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Studying in the United Kingdom (UK) is a life-changing opportunity. Because the UK is known for the high quality of its education system, many students consider their tuition costs a wise investment in their future.Ìý

While the cost of tuition is a factor for many international students, scholarships can make studying abroad more accessible. We’ve rounded up some of the top UK scholarships for international students in 2026 and 2027 below.

Did you know London was ranked the world’s best student city from 2019 to 2025? Find out what makes it a great place to study.

A.S. Hornby Trust Scholarship

The was established in 1961 to promote English-language teaching. Since then, the trust has awarded to TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) master’s degree students in the UK.Ìý

Applicants must:

• Have at least three years of experience teaching TESOL (or related course) after finishing their first degree.
• Be a resident of, and work in, a country defined as either Least Developed, Low Income, Lower Middle Income, or Upper Middle Income by the list.
• Not hold a master’s degree in English, applied linguistics, TESOL, or a related topic from a UK university.
• Not hold a doctoral degree in English, applied linguistics, TESOL, or a related topic.

Recipients receive full funding to complete the one-year MEd TESOL Programme at the University of Exeter. This includes tuition, UK student visa and National Health Service costs, travel costs to and from the UK, and a monthly stipend for living expenses.

Applications are usually due in February, and recipients begin classes in September.

Get ready to go with our UK guide for international students.

Chevening Scholarships

is the UK government’s scholarship and fellowship program. So far, Chevening has granted scholarships or fellowships to over 60,000 professionals from over 140 countries. Could you be next?

While future students in any one-year UK master’s course may apply, the Chevening Scholarships have additional . For example, students must have at least two years of full-time work experience after graduating from their previous degree, and must return to their country of citizenship for at least two years after graduating. Scholarship recipients have the full cost of their tuition, flights, and housing covered.

Plan ahead, as the can take up to 10 months. The next round of applications opens in August 2026 and will close a couple months later.

Considering where to study in the UK? Take a look at these top-ranked UK universities.

Commonwealth Scholarships

The (CSC) is the UK’s main scholarship initiative focused on international development.Ìý

These scholarships support future leaders from across who could not otherwise afford studying in the UK. All Commonwealth Scholarships cover tuition fees. Students based in the UK for their studies also receive funding for their initial travel costs and student visa, plus a living allowance.

The CSC offers around 800 every year. They include:

• PhD scholarships
• Split-site scholarships
• Master’s scholarships
• Distance learning scholarships
• Professional fellowships

While each of these scholarships have different criteria, they are generally available to students from Commonwealth countries outside the UK, including India, Nigeria, and Pakistan.

Note: The CSC also runs unique Time Limited Programmes (TLPs). These programmes change their theme every year, so if you’re considering an application, too, to see if one aligns with your studies!

Marshall Scholarships

American citizens starting full-time postgraduate studies in the UK may be eligible for a . Every year, this organization supports up to 50 scholars. Both one- and two-year Marshall Scholarships are available. However, candidates may only apply for one of the scholarship pathways.

Note: Students in some popular degrees, like MBAs and professional courses (law, dentistry, medicine), may not apply.

To qualify, :

• Hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited four-year college or university in the United States
• Have graduated within the last two years (i.e. 2027 Marshall Scholars must have graduated after April 2024)
• Have a minimum unrounded GPA of 3.7 in their undergraduate studies
• Not have studied for, or hold a degree or degree-equivalent qualification from a British university or GCSE, or A Levels taken at school in the UK
• Demonstrate leadership and ambassadorial potential

Want to apply? The 2027 application period will .

GREAT Scholarships

to study in the UK. This scholarship programme aims to support scholars who also become advocates for the experience of studying abroad in the UK. Every year, over 140 scholarships are awarded.

Recipients’ tuition fees for postgraduate study at over 60 UK academic institutions is fully covered. Unlike some of the other scholarships in this list, you’ll apply directly for GREAT with your academic institution. Eligible courses and institutions vary by applicant country, so check the specific country page on the GREAT scholarship website for details.

Application timing also varies by institution, but institutions must award this year’s scholarships by June 30, 2026. (Missed it? Check back later this year for the 2027 application timeline.)

University-Specific Scholarships and Other Financial Assistance

Many universities offer scholarships, fellowships, and bursaries to eligible international students. Scholarship criteria is often based on a combination of academic merit, leadership potential, and financial need. Check official university or college websites for current options.

Many of the scholarships above are high-profile, and selection is competitive. It’s generally wiser to create a strong application for the one or two you believe you have the best chance at, instead of applying quickly to them all. However, private scholarships offered through your institution choose from a smaller applicant pool, so it can be worth applying more widely to these opportunities.

Paying for your studies can look different for every student, and financial assistance isn’t limited to scholarships. Student loans can also help you reach your goals.Ìý

Did you know that ÀϾÅÆ·²è offers several student loan options?

For more general information on scholarships, bursaries, and postgraduate funding options, visit the , the , or websites.

Ready to start your study journey to the UK? Visit the ÀϾÅÆ·²è platform to find a course that aligns with your academic goals!