Top UK Scholarships for Master's Degree Programs in 2025
The United Kingdom is one of the top destinations for international students seeking a high-quality education. However, the cost of studying can be high, making scholarships a crucial option for many students. In this guide, we highlight the best scholarships available for master's degree programs in the UK in 2025.
1. Chevening Scholarships
- Funded by: UK Government
- Eligibility: Open to international students from Chevening-eligible countries
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, travel costs, and a monthly stipend
- Application Deadline: Typically in November each year
- How to Apply: Apply through the official Chevening website
2. Commonwealth Master's Scholarships
- Funded by: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
- Eligibility: Students from eligible Commonwealth countries
- Coverage: Tuition fees, airfare, and living expenses
- Application Deadline: Usually in December
- How to Apply: Applications are submitted via the national nominating agencies in each eligible country
3. Gates Cambridge Scholarships
- Funded by: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
- Eligibility: Open to all non-UK students applying to the University of Cambridge
- Coverage: Full cost of studying at Cambridge, including tuition fees and living costs
- Application Deadline: October (for US applicants) and December/January (for other applicants)
- How to Apply: Through the University of Cambridge’s application portal
4. Rhodes Scholarships
- Funded by: Rhodes Trust
- Eligibility: Students from select countries, applying to the University of Oxford
- Coverage: Full tuition, living expenses, and travel costs
- Application Deadline: Varies by country but generally in October
- How to Apply: Apply through the official Rhodes Scholarship website
5. Clarendon Scholarships (University of Oxford)
- Funded by: University of Oxford
- Eligibility: Open to all international students applying for a master’s program at Oxford
- Coverage: Full tuition and living stipend
- Application Deadline: January
- How to Apply: Automatically considered if applying for a master’s program at Oxford
6. Edinburgh Global Master's Scholarships
- Funded by: University of Edinburgh
- Eligibility: Available for international students applying to a master’s program
- Coverage: Partial tuition fee coverage
- Application Deadline: June
- How to Apply: Online application through the university portal
7. University of Westminster Scholarships
- Funded by: University of Westminster
- Eligibility: International students with outstanding academic performance
- Coverage: Full tuition and living costs
- Application Deadline: May/June
- How to Apply: Application through the university website
8. GREAT Scholarships
- Funded by: British Council and UK universities
- Eligibility: Students from selected countries
- Coverage: Up to £10,000 towards tuition fees
- Application Deadline: Varies by university
- How to Apply: Direct application to participating universities
9. Bristol University Think Big Scholarships
- Funded by: University of Bristol
- Eligibility: Open to international students applying for a master’s program
- Coverage: Partial tuition fees (up to £20,000)
- Application Deadline: March/June
- How to Apply: Through the University of Bristol’s application portal
10. Developing Solutions Scholarships (University of Nottingham)
- Funded by: University of Nottingham
- Eligibility: Students from developing countries
- Coverage: Full or partial tuition fee coverage
- Application Deadline: May
- How to Apply: Through the University of Nottingham’s scholarship application portal
Tips for Winning a UK Scholarship
- Start Early – Research and apply before deadlines.
- Meet the Eligibility Criteria – Carefully read requirements before applying.
- Prepare a Strong Personal Statement – Showcase your achievements, leadership skills, and career goals.
- Secure Strong Recommendations – Letters from professors or employers add credibility.
- Apply to Multiple Scholarships – Increase your chances by applying to several options.
Securing a scholarship for a master’s degree in the UK can significantly ease the financial burden of studying abroad. With prestigious options like the Chevening, Rhodes, and Gates Cambridge scholarships, international students have a variety of funding opportunities. By preparing early and applying strategically, you can increase your chances of winning a scholarship to study in one of the world’s top academic destinations.