Pursuing higher education in the UK can be an exciting and enriching experience for international students, but the financial burden associated with tuition fees and accommodation costs often poses a significant challenge to many students and often deters them from choosing to study in the UK. Fortunately, the UK government offers a wide range of scholarships and funding to students from a large number of countries. aimed at helping students mitigate some of these costs.
This blog post aims to provide an overview of global scholarships available for postgraduate study in the UK.
Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan
As the name suggests, the Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowship Plan offers financial assistance for master’s and doctoral courses. It is available for in person study in the UK and also distance learning. It also covers academic, professional and medical fellowships.
Aimed at providing financial assistance to talented individuals who have the potential to make a significant impact and contribution in their field of study. The Commonwealth Scholarship Secretariat offers hundreds of awards for professional development and postgraduate study every year. Further information on how to apply for the scholarship from your country can be found on their website Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK – GOV.UK.
There are several universities in the UK offering financial assistance under the Commonwealth Scholarship scheme by contributing 20% of the overseas tuition fees for international students. There are offices in most Commonwealth countries so students are encouraged to contact the Commonwealth & Development Office or the Commonwealth Scholarship Secretariat in their country or the British Council for information on how to apply. Information on UK Universities signed up to the Commonwealth Scholarship can be found via UK universities – Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK.
Information on applying for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships is available on the Commonwealth website via this link Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships – Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK. Students from Commonwealth countries interested in pursuing Doctorate degrees can find information on the application process via Commonwealth PhD Scholarships – Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK
GREAT Scholarships
This is a scholarship scheme awarded by some UK universities. It is jointly funded by the British Council and the UK university across a variety of subjects. It offers financial support of a minimum of £10,000 to students from 18 countries pursuing a one-year (fulltime) postgraduate study in the UK. There are currently over 70 universities across the United Kingdom offering this scholarship scheme. Information on eligible countries can be found via GREAT Scholarships | Study UK
Program-Specific Scholarships
Some scholarships are tied to specific programs or fields of study. For example, a university may offer partial funding for students enrolled in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) programs. The British Council Scholarships for women in STEM is one such scholarship for women from Americas, South Asia and South East Asia studying postgraduate degrees in STEM. There are currently 19 universities in the UK offering this scholarship British Council Women in STEM scholarships | British Council
Country- Specific Scholarships
As the name suggests these scholarship schemes are offered by a specific country to support student nationals from that county to study in the UK. An example is the Marshall Scholarship which is for American students to pursue Masters and Doctoral courses at any university in the UK. Please visit their website on information on eligibility and the application process Home – Marshall Scholarships
The Scholarship Application Process
Applying for scholarships typically involves several steps:
- Research – Students need to identify available scholarships that align with their personal circumstances and academic aspirations.
- Documentation – Applicants may be required to submit various documents, including academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statements outlining their motivations and goals.
- Deadlines- It is crucial to note the application deadlines for each scholarship, as missing these dates can result in losing the opportunity for funding.
- Interviews and Additional Requirements -Some scholarships may require interviews or additional assessments to determine the suitability of the candidate.
Conclusion
Scholarships for international students in the UK represent a valuable resource that can significantly enhance the educational experience. Students are encouraged to explore the wide array of options available and take advantage of the support offered by universities and organizations alike. By doing so, they can make their aspirations of studying in the UK a reality.
For more information on specific scholarships, please contact us for a free initial consultation to discuss how we can help you with your application process and obtaining a scholarship