by Studying in the UK is a dream for many students worldwide. The country’s prestigious universities, world-class education, and diverse culture make it a top destination for international learners. However, rising tuition fees, living costs, and international student charges often make this dream seem out of reach.
Fortunately, several UK universities offer fully funded scholarships for international students, covering tuition, living expenses, and sometimes even travel costs. Whether you’re from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, or Latin America, this guide will walk you through the best UK universities offering full scholarships and how you can apply successfully.
Top UK Universities with Full Scholarships for International Students
Here are 10+ leading UK universities where international students can pursue their studies completely free of cost:
1. University of Oxford – Reach Oxford Scholarships
Scholarship Name: Reach Oxford Scholarships
Coverage: Full tuition fees, return airfare, and living expenses
Eligibility: Students from low-income countries
Application Deadline: February (annually)
More Info: Oxford International Scholarships
The University of Oxford offers some of the most prestigious scholarships globally. The Reach Oxford Scholarships aim to support talented students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, enabling them to study at one of the world’s top universities without financial worries.
2. University of Cambridge – Gates Cambridge Scholarships
Scholarship Name: Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Coverage: Full tuition, visa costs, and maintenance allowance
Eligibility: Postgraduate international students
Founded By: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship empowers outstanding students who aim to address global challenges. It is one of the most competitive UK scholarships for postgraduate students.
3. Imperial College London – President’s PhD Scholarships
Coverage: Full tuition + £25,000 annual stipend
Eligible Levels: PhD applicants
Benefits: Access to advanced research labs and mentorship
More Info: Imperial Scholarships
If you’re passionate about STEM subjects, Imperial College London offers an exceptional opportunity to work on cutting-edge research with full financial support.
4. University of Edinburgh – Edinburgh Global Scholarships
Coverage: Full tuition + living allowance
Eligible Levels: Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD
Focus Areas: Humanities, Social Sciences, STEM
More Info: Edinburgh Global
The University of Edinburgh offers multiple fully funded scholarships, making it a top choice for international students pursuing academic excellence.
5. University of Warwick – Chancellor’s International Scholarships
Coverage: Full tuition + stipend (~£17,500/year)
Eligible Levels: PhD
Target Group: High-performing global students
More Info: Warwick Scholarships
A research-driven institution, Warwick University invests heavily in international talent by funding innovative PhD research projects.
6. University of Bristol – Think Big Scholarships
Coverage: Up to £20,000 + tuition fee reduction
Eligible Levels: Undergraduate & Postgraduate
Focus: Academic excellence and global outreach
More Info: Think Big Scholarships
The University of Bristol supports future leaders through its Think Big Scholarship, making world-class education accessible to outstanding students.
7. University of Nottingham – Developing Solutions Scholarships
Coverage: 100% tuition fees
Eligibility: International students from Africa, India, and Commonwealth countries
Programs: Master’s degrees
More Info: Nottingham Solutions
These scholarships are designed for students aiming to bring positive change to their home countries after completing their studies.
8. University of Sussex – Chancellor’s International Scholarships
Coverage: Full tuition + living expenses (select awards)
Eligible Applicants: Exceptional postgraduate students
Deadline: May (annually)
The University of Sussex is renowned for innovation and sustainability, offering generous scholarships for high-achieving international students.
9. London School of Economics (LSE) – Graduate Support Scheme
Coverage: Full tuition + maintenance grants
Focus Areas: Social Sciences, Politics, Law, Economics
Eligibility: International Master’s students
More Info: LSE GSS
As one of the world’s leading social sciences universities, LSE provides excellent funding to nurture future global changemakers.
10. University of Glasgow – International Leadership Scholarships
Coverage: Full tuition fees
Program Level: Postgraduate taught programs (Master’s)
Eligibility: High-achieving students globally
More Info: Glasgow Scholarships
The University of Glasgow supports global leaders of tomorrow by offering full scholarships for its prestigious postgraduate programs.
General Eligibility Criteria
Most UK full scholarships for international students require applicants to demonstrate:
Exceptional academic performance
Proven leadership skills
Financial need (for some programs)
A compelling personal statement
Strong recommendation letters
English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
Tips to Secure a Fully Funded UK Scholarship
1. Start Early – Apply 6–12 months before your course begins.
2. Customize Your Personal Statement – Align it with the scholarship’s mission.
3. Secure Strong References – Obtain recommendations from professors or employers.
4. Prepare English Test Results – Take IELTS or TOEFL in advance.
5. Track Everything – Use a spreadsheet to manage deadlines and documents.
Who Can Apply?
If you’re from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Latin America, or the Middle East, you’ll find numerous scholarships tailored for you.
The UK’s fully funded programs aim to promote global diversity, making them highly inclusive for applicants from developing countries.
Final Thoughts
Studying in the UK no longer has to be a financial burden. With numerous universities in the UK offering full scholarships for international students, you can pursue your academic goals debt-free while gaining access to world-class facilities and global career opportunities.
Start preparing today, and turn your study-abroad dream into reality.
