The UK has some of the highest ranked institutions in the world, but this can come at a price. However, if you plan well in advance, you can apply to a range of partial scholarships offered by UK universities and colleges to help finance your studies there.Many of the partial scholarships in UK are open to meritorious international students. Also, the UK government offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to international students. You can check out the UK Government website to find out if you are eligible for one.When applying to any of the UK partial scholarships, make sure you check the scholarship eligibility criteria carefully, and know all about the application process and closing date. You can also seek support from your IDP counsellor for free, who will guide you through your journey.
The most important criterion for most partial scholarships is a good academic score, however, it also depends on factors such as your chosen destination, subject and level. In some partial scholarships, factors like extracurricular activities, and volunteering can also be used to advantage. Keep in mind that every partial scholarship has its own eligibility criteria. While in some, a mere application may suffice, while for others you may have to fulfil several other conditions. For instance, in research centric programs, you may have to submit written assignments. Do not hesitate to contact the university admission centre if you have any doubts.
The amount of money available and the type of award varies between institutions. Certain research programs may provide up to 100% of the tuition fee besides covering a part of your living expenditures. You may experience higher competition when you apply for government scholarships in comparison to the university scholarships. So, we suggest you start with the procedure about 8-12 months before your preferred intake begins. If you get stuck anywhere, IDP counsellors will be more than happy to guide you through.
When you’re applying for a scholarship, you have to check the granting institution’s website to make sure you provide all the needed documents. However, there are common documents that most of the institutions require from scholarship applicants, such as:
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, like an IELTS test.
Some institutions may also require some additional documents, such as an essay and medical report.
We’ve listed here some of the top scholarships offered by leading UK universities to international students. Please note that this is an indicative list, and you need to speak with your IDP counsellor for details and best available options suited to your profile. Book an appointment today.
University | Scholarship | Scholarship value (GBP) | Eligibility |
Vice-Chancellor's International Attainment Scholarship UG | Up to £2,500 | Minimum AAB or A*AA or equivalent No application necessary, automatically awarded to those who meet the criteria. | |
University of Liverpool | University of Liverpool First Class Scholarship | £1000 | International students on non-clinical programs who achieve and maintain a First-class average (70%) |
University of Liverpool | Vice-Chancellor's International Attainment Scholarship PG | £2,500 | Achieve a UK first-class undergraduate degree award or equivalent qualification as defined by the University of Liverpool |
MBA Bursary & International Excellence Scholarship | £4,000 for the one-year course, or £2,000 for the two-year course with placement. | The Scholarships will be awarded based on academic achievement. Complete an application form and submit a 500-word supporting statement outlining why you’re suitable for this scholarship. | |
Anglia Ruskin University | International Merit Scholarship | £2,000 | No application necessary, automatically awarded to those who meet the criteria |
Global Excellence Scholarship | £5,000 - £7,000 | You need to hold an offer for an undergraduate or full-time postgraduate program starting in September 2020, and also submit a personal statement of no more than 500 words to support your scholarship application. Your personal statement should explain why you believe you would make an excellent scholar | |
International Scholarship | £2,000 | You have an offer to study an Undergraduate or Postgraduate degree course (September intake only). Personal Statement (maximum 500 words). Academic transcript (if your final transcript is not available until after the 31 May, submit your most recent transcript; Kingston will make a decision based on the grades you provide, not your expected grades) Academic Reference (from previous teacher or employer). Apply online, no later than 31 May 2020. | |
International Scholarship | Up to £2,000 | After you receive an offer, fill out the scholarship application form. University will assess eligibility and funding amounts on a case by case basis | |
Global Scholarships | £3,000 fee discount in the first year. £1,500 fee discount for every subsequent year of study | ||
Northumbria University | Gems Northumbria Scholarships | Up to £8,500 over 3 years | |
Vice-Chancellor's scholarships | £5,000 to £15,000 | Have a conditional or unconditional offer to study at the University of York by 30 April 2020 (you don't need to have accepted the offer). Be paying fees at the overseas fee rate (any fee assessments must be completed by 30 April 2020). Intend to study a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate taught masters course based on the University of York campus. Have met your language condition by 30 April 2020. | |
Scholarships for new international undergraduate and Master's students | £2,000 for every year of study | Eligible programs – BA, BSc, BEng, MA, MSc, MBA. Considered automatically (no application required). Must be an international self-funded student paying full overseas fees | |
President's Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme | £2,500-£4,000 for each year of study | This scholarship is for international (non-EU) students beginning a full-time, campus-based, undergraduate degree at Leicester in September 2020. | |
Salford International Excellence Award | £1,000 and £5,000 | You have an offer to study an undergraduate (bachelor's) program and have gained advanced entry, so will begin your studies in year two or three, rather than year one. You must be an offer holder in order to apply for this scholarship. Apply online at the university website |