You want a world-class UK degree without the debt. Good news. The UK offers powerful, fully funded and high-value scholarships for international students across undergraduate, masters, and PhD levels in 2026/2027.
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From Chevening and Commonwealth to university awards at Oxford, UAL, Bristol, Nottingham, and more, you can secure tuition coverage, living stipends, flights, and visa support. Many awards encourage applications from developing countries, women in STEM, and high-achieving students who want to create impact back home.
This guide gives you the scholarships that matter, what they cover, who can apply, and how to submit a winning application for the 2026/2027 cycle.
Why these UK scholarships stand out in 2026/2027
Big coverage: Several awards are fully funded, paying tuition plus living costs, travel, and sometimes visa and health surcharges.
Prestige and networks: Chevening, Commonwealth, and Oxford awards open doors to elite alumni networks and global careers.
Visa-ready: Scholarship holders receive a CAS from their university. Some schemes also cover visa and IHS fees or offer guidance.
Focus on impact: Many programs target applicants who will return home and drive change in their country or sector.
Snapshot of top UK scholarships for 2026/2027
Scholarship
Level
Funding Type
What it Typically Covers
Official Info
University of Birmingham Global Masters Scholarships
1) University of Birmingham Global Masters Scholarships
Partial tuition support for international students pursuing taught masters at the University of Birmingham. Designed to attract top global talent to UK postgraduate study.
Coverage: Tuition fee reduction
Eligibility: International fee status, strong academic profile, offer to study an eligible course
How to apply: Apply for a masters program first, then complete the scholarship form if invited
Deadline: Visit the official website for the current deadline
2) UAL/ISH International Postgraduate Scholarships
Fully funded masters scholarships at University of the Arts London, delivered with International Students House. Ideal for creative applicants who need full financial support.
Coverage: Full tuition, ISH accommodation, and living cost contribution
Eligibility: Offer to an eligible UAL course, financial need, and strong portfolio or academic record
How to apply: Secure your UAL offer, then submit the scholarship application and supporting documents
Deadline: Visit the official website for the current deadline
Fully funded online masters for candidates from eligible low and middle income Commonwealth countries. Study a UK degree from home with full tuition covered.
Coverage: Full tuition, academic support
Eligibility: Citizen of eligible Commonwealth country, academic merit, and development impact plan
How to apply: Apply through the CSC portal and to the partner university program
Deadline: Visit the official website for the current deadline
Tuition support for masters programs at Scottish universities. Program status can change by year, so confirm availability for 2026/2027 before applying.
Coverage: Partial tuition funding
Eligibility: International applicants to eligible Scottish institutions and programs
How to apply: Apply to your program and submit a Saltire application when open
Deadline: Visit the official website for the current deadline
Flagship fully funded masters and PhD awards administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. Focused on candidates who will drive development on return.
Coverage: Full tuition, stipend, flights, thesis and other allowances
Eligibility: Citizen of eligible Commonwealth country, academic excellence, and development impact plan
How to apply: Submit through the CSC portal and follow nominating agency or university route
Deadline: Visit the official website for the current deadline
Prestigious fully funded one-year masters awards funded by the UK government. Designed for rising leaders with a strong academic and professional track record.
Coverage: Tuition, monthly stipend, flights, visa fee, and events
Eligibility: Undergraduate degree, work experience, leadership potential, and return-home requirement
How to apply: Apply on Chevening portal, shortlist to interview, get unconditional UK university offer
Deadline: Visit the official website for the current deadline
Internships help you add UK experience to your CV. If you are a student on a UK Student visa, check your work-hour limits. Graduates may qualify for the Graduate route after degree completion.
Where to search: University career portals, Prospects, TargetJobs, company sites
Visa tip: For internships after study, check Graduate route or Skilled Worker visa options
International student. Some schemes require citizenship of specific countries
Academic background
Strong grades. For masters and PhD, a relevant undergraduate degree
Offer letter
Many awards require an offer from a UK university
English proficiency
IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or approved alternatives. Some universities offer waivers
Personal statement
Clear goals, leadership potential, and community or professional impact
References
Academic or professional referees who can validate your achievements
Return-home commitment
Required by schemes like Chevening and many Commonwealth awards
How to apply: step-by-step
Shortlist 3 to 5 scholarships that match your profile and country eligibility.
Choose target courses and universities aligned to your goals. Many awards require a course offer.
Prepare documents: transcripts, degree certificates, passport, CV, reference letters, personal statement, and proof of English.
Apply for admission early. This unlocks scholarship portals and gives time to secure a CAS later for your Student visa.
Write impact-driven statements. Show leadership, problem-solving, and how you will benefit your home country after graduation.
Submit scholarship applications before the deadline. Upload all required documents in the correct format.
Prepare for interviews. Practice concise answers on leadership, course choice, and future plans.
After award, follow instructions to accept the scholarship, meet conditions, and start your visa process.
Deadlines for the 2026/2027 cycle
Most major schemes open in 2026 for programs starting in 2027.
Chevening and Commonwealth timelines vary by year and country route.
University awards have different cut-offs by faculty and course.
Action: Visit the official website for the current deadline for each scholarship listed above.
Visa and funding notes for scholars
CAS: Your university issues a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies after you meet conditions and pay any required deposits. Some scholarships cover or waive deposits.
Student visa: Apply after receiving your CAS. Some scholarships provide guidance or reimburse visa and IHS fees.
Work while studying: Most Student visa holders can work limited hours in term time. Always check your visa conditions.
FAQs
Do I need an offer before applying for these scholarships?
Many university awards require an offer. External schemes like Chevening and Commonwealth allow you to apply first, but you usually must secure an unconditional offer later in the process.
Is IELTS mandatory?
Not always. Universities may accept TOEFL, PTE, or waivers if you meet specific criteria. Scholarships accept the university’s approved tests. Use the British Council’s free prep to boost your score.
Can undergraduates apply, or are these only for masters?
Both. Think Big and some Oxford and Sussex awards include undergraduate options. Chevening is masters only. Commonwealth offers masters and PhD. Check each scheme.
Do fully funded awards cover visa and health surcharge?
Some do. Chevening typically covers the visa fee. Commonwealth provides broad allowances. University awards vary. Always confirm on the official page.
Will I need to return home after graduation?
Chevening and several Commonwealth schemes require you to return home for a period. University scholarships may not have this condition.
Ready to win a UK scholarship?
Shortlist your top three scholarships, lock in your course choices, and start applications now. Fully funded and high-value awards for 2026/2027 are competitive and fill fast. Aim high, apply early, and give yourself time for CAS and visa steps. Your UK study journey starts today.
