Types of UK scholarships for international students

In your pursuit of studying in the UK, various scholarship avenues await:

Government-funded scholarships

The British Government extends a welcoming hand to international students, offering a plethora of scholarships like the prestigious Chevening Award Scholarships. These initiatives aim to position the UK as a global educational hub.

University-specific scholarships

UK universities themselves generously offer scholarships tailored for international students to study in the UK. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is just one example, while many institutions also provide bursaries for specific courses.

Private and corporate scholarships

Private organizations and corporate entities often contribute to scholarships for Filipino students looking to study in the UK. These are referred to as private scholarships.

Sector-specific scholarships

Some scholarships focus on specific fields, including engineering, arts, and business, aligning with your academic interests.

Merit-based scholarships

If your academic performance shines brightly, you might find yourself automatically nominated for merit-based scholarships by the university you apply to.

Means-based scholarships

Designed to support students from low socioeconomic backgrounds or those unable to cover the UK's educational expenses, means-based scholarships offer financial aid. Additionally, these scholarships can be extended to those who have faced physical or mental health challenges or other adversities.

Talent-based scholarships

If you possess exceptional talents in areas like athletics, dance, music, or any unique skill, consider exploring talent-based scholarships available at UK universities.

The UK provides an array of scholarship opportunities, catering to various backgrounds, talents, and academic accomplishments, ensuring that your dream of studying in the UK is within reach.

How to get a scholarship in UK

Wondering how to get a scholarship to study in the UK? Here's your guide to making it happen:

Eligibility criteria

1. Academic excellence: Scholarships often reward academic prowess. Your qualifications, grades, and academic achievements play a vital role in determining your eligibility.

2. Extracurricular engagements: Beyond academics, your involvement in extracurricular activities and leadership roles demonstrates your holistic development and can enhance your scholarship application.

3. Field of study and level: Some scholarships are specific to particular fields of study or levels of education. Ensure you meet these criteria when applying.

Remember, it's crucial to initiate your scholarship application before embarking on your student visa journey.

Application process

1. Research and identify: Your journey begins by researching and identifying suitable scholarships. Understand their specific requirements and deadlines.

2. Document preparation: Gather essential documents like academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and any other prerequisites stipulated by the scholarship provider.

Crafting a compelling scholarship essay or personal statement

A compelling scholarship essay or personal statement can be your golden ticket to success. Be sure to highlight your achievements, aspirations, and why you're the ideal candidate.

At IDP, we're here to guide you through every step, from identifying the right scholarship opportunities to perfecting your application. Let us help you turn your dream of studying in the UK into a remarkable reality with a list of undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships that allow you to pursue popular qualifications such as Master’ Degrees or MBAs. Chat with us today.

The Denys Holland Scholarship at University College London

The Denys Holland Scholarship aims to support undergraduate students from any country, who without the support of the scholarship would be unable to secure the funding required to study at UCL, and whom can demonstrate their intention to make full use of the activities offered by UCL and the Student Union.

The scholarship is awarded on the basis of financial need, subject to applicants demonstrating their intention to play a full part in extracurricular activities of UCL and the Students Union.

The scholarship is worth £9,000 per year for three years, subject to satisfactory academic progress and scholars may choose to use all or part of the scholarship to cover fees. Any remainder is paid to the scholar as a maintenance award.

Chevening Award Scholarships

Chevening is the UK Government’s international awards scheme aimed at developing global leaders. Funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organizations, Chevening offers two types of award – Chevening Scholarships and Chevening Fellowships – the recipients of which are personally selected by British embassies and high commissions throughout the world.

To be eligible for a Chevening Award you must:

  • Be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country

  • Return to your country of citizenship for a minimum of two years after your award has ended

  • Have an undergraduate degree that will enable you to gain entry onto a postgraduate programme at a UK university. This is typically equivalent to an upper second-class 2:1 honors degree in the UK.

  • Have at least two years’ work experience (this may be up to five years for fellowship programmes, so please refer to your country page for further details)

  • Apply to three different eligible UK university courses and have received an unconditional offer from one of these choices

  • Meet the Chevening English language requirement

Gates Cambridge Scholarship

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship programme was established in October 2000 by a donation of US$210m from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to the University of Cambridge. Scholarships are awarded to outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree in any subject available at the University of Cambridge. The selection criteria are:

  • outstanding intellectual ability

  • leadership potential

  • a commitment to improving the lives of others

  • a good fit between the applicant's qualifications and aspirations and the postgraduate programme at Cambridge for which they are applying

There are many other scholarships available to international students in the UK! Visit your target school’s website and check if there is a program available for you.

Undergraduate scholarships in the UK

  • The Denys Holland Scholarship at University College London

  • University of Portsmouth Vice Chancellor's Global Development Scholarship

  • University of Southampton Undergraduate Merit Scholarship

  • ONCampus Global - University of Southampton Undergraduate Foundation and Postgraduate Foundation

  • ONCampus Global - Henley Business School University of Reading Undergraduate Foundation and Postgraduate Foundation

  • University of Strathclyde Dean's International Excellence Scholarship Merit-based scholarship

  • Strathclyde Business School Masters Scholarships for International Students Merit-based scholarship

  • University of Southampton Entry Scholarships

  • University of Southampton Undergraduate Merit Scholarships

  • University of Hull Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) Undergraduate Scholarship

  • University of Hull Faculty of Arts, Culture and Education Undergraduate Scholarship

  • Swansea University Faculty Specific Scholarships

Postgraduate scholarships in the UK

  • Chevening Award Scholarships

  • Gates Cambridge Scholarship

  • University of Westminster South East Asian Scholarship

  • University of Portsmouth Vice Chancellor's Global Development Scholarship

  • University of Southampton Postgraduate Masters Merit Scholarship

  • ONCampus Global - University of Southampton Undergraduate Foundation and Postgraduate Foundation

  • ONCampus Global - Henley Business School University of Reading Undergraduate Foundation and Postgraduate Foundation

  • University of Strathclyde Faculty of Engineering International Scholarship

  • University of Southampton Postgraduate Merit Scholarships

  • Swansea University International Excellence Scholarship

UK University Scholarships

University of Westminster

University of Westminster

Scholarship Name

Amount

South East Asian Scholarship

Up to £2,000 for postgraduate students - application of scholarship upon acceptance in the university.

University of Portsmouth

University of Portsmouth

Scholarship Name

Amount

Vice Chancellor's Global Development Scholarship

£1,600 fee reduction that will apply to your first year of study. Must be self-funded/sponsored by parents and with tuition fee 15,500 GBP and above for both PG and UG.

University of Southampton

University of Southampton

Scholarship Name

Amount

Undegraduate Merit Scholarship

Up to £3,000 scholarship for select Arts and Humanities, Engineering and Physical Sciences, Environmental and Life Sciences, Social Science programs.

Postgraduate Masters Merit Scholarship

Up to £9,000, discount on tuition fees.

ONCampus Global - University of Southampton

ONCampus Global - University of Southampton

Scholarship Name

Amount

Undegraduate Foundation and Postgraduate Foundation

Up to £5,000 scholarship

ONCampus Global - Henley Business School University of Reading

ONCampus Global - Henley Business School University of Reading

Scholarship Name

Amount

Undegraduate Foundation and Postgraduate Foundation

Up to £5,000 scholarship

University of Strathclyde

University of Strathclyde

Scholarship Name

Amount

Faculty of Engineering International Scholarship

£3280, available for Postgraduate Taught and Postgraduate Research applicants commencing January 2022.

Dean's International Excellence Scholarship Merit-based scholarship

£4,000 towards the first year of tuition fees.

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Strathclyde Business School

Strathclyde Business School

Scholarship Name

Amount

Masters Scholarships for International Students Merit-based scholarship

£7,000 and £10,000 worth of scholarship for select international students.

University of Southampton

University of Southampton

Scholarship Name

Amount

2022 entry scholarships

Up to £9,000 depending on the course applied for.

Undergraduate Merit Scholarships

£3,000, discount on your tuition fees- first year only

Postgraduate Merit Scholarships

£9,000, which will be deducted from your tuition fees.

University of Hull

University of Hull

Scholarship Name

Amount

University of Hull Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) Undergraduate Scholarship

50% scholarships for three years of undergraduate study

University of Hull Faculty of Arts, Culture and Education Undergraduate Scholarship

50% scholarships for three years of undergraduate study

Swansea University

University

Scholarship Name

Amount

International Excellence Scholarship

Merit based scholarship and entitles Postgraduate students up to £4,000 and Undergraduate students £6,000 off their first year tuition fees

Faculty Specific Scholarships

£1,000 and £4,000 worth of scholarship for select international students.


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