The best scholarships to study in the UK for international students include Chevening, Commonwealth Scholarships, GREAT Scholarships, Rhodes, Gates Cambridge and university-specific awards. Some cover tuition fees and living costs, while others provide partial tuition support. The right option depends on your nationality, degree level, academic record, work experience and chosen university. For the 2027 entry, several major programmes have published timelines, making early preparation especially important.
Best UK Scholarships for International Students in 2027
International students have several routes to UK scholarship funding. Government-backed programmes are often the most comprehensive, while university scholarships can be a better fit for students applying to a particular institution or subject.
| Scholarship | Study level | Main funding | Best suited for |
| Chevening | Master’s | Fully funded | Emerging professionals and future leaders |
| Commonwealth Scholarships | Master’s, PhD and other postgraduate routes | Varies by programme | Students from eligible Commonwealth countries |
| GREAT Scholarships | One-year taught postgraduate | £10,000 toward tuition | Students from selected countries |
| Rhodes Scholarship | Postgraduate | Fully funded | Outstanding applicants to Oxford |
| Gates Cambridge | Postgraduate | Full-cost funding | International applicants to Cambridge |
| Imperial Inspires | Undergraduate and selected postgraduate | £15,000 per year | International students applying to Imperial |
| UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship | Undergraduate | Full or partial tuition; selected awards include maintenance | Students with financial need |
If you’re still comparing funding options outside the UK, it can help to review the Best Countries for Fully Funded Scholarships in 2027 before deciding where to apply. This gives students a broader view of scholarship opportunities across different study destinations.
The availability, value and eligibility of university awards can change from one academic year to another, so applicants should check the specific university funding page before relying on an award.
1. Chevening Scholarship
The Chevening Scholarship is one of the most well-known UK government scholarships for international students. It supports one-year Master’s study at a UK university and provides full financial support for successful scholars. Applicants are assessed on factors including leadership potential, influence and their plans for the future.
A key requirement is eligible professional experience. Applicants for a Chevening Scholarship need at least two years of eligible work experience. The programme is therefore particularly suitable for graduates who already have professional, voluntary or other qualifying experience rather than students applying directly after university.
For the 2027–28 cycle, applications opened in August 2026. Deadlines vary by country information, so applicants should check the official Chevening schedule for their country before preparing their submission.
2. Commonwealth Scholarships
Commonwealth Scholarships are another major option for students from eligible Commonwealth countries. Different Commonwealth programmes support different types of postgraduate study, so students shouldn’t assume that every award has identical requirements or funding.
For example, Commonwealth Shared Scholarships support selected one-year Master’s courses at participating UK universities. The scholarship can cover approved tuition fees, airfare and a living allowance. The 2027/28 Commonwealth Shared Scholarship programme is expected to open candidate applications in early November 2026 and close around mid-December 2026, although applicants should confirm the final dates when published.
Academic qualifications, nationality, residence and financial circumstances can all matter. For the 2027/28 Shared Scholarship cycle, eligible applicants are expected to hold at least an upper-second-class degree or an appropriate lower-second-class degree with a relevant postgraduate qualification.
3. GREAT Scholarships
For students looking for a tuition contribution rather than a completely funded award, GREAT Scholarships are worth checking. The British Council says the programme offers £10,000 toward tuition fees for eligible one-year taught postgraduate courses.
For 2026–27, more than 140 scholarships were available across over 60 UK universities, covering England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Eligible nationalities include Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nigeria, China, Turkey and several other countries.
The scholarship isn’t available to students from every country, and participating universities and eligible courses differ by location. Applicants should therefore check the country-specific GREAT Scholarship information before applying.
4. Rhodes Scholarship at Oxford
The Rhodes Scholarship is a fully funded postgraduate scholarship for study at the University of Oxford. It normally supports two years of postgraduate study, although funding arrangements can vary for certain academic pathways.
For the 2026–27 academic year, Rhodes provides an annual stipend of £21,060, in addition to covering Oxford course fees. The Trust also covers the UK student visa and International Health Surcharge and provides flights at the beginning and end of the scholarship period.
Rhodes applications are organised through different constituencies based on nationality and residency. For example, the 2027 Pakistan scholarship has its own eligibility requirements and application timeline. Applicants should check their relevant Rhodes constituency rather than using a general eligibility checklist.
5. Gates Cambridge Scholarship
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is designed for students from outside the UK who want to pursue eligible postgraduate degrees at the University of Cambridge. It is among the strongest funding options for international postgraduate applicants because it can provide full-cost support.
For 2027/28, Cambridge’s funding information lists Gates Cambridge awards for eligible international applicants, with funding that can cover fees, maintenance and other approved costs. Cambridge notes that its main funding deadlines for 2027/28 include December 2026 and January 2027, depending on the course and funding route.
Students should apply early because funding consideration is connected to course application deadlines. Cambridge specifically advises applicants to check the deadline for their chosen course rather than relying on one university-wide date.
6. Imperial Inspires Scholarships
International students applying to Imperial College London can also consider the Imperial Inspires Scholarships. For 2027 entry, Imperial says it plans to offer at least 300 awards worth £15,000 per year to international students paying the Overseas tuition rate.
The awards apply to eligible full-time undergraduate courses and selected postgraduate taught courses in areas including Engineering, Natural Sciences, Medicine and Imperial Business School. Students first need to submit their university application and may then be invited to complete an additional scholarship essay where applicable.
This makes Imperial Inspires particularly relevant for students who already have Imperial on their university shortlist.
7. UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship
Students applying for undergraduate study should also look beyond postgraduate awards. The UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship is intended for international students from low-income backgrounds who want to pursue a full-time undergraduate degree at University College London.
For the 2026/27 cycle, UCL listed awards covering full tuition fees, with some scholarships also providing a maintenance allowance and support for certain additional costs. Eligibility includes overseas fee status and financial need.
Because undergraduate scholarship availability differs significantly from postgraduate funding, students should search their chosen university’s funding database as soon as they decide on a course.
How to Choose the Right UK Scholarship
The best scholarship isn’t necessarily the one with the largest award. Start by matching your degree level, nationality and course with the scholarship’s eligibility rules. Then check whether the award covers tuition only or also includes accommodation, living expenses, travel, visa costs and health-related charges.
If you’re specifically looking for complete financial support, our guide on How to Find Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students can help you identify scholarship programmes and search methods beyond individual UK awards.
It’s also important to separate university admission from scholarship selection. Some awards require you to have applied for a university course first, while others have a separate scholarship application. Rhodes, for example, has a scholarship process separate from Oxford admission, and successful candidates still need to gain admission to Oxford.
For 2027 entry, make a simple deadline calendar covering both university applications and scholarship applications. Missing the funding deadline can mean losing consideration even when your academic application is strong.
How to Apply for UK Scholarships
A strong scholarship application usually starts well before the deadline. First, choose suitable courses and confirm that you meet the academic and nationality requirements. Then prepare your academic records, CV, references, personal statements, proof of work experience where required and other supporting documents.
Your application should explain why you need the scholarship, why the selected course makes sense for your goals and what you plan to do after completing your studies. Avoid copying generic statements between applications. Each scholarship has its own selection criteria, and your answers should address those criteria directly.
For students applying specifically for postgraduate funding, comparing different programmes through a guide to Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships for International Students can also help you find alternatives if a particular UK scholarship isn’t suitable.
UK Scholarships for Pakistani Students
Pakistani students have access to several important UK scholarship routes. Pakistan is included among the countries eligible for GREAT Scholarships, while Commonwealth programmes also include Pakistan among eligible Commonwealth countries for relevant awards.
Chevening is another major option for Pakistani professionals seeking a fully funded one-year Master’s degree. The UK government confirmed that the 2026–27 intake included fully funded Chevening opportunities for Pakistani applicants, while the 2027–28 cycle also opened in 2026.
Students from Pakistan should also check university-specific funding. Cambridge, for example, lists the Vicky Noon Cambridge Scholarship for Pakistani applicants at Master’s and, in some circumstances, PhD level.
Final Tips for Winning a UK Scholarship
Competition for major UK scholarships is high, so meeting the minimum eligibility requirements is only the starting point. Your application needs a clear academic purpose, credible experience where required, strong references and a convincing explanation of how your education connects with your future plans.
Don’t apply only to one scholarship. Build a shortlist based on your degree level, nationality, subject and financial needs. Check official websites regularly because deadlines, eligible courses and funding amounts can change between academic years.
Once you’ve secured admission and funding, you’ll also need to prepare for the immigration process. Our guide to UK Student Visa Requirements for International Students is useful at that stage because scholarship funding doesn’t automatically mean you meet every student visa requirement.
For 2027 entry, starting several months ahead can give you enough time to prepare documents, request references and improve your scholarship essays without rushing at the deadline.
FAQs
Which is the best fully funded scholarship in the UK for international students?
Chevening, Commonwealth Scholarships, Rhodes and Gates Cambridge are among the major fully funded options. The best choice depends on your nationality, degree level, course and eligibility.
Can international students get full scholarships in the UK?
Yes. Some UK scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses and other approved costs. However, many awards are partial, so applicants must check exactly what each scholarship pays for.
What is the best UK scholarship for Pakistani students?
Pakistani students can consider Chevening, Commonwealth Scholarships, GREAT Scholarships and selected university awards. Cambridge also offers country-specific funding such as the Vicky Noon Cambridge Scholarship.
When should I apply for UK scholarships for 2027?
You should start preparing well before the 2027 intake. Some major scholarship applications open months before university enrolment, and Cambridge’s main 2027/28 funding deadlines include December 2026 and January 2027 depending on the course.