20 Fully Funded Scholarships in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom has a rich history of providing scholarships for international students. This tradition continues to this day, with over 20 fully funded scholarships available for study within the UK each year.

One such scholarship program is the Chevening Scholarships Program, which provides financial support to promising international students who wish to pursue higher education in the UK. The scholarship covers full tuition fees and even living costs related to studies within the UK. It’s a fantastic opportunity if you are an international student looking to make the most of your educational experience.

Many universities offer their own scholarships and grants that specifically target international students. There are also institution-specific awards designed to provide funding support for those unable to cover their tuition fees in full. With a bit of research, you can easily uncover these opportunities and take advantage of them as necessary.

I. Scholarships in the United Kingdom

Are you an international student looking for fully funded scholarships in the United Kingdom? Then you’re in luck. The United Kingdom has plenty of scholarship programs specifically tailored to the needs of international students. These usually cover a range of expenses, such as tuition fees, health insurance and even living costs such as accommodation and food.

Whether you’re interested in literature, engineering or business studies – there are plenty of scholarship opportunities on offer. For example, if you’re a student from Africa looking to pursue higher education in the UK , there are organisations that provide scholarships that cover both tuition fees and living expenses.

These scholarships also have additional benefits like improved job prospects after graduation due to being enrolled in a top-notch UK university. Scholarships can take your educational ambitions to new heights and help bridge the financial gap that is often experienced by international students who wish to pursue higher studies abroad.

II. Types of Scholarships Available in the UK

The UK is home to a variety of scholarships for qualified students. From tuition fee waivers to full-rides or partial scholarships, there’s something available for almost every student. Whether you’re an international student or you live in the UK, there are many types of awards to apply for.

One common type of scholarship is a tuition fee waiver. This type can cover anywhere from 25% to 100% of your university fees. There are also a range of scholarships specific to certain universities and even scholarships specific to certain course specialties. For students that want more than just a tuition waiver, merit-based awards are also available for outstanding students who excel in their chosen field.

No matter your financial status or academic performance level, the United Kingdom offers generous opportunities for almost any student in need of assistance. If you’re looking into studying in the UK, be sure to start researching which types of scholarships would be best suited for you.

a. Academic Scholarships

Academic scholarships are a great way to cover the cost of tuition fees. Many universities in the United Kingdom offer academic scholarships to students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance. These scholarships can cover up to 100% of your tuition fees and provide a ‘free ride’ through your studies.

Before applying for an academic scholarship, make sure you understand the application process and application form. Depending on the scholarship program, there may be different criteria that you should consider when filling out your form. Usually there will be an interview or testing phase where you will have to demonstrate your knowledge and eligibility for the scholarship award.

Once you’ve gone through all these steps it’s time to submit your application. All applications should include transcripts from previous educational institutions, financial information (if applicable), letters of recommendation, and other pertinent documents that show why you are a strong candidate for the academic scholarship award.

These sorts of fully funded scholarships can help many students make their educational dreams come true without having to worry about debt or having to find extra funds elsewhere.

b. Sports Scholarships

Sports scholarships are available for students seeking postgraduate education in the United Kingdom. Scholarship funds cover tuition and living expenses for athletes enrolled at UK universities and colleges. The aim is to support talented athletes so they can continue their studies whilst pursuing a career in sport.

Sports scholarships are typically offered by university sports departments and private sources such as corporate sponsors, charities or individual donors. Athletes must demonstrate excellent academic and sporting achievements when applying for a scholarship. The application process involves submitting documents demonstrating sporting ability together with personal statements, proof of performance and evidence of school or club involvement.

Successful candidates may be awarded 100% tuition funded scholarships, covering all living expenses including accommodation on campus or off campus if applicable. In addition to these funding opportunities, sports scholars will often receive mentorship from experts in the field providing a unique opportunity to network and gain skills essential for a successful career in sport.

c. Arts Scholarships

Arts scholarships are available for students who are passionate about their craft and have the potential to make a real impact in the field. These scholarships provide funding for study abroad programs, research projects, and other opportunities that help students develop professionally in their chosen artistic field. Most of them include a generous monthly stipend that covers tuition fees as well as living expenses such as travel and accommodation.

Not only do arts scholarships provide financial support to help you pursue your dreams but they also offer valuable career development opportunities through internships and mentorship programs. This can be incredibly helpful in helping you gain experience and knowledge so you can make an informed decision about your future career path.

Most arts scholarships also feature robust professional development workshops that give you the rare opportunity to meet leading industry professionals and forge meaningful connections with experts in the field.

d. Music Scholarships

Music scholarships are great opportunities for gifted and talented students to pursue their studies without having to worry about financial difficulty. There are numerous music scholarships available in the United Kingdom for all levels of study from undergraduate to doctorate.

Each scholarship will have their own eligibility criteria, but generally you must demonstrate a high level of academic excellence in the field of music. You may also need to provide evidence of your leadership skills or involvement with music or other extracurricular activities.

Music scholarships can cover tuition fees, living expenses, books and equipment related to your studies. So make sure you research all the available options carefully so that you can explore every avenue of funding open to you.

III. Benefits of Studying in the UK on a Fully Funded Scholarship

Studying abroad in the United Kingdom can be an amazing experience made even more special when you study on fully funded scholarship. These scholarships provide international students with the opportunity to visit incomparable universities and learn from some of the best instructors in the world.

The benefits of studying in the UK are numerous. First of all, you’ll get to network with culturally diverse peers who offer different perspectives and life experiences. That alone can be incredibly valuable because it will make you a better student and future professional.

Also, by studying in the UK on a fully funded scholarship, you will receive direct notifications of potential job opportunities at both the graduate and undergraduate levels — something that’s difficult to come by without proper connections. These scholarships also provide extra financial wiggle room so you can explore travel around Europe as well as other exciting activities during your stay.

IV. Fully Funded Scholarship Opportunities in the UK

The United Kingdom offers a wide range of fully funded scholarships, making it possible for students from any background to receive financial support that covers their college fees. These opportunities provide determined and motivated scholars with the chance to pursue their dreams of higher education.

A generous selection of scholarship programmes are available, often covering tuition fees, accommodation costs and even offering stipends for living expenses in some cases. Some scholarship programmes also include internships or work placements related to the student’s area of study.

Full scholarships mean recipients will not have to worry about paying tuition fees, making these an excellent way for those who may otherwise be unable to afford the cost of a degree. For that reason alone, this is an amazing opportunity for those interested.

1. Chevening Scholarships

Chevening Scholarships are prestigious scholarships for international students who want to study in the United Kingdom. These fully funded scholarships cover tuition fees, a living allowance and one return airfare.

The duration of these scholarships is one year, with the opportunity to extend up to two years. Chevening scholars come from more than 160 countries around the world and are selected based on their leadership potential, academic excellence and commitment to making a positive contribution in their home country.

Despite covering tuition fees and a return flight, Chevening Scholarships also provide an annual stipend large enough for recipients to cover living costs such as accommodation and other bills without additional sources of income. Every year more than 1,500 outstanding individuals become Chevening Scholarship winners.

2. Commonwealth Scholarships

Commonwealth Scholarships provide generous scholarships to support talented individuals who wish to gain their postgraduate qualifications at UK universities. The scholarships are funded by the Department for International Development (DFID), and are awarded both within individual countries as well as across all Commonwealth nations. They’re available for a maximum of two years and include tuition fees, accommodation costs and a living allowance.

When applying for a Commonwealth Scholarship, applicants will need to demonstrate how their plan of study relates to the development goals of their home nation. This is done through providing evidence that their study in the UK will benefit the community upon their return after completing the scholarship period.

Successful applicants might also receive top up funding from both individual universities as well as other grant providers or charitable organisations. These additional funding sources can make even more of an impact to your finances during the course of your studies.

3. Marshall Scholarships

Marshall Scholarships are one of the most prestigious and sought-after scholarships available to deserving undergraduates in the United Kingdom. This scholarship provides funding for studies at a master’s or doctoral level to undergraduates from any country that is disadvantaged economically, socially or politically.

The application process governing Marshall Scholarships requires an essay concerning public service and involves submission of academic documents that demonstrate the applicant’s excellent academic standing. The fields of study supported by Marshall Scholarships can range from humanities and sciences to commerce and engineering.

With this scholarship, not only do underprivileged students get access to quality education but they also receive comprehensive support for their studies. Successful nominees also benefit from special mentoring arrangements with industry experts and potential career opportunities.

4. Rhodes Scholarships

The Rhodes Scholarship is an incredible opportunity for students from all over the world. It’s a fully funded scholarship that not only covers your tuition but also travel costs, accommodation costs and living expenses while studying at Oxford University in England. In addition to this fantastic financial assistance, the scholarships provide the recipients with lifelong leadership development opportunities. You get access to on-campus support dedicated to providing you with various resources and enrichment programs along with engagement activities in your university town.

All these great features make Rhodes Scholarships one of the most sought-after programs. But before applying, you must ensure that you meet all the criteria set out by Rhodes Trustees as these are quite specific and rigorous. As long as you have an excellent academic record and demonstrate qualities of ‘moral force of character’ then you may be able to achieve the scholarship. So what are you waiting for? Go apply now!

5. Clarendon Scholarships

The Clarendon Scholarships are fully-funded postgraduate scholarships offered by the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. They cover a wide range of subjects including Arts, Humanities, and Sciences. These scholarships provide tuition fees at the standard Oxford rate plus a stipend to cover living expenses and maintenance costs.

Some requirements for eligibility include being a citizen from any country outside the United Kingdom and having completed an undergraduate degree with excellent results.

The application deadline is usually around the end of October each year, with some applications opening earlier in August. There is no application fee unless you are invited to interview when there may be an additional fee.

Successful applicants will receive full funding for up to 4 years (depending on their academic qualifications) as well as access to professional development and enrichment activities organized by the Clarendon Fellowship Committee.

6. Gates Cambridge Scholarship

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is an amazing opportunity for those seeking further education in the United Kingdom. Each year, outstanding applicants from all over the world are chosen to receive fully funded tuition and other related expenses at the ancient and renowned University of Cambridge.

One of the major benefits of this scholarship is that it reaches far beyond domestic students to provide access to educational opportunities in Africa and other developing countries. The goal is to create a global network of scholars who are well equipped with the skills needed to tackle current and future challenges around the world.

In 2020, these scholarships were open for funding for African nations in areas such as public health, social science, business and technology. Exceptional applicants working on some kind of research related to development issues received special consideration for their applications. Awards were also granted according to financial need.

7. The Queen’s Trust Scholarship

The Queen’s Trust Scholarship is an amazing opportunity for students to get a full ride to the university of their choice. This scholarship offers up to £10,000 worth of tuition fee awards and financial assistance for educational expenses. Students from all backgrounds are welcome to apply, and you don’t have to be a UK Citizen or permanent resident.

The scholarship is highly competitive and so only exceptional students will be accepted as recipients. If you do manage to win the award then you’ll be able to cover most of your educational expenses with this money. Best of all it won’t need repaying unlike most student loans.

In order to apply for this prestigious scholarship you’ll need good grades and references from teachers, community leaders or other authority figures who can attest to your character, work ethics and potentials. It’s also important that you present yourself in the best possible light so that your application stands out from the crowd.

8. The Leverhulme Postgraduate Scholarship

The Leverhulme Postgraduate Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships in the United Kingdom and provides full financial support to postgraduate students. The scholarship provides a monthly allowance of £1,380, a travel allowance of up to £2,000 for research-related activities, and grants for any extra living expenses such as relocation costs or accommodation. In addition to these benefits, the scholarship also offers opportunities for conference attendance and mentorship from professors in your chosen field.

The Leverhulme Postgraduate Scholarship is perfect for those who are looking to pursue their higher education dreams without worrying about how they will finance it. This scholarship really does offer a lot to its recipients and could make all the difference for postgraduates starting their academic journey.

9. The University of Edinburgh Global Excellence Scholarship

Since 2017, the University of Edinburgh has been offering a highly sought-after Global Excellence Scholarship to full-time international students who hold an offer to study at the university. The program is open to both undergraduate and postgraduate applicants seeking funded education opportunities in the United Kingdom.

The scholarships cover £20,000 for the course fees and are offered year after year. Successful entrants will receive these funds as a single award on top of any other funding they may already hold or receive during their studies. Eligible scholarship winners will get free medical insurance and grants towards tuition fees.

These funds can be used toward living costs such as housing and travel within Scotland while studying at the University of Edinburgh. Through this program, UOE aims to give truly dedicated students from around the world access to world-class higher education regardless of their financial standing.

10. London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) Scholarships

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) offers a range of fully funded scholarships to support students interested in studying at the LSE. To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must have excellent academic records and meet certain other criteria such as professional work experience or involvement in the academic community.

The LSE offers a range of partial and full scholarships depending on the type of course being taken and the applicant’s financial circumstances. These include grants for Undergraduates, Master’s degree students, international students, and PhD candidates. Additional scholarships are available from external sources such as government or corporate sponsors. Applicants should enquire about all available funding options to ensure they meet all eligibility requirements before applying for any scholarship programs.

These funds can help cover tuition fees, accommodation costs, living expenses or travel costs during studies at LSE. With many students using these funds to finance their studies it is important to research the opportunities with an open mind and visit universities’ websites for further information regarding their eligibility requirements and how to apply for them.

11. Imperial College London – Imperial College Research Fellowships

Imperial College London’s – Imperial College Research Fellowships are a fully funded scholarship and represent an excellent opportunity for international students. Successful applicants are able to stay in the United Kingdom for up to five years, carrying out their research in partnership with either the college’s faculty, or with one of its external partners.

The college is renowned for its work with some of the world’s leading industry players, organisations and universities. These rare fellowships bring together an international community of colleagues from different backgrounds with different expertise to learn from each other.

Through this fellowship, students can build upon their existing qualifications providing an excellent foundation for their own professional development as well as sharing best practice within the sector involving partner organizations around the world.

12. Arts & Humanities Research Council Scholarships

Are you a Black African student interested in pursuing research in the Arts and Humanities? The Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC), in partnership with UK universities and the Department for International Development (DFID), are offering fully funded scholarships to support Black African students who want to pursue their Masters and Doctoral degrees in the United Kingdom.

These coveted scholarships include all tuition fees, living expenses, visa costs, flights and books. Successful applicants also receive an annual stipend of £14,500 plus payments for research training that is related to their degrees.

To be eligible for one of these scholarships, you must have an admission offer from an accredited research program at one of the AHRC-funded universities and submit your most recent qualification scores as well as a strong personal statement about why you want to pursue studies in Arts and Humanities. While deadlines vary from university to university, it is important to get your application ready well before the start of the academic session.

13. British Council GREAT Scholarships

The British Council GREAT Scholarships provide financial aid to African students who are experiencing financial hardship. This scholarship was created to help disadvantaged African youth realize their academic dreams.

These scholarships provide up to two years of funding to cover university tuition fees and other living costs while studying in the UK. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a strong academic track record and financial need.

The selection is based on criteria including academic performance, the quality of their application and their commitment to helping people in their country of origin. Qualified recipients will be chosen by a team of experts, with priority given to those facing the most extreme circumstances of financial hardship.

The British Council GREAT Scholarships are an excellent opportunity for African students who lack funds for university studies but have the enthusiasm, aptitude and potential to succeed academically during their time in the UK.

14. David Phillips Fellowship

The David Phillips Fellowship provides postgraduate study programs for those interested in a PhD level and above. It is funded by the Isaac Newton Trust, and supports postgraduates from the UK and abroad. The selection processes evaluates each student based on merit and commitment to their research project in the fields of Forensic Science, Criminology or Law.

The fellowship covers all expenses related to academic study such as tuition fees, living expenses, fieldwork costs etc. Fellows will be offered the chance to work with leading academics in their chosen area of specialism and an extensive network of additional benefits. This includes access to seminars and conferences within their field as well as support networks.

This is a great opportunity for students interested in pursuing postgraduate studies related to forensic science, criminology or law who wish to unlock potential growth in their career prospects.

15. University of Oxford Scholarships

University of Oxford scholarships are the perfect way for international students to study in the United Kingdom. With generous funding from the university’s endowments and alumni donations, there are a variety of fully funded scholarships available for international students seeking to pursue their studies at the University of Oxford.

Several graduate-level awards, including The Clarendon Fund Scholarships and the Rhodes Scholarship Program provide comprehensive coverage for tuition fees, living costs, and reasonable travel expenses. For example, The Clarendon Fund offers additional grants to international students who demonstrate superior academic performance during their stay at Oxford.

Interntional students may also be eligible for prestigious awards offered by other national or international institutions. The Chevening Awards scheme and the Erasmus Exchange Program provide funds for students who plan to spend time studying in Britain as part of an exchange program with their home country’s institutions. Many host universities such as Nottingham, Glasgow and Sheffield offer competitive partial or full scholarships which can help further reduce living cost burdens experienced by international scholars during long term research stays abroad.

16. Cambridge Trust Scholarships

The Cambridge Commencing Trust is a charitable organization in the United Kingdom that provides fully or partially funded awards and scholarships to students from any country pursuing a full-time course of study. Their commitment to excellence and accessibility is demonstrated through their comprehensive and generous Cambridge Trust Scholarships program.

This fund provides full- and part-time tuition fee grants and living cost awards for up to three years for graduate research at the University of Cambridge (including masters level). The Trust also offers award scholarships for one year master’s programs allowing UK, EU and international students to pursue both UG and PG degrees. Applicants have the opportunity to receive travel grants as well as studentship fees covering six months of training abroad through this foundation.

Those accepted into the master’s programs can benefit from the combination of more than 10 different allowances which include fees, tuition fees, subsistence et cetera enabling them to carry out their studies without any financial constraints. The Cambridge Trust Scholarships are truly one of the most remarkable opportunities available to reach your academic goals with ease.

17. University College London Scholarships

University College London is one of the leading universities in the United Kingdom and they offer an array of scholarships for many different types of students. Whether you’re a foreign student, a Christian student, or would like to study at UCL for a degree program, there are scholarships that are open to all types of eligible students.

One such scholarship available is the World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program which provides fully funded tuition fees, living costs and travel expenses for up to three years for international students studying an approved postgraduate course at University College London. There are also merit-based awards for high performing applicants.

For Christian students seeking admission to UCL, there is the Thornton Scholarship which is open to applicants from any faith or country with outstanding academic credentials who demonstrate great potential and commitment towards developing their field of research within the spiritual sector.

Whatever your financial situation might be – University College London offers many various scholarships so no matter what your background may be – you can take full advantage of these amazing opportunities.

18. University of Birmingham International Postgraduate Scholarship

The University of Birmingham offers the highly competitive International Postgraduate Scholarship to help international students finance their higher education in the UK. This prestigious scholarship is open to both postgraduate and undergraduate degree programs, including bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.

Successful candidates are eligible for a full tuition fee waiver and are awarded £12,000 towards accommodation expenses per year (for up to three years of study). In addition to this award, selected recipients will also receive monthly stipends for living expenses.

To be considered for the International Postgraduate Scholarship at the University of Birmingham, you must have an exceptional academic record and demonstrate an excellent proficiency in English. Those who are accepted into a full-time course of study at the university will be automatically assessed for eligibility by the institution.

19. Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme

The Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme is a fully funded scholarship programme offered by the University of Oxford to provide an opportunity for talented postgraduates from any country in the world. The scholarship covers all university fees, including tuition fees, boards accommodation fees, as well as providing a generous book allowance and additional costs such as research costs and fares for traveling to conferences.

The award is open to applicants who are either commencing a full-time degree in 2019 at the University of Oxford or those already enrolled at the University of Oxford during 2018. This includes both UK/EU students as well as international students. The awards are based on demonstrated financial need (excluding basic living expenses) and excellent academic performance with applicants being awarded up to ￡6,000 per year (subject to change) depending on the cost of fares for travel etc. Applicants must also demonstrate that they can add value to their chosen field with regard to employing their expertise in promoting global peacebuilding initiatives or general humanitarian action upon completion of their studies.

20. British Chevening Gurukul Scholarships for Excellence

The British Chevening Gurukul Scholarships for Excellence are one of the most generous and prestigious scholarships in the United Kingdom. Sponsored by the British government and managed by UK universities, this program offers full tuition fees and living costs to elite students from all over the world who meet certain requirements.

In order apply for these scholarships, eligible applicants must meet certain qualifications, such as being an international student already enrolled at a recognized education institution in the UK. The candidate must also have a good academic track record and demonstrate their commitment to carry out studies focusing on particular fields related to development in their home countries.

The application procedures vary depending on the school offering the scholarship; however, all applicants must first obtain a letter of nomination from a representative at their respective education institution in order to be considered for this opportunity.

Tips on how to apply

Are you an international student wanting to study in the UK? Great choice! But you might be wondering what other steps you need to take to apply for a fully funded scholarship. Here are some tips on how to apply:

1. Get all your documents ready before starting your application: first and foremost, keep in mind that you will need copies of your academic transcript, CV, references and so on; if you don’t have them yet, get them prepared first before applying.

2. Research extensively about the scholarships available: make sure that the requirements for said scholarship are a perfect fit for you; researching carefully can save you a lot of time when it comes to actually applying for said scholarships.

3. Make sure that all your travel expenses are covered: since this is usually one of the biggest expenses incurred by an international student, ensure that the scholarship covers not only tuition fees but also accommodation costs and if possible also include any living allowance required during the duration of study.

4. Be aware of any penalty fees associated with late applications: many scholarships have deadlines that require applicants to submit their applications by certain dates; make sure that you double check on the deadline dates associated with each scholarship before starting the application process.

Key Takeaway

Preparing for higher education in the United Kingdom doesn’t have to be a financially intimidating experience. In fact, there are plenty of options available for those who want to study abroad without breaking bank. We’ve outlined 20 fully funded scholarships that provide students with financial assistance and other perks such as tuition fees duration exemptions and school supplies stipends.

For students who yearn for international experiences, these scholarship opportunities are the perfect way to realize your dreams without paying sky-high tuition costs. So take advantage of these one-of-a-kind scholarship opportunities and get your higher education abroad started.