Top Scholarships for International Students in UK 2026-27

Studying in the UK is a popular choice among international students because of its globally recognised universities, diverse academic programmes, and strong career opportunities. However, UK tuition fees and living expenses can be significant. Scholarships can help reduce this financial burden and make higher education more accessible.

For students planning to study in the UK during the 2026-27 academic year, several government-funded, university-specific, and private scholarships are available.

Top Scholarships for International Students in UK 2026-27

International students can explore scholarships offered by the UK government, universities, and independent organisations. Some awards provide full financial support, while others offer substantial tuition fee reductions.

Government-Funded Scholarships for International Students in UK

The UK government and associated organisations offer several prestigious scholarships for international students. These programmes generally focus on academic excellence, leadership potential, financial need, and contributions to society.

Chevening Scholarships

The Chevening Scholarship is one of the UK's most prestigious fully funded scholarships. It supports international students pursuing a one-year Master's degree at a UK university.

Chevening Scholarship Benefits

Selected scholars can receive:

• Full tuition fee coverage

• Economy return airfare

• Arrival allowance

• Visa application cost

• Departure allowance

• Monthly living stipend

Chevening Scholarship Eligibility

Applicants generally need:

• An undergraduate degree that qualifies them for a UK Master's programme

• At least two years of work experience, equivalent to 2,800 hours

• An unconditional offer from an eligible UK university by the required deadline

• A commitment to return to their home country for at least two years after the scholarship

For the 2026-27 intake, the Chevening application window is scheduled from August 4, 2026, to October 6, 2026.

GREAT Scholarships for International Students

The GREAT Scholarships programme is offered through a partnership between the British Council, the GREAT Britain Campaign, and participating UK universities.

For 2026-27, participating universities are offering more than 140 scholarships, with each scholarship providing at least £10,000 towards postgraduate tuition fees.

GREAT Scholarship Eligibility

Applicants generally need to:

• Hold an undergraduate degree

• Apply for a one-year postgraduate Master's programme

• Meet the required English language criteria

• Be a citizen of an eligible country

• Meet the specific requirements of the participating university

Application deadlines differ between universities, so students should check the individual university's official scholarship page.

Commonwealth Scholarships in the UK

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) offers scholarships for students from eligible Commonwealth countries. These include opportunities for Master's and PhD-level study in the UK.

Major categories include:

• Commonwealth Master's Scholarships

• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships

• Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

Benefits can include:

• Full tuition fee coverage

• Return airfare

• Monthly living allowance

• Additional support for eligible students with disabilities

Eligibility varies according to the specific Commonwealth scholarship. Applicants generally need to be citizens or eligible refugees from an eligible Commonwealth country, demonstrate financial need, and meet the academic and professional requirements.

University-Specific Scholarships in the UK

Several UK universities offer scholarships specifically for international students. These awards can provide either partial or substantial tuition fee reductions.

University of Leeds – International Excellence Scholarships

The University of Leeds International Excellence Scholarships recognise outstanding international students applying for eligible undergraduate or taught Master's programmes.

Up to 500 scholarships may be awarded annually. Depending on the award, students can receive a first-year tuition fee discount of:

• £3,000

• £6,000

• £16,000

Applicants generally need to be classified as international students for tuition fee purposes, hold an offer for an eligible course, and demonstrate academic excellence along with strong personal or professional achievements.

University of Leicester – Citizens of Change Scholarship

The Citizens of Change Scholarship is designed for international undergraduate students who demonstrate a commitment to creating positive change in their communities.

Ten scholarships are awarded annually. Each selected student can receive a £10,000 tuition fee discount per year for up to three years.

Applicants must generally be international students, choose the University of Leicester as their firm choice for an eligible full-time undergraduate programme, and meet all admission conditions by the required deadline.

University of Southampton – Presidential Bursaries

The University of Southampton Presidential Bursaries support outstanding international PhD students. Eligible candidates are nominated by their faculty.

The bursary covers the difference between the UK and international tuition fee rates.

For the 2026-27 cycle, eligible applicants need an accepted PhD offer with a start date between August 1, 2026, and January 31, 2027, along with a first-class undergraduate degree or equivalent.

University of Kent – Kent International Scholarships

The Kent International Scholarships are available to eligible international undergraduate and taught Master's students.

The scholarship benefits include:

• Undergraduate: £3,000 tuition fee waiver at the first stage and £2,000 at the second stage

• Postgraduate taught: £5,000 tuition fee waiver

Students must meet the relevant international student and scholarship-specific eligibility requirements.

University of Bristol – Think Big Scholarships

The University of Bristol Think Big Scholarships support eligible international undergraduate and taught postgraduate students.

For undergraduate programmes, awards can be worth £6,500 or £13,000 per year for up to four years.

For postgraduate programmes, scholarships can be worth £6,500, £13,000, or £26,000 for the first year. Eligible postgraduate students may also receive access to the Think Big Career Accelerator, including an additional £3,000 scholarship.

Students submit one application and may be considered for eligible Think Big scholarship opportunities.

Third-Party Scholarships for International Students in UK

Apart from government and university scholarships, international students can explore funding opportunities offered by independent organisations and charitable foundations.

Gates Cambridge Scholarship

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a prestigious postgraduate scholarship for outstanding international students at the University of Cambridge.

Around 80 full-cost scholarships are awarded annually.

Selection focuses on:

• Outstanding intellectual ability

• Strong reasons for choosing the course

• Leadership potential

• Commitment to improving the lives of others

The scholarship can cover the full cost of studying, including tuition fees, a living allowance, airfare, and visa-related expenses.

Felix Scholarship

The Felix Scholarship supports academically outstanding but financially disadvantaged students from India and other eligible developing countries who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK.

The scholarship is available at institutions including Oxford, Reading, and SOAS University of London.

Benefits can include:

• 100% tuition fee coverage

• Annual living allowance of approximately £17,000–£19,000

• Return economy airfare

• Allowances for books, clothing, and study materials

Depending on the programme, the award can support Master's study for up to one or two years and eligible DPhil/PhD programmes for up to three years.

How to Apply for UK Scholarships in 2026-27

Students should begin their scholarship research well before their intended course start date. Many applications open months before university programmes begin.

1. Start Scholarship Research Early

Prepare a list of scholarships for which you meet the eligibility requirements. Record their opening dates, deadlines, required documents, and application portals.

2. Check Scholarship Eligibility

Eligibility requirements can differ considerably. Check requirements related to:

• Academic qualifications

• Nationality

• English language proficiency

• Leadership experience

• Work experience

• Financial need

• Course and university selection

3. Prepare Your Documents

Common scholarship application documents include:

• Academic transcripts

• Statement of purpose or personal statement

• CV/resume

• Passport

• English language test scores such as IELTS

• Recommendation letters

• University offer letter, where required

4. Apply Through Official Portals

Students should submit applications through the official scholarship or university websites. Checking official sources is particularly important because scholarship deadlines, eligibility rules, and funding amounts can change.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning a UK Scholarship

Competition for the best scholarships for international students in UK can be high. Students should therefore focus on building a strong and relevant application.

• Highlight measurable academic achievements.

• Demonstrate leadership and extracurricular involvement.

• Clearly explain your career goals.

• Connect your chosen course with your long-term plans.

• Tailor your personal statement to each scholarship.

• Provide strong and relevant references.

• Submit applications before the deadline.

• Carefully follow every scholarship-specific instruction.

The UK offers a wide range of funding opportunities for international students, from fully funded government scholarships to university tuition fee discounts and private scholarships. The Top Scholarships for International Students in UK 2026-27 can significantly reduce the cost of studying abroad.

Students should compare eligibility criteria, scholarship benefits, university requirements, and deadlines before applying. Starting the process early and submitting a well-prepared application can improve the chances of securing financial support for higher education in the UK.