Ever dreamed of studying in the United Kingdom? Maybe you’ve seen the cool universities, the beautiful campuses, or maybe you’re just into British accents. Either way, if you’re from a developing country, there’s some good news: you might be able to study in the UK for free (or almost free) with the help of scholarships.
Sounds too good to be true? Nope, it’s very real. The UK is full of opportunities for international students, especially those from developing nations. In this guide, we’re going to break down the top UK scholarships for developing countries, how to apply, and how to make your dream of studying abroad come true — even if your wallet says otherwise.
Why Study in the UK?
Okay, first things first. Why even consider the UK?
🌍 Global Recognition: Degrees from UK universities are respected all around the world.
💼 Better Career Chances: Employers love grads from places like Oxford, Cambridge, and even lesser-known UK universities because the education is top-notch.
🎓 Top Education System: The UK has some of the best universities ever — think University College London, University of Edinburgh, and Imperial College.
🌆 Diverse Culture: You won’t feel out of place. People from every corner of the world study in the UK.
🧠 Scholarships Galore: Loads of scholarship programs are created specifically for people just like you.
Top UK Scholarships for Students from Developing Countries
Now let’s get into the juicy part — the actual scholarships. Here’s a list of the best UK scholarships that you can apply for if you’re from a developing country.
1. Chevening Scholarships
🧠 What is it?
Funded by the UK government, this is one of the most famous scholarships ever. It covers full tuition, monthly living expenses, flights, and even visa costs.
🌎 Who can apply?
Students from over 160 developing countries. You must have work experience (at least 2 years), a strong academic background, and leadership potential.
📅 When to apply?
Applications usually open in August and close by November every year.
💡 Pro Tip: Write killer essays — they’re super important for Chevening!
2. Commonwealth Scholarships
🎓 What is it?
Another major UK government scholarship, aimed specifically at students from Commonwealth countries (like India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and many more).
💰 What does it cover?
Full tuition, airfare, and a monthly stipend.
📚 For what courses?
Mostly Master’s and PhD programs.
👀 Eligibility?
You must be from a Commonwealth country, have good academic results, and show that you wouldn’t be able to afford studying in the UK without help.
3. GREAT Scholarships
💷 What is it?
Jointly funded by the UK government and UK universities. It’s like a partnership to help students from specific countries study in the UK.
🌐 Who’s eligible?
Citizens from countries like China, India, Indonesia, Turkey, Vietnam, and some African countries.
💰 What do you get?
Up to £10,000 towards your tuition fees for a one-year postgraduate course.
🎓 Courses?
Varies depending on the university.
4. University-Specific Scholarships
Did you know many UK universities have their own scholarships for international students?
Here are a few cool ones:
University of Westminster: Offers full scholarships for students from developing countries.
University of Edinburgh Global Scholarships: Aimed at international students with academic excellence.
Oxford Reach Scholarship: Full funding for undergraduates from low-income countries.
Clarendon Scholarships (University of Oxford): Covers tuition and living expenses for master’s or PhD students.
🔍 Tip: Always check the “international scholarships” page of the university you’re interested in!
5. Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships
🇬🇧 What is it?
Offered by the Scottish Government and universities in Scotland.
🌎 Who’s eligible?
Students from countries like India, China, Pakistan, Japan, and some African nations.
💵 What does it cover?
Up to £8,000 towards tuition fees.
🎓 For what?
Postgraduate courses in science, healthcare, energy, technology, and more.
How to Apply for UK Scholarships
Here’s your step-by-step action plan:
Step 1: Choose Your Course and University
Decide what you want to study and where. It’s easier to find scholarships if you’ve got a clear plan.
Step 2: Check Scholarship Options
Visit the university’s website or use scholarship search engines like:
www.chevening.org
www.commonwealthscholarships.org
www.scholarshipportal.com
www.britishcouncil.org/study-uk/scholarships
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Most scholarships will ask for:
Academic transcripts
A valid passport
English language test scores (like IELTS)
Recommendation letters
Personal statement or essays
Proof of financial need (for some)
Step 4: Apply Online
Submit everything before the deadline. Double check all your documents!
Step 5: Wait, Hope, and Prepare
You may be called for interviews. Meanwhile, keep applying for backup options.
Tips to Increase Your Chances
✅ Start Early – Don’t wait until the last minute. Some scholarships close up to a year before the program starts.
✅ Get Great Recommendations – Ask teachers, employers, or mentors who know your skills.
✅ Write Strong Essays – Be honest, passionate, and show how you want to give back to your country.
✅ Focus on Impact – Many scholarships love applicants who plan to return home and make a difference.
Challenges You Might Face (And How to Beat Them)
😰 English Tests Are Expensive
Solution: Look for scholarships that also help cover IELTS or apply for free IELTS vouchers in your country through education fairs.
📄 Too Many Documents
Solution: Stay organized. Create a folder with your CV, transcripts, ID, and essays ready to go.
📆 Missing Deadlines
Solution: Use a calendar or reminders to stay on top of every due date.
Final Thoughts
Studying in the UK is totally possible, even if you’re not rich. There are hundreds of scholarships waiting for students like you — smart, passionate, and ready to take on the world.
So don’t let money be the reason you give up. Start searching, applying, and believing in yourself. That scholarship might just be a few clicks away. ✨
Questions and Answers (Q&A)
❓Q1: Do I need to be a straight-A student to get a UK scholarship?
Answer: Not always! While good grades help, most scholarships also look at your leadership skills, work experience, personal story, and motivation. Just be real and honest in your application.
❓Q2: Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
Answer: Yes! In fact, it’s smart to apply for as many as you can (unless the rules say you can’t combine them). Just make sure to tailor your application for each one.
❓Q3: What’s the best UK scholarship for someone from Africa or Asia?
Answer: The Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships are the most popular and generous ones. But university-specific scholarships and GREAT scholarships also have great options for students from Africa and Asia.
❓Q4: What if I don’t get a scholarship? Can I still study in the UK?
Answer: Yes, but it’ll be expensive. You can look into student loans, part-time work, or online UK degrees that are cheaper. Some people even apply again the next year.
❓Q5: Do UK scholarships cover living costs too?
Answer: Many do! Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships cover monthly living expenses, while others like GREAT or Saltire only cover tuition. Always check what’s included.