Undergraduate Scholarships in UK for International Students

Introduction

The United Kingdom has always been one of the most preferred destinations for international students. Apply for fully funded scholarships here. With its world-class universities, innovative academic culture, and strong global reputation, the UK offers countless opportunities to build a successful future. Yet, the cost of studying abroad can be high, which is why many universities in the UK offer undergraduate scholarships to support bright and talented students from around the world.

These scholarships help reduce financial burdens and open doors to academic and professional growth. Whether you’re pursuing engineering, business, law, medicine, or the arts, there are numerous scholarships available for international students seeking to study in the UK.

In this post, we will explore the top Undergraduate Scholarships in  UK for International Students, along with their eligibility criteria, benefits, and application steps.

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Scholarship Summary

Here’s a quick overview of some leading undergraduate scholarships currently available for international students in the UK:

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1. Cardiff University Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship

Cardiff University, one of the UK’s top research institutions, offers the Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship to reward international students with exceptional academic achievements.

Benefits:

• Partial tuition fee reduction

• Recognition for outstanding academic performance

• Available for most undergraduate courses beginning Autumn 2025

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be an international (non-EU) student

• Hold an offer for an eligible undergraduate course

• Achieve strong academic results (equivalent to AAB at A-levels)

Deadline: April 4, 2025 (UK Time)

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2. University of Sheffield International Undergraduate Scholarship

The University of Sheffield offers numerous scholarships to support talented students from around the world. These awards are designed to attract academically strong and motivated individuals.

Scholarship Benefits:

• £10,000 per year for outstanding students

• Automatic consideration for many courses

• Renewable for up to 3 years based on GPA

Eligibility:

• Must hold an offer for an undergraduate program starting in 2025

• International fee-paying status

• Excellent academic background

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3. University of Exeter Global Excellence Scholarship

The University of Exeter awards the Global Excellence Scholarship to exceptional students demonstrating academic merit and leadership potential.

Coverage:

• Awards between £5,000 to £10,000

• Applicable to a wide range of undergraduate subjects

• Designed to attract top international students

Eligibility:

• Must pay international tuition fees

• Hold a conditional or unconditional offer at Exeter

• Demonstrate academic excellence in prior studies

Application Period: Opens early 2025; closes March to May, depending on the program.

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4. University of Birmingham Global Scholarship

The University of Birmingham offers generous scholarships for international students entering undergraduate programs.

Scholarship Benefits:

• Tuition reduction of £2,500 – £10,000

• Open across multiple disciplines

• Encourages academic excellence and leadership

Eligibility:

• Must be classified as an international student

• Hold a valid offer letter for the 2025 entry

• Meet the program’s grade and language requirements

Deadline: Expected by May 2025

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5. University of Westminster International Scholarships

The University of Westminster provides one of the most diverse and prestigious sets of scholarships for international students. These awards recognize both academic achievement and financial need.

Coverage:

• Full or partial tuition funding

• Living expenses for fully funded awards

• Access to university mentoring and career support

Eligibility:

• Must be from a developing or middle-income country

• Hold an offer for an undergraduate program

• Demonstrate financial need and leadership skills

Deadline: Between April and June 2025

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Scholarship Coverage

Most Undergraduate Scholarships in UK provide one or more of the following benefits:

• Full or partial tuition fee waiver

• Annual stipend for living costs (for selected awards)

• Accommodation or housing allowance

• Research and mentorship opportunities

• Free access to academic and networking resources

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How to Apply for Undergraduate Scholarships in UK (Part 1)

Applying for a UK scholarship requires planning and attention to detail. Below are the first three essential steps every student should follow:

Step 1: Research Eligible Universities and Programs

Begin by identifying the universities that offer scholarships for your chosen field of study. Visit each university’s “International Students” or “Scholarships & Funding” page to confirm:

• The types of scholarships available (merit-based, need-based, or country-specific)

• Course eligibility and entry requirements

• Annual deadlines and terms of renewal

Step 2: Prepare Core Documents

Before applying, make sure you have the following essential documents ready:

• Academic transcripts from high school or equivalent qualification

• English language test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)

• Statement of Purpose (SOP) explaining why you deserve the scholarship

• Letters of recommendation from teachers or academic mentors

• Valid passport and proof of nationality

Step 3: Apply for University Admission

Most scholarships in the UK require that you first hold an offer from a university. Apply for your desired undergraduate program through:

• The UCAS platform (for multiple universities)

• Direct university application portals (for specific institutions)

Once you receive an offer letter, you’ll become eligible to apply for their internal scholarships.

Continuation – How to Apply for Scholarships (Steps 4 to 6)

In the previous section, we discussed the first three key steps — researching universities, preparing documents, and applying for admission. Let’s continue with the next steps to complete your scholarship application journey.

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Step 4: Apply for Scholarships Separately (If Required)

Once you have received a conditional or unconditional offer from a UK university, it’s time to apply for scholarships.

• Some scholarships are automatically considered when you apply for admission (like Sheffield’s Merit Scholarship).

• Others require a separate online application form, which may include essays, personal statements, or proof of extracurricular achievements.

📌 Tip: Always double-check deadlines — most UK undergraduate scholarships close between March and June each year. Submit early to avoid technical or documentation delays.

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Step 5: Prepare for an Interview or Assessment (If Applicable)

Certain highly competitive scholarships, such as government-funded or leadership-based awards, may include interviews.
During this step:

• Be prepared to discuss your academic achievements, leadership experience, and goals.

• Practice answering questions about your motivation to study in the UK and how you plan to use your education to benefit your home country.

A confident and well-prepared response can significantly increase your chances of success.

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Step 6: Await Results and Confirm Acceptance

After submitting your application, universities and funding organizations will review all entries carefully.

• Results are typically announced a few weeks after the deadline.

• If selected, you’ll receive an official scholarship offer letter.

• Once you accept it, follow the university’s instructions regarding visa processing, accommodation, and arrival.

Make sure to thank the scholarship committee — a professional gesture that leaves a lasting impression.

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Government and National Scholarships for International Students

In addition to university-based funding, several UK government and global programs offer fully or partially funded scholarships to support international undergraduates. Below are the most popular ones.

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1. Chevening Scholarships (UK Government Program)

The Chevening Scholarship, funded by the UK government, is one of the world’s most prestigious awards. Although it primarily supports postgraduate students, in some cases, partner universities and affiliated organizations offer pathways or joint undergraduate opportunities under similar merit schemes.

Benefits:

• Full tuition fee coverage

• Monthly living stipend

• Travel costs to and from the UK

• Access to exclusive Chevening networking events

Eligibility:

• Exceptional academic performance

• Leadership qualities and community engagement

• Strong English communication skills

Application Period: September to November (for the next academic year)

Even if you are applying for undergraduate studies, checking Chevening partner universities is beneficial, as many offer related merit-based awards for bachelor’s students.

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2. GREAT Scholarships (UK Government & British Council)

The GREAT Scholarship Program is a collaboration between the UK Government and the British Council. It supports students from select countries to study in the UK. While most GREAT scholarships are for postgraduate levels, several universities also extend GREAT Undergraduate Awards through their own funding pools.

Coverage:

• Financial support worth up to £10,000

• Access to high-ranked UK universities

• Recognition for academic and leadership achievements

Eligibility:

• Citizen of a country eligible for the GREAT initiative

• Offer holder for an eligible UK undergraduate course

• Proven academic excellence

Deadline: Varies by university, usually between April–June.

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3. Commonwealth Undergraduate Scholarships

The Commonwealth Scholarships aim to help students from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries pursue higher education in the UK. Though the program mostly funds postgraduate degrees, some Commonwealth-affiliated universities offer undergraduate opportunities under specific streams.

Benefits:

• Full tuition and examination fees

• Monthly living allowance

• Travel and thesis grants

• Access to academic mentorship programs

Eligibility:

• Must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country

• Strong academic record and community involvement

• Financial need-based consideration

Application Period: October to December (check official site for updates)

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4. Rhodes Trust Undergraduate Pathway (University of Oxford)

The Rhodes Trust, based at the University of Oxford, is world-renowned for its postgraduate scholarships. However, several Oxford colleges now offer undergraduate funding extensions for outstanding students from low-income countries who demonstrate leadership, service, and academic excellence.

Coverage:

• Tuition fee support

• Living stipend

• Research and mentorship opportunities

Eligibility:

• High academic achievement

• Strong moral character and leadership qualities

• Must be applying to Oxford undergraduate programs

Deadline: Early January (for autumn entry)

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Additional UK Universities Offering Undergraduate Scholarships

Besides those mentioned earlier, here are a few more UK universities currently offering undergraduate funding for international students:

Each university has its own set of eligibility requirements and timelines, so always verify official pages before applying.

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Tips for Increasing Your Chances of Success

Winning an Undergraduate Scholarship in the UK can be competitive. Here are some expert tips to help you stand out:

1. Start Early: Begin researching at least 6–8 months before the academic year starts.

2. Maintain Strong Grades: Academic excellence is the foundation for most scholarships.

3. Write a Powerful Personal Statement: Showcase your goals, achievements, and how studying in the UK aligns with your aspirations.

4. Highlight Leadership and Volunteering: Scholarships often value community impact as much as academics.

5. Apply to Multiple Scholarships: Don’t limit yourself — apply to as many eligible options as possible.

6. Stay Organized: Track application deadlines, required documents, and references.

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Conclusion

Studying in the UK is a life-changing experience that combines academic excellence, cultural diversity, and career opportunities. With the availability of numerous Undergraduate Scholarships in the UK, deserving students from across the globe can now achieve their dreams without financial strain.

Whether you aim to study at Cardiff, Sheffield, Exeter, or Westminster, or apply for government-funded awards like GREAT and Commonwealth, there’s a scholarship tailored to your profile.

Start preparing your documents, check each university’s requirements, and submit your application early — your UK study journey could begin sooner than you think!

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Official Undergraduate Scholarships in UK Website

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