Uk scholarships for international students fully funded: Your Guide to 2025 Opportunities

Securing uk scholarships for international students fully funded can transform your dream of studying in the UK into reality. In 2025, a variety of programmes offer tuition, living costs, travel grants and stipends to high-achieving candidates worldwide. This comprehensive guide covers top awards, eligibility, application steps and deadlines.

Top fully funded scholarships in the UK for international students

Whether you aim for a master’s or PhD, the UK boasts prestigious awards backed by government, universities and global trusts. Below are some leading programmes for 2025:

Chevening Scholarships

Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Chevening covers full tuition, monthly stipend, airfare and visa costs. It’s open to future leaders with 2+ years’ work experience and strong academic records. Applications typically open in August and close in early November.
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Commonwealth Scholarships

Targeting citizens of Commonwealth countries, these awards fund master’s and PhD studies. Benefits include tuition fees, living allowance (£1,116/month for postgraduates), travel expenses and thesis grants. Deadlines vary by country but generally fall between December and February.

GREAT Scholarships and University Awards

Offered in partnership with the British Council, GREAT Scholarships provide £10,000–£20,000 towards tuition at participating universities. For example, the University of Westminster offers a £10,000 scholarship for Thai undergraduates, while the University of York awards £5,000–£7,500 to high-achieving first-year students.

What do fully funded scholarships cover?

• Full tuition fees at UK universities
• Monthly living allowance for accommodation and food
• Travel grants for one or two return flights
• Visa application fees and health surcharge
• Research and thesis costs (for doctoral candidates)
• Additional stipends (£20,000+/year for some PhD studentships)

Eligibility criteria and requirements

While each scholarship has specific rules, common eligibility factors include:

• Nationality of the awarding programme (e.g., Commonwealth, country-specific GREAT awards)
• Academic excellence (minimum 2:1 or equivalent)
• Work experience (usually 2+ years for postgraduate awards)
• English language proficiency – IELTS is standard, but some fully funded UK scholarships without IELTS are available, particularly at PhD level.

For detailed guidance on testing requirements, refer to our UK student visa requirements page.

How to apply for fully funded scholarships in the UK

Follow these steps to strengthen your application:

1. Research suitable programmes using portals like ScholarshipRegion and university funding pages.
2. Check eligibility criteria, deadlines and required documents.
3. Prepare academic transcripts, references and a strong personal statement.
4. Highlight leadership, community impact and subject-related achievements.
5. Submit online application before the deadline, and follow up on interviews or assessments.

For a detailed application walkthrough, explore our step-by-step application guide.

Deadlines and key dates for the 2025/26 intake

Most awards follow these annual cycles:

• Chevening: Applications open August – close early November.
• Commonwealth Scholarships: Deadlines December – February (varies by country).
• GREAT Scholarships: Applications open October – close March.
• University-specific awards: Rolling or January – June deadlines.

Always confirm dates on official sites to avoid last-minute changes.

Recent trends and developments

Competition for UK funding has intensified post-pandemic, with more applicants vying for limited slots. Many programmes now target underrepresented regions and fields, such as STEM and social sciences. If you study engineering or technology, check our STEM scholarships overview for tailored opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

With growing competition, early planning and targeted applications are crucial for securing uk scholarships for international students fully funded. Explore award-specific pages, prepare compelling documents and meet deadlines to maximize your chances. Ready to take the next step? Discover more UK funding schemes and start your journey today.