Here, we discuss How to Get a Scholarship in the UK to Study
The UK is a top choice for international students looking to study abroad. Fortunately, numerous scholarships are available to provide financial support for those pursuing a degree in the country.
In addition, with the growing number of international students in the UK over the past decade, it is safe to say that the competition for scholarships is also quite intense. To be awarded a scholarship, it is necessary to demonstrate exceptional qualities. So, in this article, we’ve compiled eight steps to assist you in easily applying for a scholarship.
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How to Get a Scholarship to Study in the United Kingdom: 8 Simple Steps
Want to study in the UK? Here are eight easy steps you can take to improve your chances of getting a scholarship:
Start As Soon As You Can
To ensure a smooth process for pursuing a qualification abroad in the UK, you must begin your preparations as early as possible, ideally two years in advance. Familiarising yourself with your options and understanding the requirements before applying is essential. Typically, scholarships are given to students who have demonstrated excellence in their previous education and those who have engaged in volunteer work or other extracurricular activities. It varies depending on the type of scholarship you’re interested in.
Knowing these requirements in advance is crucial, as it allows ample time to fulfil them and enhances your chances of securing the scholarship.
Evaluate Your Choices
There are a lot of scholarships in the UK, so you need to do some research to find one that fits your wants and personality. For example, to qualify for the Chevening Scholarship in the UK, you must have worked for at least two years and be from a territory or country that is eligible for the scholarship. One of the major requirements for this scholarship is that you must have worked for two years before applying. If you do not have that experience, your chances of getting it are low.
You might be able to get a grant if you come from a foster home, have a disability, are a single parent, or something else. This means that looking at your choices and discovering a scholarship that fits your needs will give you an edge in the decision process.
Check the Eligibility Criteria
Make sure to review the eligibility criteria always. It’s essential to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements before applying for a scholarship to avoid wasting your time. Different types of scholarships are available to cater to various students’ needs. Some scholarships are specifically for undergraduate students, while others are for postgraduate students. Additionally, some scholarships are exclusively available to citizens of certain countries or specific universities/subjects. This step and the previous ones are essential because they guarantee you discover a scholarship that suits you perfectly. Even if you can’t find one, starting early gives you ample time to continue your search.
Check the Application Deadline
As mentioned earlier, scholarships are highly sought after by many students, so it is crucial not to overlook the deadline. Remember to keep track of the deadlines for each scholarship you’re interested in and set reminders to make sure you don’t miss the submission dates.
If you are submitting multiple applications, allocating sufficient time to complete each one thoroughly is essential. Please ensure that you provide the necessary documents in the required manner, either online or by post, depending on the scholarship you are applying for.
Check the Requirements
It’s important to carefully review the requirements for each scholarship to ensure that you don’t overlook any of them. Many scholarship providers may request additional documents such as academic transcripts, financial records, and a cover letter or even require you to attend an interview. It’s essential to make sure you submit the documents in the required format. If they specifically ask for certified copies, be sure to provide them.
Furthermore, don’t lose hope if you encounter any inquiries regarding the application process. Reach out to someone with experience with a similar process or get in touch with the scholarship providers to better understand the requirements.
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Provide Letters of Reference
Many scholarships require applicants to include letters of reference with their application. It’s essential to recognise the significance of this part of the process as it can be highly beneficial in the long term. It’s necessary to exercise caution when selecting someone to write you a letter of reference. This individual should thoroughly showcase and emphasise the skills that are essential for you to be considered for the scholarship. Be sure to communicate the deadline and provide details about the specific skills you want them to emphasise.
Triple-Check the Application
Make sure to thoroughly review your application just to be safe. Remember to double-check all your documents for accuracy and completeness. It’s essential to be thorough and avoid any errors or misinformation to avoid appearing unprofessional in front of the selection committee; double-check your application or have a trusted person review it for you.
Submit Your Application
And lastly, please submit your application! Please note that receiving a response may take some time, so please be prepared for a potential wait. Feel free to explore and discover the ideal scholarship for you!
Top 10 Scholarships in the UK for 2024
The following is a list of popular scholarships for students to study in the UK:
Chevening Scholarships for Indian and International Students
The Chevening Scholarship, offered by the Government of the United Kingdom (UK), is designed to support academically outstanding students who have demonstrated leadership skills and exceptional performance in their respective fields. It includes the cost of tuition, airfare, and living expenses for students. Students interested in pursuing a one-year master’s programme in the UK can apply for this scholarship. Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that these scholarships are fully funded. Unfortunately, the scholarship does not cover the following courses: part-time, distance learning, courses that are less than nine months or more than 12 months in duration, PhD or DPhil programmes, and courses that involve more than one month of study outside the UK.
Rhodes Scholarships
The Rhodes Scholarship is an incredible opportunity for talented young individuals worldwide to pursue their postgraduate studies at the prestigious University of Oxford. This fully funded and full-time award provides a platform for these individuals to further their academic pursuits. Individuals who are awarded Rhodes Scholarships have the opportunity to spend two or more years in the UK. These scholars can apply for full-time postgraduate courses offered by Oxford University. This scholarship includes coverage for course fees at Oxford University and a stipend. Scholars can cover their living expenses, such as accommodation, thanks to the stipend. In 2022-23, the stipend amounted to £18,180 per annum (£1,515 per month). Upon being awarded the scholarship, the Rhodes Trust will generously cover the application fee for applying to the University of Oxford, the student visa fee, the associated International Health Surcharge, and two economy class flights for the beginning and end of the studies in the UK.
Erasmus Mundus
Many higher education institutes offer Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programmes across different countries. Applicants from various countries are welcome to apply for this scholarship opportunity. The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship fully covers the expenses for students’ participation in the programme, including travel and living expenses. The scholarship amount is determined by factors such as the level of studies/research/teaching, the student’s nationality, and the course duration.
Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK offers scholarships and fellowships to students from Commonwealth countries. This scholarship is open to Indian students who are interested in pursuing a master’s degree or a PhD in the UK. Feel free to apply! This scholarship covers tuition fees, airfare, and personal and maintenance expenses. The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission provides a range of awards for deserving individuals: PhD Scholarships, Split-site Scholarships, Master’s Scholarships, Shared Scholarships, Distance learning Scholarships, PhD Scholarships, and Professional Fellowships offered by the Commonwealth. Students can apply through a National Nominating Agency, a university, or a Non-Governmental Organisation.
Great Scholarships
In the upcoming academic year of 2024-25, a generous number of 25 postgraduate scholarships are being offered by UK universities in a wide range of subjects. These scholarships are specifically designed for students from India. The scholarship amount is a minimum of £10,000, which covers the tuition fee for a one-year postgraduate course. This scholarship is funded by the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign and the British Council, collaborating with participating UK higher education institutions.
Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarships
St John’s College is proud to announce the launch of these prestigious scholarships, created to honour the remarkable legacy of Dr. Singh. These awards allow academically exceptional Indian students to pursue doctoral degrees at St. John’s College, the University of Cambridge. The fields of study include Science & Technology, Economics, and Social Sciences. Applications in Aerospace Engineering and Energy Studies will be prioritised. The scholarships are entirely funded and include the following:
Academic fees.
International airfare.
A monthly stipend for living expenses.
Assistance with obtaining a UK visa.
Felix Scholarships
These scholarships are open to academically talented students from India and other developing countries who may face financial challenges. To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants should be under 30 years old and have obtained a bachelor’s degree from a well-known Indian university. The Felix scholarship provides a valuable opportunity for students from underprivileged backgrounds to pursue their postgraduate education at a university in the UK. The University of Oxford, the University of Reading, and the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) offer Felix scholarships.
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Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships
This programme provides scholarships the Scottish government offers in partnership with Scottish universities and colleges. The programme offers 50 awards, valued at £8000, to assist with tuition fees for one year of full-time study on a postgraduate master’s programme at any of Scotland’s higher education institutes. Scholarships are available to citizens of Canada, China, India, Japan, Pakistan, and the USA.
Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships
CWIT provides up to 10 long-term awards each year through the Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships. The awards typically range from 2–3 months up to a maximum of a year and provide coverage for accommodation and living costs in the UK, fees, and a contribution towards international fares. CWIT does not offer support for two-year courses.
Hornby Scholarships
The scholarship provides comprehensive coverage for all expenses in the UK, ensuring that students have the necessary support for accommodation, living expenses, tuition fees, airfare, visa, and language test costs. Applicants for the scholarship should possess at least three years of full-time English language teaching experience and hold a university degree. In addition, applicants are required to meet the university’s specified level of English proficiency. The Hornby Scholarship programme is designed to support experienced English language teachers who show great potential to make a significant impact in the future of English language teaching.
Inlaks Scholarships
These scholarships are given to exceptional students to help cover their basic needs, such as tuition fees. The Inlaks Scholarships are available for individuals pursuing full-time Masters, MPhil, or Doctoral programmes at the university level. The Foundation offers a generous maximum funding of USD 100,000. Here are the courses that are not covered: Fields of study include Business and Finance, Computer Science, Engineering, Fashion Design, Film and Film Animation, Hospitality and Tourism, Indian Studies without Contemporary Relevance, Management Studies (i.e. MBA), Medicine, Dentistry, and related therapies, Music, and Public Health.
The Bottom Line
Securing a scholarship to study in the UK necessitates a diligent approach, thorough preparation, and strategic planning. By familiarising yourself with the various scholarships, conducting comprehensive research, and submitting a carefully crafted application, you can increase your chances of securing financial aid for your academic pursuits in the UK. Getting a head start, staying on top of things, and highlighting your academic accomplishments and goals are essential to making a strong impression as a scholarship candidate.

Bhupender Jakhar is a sub-writer at AllUniversityResult.com. He has been writing and reporting for the education and careers section of the website since 2021. He completed his graduation in English followed PG in Journalism and Mass Comm and has around six years of experience in journalism reporting on education and lifestyle segments. You can follow him on X at @bhupenderjakhar1212