The UK has some of the best universities in the world, attracting more than 700,000 international students in 2023/24 in higher education. However, the tuition fees for international students and the high cost of living in the UK can make it hard to afford a UK education without help.
If you’re looking to study in the UK, international student scholarships can cover some of the costs associated with studying abroad. With funding for tuition fees and living costs available, there are plenty of opportunities to make your UK education dreams a reality.
It can be difficult knowing what scholarships you’re eligible for as an international student in the UK. That’s why we’ve created this handy guide at Remitly to walk you through what study abroad scholarships are out there, how to prepare your applications, top tips to stand out from the crowd and what to avoid.
What are international student scholarships?
Funded by government bodies, universities, charities, or trusts, scholarships are financial awards that support a student in a specific course of study. The awarding body works with a defined target group, often based on their country of origin, the institution where they will be studying, and/or the specific subject they will study.
There are a variety of different types of scholarships. The most common either cover tuition fees only, or also provide the student with a stipend to cover their living expenses.
Scholarships are awarded via a competitive application process, with the funding body setting the criteria. Some are based on “merit,” such as academic achievement, while others are based on “need,” so financial hardship. Scholarship panels can set other criteria such as leadership potential, sporting performance, and so on.
What types of scholarships are there?
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to scholarships in the UK, and there are many options to consider.
Merit-based scholarships
These scholarships recognise impressive academic achievements or exceptional skill in particular areas. For example, you might be a strong scientist or be great at sports. Think of these scholarships as an investment in your potential.
Needs-based support
You may see this type of support called a “bursary.” Bursaries are smaller one-off payments to support specific costs related to your studies, and are awarded based on financial need.
UK global scholarship programmes
These prestigious and government-backed scholarships aim to develop global leaders while strengthening international collaboration. Examples include the Chevening Scholarship or Commonwealth Scholarships.
University-specific funding
This type of funding can vary across courses and universities. Each university will offer different scholarships to support its students.
Private and third-party scholarships
There are also many private sources of scholarship funding for international study, which you can find online and via reputable third-party databases such as UKCISA. These scholarships can be offered by charities, trusts or large companies and tend to aim to boost the representation of a particular group of people or develop a talent pipeline for large companies.
Finding international scholarship opportunities in the UK
Universities will often provide lists of relevant scholarships available on their websites, so consider checking the websites of any universities you’re considering before making your application.
Many scholarships for international students are funded by the UK Government, and those aimed specifically at international students are listed on the British Council website, which is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities.
Scholarships for Scottish universities are listed on the Scottish Government’s website and for Welsh universities on the Study in Wales website. Government websites for your own country might also offer information about where to find international scholarships.
You can also find scholarships by searching for your subject area or desired institution. For example, Cambridge Australia Scholarships specifically offer scholarships for Australians wanting to study at the University of Cambridge, but it doesn’t show up on UK databases because it is funded by an Australian trust. When searching for scholarships, cast your net wide.
Below are some of the most popular scholarships for international students wanting to study in the UK.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Type of funding |
| Chevening Scholarships | Citizens of Chevening-eligible countries studying a one-year master’s who already have approximately two years of work experience | Full (tuition, monthly stipend and travel expenses) |
| Commonwealth Scholarships | Citizens of 50 Commonwealth nations studying post-graduate courses | Full (tuition, living costs and travel expenses) |
| GREAT Scholarships | Citizens from 18 countries studying a one-year master’s | Up to £10,000 bursaries |
| Marshall Scholarship | US citizens pursuing postgraduate studies in the UK | Full (tuition, living costs and travel expenses) |
How to apply: A step-by-step guide
Every scholarship has its own eligibility requirements, guidelines, and processes, but when applying for an international student scholarship for the UK, there are some standard steps to follow.
1. Research and plan ahead
The first step is to create a list of scholarships that you are eligible for. Always double-check what level of study the scholarship is valid for—bachelor’s or master’s—so you don’t waste your time applying for scholarships that aren’t right for you. There may also be particular citizenship requirements, residency requirements, existing levels of study required or limitations on what courses you can use the scholarship for.
It is important to start your search for international student scholarships early, as many application windows can close early, with some deadlines in the autumn for the following academic year. You may find it useful to create an application calendar with all the deadlines.
2. Prepare your documents
No matter what scholarship you end up applying for, you’ll probably need the same main documents to process your application. It’s worth making sure you have digital and hard copies of your documents so you are ready to go when the time comes. Remember that documents that aren’t in English may need a certified translation.
You’re likely to need:
- Completed application forms
- Proof of identity and nationality, usually a valid passport
- Academic transcripts
- Letters of reference
- Personal statement
- Financial documents
- English proficiency test (typically IELTS)
- Curriculum Vitae
Many scholarships require a conditional offer of a university place, while others allow you to apply for the scholarship alongside your university application.
Don’t forget to start thinking about your UK student visa application, as these can take a few months to be processed.
3. Write a strong personal statement
Most scholarships require you to write a personal statement. Depending on your scholarship, you should be able to find some specific guidance on what the selection committee will be looking for. Generally, these personal statements focus on why you deserve the scholarship and the impact that the course will have on your future.
You may want to cover:
- How do you embody the profile of who the scholarship is looking to support?
- How do you not only meet but exceed the eligibility requirements?
- Why do you want to do the course?
- What impact will the course have on your future?
While the letter should be formal, it should also be authentic and personal to you. Include personal anecdotes that reflect your passion for your subject, your ability to overcome adversity, and how you have positively impacted the people around you.
4. Get strong letters of reference
Choose your referees carefully. They should be respected figures who know you well and can speak to your relevant skills and abilities. This could include teachers, employers, or people you have worked with on sporting teams or community projects.
Make sure you ask them well in advance so that they have plenty of time to compose the letter before the deadline, and provide them with the referee guidelines given by the scholarship provider.
Sometimes, referees will be instructed to give you the letter to submit alongside your other documents, but very often they will be asked to submit the letter separately, directly to the scholarship body. In that case, make sure you confirm with them before giving their details to the scholarship organisation so that any contact is not a surprise.
5. Review and submit before the deadline
When you think you have everything ready, make sure you do a final review. Forgetting important documents can mean that your application is not even considered, while minor errors can reflect badly on you and can make the difference between a yes and a no in a competitive application process. Consider submitting well before the deadline in case of any unexpected issues.
Tips for a successful scholarship application
Scholarships for international students can be very competitive, which makes it even more important to present your case well in your application. Always read the exact criteria that your application will be assessed against before writing. You can also maximise your chances of success by following these tips:
Give examples
Backing up your claims with evidence—grades, test scores, or awards—will give your application credibility and show your capacity to learn.
It’s worth demonstrating your community involvement and highlighting your top achievements so the decision-makers can get a better picture of who you are as a candidate and what you would bring to the table.
Get advice
There are probably people at your university who are knowledgeable about scholarship applications, and even the specific scholarship you are applying for. Don’t be afraid to ask them for advice and guidance.
Start early
Start researching scholarships early, and make sure to collect your documents and submit well in advance, giving yourself a good window to resolve any issues that may emerge.
Tailor your application
Don’t write one personal statement for all your scholarship applications. Tailor your personal statement to the specific criteria and priorities of the different scholarship bodies. The decision-makers read thousands of applications and will know if your application is generic.
To tailor your application, you could link your goals to the scholarship or institution’s values to help the decision panel see why you’d be a great fit.
Link to the future
Don’t be afraid to talk about yourself and your goals. Scholarship evaluators are trying to decide whether to invest in your future, so they want to feel your passion and know that you have big plans—whether in the UK or your home country.
Common mistakes to avoid
With all the time and effort you’ve put into your scholarship applications, make sure you don’t fall at the last hurdle and make silly mistakes.
Poor grammar and spelling
Typos, misplaced commas or missing capital letters can put the decision panel off straight away. Consider rereading your application with fresh eyes before submitting, or even asking a family member to proofread it. They may pick up on small mistakes.
Technical issues
There’s no point writing a great application if nobody can read it. Make sure you submit your application in the correct file format. It’s also worth naming your file with something distinguishable so you don’t upload an unfinished draft.
Deadline management
Missing the final deadline for your applications due to confusing time zones or underestimating processing times can be extremely frustrating. Always allow yourself extra time to submit than you think you’ll need.
Protect yourself from scams
Look out for guaranteed scholarship promises and avoid unverifiable organisations, as these are likely to be scams. When in doubt, stick to official university or government webpages, or contact the university directly to verify the scholarship.
Start your UK study journey
There are many international student scholarships available, and finding the right one for you can take patience and persistence. Make sure you start your search early, as many have application deadlines well in advance of the start of the academic year.
The secret to a successful application is attention to detail when demonstrating how you meet the eligibility criteria and the positive impact this course of study will have on your future. This hinges particularly on attention to detail and compelling personalised and authentic statement letters.
FAQs
Is it hard for international students to get a scholarship to study in the UK?
While there are many scholarships available for international students wanting to study in the UK, they are also very competitive, with many more people applying than the number of scholarships available.
Does scholarship money go directly to you?
Each scholarship will have its own rules for how scholarship funds are distributed, but in most cases, tuition fees are paid directly to the university, while stipends and bursaries are paid directly to the student.
Do scholarships cover all costs?
It depends on the scholarship. Some will cover tuition fees, travel expenses and living costs, while some only offer partial funding.
Can I combine multiple scholarships?
Many major scholarships that are fully-funded won’t allow you to combine scholarships, while smaller ones can be more flexible. Always check the terms of your scholarship before accepting multiple forms of funding.
Can I get a scholarship without perfect grades?
Not all scholarships are based on academic performance. You can also find scholarships for international study in the UK that are based on community impact, leadership skills, sports, the arts, or to fill skills gaps in the UK. There are also bursaries available, which are based on financial need.
What’s the difference between a scholarship and a bursary?
Scholarships are based on merit, including your grades, skills or achievements. Bursaries are usually means-based, designed to support you with your tuition fees or living costs, regardless of your academic performance.