UK Scholarships 2025-2026: Comprehensive Guide to Master’s Scholarships in the UK 🌟
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UK Scholarships 2025-2026: Comprehensive Guide to Master’s Scholarships in the UK 🌟
Are you an international student dreaming of a master’s degree in the United Kingdom? You’re in the right place! This comprehensive guide lists fully funded and partial UK master’s scholarships for 2025/26, with application deadlines from June 2025 through December 2025. We cover each scholarship’s prerequisites, eligible regions, benefits, and how to apply – making this your one-stop resource for UK scholarships. Read on to discover opportunities that can fund your UK studies, whether full or partial, and kickstart your academic journey in 2025!
Fully Funded UK Master’s Scholarships (June–Dec 2025 Deadlines)
Fully funded scholarships cover full tuition and provide living allowances (and often other expenses). Below are top fully-funded UK scholarship programs for 2025/2026, organized by their providers and upcoming deadlines.
Chevening Scholarships (UK Government) – Global, Fully Funded 🔰
Chevening is the UK government’s flagship scholarship for future leaders from around the world. It offers full financial support for a one-year master’s degree in any subject at any UK university. Chevening covers tuition fees, living expenses, airfare, and more, plus gives scholars access to exclusive events and a global alumni network.
- Deadline & Cycle: Applications for the 2026 academic year open around August 2025 and close in early November 2025 (e.g. the 2025 intake closed on 5 Nov 2024). Selection results are announced the following June, for courses starting in September of the next year.
- Supported Regions: Over 160 Chevening-eligible countries and territories (essentially all non-UK countries across the Americas, Europe (non-EU), Africa, Asia, and Pacific). Note: U.S. and EU citizens are not eligible, but most other nationalities are – from India to Nigeria to Brazil, etc.
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree (meeting UK master’s entry requirements) and at least 2 years of work experience are required. Applicants must demonstrate leadership potential, a strong academic background, and commitment to return to their home country to make an impact. No age limit applies.
- Application Process: Apply online via the Chevening official website for your country. You’ll need essays on your leadership and career plans, letters of reference, and university course choices. Shortlisted candidates attend an interview at the local British Embassy/High Commission.
- Official Website: Chevening Scholarship Portal – includes detailed eligibility criteria and country-specific guidance.
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships (CSC/FCDO) – Developing Commonwealth Countries, Fully Funded 🌍
The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships are funded by the UK’s Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) to support students from developing Commonwealth countries for full-time Master’s study in the UK. These awards are fully funded by the UK government and cover airfare, tuition and exam fees, living stipend, thesis grant, arrival allowance, etc.. They aim to equip talented individuals with knowledge to contribute to their home country’s development.
- Deadline: The next application cycle (for courses starting fall 2026) is expected to open by September 2025. Deadlines are usually around mid-October 2025 (for example, the 2025/26 awards closed on 15 Oct 2024). ※ Check the CSC website for exact 2025 dates, as nomination timelines can vary by country.
- Supported Regions: Citizens of Commonwealth developing countries across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and Pacific. This includes countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, numerous African nations, some in the Caribbean, and others. (Applicants from developed Commonwealth countries like Canada/Australia are not eligible for this particular scheme.)
- Eligibility: Must be a citizen/permanent resident of an eligible Commonwealth country and unable to afford UK study without the scholarship. Requires a first degree of at least upper-second class (2:1). There is an expectation to contribute to development upon return. Note: You generally apply through a nominated agency or university in your home country.
- Application Process: Applications are submitted through the CSC’s online system and via local nominating agencies (such as Ministry of Education or British Council in your country). You’ll align your study plan with one of the CSC’s development themes (e.g. science and technology, health, prosperity, etc.). The process typically involves uploading academic transcripts, references, and a plan of study.
- Official Website: Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships – CSC (for detailed guidelines and country-specific instructions).
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships – UK University Partnerships, Fully Funded 🤝
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are a sister program to the above, also funded by the CSC in partnership with UK universities. These scholarships are for candidates from least developed and lower middle-income Commonwealth countries to study specific Master’s courses at participating UK universities (often in themes like health, technology, sustainability, etc.). They are fully funded (tuition, stipend, airfare) through cost-sharing between the CSC and the university.
- Deadline: The Shared Scholarships for 2025-26 entry were open in late 2024; for 2026 entry, calls should open by October 2025. Deadlines are usually around early December 2025 (e.g. 12 Dec 2024 for the previous cycle at some universities). Each university sets its own deadlines within the CSC’s timeframe, so check the specific institution.
- Supported Regions: Citizens of eligible Commonwealth countries (largely overlapping with the Master’s scholarship list of developing nations). You must apply from your home country and not be already studying in a high-income country.
- Eligibility: Similar academic criteria as Commonwealth Master’s above (2:1 undergraduate degree or equivalent). You must have an admission offer from a participating UK university in an approved course by the scholarship deadline. Also, you should meet the English requirements and confirm you could not study in the UK without this funding. A commitment to return home after the program is required.
- Application Process: Two applications are needed: one for admission to the university and one through the CSC’s online portal for Shared Scholarships. First, apply to an eligible Master’s course at a partner university (list on the CSC site). Once you have an offer (even conditional), submit the scholarship application referencing your course offer. Ensure you apply by the university’s deadline and fill the CSC form by the December deadline.
- Official Website: Commonwealth Shared Scholarships – CSC – includes participating courses and the application portal.
Rhodes Scholarships (Rhodes Trust, University of Oxford) – Selected Countries, Fully Funded 🏅
The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the oldest and most prestigious international scholarships, funding study at the University of Oxford. It is a fully funded award covering Oxford tuition, college fees, and an annual stipend for living expenses. Rhodes Scholarships target exceptional students with leadership potential and academic excellence. About 100 scholars are selected each year from ~60 countries.
- Deadline:Varies by country/region. Rhodes constituencies have different timelines:
- Rhodes Global Scholarship (open to all countries without their own quota): opens June 2, 2025 and closes July 31, 2025.
- Country-specific Rhodes (e.g. United States, Canada, India, West Africa, etc.): typically open in spring/summer 2025 with deadlines from August through October 2025. For example, U.S. Rhodes closes around Oct 1, 2025, West Africa closes August 28, 2025. Be sure to check the exact deadline for your country on the official Rhodes site.
- Supported Regions: Specific scholarships exist for countries or regions (e.g. Rhodes India, Rhodes Canada, Rhodes West Africa, Rhodes Pakistan, Rhodes Australia, etc.) and a Global Rhodes for other nationalities. Everyone (except British citizens) is potentially eligible via either a country scholarship or the global scholarship, as long as they meet the criteria for age and education.
- Eligibility: Typically age 18–24 (exact upper age limit varies by constituency, often around 24 or 25 at application deadline). Must have completed a bachelor’s degree (or be in final year) with an excellent academic record. Leadership, extracurricular and community engagement are heavily weighed. Each constituency may have specific eligibility (e.g. U.S. applicants must have 3.7+ GPA, Indian applicants need undergrad from an Indian university, etc.). All Rhodes Scholars must commit to full-time study at Oxford and meet its admission standards.
- Application Process: Apply online through the Rhodes Trust application portal for your country. You’ll need academic transcripts, a CV, personal statement/essay, and typically 5–8 reference letters. Shortlisted candidates are invited to a final interview in their region. It’s a rigorous process – be prepared to articulate your goals and leadership journey.
- Official Website: Rhodes Scholarships Official Site – select your country/region for detailed guidance and deadlines.
Gates Cambridge Scholarships (University of Cambridge) – All Nationalities Outside UK, Fully Funded 🎓
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a full-cost scholarship for outstanding international applicants to pursue a postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge. Funded by the Gates Foundation, it awards about 80 scholarships per year to non-UK students in any field at Cambridge, covering the full cost of studying at Cambridge (tuition, college fees) and a generous living allowance. Additional funding for activities or dependents can also be available.
- Deadline:Two rounds aligned with Cambridge admissions:
- Round 1 (US citizens) – Deadline likely mid-October 2025 (for 2026 entry). (For reference, the previous round for US applicants was Oct 2024.)
- Round 2 (all other nationalities) – Deadline around early December 2025 for most courses. Some Cambridge courses may have a later deadline in January 2026, but Dec 2025 is the typical Gates cut-off for international applicants.
- Supported Regions: Any country outside the UK. Applicants from all countries (except UK) are eligible. This includes Americans, Europeans, Africans, Asians, etc. (Note: UK citizens are not eligible for Gates Cambridge.)
- Eligibility: Must apply and be admitted to a full-time postgraduate program at Cambridge (Master’s or PhD). Requires a superb academic record, demonstrated leadership and commitment to improving others’ lives. There are no age limits. Both new master’s and PhD candidates can apply. (The scholarship is not available for undergraduate or MBA/MD programs.)
- Application Process: No separate form – you apply for admission to Cambridge and the scholarship together via the Cambridge Graduate Application Portal by the deadline. In the application, select the Gates Cambridge Scholarship option and submit the required Gates Cambridge statement about your fit and leadership. Also provide references (including one specifically addressing your suitability for Gates). Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed (usually virtually).
- Official Website: Gates Cambridge Scholarships – provides the program timeline, criteria, and FAQs.
Marshall Scholarships (UK Government) – United States, Fully Funded 🇺🇸
The Marshall Scholarship is a prestigious award for American students to pursue graduate studies in the UK, funded by the British government. Each year up to 50 young U.S. citizens of high ability are selected. A Marshall Scholarship can fund 1 or 2 years of study (with an option for a third-year extension in some cases) at any UK university in any field. It covers university fees, cost of living, research and travel grants, and travel to and from the US.
- Deadline: U.S. applicants must go through campus endorsement and then a national application. The national deadline is typically late September or early October 2025 for the 2026 intake. (For example, the 2025 competition’s national deadline was in late September 2024.) Note: Your university’s internal campus deadline will be much earlier (often July/Aug 2025) if you’re a current student, so plan ahead.
- Supported Regions: Only United States citizens are eligible. Applicants must have obtained their undergraduate degree in the US by the time the scholarship starts. Marshall Scholars can study at any UK institution across England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
- Eligibility: U.S. citizenship and a bachelor’s degree (by summer 2026) with a minimum GPA around 3.7 are required. You should have graduated from your first undergraduate degree after April 2022 (within the past 3 years of application). There is no formal age limit, but the intent is to select recent graduates or young professionals. Selection criteria include academic merit, leadership potential, and ambassadorial potential to strengthen UK–US understanding.
- Application Process: Begin by seeking nomination from your U.S. university (if you’re currently a student or recent alum – many schools have a campus application process in summer). The final application is submitted through the Marshall Scholarships application system and includes personal statements/essays, a proposed academic program, and typically 4 letters of recommendation. Finalists are interviewed at regional consulates of the UK in the U.S.
- Official Website: Marshall Scholarship Official Site – includes a detailed Applicant Handbook and timeline for the competition.
UAL/ISH International Postgraduate Scholarships (University of the Arts London) – Developing Countries, Fully Funded 🎨
If you’re aiming for a creative arts or design-focused master’s, the UAL (University of the Arts London) along with the International Students House (ISH) offers generous postgraduate scholarships. These provide a £50,000 award covering full tuition, accommodation in London, and could even contribute to living costs. The scholarship is available for students from developing countries who have an offer to study a full-time taught Master’s course at one of UAL’s six colleges (e.g. Central Saint Martins, London College of Fashion, etc.).
- Deadline: 20 June 2025 for programs starting in September 2025 (annual deadline – in previous years it has also been in late June). Be sure to have your admissions offer from UAL before applying for this scholarship.
- Supported Regions: International students from developing or low-income countries (as classified by UAL’s criteria, typically aligning with countries in Asia, Africa, Middle East, Latin America with developing economies). Check UAL’s official list – generally, applicants from countries like Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, several African nations, Indonesia, Vietnam, etc. are eligible. (Students from G20 high-income countries are usually not eligible, with some exceptions.)
- Eligibility: You must first gain acceptance into a Master’s program at UAL. Then, eligibility for the scholarship requires that you reside in a low-income nation, your household income be below a certain threshold, and you are able to demonstrate financial need. A personal statement explaining how receiving the scholarship will help your career and how you intend to contribute back to your home country is usually required.
- Application Process: After receiving an unconditional (or conditional) offer from UAL, you fill out the UAL/ISH scholarship application form (available on UAL’s site). You’ll need to provide personal details, a statement of financial circumstances, and a study proposal. The selection is competitive and based on merit and need. Results are announced in July.
- Official Website: UAL International Postgraduate Scholarships – includes the list of eligible countries, courses, and the online application form.
University of Manchester Equity & Merit Scholarships – Select Sub-Saharan African Countries, Fully Funded 🌍🎓
The University of Manchester’s Equity & Merit Scholarships support talented but economically disadvantaged students from some of the world’s poorest countries to study for a master’s in the UK. These scholarships cover the full tuition fees and living expenses, plus round-trip flights and visas, for certain one-year master’s programs at Manchester. They are aimed at enabling scholars to contribute to sustainable development in their home countries.
- Deadline: Applications for 2025/26 entry closed on 31 August 2024. For 2026/27 entry, the application is expected to open in summer 2025 and likely close by late August 2025. The application window is short (often one month in August), so interested candidates should prepare early.
- Supported Regions: Specifically for nationals of Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. Candidates must be resident in one of these countries at time of application and return after studies. (There are ~30 scholarships for on-campus masters and 10 for online masters each year under this scheme.)
- Eligibility: A bachelor’s degree with First Class or 2:1 (upper second), and relevant professional experience is required. The scholarships target young professionals who can demonstrate both academic excellence and a commitment to development in fields aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (e.g. courses in engineering, environment, health, education, development, etc. are prioritized). Financial need is a key factor – applicants must show they would not otherwise afford UK study.
- Application Process: You apply directly to University of Manchester for the Equity & Merit Scholarship (via an online form on the Manchester website). No separate admission application is needed upfront. Instead, you list your chosen master’s course (from a list of eligible courses) in the scholarship form. The application includes short essay questions about your goals and development impact, plus academic transcripts and reference letters. Shortlisted candidates might be interviewed. If selected, you’ll then go through the university admission process with the scholarship in hand.
- Official Website: Manchester Equity & Merit Scholarships – provides country eligibility, eligible courses, and the application instructions.
Partial Tuition Scholarships & Other Notable Funding (2025 Deadlines)
Not all scholarships cover the full cost, but many can significantly reduce your financial burden. Below is a list of partial scholarships and tuition awards for master’s in the UK, including government-sponsored programs and university-specific awards, with deadlines from June to December 2025. These range from £5,000 to £10,000+ in value or 50% tuition waivers. We list key details and official links for each:
GREAT Scholarships (British Council) – £10,000 Tuition Awards for 14 Countries 💷
The GREAT Scholarships are a program of the UK government and British Council that offer £10,000 toward tuition fees for one-year Master’s courses in the UK. Over 200 GREAT scholarships are available for the 2025-26 academic year across 71 UK universities. These scholarships are country-specific – meaning applicants from certain countries can apply for a GREAT award at participating universities.
- Deadline: Varies by university, generally between April and June 2025. (Each university in the program sets its own deadline for its GREAT scholarship applications.) A few universities have deadlines extending into early June 2025, so by mid-June most GREAT slots will close. It’s best to check the specific deadline on the university’s scholarship page. All awards are for courses starting September 2025.
- Eligible Countries: 14 countries are eligible (for 2025) – Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam. Students must be nationals of one of these to apply.
- Fields & Universities: A wide range of one-year taught Master’s programs are covered, in diverse fields (from STEM to art to law). 71 UK universities across England, Scotland, Wales, N. Ireland participate. Each university usually offers 1–2 GREAT scholarships (sometimes focused on certain programs or faculties).
- Application Process: First, apply for admission to your chosen university in an eligible master’s course. Then apply for the GREAT scholarship through that university (usually an online form or email application). You will typically need to write a short essay or personal statement explaining how you fit the scholarship criteria and how you will contribute to UK- relations. The selection is done by the universities, and winners are informed by late June/July.
- Official Info: See the British Council’s GREAT Scholarships page for an overview and links to each country’s participating universities.
Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships (Scottish Government) – £8,000 for Tuition 🏴
Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships are funded by the Scottish Government in partnership with Scottish universities. They provide £8,000 towards one year of tuition fees for master’s degrees in Sc1-L69】. The goal is to attract students in priority sectors (science, technology, creative industries, healthcare, and renewable energy) to experience Scotland. (Note: The Saltire Scholarship programme was on hold for 2024, but may resume for 2025 entry.)
- Deadline: In past cycles, the deadline was 31 May (e.g. 31 May 2022 as9-L87】). If the Saltire Scholarships reopen for 2025-26, expect an application window from early 2025 with a deadline around end of May 2025. Always verify on the official site as the scheme’s status can change.
- Eligible Regions: Open to citizens of **Canada, China (including Hong Kong), India, Japan, Pakistan, and the5-L63】. Applicants from these six countries (and Hong Kong SAR) who are accepted into Scottish universities can apply.
- Fields Covered: Eligible Master’s programs in science, technology, creative industries, healthcare and medical sciences, or renewable and clean energy at any Scottish univ7-L55】. Both in-person and distance learning courses in Scotland q7-L55】.
- Eligibility: Must have a conditional or unconditional offer from a Scottish university for an eligible course. Applicants should not have studied in Scotland before, and must be able to demonstrate ability to cover remaining living costs beyond the £8k schol3-L81】. A strong academic background and interest in Scotland/your field is expected. You’ll also be asked to show leadership qualities and a willingness to engage in Saltire networking and ambassadorial activities.
- Application Process: Done via an online application form on the [Scotland.org Saltire page](https://www.scotland.org/study/saltire-scholar:contentReference[oaicite:52]{index=52}-L109】. You’ll provide personal details, academic info, the offer letter, and short essays on e.g. why you want to study in Scotland and how you will use the experience. Results are usually announced by July.
- Official Website: Saltire Scholarships – Scotland.org – check here for announcements if the 2025 program is running, since 2024 was 1-L99】.
Glasgow University – Global Leadership Scholarships (£10,000) 🏴
The University of Glasgow offers Global Leadership Scholarships to high-achieving international students starting a master’s at Glasgow. For 2025/26, these take the form of a £10,000 tuition fee discount for a Master’s program in an【39†L77-L82】. Multiple scholarships are available.
- Deadline: No separate scholarship deadline – you are automatically considered when you apply for admission. Essentially, you should apply for your Glasgow master’s by the main application deadlines (which vary by program; many courses have deadlines from late spring to June 2025 for a September start). There isn’t a standalone scholarship form, but it’s implied you need to secure admission early to be considered.
- Eligibility & Regions: Open to international fee-paying students from all countries (non-UK). As listed, virtually all nationalities outside the UK are eligible for this【39†L61-L70】. You need to have excellent academic merit – typically equivalent of a UK first-class undergraduate degree is expected.
- How it Works: All offer holders from eligible countries are reviewed. Those with strong academic profiles will be chosen for the £10k award. This is applied as a tuition reduction on your fee invoice.
- Fields: Any one-year taught Master’s at UofG is eligible (see their course catalogue). This scholarship is not restricted by field of study.
- Official Information: See Glasgow’s page for International Leadership Scholarship – it confirms the £10,000 tuition award and that no separate application is required. Also referenced by 【39†L77-L82】.
University of Reading – Excellence Scholarship (£5,000–£10,000) 📚
For 2025/26, the University of Reading (England) announced a new University of Reading Excellence Scholarship to support master’s students from3†L165-L173】. It offers a range of tuition fee reductions: £10,000 or £5,000 (and an additional £3,000 for certain business school courses) for outstanding applicants.
- Deadline: 1 July 2025 – you need to hold an offer from Reading by 1 July 2025 to be automatically considered for the main 3†L181-L189】. (There are multiple rounds with decisions made between November 2024 and July 2025, but international students applying by 1 July will be in the final round.) There’s also a later deadline 1 Dec 2025 for those starting in January es【14†L1-L4】.
- Eligibility: All international (and UK) applicants for full-time taught master’s degrees at Reading are eligible. No separate scholarship application is required; however, only those with excellent academic records (equivalent to UK first-class or high 2:1 undergraduate grades) are likely to be awarded. This scholarship is merit-based.
- Supported Regions: Any country (outside the EU/UK you’d be classed as international and qualify for the higher scholarship amounts).
- Details: If you have an offer by the deadline, the university automatically considers you. They allocate the awards by academic excellence and possibly other criteria (like diversity of nationality or field). Recipients of £10k or £5k awards will be notified by email. The scholarship is applied as a tuition fee reduction. (Reading also has some separate regional awards and subject scholarships, but the Excellence Scholarship is the biggest broad one.)
- Official Website: Reading Master’s Scholarships – includes terms and a “step-by-step guide” to apply f3†L189-L197】 (since no separate form is needed for the scholarship).
Other University-Based Scholarships (Partial Funding) 🎓💡
Many UK universities provide their own scholarships or bursaries to international Master’s students. Here are a few notable ones with deadlines in our timeframe:
- Aston University Scholarships – Aston (England) offers several scholarships. Notably, a Global Excellence Scholarship scheme for master’s students opens 2 Oct 2025 and closes 31 Oct 2025 for the 20ke【50†L1-L4】. Also, the Ferguson Scholarships (in partnership with the Allan & Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust) at Aston offer full tuition (£22,500) + £6,000 for living expenses for select courses to students from Africa and India – deadline for these is **30【50†L35-L42】. Check Aston’s International Scholarships page for details on how to apply (some require separate application, others automatic).
- University of Westminster Scholarships – Westminster has various awards, such as the Westminster International Postgraduate Part-Fee Scholarship (50% tuition) and sometimes full scholarships for students from developing countries. For September 2025 entry, a partial scholarship deadline is **11【42†L23-L27】. They also participate in GREAT Scholarships (e.g., Westminster GREAT Scholarship deadline 5【42†L6-L10】). Check the Westminster Scholarships page for current offers and how to apply (usually via a separate form after you have an admission offer).
- University of Sussex Chancellor’s International Scholarship – A competitive award offering 50% reduction in tuition at University of Sussex, open to most non-UK/non-EU admits. The 2025 entry deadline was 355†L98-L102】 (which is just before our June cutoff, but keep an eye if any second round). If you plan for 2026 intake, expect a similar spring deadline. Application involves an online form after offer. (Source: University notice and scholars55†L96-L102】.)
- University of Bristol Think Big Postgraduate Scholarships – Awards ranging from £6,500 up to £13,000 (and in some cases £20k) towards 【11†L31-L39】. For 2025 entry the deadline was 225【11†L1-L8】, but for January 2026 start there is a round with deadline 5 Nov 2025 (per university a【11†L19-L23】). If you’re applying for a course starting in Jan 2026 at Bristol, you can apply by Nov 2025. See Bristol’s International Scholarships page for details.
- University of Nottingham – Developing Solutions Scholarship – Offers 50% or 100% tuition for students from Africa, India, or certain Commonwealth countries who can propose development solutions for their home country. Deadline for September 2025 intake was 1【44†L31-L39】 (so not in the June–Dec window), but this is one to note for future cycles (likely April 2026 for the next round). Info on Nottingham’s site.
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programs – A few UK universities (such as University of Edinburgh) partner with Mastercard Foundation to offer fully-funded scholarships to African students. For instance, Edinburgh’s Mastercard Scholars Program supports on-campus Masters for students from Africa (covering full fees and living). Deadlines in 2025 were in late January. While not in June–Dec, keep in mind for 2026 admissions (likely Jan 2026 deadline). Check the specific university’s Mastercard Scholars page if you qualify (e.g. University of Edinburgh or University of Cambridge for certain programs).
Final Tips: Maximizing Your Scholarship Hunt
- Start Early & Stay Updated: Many major scholarships (like Chevening, Commonwealth, GREAT) open well in advance. For 2025-2026 opportunities, ensure you’re ready to apply as soon as applications open. Bookmark official pages and sign up for newsletters (e.g. Chevening’5†L129-L137】) to get announcements. The above list focuses on deadlines June–Dec 2025, but some programs with early-2025 deadlines will be relevant for the 2025 intake (don’t miss those in future cycles).
- Meet Prerequisites: Before applying, double-check you meet all prerequisites (academic degree, work experience, English proficiency, etc.). Most UK scholarships for international students require at least a second-class upper (2:1) undergraduate degree. If a scholarship calls for admission to a university first, prioritize securing the offer.
- Quality Applications: Scholarship applications often require personal statements, essays, or research proposals. Tailor each application to the scholarship’s mission. For example, emphasize leadership and networking for Chevening, development impact for Commonwealth, academic excellence for university merit scholarships. Obtain strong reference letters well in advance.
- Use Official Guidance: Always refer to the official scholarship website for the most accurate and detailed information. We’ve provided official links for each scholarship – use them to get full application instructions and updates. For instance, if you click through to the Chevening site, you can read the exact eligibility criteria and even country-s5†L103-L111】.
Sources:
- British Council Study UK – Chevening Scholarships: Overview of Chevening (fully-funded one-ye5†L119-L125】.
- Commonwealth Scholarship Commission / Study UK – Commonwealth Scholarships: Funding coverage and criteria for Commonwea【55†L63-L70】 and Shared Scholarships (0†L210-L218】.
- Scholars4Dev – Top UK Scholarships: Descriptions of major UK scholarships (Chevening, Commonwealth, Gates Camb5†L118-L124】.
- Rhodes Trust – Official PDFs and site info on Rhodes Scholarship timelines (e.g. Global deadline Ju【31†L41-L44】.
- Marshall Scholarship – University of Edinburgh summary: Confirms Marshall covers tuition, living, study expenses, fares, and ~50 awards for1†L847-L849】.
- Scholars4Dev – GREAT Scholarships in UK: Program details (14 target countries, 71 universities, £10k tu【19†L73-L81】.
- Scholars4Dev – Scotland Saltire Scholarships: Eligibility and funding (£8000) and note on pr【22†L91-L99】.
- Scholars4Dev – Glasgow International Scholarship: £10k tuition discount, automatic consideration for internatio【39†L77-L82】.
- University of Reading – Master’s Scholarships page: Details on Reading’s Excellence Scholarship a9】【14†L1-L4】.
- University of Manchester – Equity & Merit Program: Countries supported and funding coverage (full tuition by uni and living cost8†L287-L294】.
By following this guide and the resources provided, you’ll be well on your way to finding and securing the right UK scholarship for your master’s studies. Good luck with your applications!