Studying in the United Kingdom is a dream for many international students. Fortunately, many UK universities offer full scholarships that cover tuition fees and living expenses. These scholarships make it possible for talented students from around the world to study in the UK without worrying about the costs.
What Are Full Scholarships?
Full scholarships usually cover tuition fees, accommodation costs, monthly living allowances, travel expenses, and sometimes health insurance. They are highly competitive and usually awarded based on academic merit, leadership qualities, or financial need.
Top UK Universities with Full Scholarships for International Students
Here are some well-known scholarships and the universities that offer them:
Chevening Scholarship
Available for master’s degree students in any subject across UK universities.
- Covers tuition fees, monthly living allowance, round-trip airfare, and extra grants.
- Open to students from many countries, including Nigeria.
Gates Cambridge Scholarship (University of Cambridge)
- For master’s and PhD students.
- Covers full tuition fees, a yearly stipend of about £17,500, health insurance, and family allowance.
Clarendon Scholarship (University of Oxford)
- Open to master’s and PhD students.
- Covers full tuition fees and provides a grant for living costs (at least £15,000 per year).
Oxford Pershing Square Scholarship
- For master’s and MBA students at Oxford.
- Covers full tuition fees and offers an additional living allowance.
GREAT Scholarships
These scholarships provide £10,000 towards tuition fees for one-year postgraduate courses.
- Available at many UK universities including The University of Manchester, University of Warwick, University of York, University of Southampton, and more.
- For students from countries like Nigeria, meeting specific eligibility criteria.
University of Bristol Think Big Scholarship
- For undergraduate and master’s students.
- Offers up to £20,000 as fee waivers to cover tuition costs.
Imperial College London PhD Scholarships
- Awarded to PhD students.
- Covers full tuition and provides an annual stipend of roughly £16,500.
University of Exeter Undergraduate Scholarships
- Offers full tuition scholarships for international undergraduates.
Westminster Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships
- Fully funds an undergraduate degree specifically for students from developing countries.
Leeds Doctoral Scholarships
- For PhD students.
- Provides full tuition and around £19,000 annually for living expenses.
How to Apply for These Scholarships
- Check Eligibility
Every scholarship has specific eligibility criteria such as nationality, academic records, and language proficiency. - Prepare Your Documents
You will need academic transcripts, reference letters, a personal statement, and proof of English language ability. - Submit Applications Before Deadlines
Deadlines vary but generally fall between mid-year to late autumn for the next academic year. - Maintain Good Academic Standing
Many scholarships require recipients to keep a certain academic standard to keep their funding.
Additional Tips
- Start preparing your scholarship applications early.
- Focus on writing a clear and compelling personal statement that explains your goals and how studying in the UK fits them.
- Highlight any leadership experiences or community work.
- Research each scholarship’s requirements carefully on the university website.
These scholarships open doors for international students to gain a world-class UK education with financial support. Interested students should visit official university and scholarship websites to get the latest information on application processes and deadlines.