Dreaming of studying at a top university in the UK but worried about the cost? You’re not alone—and you’re not out of options. The UK offers thousands of scholarships to international students each year, ranging from partial tuition waivers to fully-funded packages, and 2025 is no different!
In this guide, I’ll walk you through:
- What types of scholarships you can expect
- The top scholarships for 2025 (with deadlines)
- Realistic tips to increase your chances of success
I’m Ashika, and I help people move across the world to work and study. Let’s dive right in! 🇬🇧
Why Study in the UK?
The UK remains a top destination for global education. In 2024 alone, the UK attracted over 680,000 international students, with more than 20,000 scholarships awarded through universities, government, and private funding bodies.
But here’s the catch: while domestic students pay up to £9,250 in tuition, international fees have no cap—sometimes reaching £30,000–£50,000 per year. This is why scholarships are a critical lifeline.
What Do UK Scholarships Cover?
UK scholarships can offer much more than just tuition discounts. Depending on the scholarship, you may get:
- Full or partial tuition fee coverage
- Living stipends for rent, food, and daily needs
- Airfare and travel grants
- Healthcare access via the NHS at reduced or no cost
- Networking & career opportunities
- Family support for dependents (in select cases)
Quick Tip: Book Student Accommodation Early
Finding safe, comfortable, and affordable accommodation in the UK can be a real challenge.
I highly recommend booking through Amber — they offer:
- Properties near top universities
- Multiple pricing tiers
- No UK guarantor needed
- Refund options if your visa or offer falls through
Book ASAP — the best rooms fill up months in advance.
Top 10 Prestigious Scholarships to Study in the UK
These are well-established scholarships available at top UK universities:
| Scholarship | What It Covers | Deadline |
| Chevening Scholarship | Tuition, living, airfare | November |
| Commonwealth Scholarship | Tuition, living, airfare | December |
| Gates Cambridge | Full cost of study at Cambridge | October–January |
| Rhodes Scholarship | Tuition, stipend, travel (Oxford) | October |
| Clarendon Fund (Oxford) | Tuition + living expenses | Dec–Jan |
| Edinburgh Global | £10,000 towards tuition | June |
| British Council GREAT | £10,000 | Varies by university |
| Westminster Scholarships | £2,500–£3,000 | June |
| Edinburgh Napier University | £5,000 | Varies |
| Warwick Chancellor’s Scholarship | Tuition, living, research | December |
Top Scholarships Open for Applications (As of Jan 2025)
These are currently accepting applications for the 2025–26 academic year:
1. University of Bristol Think Big Scholarships
- Amount: Up to £20,000
- Deadline: 28 February 2025
- Eligibility: UG applicants (excluding Medicine, Dentistry, Vet Sci)
2. Queen Mary Global Excellence Scholarships
- Amount: £5,000
- Deadline: No formal deadline – apply after receiving an offer
- Eligibility: Select countries only; PG programs
3. Sheffield Hallam Transformed Together Scholarships
- Amount: 50% tuition discount
- Deadline: 31 May 2025
- Eligibility: UG & PG applicants, self-funded, Sept intake
4. Imperial College President’s PhD Scholarships
- Amount: Full tuition, £22,224 living stipend, £2,000 consumables
- Deadline: 1 March 2025
- Eligibility: High academic merit, PhD only
5. University of Sussex Chancellor’s Scholarships
- Amount: £5,000
- Deadline: 30 April 2025
- Eligibility: PG, full-time only
6. Loughborough University International Scholarships
- Amount: 25% tuition discount
- Deadline: Automatically considered
7. University of Reading IFP Scholarships
- Amount: £3,000
- Deadline: January
- Eligibility: International Foundation Program (IFP)
8. Reading Excellence Scholarship
- Amount: £4,000/year
- Deadline: January
9. University of the Arts London (UAL) Scholarship
- Amount: £50,000 (includes tuition, living, accommodation)
- Deadline: 20 June 2025
- Eligibility: Household income under £55,000; Master’s programs
10. British Council GREAT Scholarships (Country-Specific)
- Amount: £10,000
- Deadline: Varies (Edinburgh – 30 Apr, Manchester – 24 Apr)
- Eligibility: Depends on country and partner university
How to Improve Your Scholarship Chances
Getting a scholarship is competitive, but smart preparation gives you the edge.
1. Start Early
Research your options at least 1 year in advance.
2. Tailor Your Application
Customize personal statements and essays to each scholarship’s goals.
3. Maintain Excellent Academic Grades
Academic merit is a big criterion—strong grades boost eligibility.
4. Showcase Leadership & Community Work
Highlight extracurriculars, volunteering, or leadership experience.
5. Secure Strong Recommendations
Ask mentors or professors who know you well.
6. Submit Everything On Time
Late or incomplete applications are often auto-rejected.
7. Prepare for Interviews
If the scholarship has an interview round, practice—record yourself, or rehearse with a friend.
Questions?
If you have any questions about studying in the UK, scholarship applications, or accommodation, drop them in the comments section below. I’ll be happy to help!
Thank you for reading—see you in the next post!