So, you’re thinking about studying for your master’s or PhD in the UK? That’s awesome! But let’s be real — tuition fees and living costs in the UK are not cheap, especially for international students. The good news? Postgraduate scholarships in the UK can be a total game changer.
In this article, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about postgraduate scholarships in the UK in a way that actually makes sense. No fancy jargon, just the real stuff.
🧠 What Even Is a Postgraduate Scholarship?
A postgraduate scholarship is basically free money given to you so you can study a master’s or doctoral (PhD) degree. You don’t have to pay it back — which is way better than loans.
Scholarships can cover:
Full tuition fees
Living expenses (rent, food, transport, etc.)
Travel costs
Research funding
Sometimes even flight tickets!
💸 Why Scholarships in the UK Are a Big Deal
The UK is one of the top countries for higher education, with world-famous unis like Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, and more. But it also means prices are high, especially for international students. A master’s degree can cost anywhere from £10,000 to £38,000 or more.
That’s where scholarships come in. They remove the stress of financial pressure so you can actually focus on studying (and enjoying life in the UK!).
🏆 Top Types of Postgraduate Scholarships in UK
Let’s look at the main categories:
1. Government Scholarships
These are offered by the UK government and are open to students from all over the world.
✅ Chevening Scholarships
For master’s degrees
Fully funded (covers tuition, living, flights)
Open to students from over 160 countries
Requires leadership potential + strong academic record
✅ Commonwealth Scholarships
For students from Commonwealth countries
Covers tuition, flights, and stipend
Available for both master’s and PhD degrees
✅ GREAT Scholarships
Available for students from specific countries (like China, India, Indonesia, etc.)
Funded jointly by UK universities and the British Council
Worth around £10,000 for master’s programs
2. University Scholarships
Many UK universities offer their own scholarships. Here are some examples:
🎓 University of Oxford – Clarendon Fund
For master’s and PhD students
Full tuition + generous living allowance
Super competitive, but totally worth it
🎓 University of Cambridge – Gates Cambridge Scholarships
Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Full funding for international students
Based on academic excellence, leadership, and social commitment
🎓 University of Edinburgh – Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships
For international PhD students
Covers part of tuition fees
🎓 Imperial College London – President’s PhD Scholarships
For outstanding PhD candidates
Covers tuition + living expenses
3. Private and External Scholarships
There are also scholarships from private organizations, charities, and foundations. Examples include:
Rotary Foundation Scholarships
British Council Women in STEM Scholarships
Inlaks Scholarships (for Indian students)
Fulbright Awards (for US students)
The Hornby Educational Trust (for English language teachers)
✈️ Who Can Apply?
Most postgraduate scholarships in the UK are open to:
International students (from outside the UK)
Students with a strong academic record
People who show leadership skills, community involvement, or research potential
People who are applying to a full-time postgraduate course (usually master’s or PhD)
📝 How to Apply for a Scholarship in the UK
The application process varies depending on the scholarship, but here’s a general idea:
Step 1: Research
Find out which scholarships you’re eligible for and what the deadlines are. Some deadlines are way before the course starts (like 6–12 months before).
Step 2: Prepare Your Docs
You’ll usually need:
University offer letter (or proof you applied)
Academic transcripts
Personal statement or motivation letter
Letters of recommendation
English language test (IELTS/TOEFL)
CV or resume
Step 3: Apply Online
Most scholarships have online portals where you upload your documents and submit your application.
Step 4: Interview (if needed)
Some scholarships, like Chevening, require an interview. Be ready to talk about your goals, leadership experience, and why you picked the UK.
⏰ When to Apply?
Most applications for September intake open between August and December of the previous year. So, if you want to start in September 2026, you should start applying in late 2025.
📍 Popular UK Universities That Offer Postgraduate Scholarships
Here’s a short list of UK universities that are super generous with scholarships:
University Scholarship Type
Oxford Clarendon, Reach Oxford
Cambridge Gates Cambridge, Cambridge Trust
Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarships
UCL (University College London) IOE Centenary Scholarships
University of Edinburgh Global Scholarships
University of Glasgow International Leadership Scholarships
University of Bristol Think Big Scholarships
⚡️ Pro Tips for Winning a Scholarship
Start early — the earlier you research and apply, the better.
Write a killer personal statement — make it honest and unique.
Get strong references — from teachers, professors, or mentors who know you well.
Show leadership and purpose — scholarship bodies love people who want to make a difference.
Apply to more than one — don’t put all your hopes on a single scholarship.
🧩 What If You Don’t Get One?
No worries! There are still other ways to study in the UK:
Look for partial scholarships or bursaries
Apply for student loans (in some countries)
Try assistantships or part-time work while studying
Consider cheaper UK universities (like in Wales or Northern England)
❓ Questions & Answers: Postgraduate Scholarships in the UK
Q1: Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
Yes! As long as the rules don’t say otherwise, you can apply to multiple scholarships. In fact, it’s recommended.
Q2: Do I need an admission letter to apply for scholarships?
Usually yes, especially for university-specific scholarships. But for some government ones like Chevening, you can apply first and send the offer letter later.
Q3: Can I work while studying in the UK on a scholarship?
Yes, most student visas allow part-time work (up to 20 hours/week during term). But if your scholarship gives you enough money, you might not need to.
Q4: Do scholarships cover my family too?
Not always. Most scholarships only cover you, the student. If you’re bringing dependents (like your spouse or kids), you’ll need to budget for them separately.
Q5: How competitive are these scholarships?
Very competitive. Thousands of students apply, so it’s important to stand out with strong academics, leadership skills, and a compelling story.
🎯 Final Words
Postgraduate scholarships in the UK are life-changing opportunities — not just because they save you money, but because they open doors to world-class education, global networks, and amazing career paths.
If you’ve got big dreams and the drive to make them happen, start applying now. Your scholarship could be the first step to an epic future.