Top 20 fully funded scholarships in the UK for international students 2025

Top 20 Fully Funded Scholarships in the UK for International Students 2025: Your Gateway to Academic Excellence

The United Kingdom, renowned for its prestigious universities, rich cultural heritage, and cutting-edge research, is a dream destination for international students. However, the cost of education in the UK can be a significant barrier. Fortunately, numerous fully funded scholarships are available to help talented individuals from across the globe pursue their academic aspirations without financial constraints. This article highlights the top 20 fully funded scholarship opportunities in the UK for international students commencing their studies in 2025. These scholarships cover tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, and sometimes even travel costs, making your dream of studying in the UK a reality.

Understanding Fully Funded Scholarships

Before diving into the list, it’s crucial to understand what constitutes a “fully funded” scholarship. Generally, a fully funded scholarship encompasses:

• Tuition Fees: Covers the entire cost of your academic program.
• Accommodation: Provides housing or an allowance for living expenses.
• Living Expenses: Offers a stipend to cover daily necessities such as food, transportation, and personal expenses.
• Travel Allowance: In some cases, the scholarship may include a one-time or recurring allowance for travel to and from your home country.
• Visa Costs: Occasionally, scholarship providers will cover visa application fees and associated expenses.

Important Note: Scholarship eligibility criteria, deadlines, and benefits can vary. Always refer to the official website of the scholarship provider for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Top 20 Fully Funded Scholarships in the UK for International Students (2025):

1. Rhodes Scholarship:

   • Description: The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the world’s most prestigious awards, offering exceptional students from around the world the opportunity to study at the University of Oxford.
   • Coverage: Tuition fees, a living stipend, airfare to and from Oxford, and other allowances.
   • Eligibility: Outstanding academic record, leadership potential, and a commitment to service.
   • Website: https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/

2. Chevening Scholarship:

   • Description: The Chevening Scholarship is the UK government’s global scholarship program, offering future leaders the opportunity to pursue master’s degrees at leading UK universities.
   • Coverage: Tuition fees, a living stipend, and airfare to and from the UK.
   • Eligibility: Strong academic record, leadership potential, and a clear career plan.
   • Website: https://www.chevening.org/

3. Commonwealth Scholarship:

   • Description: The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers scholarships and fellowships to talented individuals from Commonwealth countries to study in the UK.
   • Coverage: Tuition fees, a living stipend, airfare to and from the UK, and other allowances.
   • Eligibility: Citizens of Commonwealth countries with strong academic potential.
   • Website: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/

4. Gates Cambridge Scholarship:

   • Description: The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a highly competitive award that enables outstanding students from outside the UK to pursue postgraduate degrees at the University of Cambridge.
   • Coverage: Tuition fees, a maintenance allowance, airfare to and from Cambridge, and other allowances.
   • Eligibility: Exceptional academic achievements, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving the lives of others.
   • Website: https://www.gatescambridge.org/

5. Clarendon Scholarship at the University of Oxford:

   • Description: The Clarendon Scholarship offers fully funded opportunities to outstanding graduate applicants at the University of Oxford.
   • Coverage: Tuition fees and a generous grant for living expenses.
   • Eligibility: Outstanding academic record and potential.
   • Website: https://www.ox.ac.uk/clarendon

6. Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme:

   • Description: Offered at the University of Oxford, this program supports outstanding students from developing and emerging economies. It combines a fully funded scholarship with a leadership development program.
   • Coverage: Tuition fees and a grant for living costs.
   • Eligibility: Applicants must be applying to a graduate course at Oxford and demonstrate a commitment to public service.
   • Website: https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/fees-and-funding/fees-funding-and-scholarship-search/weidenfeld-hoffmann-scholarships-and-leadership-programme

7. University of Edinburgh Global Research Scholarship:

   • Description: Offers scholarships to outstanding international students undertaking PhD research at the University of Edinburgh.
   • Coverage: Full tuition fees and a maintenance allowance.
   • Eligibility: Open to international students of all nationalities pursuing PhD degrees at the University of Edinburgh.
   • Website: https://www.ed.ac.uk/student-funding/postgraduate/international/faculty-scholarships/global-research-scholarships

8. University of Manchester President’s Doctoral Scholar Awards:

   • Description: Prestigious awards for exceptional PhD candidates at the University of Manchester.
   • Coverage: Full tuition fees, a living stipend, and a research training support grant.
   • Eligibility: High academic achievement and research potential.
   • Website: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/doctoral-research/funding/presidents-doctoral-scholar-awards/

9. Bristol University Think Big Scholarships:

   • Description: Offers a range of scholarships for international students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at the University of Bristol.
   • Coverage: Varies depending on the specific scholarship, but often includes tuition fees and a contribution to living expenses.
   • Eligibility: Academic excellence and potential.
   • Website: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/students/support/finances/scholarships/

10. University of Nottingham Developing Solutions Scholarship:

    • Description: Targeted at students from Africa, India, and select Commonwealth countries, pursuing master’s degrees that contribute to development in their home countries.
    • Coverage: Full tuition fee waiver and a contribution towards living expenses.
    • Eligibility: Nationals of eligible countries undertaking specified master’s programs.
    • Website: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/scholarships/developing-solutions-masters-scholarships.aspx

11. University of Sheffield International Postgraduate Scholarship:

    • Description: Scholarships for international students pursuing postgraduate taught or research degrees at the University of Sheffield.
    • Coverage: Varies, but often covers full tuition fees and sometimes a stipend.
    • Eligibility: Excellent academic record and strong potential.
    • Website: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/international/fees-and-funding/scholarships

12. Queen Mary University of London Principal’s Postgraduate Scholarships:

    • Description: Scholarships for exceptional postgraduate students at Queen Mary University of London.
    • Coverage: Full tuition fees and a maintenance stipend.
    • Eligibility: Outstanding academic achievements and research potential.
    • Website: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/funding/search-funding/principals-postgraduate-scholarships/

13. King’s College London Graduate School Scholarship:

    • Description: Scholarships available across various departments at King’s College London for postgraduate research students.
    • Coverage: Full tuition fees and a maintenance stipend.
    • Eligibility: Excellent academic record and research proposal.
    • Website: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/funding/graduate-school-scholarships

14. University of Warwick Chancellor’s International Scholarships:

    • Description: Scholarships for outstanding international PhD candidates at the University of Warwick.
    • Coverage: Full tuition fees, a maintenance stipend, and research funding.
    • Eligibility: Excellent academic record and research potential.
    • Website: https://warwick.ac.uk/services/funding/scholarships/chancellorsinternational/

15. London School of Economics (LSE) Scholarships:

    • Description: LSE offers a variety of scholarships for international students, including the Graduate Support Scheme and departmental scholarships.
    • Coverage: Varies depending on the scholarship, but can cover full tuition fees and a living stipend.
    • Eligibility: Academic merit and financial need.
    • Website: https://www.lse.ac.uk/funding

16. SOAS University of London Scholarships:

    • Description: SOAS offers a range of scholarships for international students, with a focus on Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
    • Coverage: Varies depending on the scholarship, but can include full tuition fees and a maintenance allowance.
    • Eligibility: Academic merit and relevance of study to SOAS’s regional focus.
    • Website: https://www.soas.ac.uk/fees-funding/scholarships/

17. University of Glasgow International Leadership Scholarship:

    • Description: Scholarships for international students pursuing postgraduate taught programs who demonstrate leadership potential.
    • Coverage: Covers tuition fees.
    • Eligibility: Academic merit and demonstrated leadership skills.
    • Website: https://www.gla.ac.uk/scholarships/universityofglasgowinternationaleadershipscholarship/

18. University of Birmingham Scholarships:

    • Description: Offers a variety of scholarships for international students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
    • Coverage: Varies; some cover full tuition and maintenance.
    • Eligibility: Academic excellence and potential.
    • Website: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/International/fees/scholarships/index.aspx

19. University of Leeds Scholarships:

    • Description: Provides various scholarships for international students pursuing different programs.
    • Coverage: Varies by scholarship, potentially covering full tuition and maintenance.
    • Eligibility: Academic merit and specific program requirements.
    • Website: https://www.leeds.ac.uk/funding

20. UCL (University College London) Scholarships:

    • Description: UCL offers a variety of scholarships for international students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
    • Coverage: Varies; some cover full tuition and maintenance.
    • Eligibility: Academic excellence and financial need.
    • Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/scholarships/

Tips for Applying for Fully Funded Scholarships:

• Start Early: Begin your research and application process well in advance of the deadlines.
• Meet Eligibility Criteria: Ensure you meet all the eligibility requirements before applying.
• Craft a Strong Application: Tailor your application to each scholarship, highlighting your academic achievements, leadership skills, and commitment to your field.
• Proofread Carefully: Ensure your application is free of errors and grammatically sound.
• Seek Guidance: Consult with your university’s international student office or academic advisors for guidance on scholarship applications.

Conclusion

These top 20 fully funded scholarships offer incredible opportunities for international students to pursue their academic dreams in the UK. By researching these options thoroughly, preparing strong applications, and meeting all the eligibility requirements, you can significantly increase your chances of securing funding for your studies. Remember to always refer to the official website of each scholarship provider for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Good luck with your application process!