Studying abroad is a dream for many students, and the UK, with its prestigious universities and rich academic history, is one of the most popular destinations for international students. However, the cost of studying in the UK can be a significant challenge. Luckily, there are many scholarships available to help ease the financial burden. In this blog, we will explore some of the top scholarships for international students in the UK for 2025, covering details on eligibility, benefits, and how to apply.

 

1- Chevening Scholarship

 

The Chevening Scholarship is one of the most well-known scholarships for international students. It is funded by the UK government and offers full financial support to students pursuing a one-year master’s degree in the UK. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, a monthly stipend, travel costs, and other allowances. This is a fantastic opportunity to study at a world-class UK university without worrying about finances.

 

Eligibility Criteria : 

•  You are a national of a nation that qualifies for Chevening.
•  After your scholarship expires, you will spend at least two years back home.
• You are qualified to enroll in a postgraduate program at a UK university as you have finished your undergraduate degree.  
•  You have worked 2,800 hours over the course of at least two years.
•  At least one of the three UK universities you applied to will have extended an offer to you.

 

Deadline & Coverage

• Applications are received by November
• Gives a monthly living stipend, pays for education (up to £22,000), and covers additional expenses such as travel and visa fees.

 

2-  Commonwealth Scholarships

 

The Commonwealth Scholarship is designed for students from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries. It aims to provide an opportunity to study in the UK and help develop leadership potential in these regions. There are different types of Commonwealth Scholarships, including: Master’s Scholarships for students pursuing postgraduate programs (Master’s level). PhD Scholarships for students aiming to undertake doctoral research in various fields.

 

Eligibility Criteria : 

• Applicants must be from a Commonwealth country.
• You must be applying for a master’s or PhD program.
• You must not be able to afford to study in the UK without financial support.
• Applicants should meet the specific academic criteria set by the scholarship program.

 

Deadline & Coverage

• Applications are received in October
• The scholarships cover fully-funded tuition fees, living allowance( £1,378 per month) , and return flights.

 

3- Rhodes Scholarship 

 

The scholarship is open to individuals from specific countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, India, South Africa, and many others to attend the University of Oxford full-time and with full funding.  Through an international community of scholars, the Rhodes Scholarship fosters global understanding and peace while cultivating leaders with a strong sense of public service. It is awarded on the basis of merit.

 

Eligibility Criteria : 

• Applicants must be from one of the eligible Rhodes constituencies (countries and regions).
• You must be between the ages of 18 and 24 at the time of applying.
• You need to have a high level of academic achievement.
• Applicants should demonstrate leadership qualities and commitment to community service.

 

Deadline & Coverage

• The annual stipend is approximately £19,092, which is intended to cover living expenses, including accommodation.
• Applications close by August

 

 

4- GREAT Scholarships

 

The GREAT Scholarships are a range of scholarships offered by the UK Government in partnership with universities in the UK. These scholarships are aimed at international students from specific countries who wish to pursue postgraduate courses in the UK. The GREAT Scholarships are designed to support students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to making a positive impact in their home country.

 

Eligibility Criteria : 

• Indian, Chinese, Indonesian, Turkish, Malaysian, or Thai citizens and current residents.
• Earned a bachelor’s degree in your native country.
• Academically strong and committed to pursuing a master’s or postgraduate (taught) program in the United Kingdom.
• Demonstrated interest in the selected topic of study or relevant job experience.
• Use your IELTS or comparable exam results to meet the English language requirements of the prospective UK university.

 

Deadline & Coverage

• Offers £10,000 towards tuition fees for one-year taught postgraduate courses
• Applications close in May

 

 

5.The Fulbright Program

 

The Fulbright Program is a renowned scholarship for US students who wish to study in the UK. It’s a prestigious opportunity that covers a wide range of academic fields and is open to both undergraduate and graduate students.

 

Eligibility Criteria : 

• Applicants must be U.S. citizens at the time of application.
• Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent at the time of application.

 

Deadline & Coverage

• Deadline is in October
• Depending on the type of award, the scholarship amount varies, but typically includes health insurance, tuition, flights, and a living allowance.

 

 

6. The Denys Holland Scholarship

 

The Denys Holland Scholarship, offered by University College London (UCL), supports undergraduate students from any country who might otherwise be unable to afford their studies at UCL.

 

Eligibility Criteria : 

• The scholarship is open to undergraduate students who have applied to study at UCL and have accepted an offer of admission for a full-time degree program.
• The scholarship is specifically designed for students from low-income backgrounds who demonstrate financial need and may not be able to afford the cost of studying at UCL without financial support.
• Applicants must meet UCL’s general entry requirements for their chosen course and have strong academic potential.

 

Deadline & Coverage

• £9,000 per year.
• Applications close in June – July

 

 

7- University of Westminster International Scholarships

 

For overseas students, the University of Westminster provides a substantial scholarship program. Three factors are often taken into consideration when awarding scholarships: financial need, development potential, and academic achievement. 

 

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be from a developing country.
• You should be applying for a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate course.
• You need to show academic excellence and financial need.

 

Deadline & Coverage

• International Postgraduate Excellence Award (worth £3,000) with a deadline in June 5, and the GREAT Scholarship (worth £10,000) with a deadline in June

 

 

8- Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Trust Scholarships

 

The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Trust Scholarships were established to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in 2012. These scholarships were aimed at promoting educational opportunities for students from Commonwealth countries, enabling them to pursue postgraduate studies at renowned UK universities. The initiative focused on empowering individuals who demonstrated leadership potential, with the goal of enhancing the educational and social impact in their home countries.

 

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be from a Commonwealth country.
• Strong academic background, usually with a first-class undergraduate degree or equivalent.
• Applicants needed to show how they had contributed to their communities or led initiatives that had a positive social impact.
• Demonstrate proficiency in English, through standardized tests like IELTS or TOEFL.

 

Deadline & Coverage

• Scholarship Value is £6,000 and applications close in July

 

 

Summing Up 

 

Studying in the UK as an international student can be an expensive endeavor, but with the variety of scholarships available, financial barriers can often be overcome. Always check the eligibility requirements, as they can vary for each scholarship. Start your application process early, and don’t hesitate to reach out to university scholarship offices for further guidance.