Do you want to study in the UK but are afraid of the cost?
We know tuition fees in international schools are off the roof, but there is hope for you, especially if you are from a developing country.
Would you believe it if we told you that you could enjoy an all-expense paid education in the UK? Incredible, right?
It may sound surreal, but it is possible. Many universities and organisations in the UK offer scholarships and financial support to international students to help them further their studies.
This article will spotlight some top-tier schools offering fully funded scholarships for international students in UK. With this, you can assess your options for funding opportunities.
Before we dive into these scholarship opportunities, feel free to check out our website on remote and visa sponsorship jobs if you are looking to relocate or get high-paying work-from-home jobs.
Top Schools Offering Fully Funded Scholarships to International Students in the UK
We have compiled a comprehensive list of schools offering fully funded scholarships to international students in the UK. It’s a long list. So, get paper and a pen before diving in.
1. Oxford University Scholarships
Scholarship Value: Fully Funded
Target Program: All Levels
Awarding Institution: Oxford University
First on our list of schools with fully funded scholarships for international students in UK is the prestigious Oxford University. Oxford University Scholarships is open for international students at all levels of education. That’s right! Whether you are enrolling for your Bachelor, Master’s or Ph.D., you can apply for this scholarship.
They aim to provide financial support to about 1000 international students who enrol in full-time or part-time programs. It is not limited to any course. So, you can apply for any course of your choice. Great, right?
It gets even better! The scholarship isn’t just for your tuition fee. It also covers your living expenses and travel allowance. Now, that’s the perfect definition of fully funded!
READ: How Much Does College Cost in Europe?
2. University of Edinburgh MasterCard Foundation Scholarships
Scholarship Value: Fully Funded
Target Program: Undergraduate and Postgraduate
Awarding Institution: University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh, in partnership with the MasterCard Foundation, awards a full scholarship to 80 undergraduate and 120 postgraduate students from African countries. The scholarship covers your full tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses.
Besides the financial support, the lucky students will also benefit from extracurricular activities like summer schools, project-based placements, internships, and mentorship to build their skills and competence.
To qualify, you can enrol to study any course of your choice at the University of Edinburgh, apart from Medicine and Veterinary Medicine. You must be a citizen and resident of a Sub-Saharan African country. You must also show a proven track record of leadership and service in your community and evidence that you don’t have the financial capacity to sponsor your education in the UK.
3. Felix Trust Scholarship for Students from Developing Countries at the University of London
Scholarship Value: Fully Funded
Target Program: Postgraduate Degree
Awarding Institution University of London
The Felix Scholarship was founded in 1990 to offer brilliant underprivileged students from India and other developing countries the opportunity to further their postgraduate education in the United Kingdom.
The scholarship is awarded to at least 20 students each academic year. It’s not just exclusive to international students at The University of London. International students at the University of Oxford, the University of Reading, and the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) are also eligible to apply.
Yes, it is also fully funded. Its scholarships cover your full tuition fees, travel, and living expenses.
4. University of Nottingham Developing Solutions Masters Scholarships for African and Commonwealth Countries
Scholarship Value: 100% and 50% Tuition Fee
Target Program: Master’s Degree
Awarding Institution: University of Nottingham
The Developing Solutions Scholarship Scheme by the University of Nottingham to about 105 students from Developing countries every year. 30 international students receive full tuition, while 75 international students receive 50% tuition fee. This is to give them access to quality education which they can use to develop their countries upon completing their course.
5. Clarendon Fund Scholarships at the University of Oxford
Scholarship Value: £15,609
Target Program: Postgraduate Degree
Awarding Institution: University of Oxford
The Clarendon Fund offers approximately 140 fully funded scholarships yearly to outstanding graduate students from around the world.
The scholarships are accessible to international graduate students across all degree-bearing subjects at the University of Oxford. To qualify, you must show a track record of academic excellence in your course of study.
6. Rhodes Trust Scholarships at the University of Oxford
Scholarship Value: Full Tuition
Target Program: Postgraduate Degree
Awarding Institution: University of Oxford
By now, you should know that the University of Oxford has many scholarship schemes exclusive to international students from developing countries. The Will of Cecil John Rhodes established the Rhodes Trust Scholarship in 1902. It is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious international scholarship programs.
Rhodes Trust Scholarship gives brilliant international students the opportunity to enrol in a full-time postgraduate course at the University of Oxford. Each year the scholarship is awarded to international students from 64 countries across the globe.
7. Newcastle University International Foundation Scholarships
Scholarship Value: 100% Tuition Fees
Target Program: Bachelor’s Degree
Awarding Institution: Newcastle University
The INTO Newcastle University scholarships provide full tuition to talented international students looking to enrol for their undergraduate study in the UK. Each year, the scholarship is awarded to at least ten international students.
The scholarship is worth £20,000 or £10,000 for each lucky student. You can receive it in two parts:
i. £10,000 or £5,000 will be deducted from your international foundation tuition fees.
ii. £10,000 or £5,000 will be paid towards your year one tuition fees at Newcastle University.
To get the second part of the scholarship, you must successfully enrol for a degree course at Newcastle University.
READ: Applying for a UK Student Visa in Nigeria
8. Newcastle University Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence
Scholarship Value: Half or Full Tuition
Target Program: Undergraduate and Postgraduate Degree
Awarding Institution: Newcastle University
Here’s another one from Newcastle University. It offers partial and full scholarship awards to encourage outstanding international students who want to enrol in undergraduate or postgraduate study.
The scholarship is awarded to at least 14 international students every year. It covers half or full tuition for one year of study, which is paid directly to your tuition fee account. Students eligible for the scholarship must be citizens of South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, Algeria, or Morocco.
9. University of Westminster Vice-Chancellor’s Undergraduate Scholarship for Developing Countries
Scholarship Value: Full Tuition
Target Program: Master’s Degree
Awarding Institution: University of Westminster
This is the most prestigious scholarship awarded by the University of Westminster. It is a fully funded scholarship awarded to just one student from a developing country for the duration of their master’s program. The scholarship covers full tuition fee waiver, accommodation, travel, and living expenses.
10. High Achiever Foundation Scholarships for African Students at the University of Nottingham
Scholarship Value: £2,000
Target Program: Bachelor’s Degree
Awarding Institution: University of Nottingham
This scholarship is only for international students enrolling for a degree in selected courses in Arts, Business, Engineering, Science, and Social Sciences. It is awarded to five students from Africa every academic year. Three of the five slots are reserved for students from Kenya and Nigeria. The scholarship’s value is £2,000, which is paid to cover part of your tuition fees for your first year of study.
11. Kingston University Undergraduate Scholarships in the UK for International Students
Scholarship Value: £4,000
Target Program: Bachelor’s Degree
Awarding Institution: Kingston University
Kingston University UK offers scholarships to international students to the tune of £200,000 yearly. Each student gets £4,000 to cover their tuition for each year of study. You must enrol for a full-time undergraduate course in any field to qualify. However, irrespective of your course, the scholarship only covers three years of study.
12. Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students at the University of Kent
Scholarship Value: £5000
Target Program: Bachelor’s Degree
Awarding Institution: University of Kent
This scholarship is awarded to international students at the undergraduate level. Your chances of winning the scholarship depend on the information provided in your UCAS form and your college essay (Statement of Purpose). So, ensure to put your best foot forward by writing an impressive and convincing essay. The scholarship is worth £5000 of your tuition fee for each year of study at the University of Kent. Yes, it covers the entire duration of your study.
13. University of Sheffield Merit Undergraduate Scholarships for Developing Regions
Scholarship Value: 50% Tuition
Target Program: Bachelor’s Degree
Awarding Institution: University of Sheffield
This scholarship is exclusive for undergraduate students from the following African countries; Kenya, Uganda, Botswana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania, Mauritius, Egypt, Sudan, Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco. It covers 50% of your tuition fees for your study at the University of Sheffield.
14. University of Sussex Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students
Scholarship Value: £3,000
Target Program: Bachelor’s Degree
Awarding Institution: University of Sussex
This scholarship is purely merit-based. It recognises and rewards international undergraduate students with a track record of excellent academic performance before enrolling in the school. The scholarship value is a £3,000 cash award in the first year of your study. You will receive it as separate payments of £1,500.
READ: List of Schools with Fully Funded Scholarships in the United States
15. Coventry Academic Performance Scholarship (CAPS) at Coventry University
Scholarship Value: £1500
Target Program: Bachelor’s Degree
Awarding Institution: Coventry University
Thousands of international students have been recipients of this scholarship in the past. It is available to all international students applying for full-time undergraduate programs at Coventry University. The scholarship is worth approximately £1500. It is a one-time payment. However, you can apply and renew the scholarship if you are lucky enough.
16. Dickson Poon Undergraduate Law Scholarships at King’s College, London
Scholarship Value: £5,000
Target Program: Law Degree
Awarding Institution: King’s College, London
The Dickson Poon Undergraduate Law Scholarship Programme is exclusive for brilliant first-year Law students at The Dickson Poon School of Law, King’s College London. It is very competitive and is awarded to about 30 students each year. The lucky winners will receive £5,000 for their tuition each year for the duration of their study. They will also receive a complimentary King’s accommodation during the first year of their LLB program.
17. University of East Anglia Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students
Scholarship Value: Half Tuition
Target Program: Bachelor’s Degree
Awarding Institution: University of East Anglia
Each year, the University of East Anglia awards over £1,000,000 worth of scholarships to support the international students’ community. All international students outside the European Union can apply for the scholarship.
The scholarship covers 10%-50% of your tuition fees for each year of study. It runs throughout your study. Go ahead and apply. Who knows? You may be one of the 50 lucky students to bag the award.
18. University College London (UCL) Scholarships for International Students
Scholarship Value: Full Tuition
Target Program: Bachelor’s Degree
Awarding Institution: University College London
University College London (UCL) and United World Colleges (UWC), in partnership with the International Student House (ISH), provide this scholarship scheme to support graduates of UWC who don’t have the financial capacity to study in the UK. The scholarship duration is three years, but it can be extended to four years.
It is open to international students enrolling for full-time undergraduate studies at UCL. However, only two lucky students get to win the scholarship. They walk away with a full tuition fee waiver, free accommodation for three years, a whopping maintenance allowance of £7,000 annually, reimbursement of Tier 4 Visa application costs, and international economy air travel to/from the UK.
Wow! At this point, you need a minute to catch your breath. Now, this is the type of scholarship you want to win!
19. Leeds University Business School Scholarships
Scholarship Value: £2,500
Target Program: Bachelor’s Degree
Awarding Institution: Leeds University Business School
Leeds University Business School offers this scholarship to undergraduate students from developing countries (particularly Nigeria and Kenya) with outstanding academic performance.
The scholarship is awarded to at least eight international students each. Each has two (2) scholarship slots up for grabs. It is worth £2,500, which covers your annual tuition fees for your undergraduate study.
READ: Accommodation for International Students in the UK
20. University College London (UCL) Access Opportunity Scholarship
Scholarship Value: Full Tuition
Target Program: Bachelor’s Degree
Awarding Institution: University College London
UCL is back with another one. This scholarship is for international students who can’t access student loans because of their immigration status or visa type. It is also open to asylum seekers, children of asylum seekers, or unaccompanied asylum-seeking children who are offered an undergraduate program at the University College London.
The scholarship comprises full tuition fees and a living allowance of £10,750 per year for the duration of your study. However, you can only renew the scholarship if you perform well in school. Also, the scholarship becomes invalid if you are granted refugee status or humanitarian protection while at UCL. That’s because you will then have access to UK student loans.
21. Manchester Metropolitan University Vice-Chancellor Scholarships for International Students
Scholarship Value: £5,000
Target Program: Undergraduate and Postgraduate Degree
Awarding Institution: Manchester Metropolitan University
Manchester Metropolitan University provides various funding opportunities for international students at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Funding options include alumni discounts, faculty-specific discounts, and tuition waivers. The scholarship is worth £5,000 and will be deducted directly from your tuition fees. However, it is valid only for the first year of your academic study.
22. The International Excellence Scholarship at Brunel University
Scholarship Value: £6,000
Target Program: Undergraduate and Postgraduate Program
Awarding Institution: Brunel University
The alumni and supporters of Brunel University sponsor this scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to 55 international students and comprises a £6,000 discount on tuition fees. It is open to international students at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The scholarship is only valid for the first year of your course.
23. King’s College London Undergraduate Scholarships for Medicine Students
Scholarship Value: £9,000
Target Program: Bachelor’s Degree
Awarding Institution: King’s College London
If you are a science student feeling left out in the parade, we’ve finally got something for you. King’s College London awards a scholarship to one lucky international student enrolling in one of the following full-time undergraduate programs:
- BSc in Global Health & Social Medicine
- BA in Global Health & Social Medicine
The scholarship value is £9,000 for each academic year and lasts for the duration of the program. However, the scholarship covers only part of the annual tuition fees, and you are expected to pay the rest.
READ: How to Secure Scholarships for Masters Program in Canada
24. Edinburgh Global Undergraduate Maths Scholarships for International Student
Scholarship Value: £1,000
Target Program: Bachelor’s Degree
Awarding Institution: University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh Global Undergraduate Maths Scholarships are offered to students from countries outside the EU for undergraduate study in Maths at the University of Edinburgh. The scholarship is awarded to at least 15 students and is worth £1,000 per academic year. You can renew for the duration of your study.
25. University of Bedfordshire Scholarships for Students from Africa and Other Regions
Scholarship Value: £1000-£2000
Target Program: Undergraduate and Postgraduate
Awarding Institution: University of Bedfordshire
Each year the University of Bedfordshire offers scholarships to outstanding international students at the Undergraduate and Postgraduate. For some countries, the scholarship value is £2,000, while for others, it is £1,000. The scholarship is valid for one year only.
£500 merit scholarship is available for students who score above 60% in their courses with an average IELTS score of 6.0 and 5.5 in each band. That’s not all. When the scholarship expires, you will receive a £750 prompt payment discount on your tuition fees.
26. Brunel University International Excellence Scholarships for International Students
Scholarship Value: £6,000
Target Program:
Awarding Institution: Brunel University
You guessed right. This is another one from Brunel University. The University offers 55 international students scholarship awards to help them pursue their education. The scholarship is worth £6,000, which is deducted from your tuition fees. It is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students and valid for one academic year.
READ: List of Schools with Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada
27. African Scholarships at Edinburgh Napier University
Scholarship Value: £3,000
Target Program: Undergraduate and Postgraduate
Awarding Institution: Edinburgh Napier University
Edinburgh Napier University offers scholarships to undergraduate and postgraduate students from Africa. It is worth £3,000, which covers half of your tuition fee, and is valid for just one year.
28. University of Bradford International Academic Excellence Scholarships
Scholarship Value: £2500-£4000
Target Program: Undergraduate and Postgraduate
Awarding Institution: University of Bradford
The University of Bradford offers many scholarships to international students at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The scholarship value ranges between £2,500, £3,000, £3,500, and £4,000 based on your entry qualifications and nationality. It is valid for one academic year.
29. University of Derby Regional High Achievers Scholarship
Scholarship Value: £3000
Target Program: Undergraduate and Graduate Program
Awarding Institution: University of Derby
The University of Derby offers Regional High Achievers scholarships for students from Asia, China, Africa, and North Africa. It is awarded to five undergraduate and five postgraduate students. It is worth £3000.
30. Bristol University Think Big Scholarships for International Students
Scholarship Value: 25%-100% Tuition
Target Program: Undergraduate and Postgraduate
Awarding Institution: Bristol University
Last but not the least on our list of schools with fully funded scholarships for international students in UK. Bristol University invests at least £500,000 to help high-achieving international students further their studies. The scholarship is awarded to 26 undergraduates and 26 postgraduates. It covers 25% to 100% of tuition fees for the duration of your course.
Bottomline
There you go! A long list of schools with fully funded scholarships for international students in UK. To improve your chances of winning, you must apply easily, proofread your essay and ensure to put your best foot forward. Schedule a call with our career advisors if you need further guidance. Best of luck as you apply.