The United Kingdom is one of the most popular destinations for international students seeking world-class education and research opportunities. With its prestigious universities, diverse academic programs, and vibrant cultural environment, the UK attracts students from all over the globe. However, the cost of postgraduate education can be high, which is why finding the right postgraduate scholarships for international students in the UK 2025-2026 is essential. Scholarships such as the Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, Rhodes Scholarships, Gates Cambridge Scholarships, and Clarendon Scholarships at the University of Oxford provide financial support for tuition, living expenses, and research costs. These opportunities make it possible for talented students from countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas to pursue their academic ambitions and study at top UK universities.
Types of Postgraduate Scholarships
Some of the most common types of postgraduate scholarships for international students in the UK include:
- Government scholarships: These scholarships are funded by the UK government or by other government agencies.
- University scholarships: These scholarships are funded by individual universities.
- Foundation scholarships: These scholarships are funded by foundations or charities.
- Corporate scholarships: These scholarships are funded by businesses or corporations.
- Private scholarships: These scholarships are funded by individuals or families.
Top Postgraduate Scholarships for International Students in the UK
1. Chevening Scholarships
Overview: The Chevening Scholarship is the UK government’s flagship program, offering fully-funded postgraduate scholarships for international students from over 160 countries.
Eligibility: Applicants must have an undergraduate degree, demonstrate leadership potential, and plan to return to their home country after graduation.
Funding Coverage: Covers full tuition, living allowance, travel expenses, and additional allowances.
Additional Benefits: Networking with global leaders, mentoring programs, and access to Chevening alumni networks.
Deadline: November 2025.
2. Commonwealth Scholarships
Overview: Offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, these scholarships are aimed at students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries pursuing postgraduate studies in the UK.
Eligibility: Must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country with a strong academic record.
Funding Coverage: Full tuition fees, airfare, monthly stipend, and research-related costs.
Additional Benefits: Opportunity to gain international exposure and contribute to development in the home country.
Deadline: March 2026 (varies by country).
3. Rhodes Scholarships
Overview: One of the most prestigious scholarships in the world, the Rhodes Scholarship allows international students to study at the University of Oxford.
Eligibility: Open to exceptional students with outstanding academic achievements, leadership potential, and a commitment to community service.
Funding Coverage: Full tuition, living allowance, travel costs, and academic support.
Additional Benefits: Mentorship from Oxford faculty, participation in leadership programs, and networking with global scholars.
Deadline: October 2025 (varies by country).
4. Gates Cambridge Scholarships
Overview: Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, these scholarships are awarded to outstanding international postgraduate students at the University of Cambridge.
Eligibility: Open to international students with a strong academic record and leadership potential.
Funding Coverage: Full tuition fees, maintenance allowance (~£17,000/year), airfare, and research costs.
Additional Benefits: Global networking, mentorship, and access to academic workshops.
Deadline: December 2025.
5. Clarendon Scholarships
Overview: Fully-funded scholarships offered to international students for graduate study at Oxford University.
Eligibility: High academic merit and applying to a graduate program at Oxford.
Funding Coverage: Tuition fees and living expenses.
Additional Benefits: Access to Oxford’s academic resources, career development, and research networks.
Deadline: December 2025.
6. Imperial College London President’s Scholarships
Overview: These prestigious scholarships are offered to international postgraduate students pursuing full-time programs at Imperial College London.
Eligibility: Exceptional academic achievements and research potential.
Funding Coverage: Full tuition fees and competitive living allowance.
Additional Benefits: Mentorship, access to research facilities, and career networking opportunities.
Deadline: Varies by department; check Imperial College’s website.
7. University of Edinburgh Global Scholarships
Overview: Supports international students pursuing postgraduate study in various disciplines.
Eligibility: Non-EU international students with outstanding academic records.
Funding Coverage: Partial or full tuition fee waivers, depending on the program.
Additional Benefits: Access to research opportunities and international academic networks.
Deadline: January 2026.
8. London School of Economics (LSE) Graduate Support Scheme
Overview: Offers funding to international students enrolling in selected postgraduate programs.
Eligibility: Academic excellence and financial need.
Funding Coverage: Partial or full tuition support, depending on eligibility.
Additional Benefits: Access to LSE’s global alumni network and career services.
Deadline: February 2026.
9. University of Warwick Chancellor’s International Scholarships
Overview: Scholarships for outstanding international students pursuing postgraduate studies at Warwick University.
Eligibility: Academic excellence and research potential.
Funding Coverage: Full tuition fees and living allowance.
Additional Benefits: Mentorship and access to research facilities.
Deadline: January 2026.
10. King’s College London International Scholarships
Overview: Fully-funded scholarships for international students undertaking postgraduate degrees at King’s College London.
Eligibility: Exceptional academic record and leadership qualities.
Funding Coverage: Full tuition fees and living stipend.
Additional Benefits: Research opportunities, mentorship, and career development programs.
Deadline: Varies by program.
The following table lists some of the most popular postgraduate scholarships for international students in the UK for 2025:
| University | Program | Scholarship | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Cambridge | Master’s | Gates Cambridge Scholarship | £17,500 |
| University of Oxford | Master’s | Rhodes Scholarship | £14,000 |
| University of Oxford | PhD | Clarendon Scholarship | £18,000 |
| University College London | Master’s | Denys Holland Scholarship | £10,000 |
| Imperial College London | Master’s | Chevening Scholarship | £15,000 |
FAQs
Q1 What are the eligibility criteria for postgraduate scholarships in UK?
The eligibility criteria for postgraduate scholarships in UK vary depending on the scholarship. However, some common requirements include:
- A strong academic record
- IELTS or TOEFL scores
- A personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
- A research proposal (for PhD scholarships)
Q2 When do postgraduate scholarships in UK open for applications?
The application deadlines for postgraduate scholarships in UK vary depending on the scholarship. However, most scholarships open for applications in the fall or winter.
Q3 How do I apply for postgraduate scholarships in UK?
To apply for postgraduate scholarships in UK, you will need to follow the instructions on the scholarship website. Typically, you will need to submit an online application form, as well as supporting documents such as your academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
Q4 How do I find postgraduate scholarships in UK?
There are many ways to find postgraduate scholarships in UK. You can search online, contact individual universities, or attend scholarship fairs.
Q5 What are the benefits of studying in UK for postgraduate studies?
There are many benefits to studying in UK for postgraduate studies. These include:
- World-class universities
- High-quality programs
- Vibrant student life
- Prestigious degrees
- Strong employment prospects
Conclusion
There are many postgraduate scholarships available for international students in the UK. These scholarships can help you to cover the cost of your studies and to achieve your academic goals. I hope this article has been helpful. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask.