Studying in the United Kingdom is a dream for many international students, but tuition fees and living expenses can make studying abroad a significant financial commitment. Scholarships can help reduce this burden and, in some cases, provide comprehensive financial support for tuition, living costs, travel, and other expenses.

For students planning to study in the UK in 2026, there are several major scholarship opportunities available through the UK government, universities, and international organisations.

Some of the best-known options include Chevening Scholarships, GREAT Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, Commonwealth Shared Scholarships, and university-specific awards.

In this guide, we explore the best UK scholarships for international students in 2026, including eligibility, funding, application tips, and what students should know before applying.

Important: Scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, award values, and deadlines can change. Always verify the latest information with the official scholarship provider before applying.

Why Apply for a UK Scholarship?

A scholarship can make studying in the UK more affordable and reduce your dependence on personal savings or education loans.

Depending on the scholarship, funding may help with:

Tuition fees
Accommodation
Living expenses
Airfare
Visa-related costs
Study-related expenses

Some scholarships also provide access to professional networks, leadership programmes, mentoring, and alumni communities.

The UK government identifies Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships among its major international postgraduate scholarship programmes. (⁠GOV.UK)

Best UK Scholarships for International Students in 2026

1. Chevening Scholarships

Chevening Scholarships are among the UK’s most prestigious fully funded scholarship opportunities for international students.

The programme supports outstanding emerging leaders from around the world to pursue a one-year master’s degree at a UK university. (⁠Chevening)

Chevening is particularly attractive to students who have strong leadership potential, professional experience, and a clear vision for how their UK education can contribute to their future goals.

What Does Chevening Cover?

A Chevening award includes substantial financial support, including:

University tuition fees
Return economy travel
Arrival allowance
Visa application fee
Departure allowance
Monthly living stipend
Eligible travel top-up allowance
Certain additional allowances depending on circumstances

The official Chevening programme confirms that tuition fees, travel, visa costs, and a monthly personal living allowance are among the benefits provided. (⁠Chevening)

Who Can Apply for Chevening?

Chevening looks for candidates who can demonstrate leadership potential, influence, and a clear vision for their future.

Eligibility requirements include country-specific conditions and work-experience requirements.

For example, Indian applicants for the current cycle need at least two years of eligible work experience acquired after completing their undergraduate degree. (⁠GOV.UK)

There is no upper age limit for Chevening applicants. (⁠Chevening)

Chevening 2026–27 Application Timeline

For the current application cycle, Chevening applications opened on 4 August 2026 and close on 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC. (⁠Chevening)

Applicants should not wait until the deadline to begin preparing their application because Chevening is highly competitive.

Why Is Chevening Competitive?

Successful candidates generally need to demonstrate more than strong academic performance.

Your application should communicate:

Leadership
Professional achievements
Networking ability
Career ambitions
Community or professional impact
Reasons for choosing the UK
A clear future vision

If you are applying for Chevening, start preparing your personal statements and examples of leadership well in advance.

2. GREAT Scholarships

GREAT Scholarships are another excellent option for international students looking to study in the UK.

The programme is delivered by the British Council in partnership with participating UK universities and provides funding towards tuition fees for eligible postgraduate students.

For the 2026–27 academic year, more than 140 scholarships are available through over 60 universities across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Many awards provide £10,000 towards tuition fees for one-year taught postgraduate courses. (⁠Study UK)

Which Countries Are Eligible?

For 2026–27, GREAT Scholarships are available to students from 18 countries, including:

India
China
Bangladesh
Pakistan
Nigeria
Ghana
Indonesia
Malaysia
Thailand
Vietnam
Mexico
Kenya
Turkey
France
Italy
Greece
Egypt
Spain

The participating universities, courses, and eligibility requirements vary by country. (⁠Study UK)

GREAT Scholarships for Indian Students

Indian students are eligible for several GREAT Scholarship opportunities for the 2026–27 academic year.

Applicants generally need to:

Hold an Indian passport and be permanently resident in India
Have an undergraduate degree
Meet the relevant university’s English-language requirements
Demonstrate motivation and interest in the proposed subject
Meet the individual university’s eligibility criteria
Be willing to participate in scholarship engagement activities

The application deadline varies by university, so Indian students should check each participating university’s scholarship page carefully. (⁠Study UK)

Are GREAT Scholarships Fully Funded?

Not usually.

GREAT Scholarships typically provide a £10,000 tuition-fee contribution, although the exact award can vary between participating universities.

For example, the University of Bristol’s 2026–27 GREAT Scholarship is worth £13,000 for eligible students from India, Mexico, and Thailand. (⁠Study UK)

Therefore, students should budget separately for remaining tuition fees and living expenses.

3. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships

The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship is another major opportunity for students from eligible Commonwealth countries.

The scholarship is designed for talented candidates from eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries who would otherwise be unable to afford postgraduate study in the UK.

The programme supports full-time taught master’s study at participating UK universities and focuses on areas connected to sustainable development.

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission manages the programme and publishes the relevant eligibility and application requirements. (⁠GOV.UK)

Who Should Consider a Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship?

This scholarship can be particularly suitable for students who:

Come from an eligible Commonwealth country
Have strong academic qualifications
Demonstrate financial need
Want to pursue postgraduate study
Have a study plan linked to development impact
Intend to contribute to their home country

What Can the Scholarship Cover?

Depending on the specific award and current terms, Commonwealth scholarships can provide substantial support for:

Tuition fees
Airfare
Living expenses
Visa-related costs
Other approved allowances

Students should always check the current Commonwealth Scholarship Commission guidance for the exact benefits applicable to their award.

4. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is another important funding opportunity for eligible international students.

These scholarships support students from eligible Commonwealth countries who want to undertake selected master’s programmes at participating UK universities.

The programme focuses on development-related study and is intended for candidates who may not otherwise be able to afford postgraduate education in the UK.

What Makes Commonwealth Shared Scholarships Different?

The scholarship is linked to specific approved courses and participating universities.

This means students should first identify eligible courses before planning their application.

The programme can be particularly valuable for students whose academic and professional goals align with sustainable development priorities.

Because eligibility and course availability can change between cycles, applicants should check the latest Commonwealth Scholarship Commission information before applying.

5. University-Specific Scholarships

International students should not focus only on government-funded scholarships.

Many UK universities offer their own scholarships for international students.

These awards may be based on:

Academic achievement
Nationality
Course
Leadership
Professional experience
Financial circumstances
Research potential
Extracurricular achievements

University scholarships can range from modest tuition discounts to substantial awards.

How to Find University Scholarships

Once you have shortlisted universities, visit their official scholarship and funding pages.

Search for terms such as:

“International scholarships”

“Postgraduate scholarships”

“Scholarships for international students”

“Merit scholarships”

“Country-specific scholarships”

You should also check whether the scholarship requires a separate application or whether you are automatically considered after applying for admission.

6. University-Specific GREAT Awards

One of the advantages of the GREAT programme is that participating universities determine their own eligible courses and application processes.

For example, Anglia Ruskin University lists several GREAT Scholarship opportunities for Indian students for 2026–27, including programmes in education, healthcare leadership, automation and robotics, crop production, pharmaceutical science, and other areas. (⁠Study UK)

This means students should not simply search for “GREAT Scholarship.”

Instead, identify:

Your target university.
Your preferred course.
Your nationality eligibility.
The scholarship deadline.
The application process.

This approach can help you avoid applying for a scholarship that does not cover your chosen programme.

7. Subject-Specific Scholarships

Some scholarships are designed specifically for particular academic disciplines.

Depending on the university and funding cycle, opportunities may be available for subjects such as:

Engineering
Computer Science
Artificial Intelligence
Business
Finance
Healthcare
Public Health
Data Science
Renewable Energy
Education
Social Sciences
Law
Arts and Design

If you already know your intended subject, searching for course-specific scholarships can be more effective than searching only for general international scholarships.

Fully Funded vs Partial UK Scholarships

Not every scholarship advertised for international students is fully funded.

Understanding the difference is important before planning your finances.

Fully Funded Scholarships

A fully funded scholarship may cover major expenses such as:

Tuition fees
Living costs
Travel
Visa-related expenses
Other allowances

Chevening is a prominent example of a fully funded UK scholarship for eligible master’s students. (⁠Chevening)

Partially Funded Scholarships

Partial scholarships usually contribute towards one or more expenses.

For example, a scholarship might provide:

£5,000 towards tuition
£10,000 towards tuition
A percentage tuition discount
A one-time financial award

GREAT Scholarships are generally tuition-fee contributions rather than full-cost scholarships. (⁠Study UK)

Students receiving a partial scholarship must plan how they will cover the remaining tuition and living expenses.

How to Apply for UK Scholarships

The application process varies between scholarships, but the following steps provide a useful starting point.

Step 1: Identify Your Course

Start by deciding what you want to study.

Consider:

Subject
Degree level
Course duration
University
Location
Career goals

Step 2: Check Your Eligibility

Before preparing a lengthy application, verify:

Nationality
Academic requirements
Work experience
English-language requirements
Course requirements
University requirements
Financial eligibility
Scholarship-specific conditions

Step 3: Research Deadlines

Scholarship deadlines can be completely different from university admission deadlines.

For example, Chevening’s current 2026 application deadline is 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC. (⁠Chevening)

GREAT Scholarship deadlines vary by university. (⁠Study UK)

Step 4: Prepare Your Documents

Depending on the scholarship, you may need:

Academic certificates
Academic transcripts
Passport
CV
Personal statement
Study plan
References
Proof of work experience
English-language test results
University offer letter

Do not wait until the deadline to request documents from universities or referees.

Step 5: Write a Tailored Application

Avoid sending the same personal statement to every scholarship.

Each scholarship has different objectives.

Your application should explain why you are a strong candidate for that particular scholarship.

How to Increase Your Chances of Winning a UK Scholarship

Scholarships can be extremely competitive, particularly fully funded awards.

Here are some practical ways to strengthen your application.

Highlight Your Achievements

Don’t simply list achievements.

Explain their impact.

Instead of saying:

“I led a student organisation.”

Explain:

“I led a student organisation of 30 members and introduced a mentoring initiative that supported first-year students.”

Specific examples are more convincing.

Demonstrate Leadership

Leadership can come from many areas.

You might demonstrate it through:

Employment
Entrepreneurship
University projects
Volunteering
Community initiatives
Student organisations
Research
Professional associations

Explain Your Career Goals

Scholarship committees want to understand how the opportunity fits into your future.

Create a clear connection between:

Your experience → UK course → skills you will gain → career plans → future impact

Research Your University

Don’t write generic statements about wanting to study in the UK.

Explain why the specific course and university are appropriate for your goals.

Research:

Modules
Research areas
Faculty
Industry connections
Facilities
Career opportunities

Start Early

Starting early gives you time to:

Improve your personal statement
Collect references
Research universities
Prepare English-language test results
Review eligibility
Correct mistakes
Submit before the deadline

Scholarships for Indian Students in the UK

The UK offers several scholarship opportunities for Indian students.

Two particularly important programmes to research are:

Chevening

The current 2026–27 Chevening application cycle for Indian citizens is open from 4 August to 6 October 2026. The UK government describes Chevening as offering full financial support for a one-year master’s degree, with Indian applicants required to have at least two years of eligible post-undergraduate work experience. (⁠GOV.UK)

GREAT Scholarships

Indian students can apply for selected GREAT Scholarships at participating UK universities during 2026–27. The programme offers awards towards tuition fees, with eligibility and deadlines varying by institution. (⁠Study UK)

Students should also investigate university-specific scholarships because these can provide additional funding opportunities beyond the major government programmes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even strong students can lose scholarship opportunities because of avoidable mistakes.

Applying Without Checking Eligibility

Always confirm nationality, academic, course, and work-experience requirements.

Using a Generic Personal Statement

Your statement should be tailored to the scholarship.

Missing the Deadline

Some scholarship portals close automatically after the deadline.

Chevening, for example, specifies an exact closing time of 11:00 UTC on 6 October 2026 for the current application cycle. (⁠Chevening)

Ignoring University Requirements

Winning a scholarship does not necessarily mean you automatically meet the university’s admission requirements.

You may need to secure admission separately.

Assuming Every Scholarship Is Fully Funded

Always check exactly what the scholarship covers.

A £10,000 tuition award may still leave you responsible for a significant amount of tuition and living expenses.

Waiting Until You Receive a University Offer

Some scholarships may have application processes that run independently of university admission.

Check the scholarship rules rather than assuming you need to wait.

How Early Should You Start Applying?

Ideally, begin researching scholarships 6 to 12 months before your intended course start date.

A practical approach is:

12 Months Before

Research universities, courses, scholarships, eligibility, and deadlines.

9–10 Months Before

Shortlist universities and begin preparing your applications.

6–8 Months Before

Prepare personal statements, references, English-language requirements, and scholarship documents.

3–6 Months Before

Submit applications and monitor university and scholarship portals.

Before the Deadline

Review every application carefully and confirm that all required documents have been submitted.

Can I Get a UK Scholarship Without Work Experience?

Yes, depending on the scholarship.

Work experience is not a universal requirement for all UK scholarships.

However, some prestigious scholarships do require it.

For example, Chevening currently requires eligible applicants to demonstrate at least two years of work experience, while other scholarship programmes have different eligibility criteria. (⁠Chevening)

Students without work experience should focus on scholarships that match their academic profile and eligibility.

Can I Study in the UK for Free With a Scholarship?

It is possible for eligible students to receive scholarships that cover most or all major study expenses, but fully funded awards are highly competitive.

A scholarship should never be assumed to cover every expense unless the official terms explicitly state so.

For example, Chevening provides extensive financial support, including tuition, travel, visa costs, and a living stipend. (⁠Chevening)

GREAT Scholarships generally provide a tuition contribution rather than covering all costs. (⁠Study UK)

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best UK scholarship for international students in 2026?

There is no single best scholarship for everyone. Chevening is one of the strongest fully funded options for eligible master’s students, while GREAT Scholarships and university-specific awards can provide significant tuition support. (⁠Chevening)

Which UK scholarships are fully funded?

Chevening is a prominent fully funded scholarship programme for eligible international students pursuing one-year master’s degrees in the UK. Commonwealth scholarship programmes can also provide substantial financial support, depending on the specific award and eligibility criteria. (⁠Chevening)

Can Indian students get scholarships in the UK?

Yes. Indian students can apply for opportunities including Chevening and selected GREAT Scholarships, as well as university-specific awards. (⁠GOV.UK)

How much does the GREAT Scholarship provide?

The standard GREAT Scholarship award is commonly £10,000 towards tuition fees, although some participating universities offer different award amounts. For example, the University of Bristol lists a £13,000 GREAT Scholarship for eligible students from India, Mexico, and Thailand for 2026–27. (⁠Study UK)

What are the main UK scholarships for international students?

Major programmes include Chevening Scholarships, GREAT Scholarships, Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships, Commonwealth Shared Scholarships, and university-specific international scholarships.

Can I apply for multiple UK scholarships?

Potentially, yes, but it depends on the terms of each scholarship. Some awards may restrict receiving other forms of funding, so always read the conditions before accepting multiple awards.

Final Thoughts

Getting a scholarship can make studying in the UK much more financially accessible, but successful applications require careful planning.

For international students looking at UK scholarships in 2026, some of the most important opportunities to research include Chevening, GREAT Scholarships, Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships, Commonwealth Shared Scholarships, and university-specific awards.

Chevening is particularly attractive for experienced professionals seeking a fully funded master’s degree, while GREAT Scholarships can provide substantial tuition support at participating universities. (⁠Chevening)

The key is to avoid choosing a scholarship simply because it offers a large financial award. Instead, look at the complete picture:

Eligibility + Course + University + Funding + Career Goals + Deadline

Start your research early, carefully read the eligibility requirements, tailor every application, and verify the latest information directly with the scholarship provider.

For the 2026–27 intake, students should pay particular attention to application deadlines because some major scholarship windows are already open or may close well before university enrolment begins. Chevening’s current application cycle, for example, closes on 6 October 2026. (⁠Chevening)

With the right strategy and preparation, a UK scholarship can turn your goal of studying abroad into a much more achievable opportunity.

Disclaimer: Scholarship rules, funding amounts, eligible countries, participating universities, and deadlines can change. This article is for general informational purposes and should not be considered financial, immigration, or legal advice. Always check the latest official information before applying.