The British Council Scholarships 2026 are among the most recognized opportunities for international students who wish to study in the United Kingdom. Each year, the British Council collaborates with the UK Government, top universities, and global organizations to provide access to high-quality education through fully funded and partially funded scholarships.
For decades, these scholarships have helped thousands of students pursue Master’s, PhD, and undergraduate programmes across world-class institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London. They not only cover tuition fees but also support students with living expenses, airfare, visa costs, and healthcare. You can explore current opportunities directly via the Study UK – British Council Scholarships Portal.
What makes the British Council scholarships unique is their diversity of programs. They range from the prestigious Chevening Scholarships (for future leaders) to the Commonwealth Scholarships (for developing countries), GREAT Scholarships (funded jointly with UK universities), and the flagship Women in STEM Scholarships, designed to empower female scholars worldwide. Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships also fall under this umbrella, targeting critical fields like renewable energy, science, and technology.
By combining financial aid, global exposure, and career networking, the British Council scholarships ensure that bright students can focus on their academic journey without worrying about financial barriers. In this guide, we cover the types of scholarships, benefits, eligibility, application process, and top universities — along with internal resources from WScholar4U for in-depth study.
5 Types of British Council Scholarships
1. Chevening Scholarships
The Chevening Scholarship is the UK Government’s flagship global award, promoted in partnership with the British Council. It is a fully funded Master’s scholarship covering tuition, accommodation, airfare, UK visa, and health costs. Offered at 100+ top UK universities, it targets candidates with proven leadership potential and global vision.
For complete details, read our in-depth guide: Chevening Scholarship – Study in the UK
2. Commonwealth Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarship is aimed at students from Commonwealth countries and covers Master’s and PhD programmes. It funds tuition fees, monthly stipends, airfare, warm clothing, and family allowances, making it one of the most generous UK awards.
Learn more in our detailed guide: Commonwealth Scholarship Overview
3. GREAT Scholarships
The GREAT Scholarships, co-funded by the UK Government and the British Council, provide £10,000 tuition support for a one-year Master’s degree. Available to students from 18 countries, they cover diverse fields from business to humanities.
GREAT Scholarships – Official Information
4. Women in STEM Scholarships
The British Council Women in STEM Scholarships are fully funded Master’s programmes in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. They cover tuition, monthly stipend, visa fees, and travel, and are offered in partnership with leading UK universities.
🔗 Women in STEM Scholarships – Official British Council
5. Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships
These are part-funded scholarships offered by Scottish universities for Master’s degrees in priority fields such as renewable energy, science, healthcare, and technology. They provide £8,000 towards tuition fees.
Benefits of British Council Scholarships
- Financial Support: Covers tuition, living costs, airfare, and visa.
- Global Exposure: Access to UK’s multicultural academic environment.
- Networking: Connect with alumni, leaders, and researchers worldwide.
- Career Opportunities: UK degrees boost employability and global mobility.
Eligibility Criteria
While each programme has specific requirements, common eligibility includes:
- Strong academic record.
- English language proficiency (IELTS or equivalent; waivers may apply).
- Demonstrated leadership skills.
- Commitment to contribute to the development of your home country.
Application Process
- Visit the British Council Scholarships Portal.
- Choose the scholarship (Chevening, Commonwealth, GREAT, STEM, Saltire).
- Prepare documents: transcripts, CV, personal statement, references, research proposal (PhD).
- Apply online before deadlines listed on each programme’s official page.
Related guide: Requirements for Fully Funded Scholarships
Top 7 UK Universities Offering Scholarships
- University of Oxford → also check Clarendon Scholarship
- University of Cambridge → see Gates Cambridge Scholarship
- Imperial College London
- University College London (UCL)
- London School of Economics (LSE)
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Manchester
👉 Undergraduate options are also available: UK Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students
FAQs
Q1: Can I apply for multiple British Council scholarships?
Yes, but you must meet eligibility requirements for each programme.
Q2: Are these scholarships fully funded?
Most are fully funded (Chevening, Commonwealth, STEM), while others like GREAT Scholarships provide partial tuition support.
Q3: Do I need IELTS?
Some scholarships waive IELTS if you meet alternative requirements; check individual programmes.
Q4: How competitive are these scholarships?
Highly competitive, with limited seats. Applicants must show outstanding academic achievement and leadership skills.
Apply Now
Ready to study in the UK with full funding? Start your application today through the official British Council portal.
For complete step-by-step guides, explore:
