Share Scholarships available in the UK for international students

If you are an Indonesian student looking to study in the UK, you will be getting quality education in one of the world’s most popular and prestigious study destinations. 

Many of the UK’s universities offer international students, including those from Indonesia, scholarships that help with paying the tuition fees as well as the higher cost of living in the UK.

Students in the UK can look forward to an education with a rich heritage in a multicultural environment with over 450,000 international students. Universities in the UK as well as the government offer a variety of scholarships such as the Chevening Award Scholarships that covers tuition fees, living expenses and accommodation.

Types of UK scholarships for international students

• The UK offers a wide range of scholarships for international students, catering to various needs and academic interests. Here’s an overview of the types of scholarships available:

• Government-funded scholarships: One of the most prestigious government-funded scholarship programmes is the Chevening Scholarship. Funded by the UK government, Chevening offers outstanding scholars from around the world the opportunity to pursue a one-year master’s degree in the UK. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.

• University-specific scholarships: Many UK universities offer their own scholarships to international students. These scholarships can be merit-based, need-based, or subject-specific and often cover a part of the tuition fees or provide a stipend for living expenses. They are a great way to receive financial support directly from the institution where you will study.

• Private and corporate scholarships[1] [2] : Various private organisations and corporations also offer scholarships, which can be either fully or partially funded. These scholarships might be linked to certain fields of study or tied to the organisation’s social or business interests. For example, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, offers full scholarships to outstanding applicants from outside the UK to study at the University of Cambridge. Similarly, the Jardine Scholarship provides full scholarships to students from selected countries in Asia to study at Oxford or Cambridge.

• Sector-specific scholarships: For students with specific career trajectories, there are sector-specific scholarships available, such as those in engineering, arts, or business. These scholarships are typically offered by industry organisations or educational trusts and are tailored to support studies in these specific fields.

Quality scholarships & benefits studying in the UK

Apart from a variety of scholarships, studying in the UK brings many benefits that go beyond financial aid. These include: 

• Obtain internationally recognised degrees that will allow you to access better job opportunities and career advancements.

• The ability to work while studying to cover your expenses. You can work up to 20 hours a week during the term and up to 30 hours during the holidays in both countries.

• Upon graduation, students can stay and work in the UK for up to 2 years.

• Develop and improve your English language skills through immersion as you study and live in the UK.

• Discover and learn about different cultures in cosmopolitan cities such as London with many travelling opportunities you can enjoy.

Disclaimer for Reading Partial Scholarship Information from Educational Institutions

* Partial Scholarship Information from IDP’s Educational Institutions Partners may change at any time without notice and it is possible that this article has not been updated in accordance with these changes. Please contact the IDP Education office for more information by filling out the form on this page!

* IDP is not a scholarship provider. IDP is an overseas educational consulting agency. IDP Education counselors can guide you to get a Letter of Acceptance from Educational Institutions and Universities in Australia, United Kingdom, Ireland, United States, Canada, and New Zealand as your first step to study abroad.

How to get a scholarship in UK

Securing a scholarship to study in the UK can be a transformative step for your academic and professional journey. Understanding the eligibility criteria, navigating the application process, and crafting a compelling application are key steps in this process.

Eligibility criteria 

To be eligible for a UK scholarship, several factors are considered:

• Academic qualifications and achievements: Scholarships often require excellent grades, along with other academic accolades. This means your past educational records, grades, and any academic distinctions play a significant role in determining your eligibility.

• Extracurricular activities and leadership roles: Active involvement in extracurricular activities and leadership experiences can significantly bolster your application. These roles demonstrate your initiative, teamwork, and the ability to balance multiple responsibilities.

• Specific criteria for certain scholarships: Some scholarships in the UK might also have specific requirements, such as a particular field of study or academic level. For example, certain scholarships might be tailored specifically for postgraduate research or a Master’s degree in a specific discipline.

For international students, knowing the specifics of each scholarship’s requirements is essential to determine your eligibility and to tailor your application accordingly.

Application process

Wondering how to get started in securing a scholarship to study in the UK? The first step is to identify scholarships that align with your academic and career aspirations. IDP can be an invaluable resource in this phase, providing insights into various scholarships available at different universities in the UK. Once you have identified suitable scholarships, the next step is to gather and prepare all the necessary documents. These typically include:

• Completed scholarship application form

• Copy of your academic transcripts/diplomas

• Copy of your passport/ID

• Statement of purpose or letter of motivation

• Recommendation letter

• Test score (like SAT, ACT, GRE, GPA)

• Proof of your language proficiency[3] [4] , typically through a widely recognised test like IELTS. UK universities acknowledge IELTS as a valid demonstration of English language ability. A strong IELTS score is essential for your scholarship application.

In addition to these, some UK scholarships may request for extra documents like essays, which offer a deeper insight into your personality and thought process, or medical reports as part of health and fitness checks.

Crafting a compelling scholarship essay or personal statement

If you are in the process of creating your scholarship essay or personal statement, remember that it is a vital component of your scholarship application. This is your chance to make a memorable impression and distinguish yourself from other applicants. Consider these points as you write:

• Tell your unique story: Your essay should reflect your individual journey, including challenges you've overcome, personal achievements, and what makes you different from others. Share experiences that have shaped your aspirations and character.

• Demonstrate passion and commitment: Convey enthusiasm for your field of study or career path. Scholarship committees are looking for candidates who are genuinely passionate and likely to make the most of the opportunity they are given.

• Highlight extracurricular involvement: Don’t forget to mention relevant extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or leadership roles. These experiences can illustrate valuable skills like leadership, teamwork, and community engagement.

• Showcase your understanding and research: If the scholarship is tied to a specific field or institution, show that you have done your research and understand how it aligns with your goals.

• Proofread and revise: Ensure your essay is well-organised, free of grammatical errors, and flows smoothly. Consider getting feedback from teachers, mentors, or peers.

For more information on how to get a scholarship to study in the UK, international students can consult with IDP counselors and get personalised advice. Our team of education counsellors can provide strategic guidance on selecting the most suitable scholarship, applying to the right universities, and even crafting impactful scholarship essays.

List of scholarships for Indonesians looking to study in the UK

Below is a list of some of the scholarships offered in UK universities.

PG Global Scholarship

ONCAMPUS (Pathways)

Coventy University

Cranfield University

Oxford Brookes University

University of Sheffield

Heriot Watt University Malaysia

Swansea University

University of South Wales

University of Sunderland

Cardiff Metropolitan University

University of West England (UWE) Bristol

University of Gloucestershire

CATS Global Schools (Pathways)

Leeds Beckett University

Robert Gordon University

Kings Education (Pathways)

Manchester Metropolitan University

Loughbrough University

Loughbrough University London

University of Salford

University of Westminster

University of Derby

University of Huddersfield

University of Glasgow

Sheffield Hallam University

QA Pathways

University of York

University of Leicester

University of Plymouth

University of Hull

Aston University

University of Surrey

Liverpool John Moores University

University of Bradford

Royal Holloway University of London

Brunel University London

INTO (Pathways)

University of Lincoln

City University of London

Master's scholarships in UK

For Indonesian and international students aiming to pursue their Master's degree, various universities offer UK Master’s scholarships. These scholarships provide a gateway to advanced education in numerous fields, including specialised programs like a Master of Business Administration (MBA) scholarship in the UK. They are designed to support outstanding international students by covering tuition fees, living expenses, or both while studying in the UK.

Apart from university-specific scholarships, the UK Government and private institutions also offer several scholarships that Indonesian students can apply for.

Chevening Award Scholarships

The Chevening scholarship is awarded by the UK Government looking to develop global leaders. They offer two types of awards, the Chevening Scholarship and Chevening fellowship and are mainly awarded for masters and postgraduate courses.

Gates Cambridge Scholarship

Established by Bill and Melinda Gates, these scholarships are awarded to outstanding applicants outside of the UK pursuing a full-time postgraduate degree in any field in the University of Cambridge.

Wondering which scholarships in the UK to apply for? We can help! Let us guide you through the entire process including your course selection and visa application. Speak to our education specialist for free today.