Till a few years ago, studying abroad seemed like a distant dream to a majority of students. However, now, with governments, educational institutions, private agencies, and banks backing up with the financial support you need, you barely have an excuse not to fly overseas to pursue your dream degree.

The United Kingdom, a famous study abroad destination, hosts millions of students from different countries in a variety of courses. Besides the world-class teaching facilities and friendly neighbours, the UK also funds education through different bodies. We are here to give a glimpse into some of the best scholarship options available in the UK for an international student.

Scholarships funded by the UK Government

1.    Chevening Scholarship

Funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the UK Government, Chevening scholarships are available for students from over 160 countries around the globe. Every year, 1000 students avail the scholarship to pursue a Master’s degree in prestigious Universities around the UK. You need the equivalent of an honours degree to apply and will be selected based on screening of application followed by an interview. The grant covers the tuition fees and living costs like the rent of your student apartment in Sheffield. The application typically opens in August and closes around October.

2.    Commonwealth Scholarship

With eight different types of scholarships spread across postgraduation and research studies, Commonwealth scholarship is awarded to students from the Commonwealth countries. Students with impressive academic record and excellent leadership quality get the financial support for studying and living in the UK. The applicants must have an honours degree and postgraduate degree to enrol in the masters and PhD programs, respectively. The scholarship supports research in a wide range of domains like science and technology, global security and peace, health and medicine, crisis management and international prosperity. The deadline for the application falls in January.

3.    GREAT Scholarship

Most Asian students coming to the UK apply for GREAT scholarship for supporting their postgraduate studies. A total of 103 scholarships, each worth £10,000, are awarded to students from 13 countries. It covers the full tuition fees for a one-year postgraduate program and the first-year tuition fees for a 2-year master’s degree. The application is open throughout the year. The applicants need to produce their academic transcripts and language test scores like IELTS/TOEFL. You can find more information regarding the requirements and eligibility criteria on the official website of the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).

Scholarships offered by the UK Universities

1.    Gates Cambridge Scholarship

The University of Cambridge offers 225 scholarships covering all the costs of studying in the UK, from tuition fees to private student accommodation in Coventry and other cities. The applicants can be from any of the 50 countries eligible for the same. Two-thirds of this scholarship is awarded to highly motivated research scholars who can make an impact via their work. Along with academic performance, social responsibility and teamwork capability are deciding factors in the screening process. It covers the cost of moving, immigration and educational expenses.

2.    Rhodes Scholarship

Started in 1902, the oldest Rhodes Scholarship is funded by the University of Oxford for postgraduate studies in the prestigious institute. Every year 100 awards are given to students from the eligible 60 countries. Not everyone can apply for this indigenous grant; only those nominated by their Universities above the CGPA of 3.7/4 stand a chance to submit the form. The scholarship extends to the third year if the student enrols for research studies in the same University.

Scholarships offered by agencies

1.    Euraxess UK

Euraxess is a funding agency managed by the British Council operating for providing financial support and job opportunities for researchers in any field of study. It is not solely for the international students; the UK national who intends to take up research in other countries are also encouraged to apply. With the aim of expanding the research and development industry, Euraxess caters to both PhD and post-doctoral fellowships. The online portal is regularly updated with the latest information on research openings and funding opportunities.

2.    CastleSmart Scholarship

You don’t have to wait till you get a Bachelor’s degree to accomplish your dream of studying abroad. With most government and non-government bodies offering scholarships for postgraduation, CastleSmart is one of the most competitive grants for undergraduate students hailing to the UK from different parts of the world. Funded by the real estate agent SmartCastle, the scholarship covers costs up to £6000 every year. Applicants must submit a video explaining the details, expectation and benefit of the course applied for.

How can Amberstudent help you?

We at AmberStudent are devoted to giving you the best experience and option for student accommodation worldwide because we apprehend its value. We have upgraded ourselves continuously with the COVID policies and would be more than eager to assist you in those.

Author Bio:

Arya Antherjanam V (Content writing and SEO marketing intern at AmberStudent)

Arya Antherjanam V, a postgraduate in Physics, dropped her research studies to take up writing full time. A content writer by day, a poet by night, and a performer on weekends,  she believes that conversations can change the world. A member of different poetry communities and co-author of a couple of anthologies, she intends to impart light and hope through her words.