How to find a scholarship to study in the UK
Where to search for international scholarships
Knowing where to look and finding out the deadlines is a big job. And to help you stay clear of scam websites that promise to find you a scholarship we’ve compiled a list of reputable scholarship databases through which you can search:
- International Education Financial Aid (IEFA)
- International Scholarships
- British Council Study UK. You can contact your local British Council office to find out more about scholarships for students in your country.
- Scholarship Portal
Common types of scholarships
There are a couple of scholarships types available for students that want to study outside their country and include:
Global scholarships. These scholarships aren't restricted to students from specific countries. However, they aren't open to all students from all countries, so be sure to read the fine print carefully. Chevening Scholarships and Commonwealth Scholarships are good examples of global scholarships.
Scholarships funded by your home country. Lots of countries have scholarships to help students study abroad. These can be funded by governments or private groups. Most will be to study specific things, such as the BAFTA Scholarships for stduenst from China wanting to study filming making. Others, include Inlaks Scholarships in India, and Marshall Scholarships in the USA.
University-specific scholarships. The majority of UK universities have their own scholarship programmes and some are specifically open to international students. The best way to find out is to have an idea of what you’d like to study at what university and then visit their websites.
Are international students eligible for a UK scholarship?
The simple answer is yes, and there are many scholarships that can help you, but not everyone is eligible for every scholarship.
For example, Chevening Scholarships are only available to students studying for a Masters degree who are committed to returning to their home country after completing their degree. Be sure to read the fine print before making your application.
How easy is it to get a scholarship to study at a UK university
Unfortunately, no one can guarantee that you will get a scholarship. They are competitive and it's smart to have a backup plan in place in case you are unable to get one.
You may be eligible for Student Support, which is financial assistance provided by the UK Government. Student Support is not considered a public fund, so if one of the conditions of your visa is that you have “no recourse to public funds”, you can still apply for and receive it.
You may also wish to source money from other places, such as taking out a loan, asking your family for help or getting a part time job to fund your studies. To find out more about how many hours you can work click here.
Another alternative is to consider changing your university plans. For example, instead of studying in the UK for your entire university degree, you might consider attending a university in your home country that has an exchange program with the UK. That way you can get a taste of British university life without having to pay hefty international student fees.
