Top 10 UK Scholarships for International Students 2026–27
Details
Top 10 UK Scholarships for International Students (2026–27)
1. Chevening Scholarships
Awarded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Chevening supports one‑year master’s degrees at UK universities, covering tuition, stipend, airfare, and visa endorsement. Applicants need 2+ years of professional experience and must return to their home country after the award.
2. Rhodes Scholarships
One of the world’s most prestigious scholarships for postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. Covers full tuition, living stipend (~£19,800/year), and fees for up to three years. Selection focuses on intellectual excellence, leadership, character, and commitment to public service.
3. Gates Cambridge Scholarships
Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this merit-based award supports graduate study at Cambridge University. Covers full tuition, airfare, living expenses, and professional development. Selection emphasizes academic excellence, leadership, and social impact.
4. Clarendon Fund (Oxford)
Automatic consideration for all graduate applicants to Oxford. Awards cover tuition and provide a grant for living costs for Master’s or DPhil students. Focuses on academic excellence across disciplines.
5. Weidenfeld‑Hoffmann Scholarships & Leadership Programme (Oxford)
Awards around 35 fully funded scholarships yearly to students from developing economies pursuing one-year master’s courses at Oxford. Includes leadership training and lifelong networking.
6. Commonwealth Scholarships (Master’s)
Funded by the UK government, these scholarships support international students from eligible Commonwealth countries for master’s programmes aligned with development priorities. Covers tuition, travel, living allowance, and additional support.
7. GREAT Scholarships
Offered in partnership with the British Council and UK universities. Available to students from certain countries, GREAT scholarships provide up to £10,000 toward tuition fees for selected UK master’s programmes across fields.
8. British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM
Targeted funding for women from participating countries who wish to undertake STEM master’s and doctoral studies in the UK. Benefits typically include tuition fees, living costs, visa fees, and travel support.
9. Scotland Saltire Scholarships
Offers £8,000 toward tuition for international students from select countries studying master’s degrees at Scottish universities. Applicants are expected to return home after studies and contribute to future development.
10. UCL Global Master’s Scholarships
University College London awards merit-based full or partial tuition scholarships for outstanding international master’s applicants. Covers diverse subject areas and includes a fixed deadline annually (e.g., May 2025).
Quick Comparison
| Scholarship | Level | Coverage | Eligibility Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevening | Master’s | Full tuition + stipend + airfare | ≥2 years work experience, apply to 3 UK courses |
| Rhodes | Master’s/PhD | Fees, stipend (~£19,800/yr) | Exceptional leadership and academic performance |
| Gates Cambridge | Master’s/PhD | Full funding + development support | Global leaders with impact-driven vision |
| Clarendon Fund | Master’s/PhD | Fees + living grant | Top academic performance across all subjects |
| Weidenfeld‑Hoffmann | Master’s | Full degree + leadership training | From developing economies; commitment to public good |
| Commonwealth Scholarships | Master’s | Tuition, travel, stipend, allowances | From Commonwealth countries; aligned with development goals |
| GREAT | Master’s | Up to £10,000 tuition | Citizens of select countries; apply to eligible universities |
| Women in STEM Scholarships | Masters/PhD | Tuition, stipend, visa, travel support | Female STEM applicants from partner countries |
| Scotland Saltire | Master’s | £8,000 tuition scholarship | Study in Scotland; specific eligible countries |
| UCL Global Master’s Scholarships | Master’s | Full or partial tuition | Top applicants to UCL master’s programmes |
Why These Scholarships Matter
- Life-changing opportunities: Combine funding with leadership development and global alumni networks.
- Financial support: Many cover full tuition, living costs, travel and research expenses.
- Prestige and visibility: Awards like Rhodes, Chevening, and Gates elevate academic and professional standing.
- Impact oriented: Many scholarships require post-return commitment or focus on development themes.
Specifications
| Type of Opportunity | Scholarships and Fellowships |
|---|---|
| Deadline | Ongoing |
| Country | UK |