Do you want to study abroad with UK visa sponsorship? Make sure you read this guide till the end to have a better understanding of how it works and how you can apply.
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The United Kingdom remains one of the most popular destinations for international students seeking quality higher education, internationally recognised qualifications and access to leading universities. Institutions such as the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London and the University of Edinburgh attract students from across the world because of their academic reputation, research opportunities and global career prospects.
However, studying in the UK can be expensive for international students. Tuition fees for overseas students can reach tens of thousands of pounds annually, depending on the university and course. Students must also consider accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, visa expenses, and other living costs.
Fortunately, several UK universities, government programmes and international foundations offer fully funded scholarships to outstanding students from different countries. These awards can cover tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, travel costs and other essential expenses associated with studying in the UK.
Some scholarships are available to undergraduate students, while others target master’s students, doctoral researchers and young professionals with leadership potential.
Best fully funded scholarships in UK for international students
1. Chevening Scholarships
Study Level: Master’s Degree
Scholarship Location: Universities across the United Kingdom
Funding: Tuition fees, monthly living allowance, return airfare, visa application costs and additional allowances.
The Chevening Scholarship is one of the UK’s most recognised international scholarship programmes. Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and partner organisations, it supports outstanding individuals who demonstrate leadership potential, professional experience and a commitment to making a positive contribution to their home countries.
The scholarship is designed for students pursuing eligible one-year taught master’s programmes at UK universities. Its comprehensive financial package covers approved tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, economy-class return travel, an arrival allowance, a departure allowance and the cost of the scholar’s visa application. It also provides a contribution towards tuberculosis testing where required and certain travel-related expenses. The monthly stipend is adjusted according to whether the scholar studies in London or elsewhere in the UK.
Chevening is not simply an academic scholarship. Applicants must demonstrate leadership, influence and a clear vision for contributing to their country after completing their studies. Candidates must also have at least 2,800 hours of work experience acquired after completing their undergraduate degree and commit to returning to their home country for at least two years after the scholarship.
Applications for the 2027/2028 Chevening Scholarship cycle have closed. Interested candidates can prepare for the next application cycle.
2. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
Study Level: Master’s Degree
Scholarship Location: Participating universities across the United Kingdom
Funding: Full tuition fees, monthly living allowance, return airfare and approved additional allowances.
The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship is a UK government-funded opportunity designed to support talented individuals from eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries. The programme aims to develop skilled professionals and future leaders who can contribute to sustainable development in their home countries.
The scholarship supports eligible full-time taught master’s programmes at participating UK universities. Its financial package covers the full approved tuition fees, return economy airfare between the scholar’s home country and the UK, and a monthly living allowance. Scholars may also receive a study travel grant and other approved allowances. The published maintenance rates are £1,712 per month for students outside London and £2,000 per month for students studying in the London metropolitan area, although rates may be reviewed.
Applicants are generally expected to hold a strong first degree, usually equivalent to a UK upper second-class honours degree. Candidates with a lower second-class degree may also qualify if they hold a relevant postgraduate qualification. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and explain how their proposed studies will contribute to development in their home countries.
The scholarship is offered across six development themes, including science and technology, population health, innovation and entrepreneurship, peace and governance, resilience, and access and inclusion. Applications for the 2027/2028 cycle closed on October 20, 2026.
3. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
Study Level: Master’s Degree
Scholarship Location: Participating UK universities
Funding: Full tuition fees, return airfare, monthly living allowance and approved additional allowances.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are another major funding opportunity for international students from eligible Commonwealth countries. Unlike some scholarship programmes that are awarded directly through national nominating agencies, Shared Scholarships are jointly supported by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and participating UK universities.
The programme is designed for talented students who have the academic ability to pursue postgraduate education but would not otherwise be able to afford studying in the UK. It focuses on master’s programmes that have clear development benefits for eligible countries. The scholarships normally support one-year full-time master’s programmes.
Successful recipients receive full tuition coverage, approved return airfare and a monthly living allowance to support accommodation, food, transportation and other essential expenses. Scholars may also receive a warm clothing allowance, study travel grants and other approved support depending on their circumstances and the university’s arrangements. The living allowance is intended to cover necessary living costs during the scholarship period.
Applicants must also demonstrate that their proposed studies will contribute to the development of their home country. An important distinction is that candidates must select an eligible master’s course offered by a participating university. Not every master’s programme in the UK qualifies for this scholarship.
For the 2027/2028 academic year, applications opened on November 10, 2026, and the closing date is December 8, 2026. This makes the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship one of the most important opportunities to consider immediately for students targeting the 2027 intake.
4. Commonwealth PhD Scholarships
Study Level: PhD
Scholarship Location: Participating universities across the United Kingdom
Funding: Full tuition fees, monthly living allowance, return airfare, research-related travel and other approved allowances.
The Commonwealth PhD Scholarship is designed to support talented researchers from eligible Commonwealth countries who want to undertake doctoral studies in the UK. The programme focuses on research that can contribute to the development needs of participating countries, particularly in areas where additional academic and research capacity is required.
The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support for successful doctoral candidates. Its benefits include approved full tuition fees, return airfare between the scholar’s home country and the UK, and a monthly maintenance allowance. The current published maintenance rate is £1,712 per month for scholars outside London and £2,000 per month for those studying in the London metropolitan area. Recipients may also receive study travel grants, approved support for overseas fieldwork and other allowances under the scholarship’s conditions.
Applicants are expected to have strong academic qualifications and a clear research proposal demonstrating how their work can contribute to development in their home country. Candidates generally need a first degree equivalent to at least a UK upper second-class honours degree, or a lower second-class degree supported by a relevant postgraduate qualification.
The programme is particularly suitable for graduates who want to build careers in research, academia, science, technology, public health, agriculture, education and other development-related fields. Applications for the 2027/2028 cycle closed on October 20, 2026. Applicants should also note that the scholarship involves a nomination process, so prospective candidates must satisfy the requirements of an eligible nominating agency or organisation.
5. Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Study Level: Master’s Degree and PhD
Scholarship Location: University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England
Funding: Full university fees, annual maintenance allowance, return airfare, visa costs and additional academic support.
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the most prestigious international postgraduate scholarships available in the United Kingdom. Established through a major donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the programme supports exceptional students from countries outside the UK who want to pursue postgraduate education at the University of Cambridge.
The scholarship is designed to identify individuals with outstanding academic ability, leadership potential and a commitment to improving the lives of others. It supports eligible full-time postgraduate programmes across a wide range of academic disciplines. Successful candidates become part of an international community of scholars and gain access to academic, leadership and professional development opportunities.
The financial package covers the University of Cambridge’s full composition fee and provides an annual maintenance allowance for living expenses. Scholars also receive economy-class airfare at the beginning and end of their studies, visa application costs and the Immigration Health Surcharge. Additional support may be available for academic development, fieldwork and eligible dependent children. The overall value depends on the course duration and the scholar’s approved funding arrangements.
International applicants, can compete for the scholarship. Selection is based on four major considerations: academic excellence, reasons for choosing the course, a commitment to improving the lives of others and leadership potential. The scholarship is highly competitive, with approximately 55 awards available annually for international applicants.
For 2027 entry, applicants must meet the relevant University of Cambridge course and funding deadlines. These deadlines vary depending on the programme selected.
6. Rhodes Scholarship at the University of Oxford
Study Level: Postgraduate and Selected Professional Degrees
Scholarship Location: University of Oxford, Oxford, England
Funding: Full university fees, annual living stipend, return flights, visa costs and Immigration Health Surcharge.
The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the world’s most prestigious postgraduate scholarship programmes. It enables exceptional students from different countries to study at the University of Oxford while becoming part of an international community of scholars, researchers and future leaders.
The programme is merit-based and seeks individuals who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, integrity, commitment to service and the potential to contribute positively to society. Scholars can pursue eligible full-time postgraduate programmes across a wide range of academic disciplines at Oxford.
The scholarship covers Oxford University course fees and provides an annual stipend to support living expenses, including accommodation and other personal costs. It also covers the cost of the student visa and Immigration Health Surcharge, as well as two economy-class flights to and from the UK. Scholars receive a settling-in allowance and may access additional financial assistance for approved academic, research and travel activities.
The scholarship normally supports two years of postgraduate study, although the duration can vary depending on the academic programme. Certain doctoral pathways may receive funding for a longer period under specific conditions. Applications for the 2027 Oxford entry cycle have closed, with the next application cycle expected to open in 2027 for students seeking admission in 2028.
7. Clarendon Fund Scholarships at the University of Oxford
Study Level: Master’s Degree and PhD
Scholarship Location: University of Oxford, Oxford, England
Funding: Full course fees and an annual living-cost grant for the duration of the eligible programme.
The Clarendon Fund is one of the University of Oxford’s major graduate scholarship programmes. It supports academically outstanding students from around the world who demonstrate exceptional intellectual ability and strong potential to succeed in their chosen fields.
Unlike scholarships that focus primarily on leadership or professional experience, Clarendon places considerable emphasis on academic merit and future academic potential. It is available across a wide range of graduate subjects, making it relevant to applicants interested in humanities, sciences, engineering, social sciences, medicine and other disciplines.
Successful scholars receive full coverage of their course fees and an annual grant towards living expenses. The living-cost grant is intended to support students throughout their studies and is at least equivalent to the UKRI minimum doctoral stipend rate for eligible full-time scholars. For the 2025/2026 academic year, the published minimum was £20,780 annually. The amount is subject to review, and the applicable award should be confirmed for the relevant academic year.
Clarendon is open to applicants from all nationalities. Both master’s and doctoral candidates can be considered, provided they meet the academic and programme requirements. The scholarship is especially attractive because applicants who submit their graduate applications by the relevant December or January course deadline are normally considered automatically, without needing to submit a separate Clarendon scholarship application.
The fund offers around 200 new fully funded scholarships annually, although the number and availability of awards can vary. Students applying for 2027/2028 entry should pay close attention to the specific application deadline for their chosen Oxford programme.
8. Reach Oxford Scholarship
Study Level: Undergraduate
Scholarship Location: University of Oxford, Oxford, England
Funding: Full course fees, annual living-cost grant and one return airfare per year.
The Reach Oxford Scholarship is an important opportunity for academically exceptional students from low-income countries who want to pursue an undergraduate degree at the University of Oxford. The programme is intended for students who may be unable to access suitable university education in their home countries because of political, financial or educational circumstances.
The scholarship is particularly attractive because it provides comprehensive support for the major expenses associated with studying at Oxford. Successful recipients receive coverage of their course fees, a grant towards living expenses and one return airfare each year. Depending on the degree programme, the award can support students for three or four years.
Applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic ability and meet the admission requirements for their chosen Oxford undergraduate programme. Financial need and social commitment are also important considerations. The university gives particular attention to applicants who cannot study for a degree in their own countries and those who intend to return home after completing their education.
However, the award is extremely competitive, with only around two or three scholarships available each year. Applicants must first receive an offer of admission from Oxford before they can be considered for the scholarship. Medicine is excluded from the eligible course list.
Applications for 2027 entry are expected to follow the university’s published scholarship timetable, with the scholarship deadline set for January 26, 2027.
9. Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarships
Study Level: PhD
Scholarship Location: Imperial College London, London, England
Funding: Full tuition fees, £27,036 annual stipend and £2,000 annual research consumables allowance for the first three years.
The President’s PhD Scholarship is a prestigious doctoral funding opportunity offered by Imperial College London. It is designed for academically outstanding students who want to undertake advanced research at one of the UK’s leading science, engineering, medicine and business-focused universities.
The scholarship allows successful candidates to pursue a research project of their choice under the guidance of an academic supervisor. It is particularly attractive to students interested in scientific discovery, engineering innovation, medical research, computing, environmental studies and other research-intensive disciplines.
For the 2027/2028 academic year, the scholarship provides full tuition fee coverage and an annual living stipend of £27,036 for up to 3.5 years. Recipients also receive a research consumables allowance of £2,000 annually for the first three years of their studies. In addition to financial support, scholars participate in development activities and events designed to help them build relationships with other researchers and develop their academic careers.
The programme is open to applicants from around the world, with no nationality restrictions. Candidates are expected to demonstrate exceptional academic performance and strong research potential. Applicants must also have the support of an academic supervisor at Imperial College London who agrees to supervise their proposed research.
For the 2027/2028 academic year, Imperial has published several application and scholarship consideration deadlines, including January 11, 2027 and March 1, 2027. Applicants should check the requirements of their selected department because research supervision and departmental admission requirements are important parts of the process.
10. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh
Study Level: Master’s Degree and Selected Postgraduate Diplomas
Scholarship Location: University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
Funding: For eligible on-campus master’s awards, full approved tuition, accommodation, travel, living-cost stipend and study materials. Online awards provide full approved tuition and academic support.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh is an important opportunity for talented African students seeking postgraduate education in the UK. The programme is designed to support academically capable young people who have faced significant barriers to education and demonstrate leadership potential, community commitment and an interest in creating positive change across Africa.
The programme offers both on-campus and online postgraduate opportunities. For eligible on-campus master’s students, the scholarship provides full approved tuition fees, accommodation, travel expenses, a living-cost stipend and study materials. Scholars also participate in a climate leadership programme designed to develop their ability to contribute to environmental sustainability and positive change in their communities. Online scholarship recipients receive full approved tuition coverage, an academic stipend to support access to a laptop and reliable internet, and opportunities to participate in programme activities and an in-person gathering.
The scholarship is open to eligible citizens and international students. Applicants must generally have achieved the equivalent of a UK upper second-class undergraduate degree and demonstrate a record of leadership and community service. They must also have experienced significant barriers to education and show an interest in addressing the climate crisis. For the 2027/2028 academic year, applicants must be 35 or younger in the year the programme begins. The programme has specific eligible courses, so not every master’s degree at Edinburgh qualifies.
The 2027/2028 scholarship cycle has a special application process. Applicants were required to attend a mandatory virtual information session in September 2026 and complete an initial eligibility process before receiving an invitation to submit the main application. The main application deadline for invited candidates is November 19, 2026, at 5 pm UK time. This means the opportunity is still relevant to candidates who completed the required earlier stages and received an invitation.
Comparison of the 10 Best Fully Funded Scholarships in the UK
The table below provides a quick comparison of the scholarships, their academic levels and major financial benefits.
| Scholarship | Study Level | Main Funding Benefits |
| Chevening Scholarship | Master’s | Tuition, living stipend, return airfare and visa costs |
| Commonwealth Master’s | Master’s | Full tuition, living allowance and return airfare |
| Commonwealth Shared | Master’s | Full tuition, living allowance and return airfare |
| Commonwealth PhD | PhD | Full tuition, living allowance, airfare and research support |
| Gates Cambridge | Master’s and PhD | Full university fees, maintenance, travel and visa costs |
| Rhodes Scholarship | Postgraduate | Full course fees, living stipend, flights and visa costs |
| Clarendon Fund | Master’s and PhD | Full course fees and annual living-cost grant |
| Reach Oxford | Undergraduate | Course fees, living-cost grant and annual return airfare |
| Imperial President’s PhD | PhD | Full tuition, £27,036 annual stipend and research allowance |
| Mastercard Foundation at Edinburgh | Master’s and Postgraduate Diplomas | Funding varies by study mode; comprehensive on-campus support and full tuition for online awards |
All amounts are in British pounds (£). Scholarship benefits, eligibility requirements, award durations and renewal conditions vary. Some programmes provide comprehensive funding packages, while others have different arrangements depending on the course and study mode.
Important Information About UK Scholarships
International students should understand that not every scholarship advertised as fully funded covers the same expenses. Some scholarships cover tuition fees and living costs, while others also include flights, visa expenses, accommodation and additional academic support.
It is also important to distinguish between scholarships for undergraduate students and those intended for postgraduate applicants. For example, the Reach Oxford Scholarship is designed for undergraduate students, while Chevening and Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships are intended for postgraduate study.
Some scholarship programmes also have nationality restrictions. The Commonwealth scholarships are available only to applicants from eligible Commonwealth countries, while the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Edinburgh is specifically designed for eligible African students.
Another important consideration is the application timeline. Scholarships for the 2027/2028 academic year do not all follow the same deadlines. Some opportunities, including Chevening and the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship, have already closed for the 2027 intake. However, the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship has a December 8, 2026 deadline, while invited applicants to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Edinburgh have until November 19, 2026 to submit their main applications.
Students should also remember that receiving a scholarship and gaining admission to a university are sometimes separate processes. Some awards require applicants to secure university admission before scholarship consideration, while others allow candidates to apply for the scholarship first and complete the university admission process later.
Final Thoughts
The United Kingdom offers some of the world’s most prestigious and financially comprehensive scholarship opportunities for international students. From government-funded programmes such as Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships to university-based awards at Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London and the University of Edinburgh, there are opportunities for students at different academic levels.
Students with strong academic records and leadership experience should also consider competitive awards such as the Rhodes Scholarship, Gates Cambridge Scholarship and Clarendon Fund. Those interested in undergraduate education should pay particular attention to the Reach Oxford Scholarship.
The most effective approach is to identify scholarships that match your academic qualifications, intended course, nationality and career objectives. It is equally important to understand the actual financial coverage, eligibility requirements and application deadlines before making plans.
A fully funded scholarship can remove many of the financial barriers associated with studying abroad and provide access to world-class education, research opportunities and international professional networks. With careful preparation and the right choice of scholarship, studying in the United Kingdom can become a realistic opportunity for talented students from around the world.