programme Country scholarships: Up to €4,000 annually, including travel, installation costs, and a monthly allowance.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must apply for the scholarship only if they meet the following criteria:

• For Partner Country scholarships:

• Applicants must not be nationals of any EU country, Iceland, Norway, or any other country.
• They must not be residents of these countries or have spent more than 12 months in any of them in the last 5 years.
• Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• English proficiency is equivalent to 6.5 on the Academic IELTS; a score of 6.5 is required.

• For Programme Country scholarships:

• All other students not eligible for Partner Country scholarships are eligible to apply.
• Applicants must have:
• A bachelor's degree in relevant fields.
• English proficiency is equivalent to 6.5 Academic IELTS.
• Practical working experience in the aquaculture industry is welcome.

How to apply: Submit UHI application forms and the ACES application form as a single PDF to the ACES website

9. Colt Foundation PhD Fellowships in Occupational /Environmental Health

The Colt Foundation offers up to 4 Fellowships annually for students worldwide pursuing a PhD in occupational or environmental health at a UK university. Fellowships generally last three years, but shorter periods may be considered for those already pursuing a PhD without full funding.

What it Covers 

• Stipend: £15,009 per year (£17,009 for students in London), adjusted annually for UK inflation
• Research expenses: Up to £5,000 per year, subject to satisfactory justification
• Fees: Full fees are for UK/EU students; for others, the difference is to be covered by other sources.

Who can apply 

Applicants must apply for the fellowship only if they meet the following criteria:

• Their academic track record, the quality of their proposed research project, and PhD training environment will be considered.
• Preference for applicants demonstrating potential to become future occupational and

How to apply: Prospective students must submit an application that includes a research outline, scientific questions, data collection and analysis plans, a CV, a detailed letter of recommendation from the proposed supervisor, and contact details for two referees. The deadline each year is around the beginning of September.

10. Marshal Papworth Scholarships in Agriculture for Developing Countries

Marshal Papworth offers scholarships to students from developing countries for one-year Master's degree programmes in agriculture or horticulture. They also provide a 10-week short course at certain UK universities.

Target Universities 

The recipients of the scholarship have to study at one of the following universities:

• Aberystwyth University
• Cranfield University
• Bangor University
• Royal Agricultural College
• Harper Adams University
• The University of Reading
• Writtle University College

What it covers

• Masters Scholarships: Cover tuition fees and living expenses, typically worth £19,000 per student.
• Short Course Scholarships: Cover tuition, IT training, flights, accommodation, meals, and cultural visits.

Who can apply

Applicants must apply for the scholarship only if they meet the following criteria:

• Applicants must be nationals of and residents of developing countries (countries with a GNI per capita below US$11500).
• Candidates must demonstrate strong academic performance.
• Applicants should have professional experience in community or agricultural development, including voluntary work.
• Candidates must show potential to contribute positively to development in their home country after completing their studies.
• Applicants must have a strong command of the English language.

How to apply: Submit your application directly to a participating university. Upon acceptance, the university will send your application to Marshal Papworth. Both types of applications usually have deadlines in April or before the Easter break.

11. Erasmus+ Scholarships for Master’s in Education Policies for Global Development

The Master's in Education Policies for Global Development (GLOBED) is a specialised programme offered by a consortium of four European universities. It is designed for students from around the world who are interested in studying global education policies. Each year, 25 students are accepted into the GLOBED programme through Erasmus+ scholarships or as self-funded students.

What the Scholarship Covers: 

There are two types of scholarships: one for students living far away (Partner Country) and one for students living closer to Barcelona (Programme Country), where the course is based.

• Partner Country scholarships:

• €6,000 a year for travel costs 
• €1,000 a month for living expenses during the two years of study
• All course fees are covered
• An extra €1,000 for settling in 

• Programme Country scholarships:

• €2,000 a year for travel costs (if you live closer)
• €1,000 a month for living expenses during the two years of study
• All course fees are covered.
• Medical insurance for two years

Who can apply

• For Partner Country Scholarships:
  • Not from the European Union or certain other countries
  • Not living in these countries for more than 12 months in the last five years
  • Not carrying out main activities (like studying or working) in these countries for more than 12 months in the previous five years
• For Programme Country Scholarships:
  • From any country except the ones listed for Partner Country scholarships
  • Not spent more than 12 months in the European Union in the last five years
• Special Scholarships for ENI South Countries:
  • Three scholarships are given to students from certain countries in North Africa and the Middle East
  • At least 75% of the scholarships must go to students from Partner Countries

How to apply: Submit your application online by February for September entry.

12. Marie Curie International Incoming Fellowships 

The Marie Curie International Incoming Fellowships (IIF) encourage top researchers from developing countries to conduct research in Europe. The opportunities help boost research cooperation between Europe and other parts of the world.

What it covers

• Funding is provided for a research project that transfers knowledge to the host organisation and strengthens collaborations between Europe and the rest of the world.
• Financial support is provided for 12-24 months (full-time equivalent).
• The scholarship may also cover a return phase of up to one year in the researcher's country of origin.

Eligibility Criteria 

• Researchers from third countries, which are countries that are neither EU Member States nor Associated Countries, are eligible.
• Must have a doctoral degree or at least four years of full-time equivalent research experience after obtaining a degree permitting embarking on a doctorate.
• Application must be made in liaison with the host organisation in Europe.

How to apply: Proposals must be submitted online through the Commission's Electronic Proposal Submission Service (EPSS), with the yearly deadline typically in mid-August.

13. Commonwealth Shared Scholarship

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships help students from the poorest countries in the Commonwealth to study for a full-time Master's degree in the UK. UK universities support these scholarships.

What it covers: The scholarship covers: 

• Tuition and exam fees, 
• Airfare from your home country to the UK, 
• Monthly stipend (either £1,347 or £1,652, depending on where you study), 
• Warm clothing allowance, 
• Thesis grant, 
• Study travel grant, 
• Excess baggage allowance.

Who can apply

• Must be a citizen of or have refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person.
• Permanently reside in a developing Commonwealth country.
• By September, have a first degree of at least upper second-class standard (2:1) or a lower second-class degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification.
• Must have studied or worked in a developed country for less than one year.
• Cannot afford to study in the UK without this scholarship.
• Provide all required supporting documents.

How to apply: Apply for an eligible master's course at a participating UK university, secure admission, then apply for the Shared Scholarship through the CSC's online application system by mid-December.

How to Get a Scholarship to Study in the United Kingdom?

Scholarship applications are very competitive. Besides academic success, those who succeed do three key things differently. They submit their applications early; most UK scholarship deadlines occur in late autumn or early spring, making it crucial to start preparing 6 - 12 months in advance. They customise each application to match the specific scholarship's priorities; highlighting leadership for Chevening, development impact for Commonwealth, and subject motivation for the GREAT Scholarship. Additionally, they seek expert feedback on their essays and personal statements before submitting.

If you're seeking UK scholarships and need expert help with your application essays, eligibility checks, or university choices, CounsellingX's over 400 admissions counsellors, graduates of prestigious UK universities like Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, and Imperial, are here to assist you throughout the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the UK offer full scholarships for international students?

Yes. The UK provides several fully funded scholarships for international students. The main ones include the Chevening Scholarship (which covers tuition, living expenses, and flights for master's programs), the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship (for students from developing Commonwealth countries), and the Marshall Scholarship (for US citizens). Each of these scholarships covers the entire cost of study.

Can I get a 100% scholarship in the UK?

Eligible international students can access fully funded (100%) scholarships in the UK. Programs such as Chevening, Commonwealth, Marshall, Gates Cambridge, and Rotary Peace Fellowships cover tuition, living costs, and often travel expenses, resulting in no out-of-pocket costs for recipients during their studies.

What is the easiest UK scholarship to get for international students?

The GREAT Scholarship is widely regarded as one of the more accessible UK scholarships for international students. It welcomes applicants from 14 countries and is offered by 71 UK universities covering various subjects. Applicants need a standard undergraduate degree and IELTS or an equivalent English proficiency test. Approximately 210 scholarships are awarded annually, making it less competitive than prestigious awards such as Chevening or Gates Cambridge.

Who is eligible for the Chevening Scholarship?

To qualify for a Chevening Scholarship, you must be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country, have at least two years (2,800 hours) of work experience, hold a degree equivalent to a UK upper second-class (2:1) honours degree, and agree to return to your home country for a minimum of two years after completing the scholarship. You also need to apply to three eligible UK universities and secure an unconditional offer from at least one.