UK Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students

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A UK undergraduate degree is a great investment in your future. Scholarships can make this education accessible for international students. These awards are highly competitive. They recognize academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement. This guide outlines key fully funded scholarships.

Finding undergraduate funding can be challenging. Most major government scholarships are for postgraduate students. Many universities, however, offer their own funding programs. These scholarships can be full or partial awards. They are specifically for international students.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of popular undergraduate scholarships. It details eligibility, application requirements, and benefits. It also clarifies which famous awards are not for undergraduates. The article can help you start your scholarship search today.

Securing a scholarship can ease financial pressure. It allows you to focus on your studies and university life. The scholarships (subject) help (predicate) students from around the world (object) to study in the UK.

Scholarship Overview

UK undergraduate scholarships for international students come in two main forms. Some are provided directly by universities, while others are from external organizations. They can cover full tuition or offer a partial fee reduction. These awards are often based on academic merit.

Target Group: International students from specific countries or regions.
Awards: Partial or full tuition fee waivers, and in some cases, a stipend.

5 Specific UK Undergraduate Scholarships (Fully Funded)

Here are five well-known scholarships fully funded available to international students. Each is a great way to secure funding for your undergraduate studies.

1. University of Bristol: Think Big Scholarship

The University of Bristol’s Think Big Scholarship is a flagship funding program for international students. The university has invested up to £5 million in these scholarships for the 2026-27 academic year.

Award Amount: Scholarships valued at £6,500 and £13,000 are available. The award is a tuition fee discount.
How to Apply: You must first apply for an undergraduate course at the university. You then submit a single online scholarship application.
Official Website: For detailed information, visit the University of Bristol’s international scholarships page.

2. University of Manchester: Global Futures Scholarship

The University of Manchester offers the Global Futures Scholarship for undergraduates. This program provides over 100 merit-based awards. The scholarship is for international students from selected countries.

Award Amount: The scholarship is worth £30,000 in total. It provides £10,000 per year over three years.
How to Apply: There is no separate application form. Eligible applicants who receive an offer for a course will be sent a link to apply for the scholarship.
Official Website: For details on eligibility and how to apply, visit the University of Manchester’s scholarship page.

3. University of Edinburgh: Undergraduate Scholarships

The University of Edinburgh provides a variety of undergraduate scholarships. These awards are for international students with outstanding academic records. Many are subject-specific.

Award Amount: Award values vary depending on the scholarship. The Robertson International Scholarship, for example, is valued at £1,400.
How to Apply: You can apply online for specific scholarships after you have received an offer for your course.
Official Website: To find out more about the different opportunities, visit the University of Edinburgh’s international scholarship page.

4. Aston University: Undergraduate Scholarships

Aston University offers a range of scholarships for international undergraduate students. These awards are designed to attract the brightest candidates. They are based on academic merit.

Award Amount: The Automatic Merit Scholarship provides up to £2,000 off tuition fees. The Sir Adrian Cadbury Chancellor’s Scholarship is worth £10,000.
How to Apply: Some scholarships, like the Automatic Merit Scholarship, require no separate application. Others require a short video submission.
Official Website: Visit the official Aston University scholarships page for details.

5. Coventry University: Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship

Coventry University offers the Vice-Chancellor’s Undergraduate Scholarship. It provides financial support for international students. The scholarship is a tuition fee discount.

Award Amount: The scholarship provides a discount of up to £4,000 for a three-year degree.
How to Apply: This scholarship is automatically applied to eligible students. You do not need to submit a separate application.
Official Website: For more information on this and other awards, check the Coventry University international scholarships page.

Important Scholarships for Postgraduate Students

While this guide focuses on undergraduate awards, many famous UK scholarships are for graduate students. It is important to know the difference.

The NHS Scholarship provides grants for specific healthcare degrees.
The Chevening Scholarship is a fully-funded award for a one-year Master’s degree.
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is for postgraduate study at Cambridge.
The Clarendon Scholarship is for Master’s and PhD students at Oxford.
The Commonwealth Scholarship is for Master’s and PhD students from Commonwealth countries.

Application Requirements & Tips

To succeed in your scholarship application, you must provide the necessary documents. These include official transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and references. For a full list of required paperwork, read our guide on application documents.

Tips to Strengthen Your Application:

Highlight achievements such as high academic grades, extracurricular activities, and leadership roles.
Craft a personal statement that showcases your unique story.
Meet eligibility criteria by preparing all required documents ahead of time.
Submit your application well before the deadline.