Fully Funded Scholarships in the UK for International Students 2027–2028: Eligibility, Benefits and How to Apply
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The United Kingdom is a popular destination for international students seeking internationally recognized degrees, research opportunities, and postgraduate education. However, tuition fees and living expenses can make studying in the UK expensive. Scholarships, university awards, and postgraduate funding programmes can help eligible students reduce or cover these costs.
For the 2027–2028 academic year, students should investigate several funding opportunities, including Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, GREAT Scholarships when the relevant cycle is announced, and university-specific awards.
An important point for international applicants: these scholarships do not all accept students from the same countries. Some are open to applicants from many eligible countries, while others are restricted by nationality, residency, degree level, academic background, or professional experience.
This guide explains the main scholarship routes, eligible applicant groups, potential benefits, application requirements, and official websites where students can verify current opportunities.
Study destination: United Kingdom
Academic year: 2027–2028
Target audience: International students from eligible countries
Study levels: Primarily postgraduate, with additional university-specific opportunities
Funding types: Government scholarships, tuition awards, fellowships, and university funding
1. Types of Scholarships Available in the UK
International students can explore several funding options depending on their nationality, academic qualifications, and intended degree.
Government-funded scholarships
The UK government supports international education through scholarship programmes such as Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships. These programmes have distinct eligibility criteria, application processes, and funding arrangements.
University scholarships
UK universities offer scholarships for international undergraduate and postgraduate students. Some awards are based on academic merit, while others target specific countries, subjects, or financial circumstances.
Postgraduate scholarships
Master's and PhD applicants can investigate funding offered by government programmes, universities, research departments, and individual academic institutions.
Research funding and studentships
Some universities and research centres advertise funded doctoral positions, research studentships, or project-specific funding. These opportunities may cover tuition fees and provide a stipend, depending on the award.
Subject-specific scholarships
Some funding opportunities support applicants studying particular disciplines, such as engineering, public health, climate science, education, economics, and technology.
The official Study UK scholarships and funding directory is a useful starting point for identifying opportunities and checking their funding conditions.
2. Chevening Scholarships 2027–2028
Chevening is a UK government scholarship programme supporting people with leadership potential who want to pursue a one-year master's degree in the United Kingdom.
It is a major opportunity for eligible applicants from participating countries and territories. The programme emphasizes academic and professional development, leadership, networking, and the potential to contribute to challenges in applicants' home countries.
Who is eligible?
Chevening applicants generally need to meet requirements including:
- Citizenship of an eligible country or territory.
- An undergraduate degree that qualifies them for a UK master's programme.
- At least two years of eligible work experience, equivalent to 2,800 hours.
- A commitment to return to their country of award for at least two years after the scholarship.
- Applications to three eligible UK master's courses.
- An unconditional offer from at least one eligible course by the applicable offer deadline.
The full criteria and any additional conditions should be checked on the official website.
What does Chevening cover?
Chevening Scholarships are described by the programme as fully funded awards for eligible one-year master's study. Applicants should consult the official award guidance for the applicable tuition, living, travel, and other benefits.
Application status for 2027–2028
The main Chevening application deadline for the 2027–2028 cycle was 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC. As of 9 October 2026, this deadline has passed. Applicants should check their country or territory's official Chevening page for confirmation of the cycle's status and future application announcements.
The next application cycle should not be assumed to be open until Chevening publishes its official dates.
Official resources:
3. Commonwealth Scholarships for International Students
Commonwealth Scholarships support eligible applicants from participating Commonwealth countries who want to pursue postgraduate study or professional development in the UK.
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission administers different scholarship schemes, and the eligible countries, degree levels, and requirements depend on the individual programme.
Commonwealth Master's Scholarships
These scholarships support eligible candidates from specified Commonwealth countries who intend to study a qualifying postgraduate programme in the UK.
The eligible-country list includes countries such as Bangladesh, Belize, Botswana, Dominica, Eswatini, Fiji, Ghana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and other participating Commonwealth countries.
This is not a universal scholarship open to every international student. Applicants must consult the official list for the exact scheme and confirm all current eligibility requirements.
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission also offers PhD funding routes for eligible applicants under specific schemes. These programmes have their own country eligibility, academic requirements, and application procedures.
Candidates should not assume that the country list or eligibility conditions for Master's awards automatically apply to PhD awards.
Commonwealth Scholarships for Small Island Developing States
A dedicated 2027/28 Master's scholarship route has been announced for eligible applicants from Small Island Developing States. The published application window runs from 8 September 2026 to 20 October 2026 at 16:00 British Summer Time.
The eligible countries for this specific route include Belize, Dominica, Fiji, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Kiribati, Maldives, Mauritius, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu, among others listed by the programme.
Applicants must use the official scheme page to confirm the full eligible-country list and application instructions.
What funding is available?
Funding and conditions depend on the scholarship category. Applicants should verify the official terms for tuition, living allowance, travel, and any other applicable support.
Official resources:
- Commonwealth Master's Scholarships
- Commonwealth PhD Scholarships
- Commonwealth Scholarships for Small Island Developing States
4. GREAT Scholarships for International Students
GREAT Scholarships are supported by the British Council, the UK government's GREAT Britain Campaign, and participating UK universities.
For the 2026–2027 academic year, the programme lists more than 140 scholarships across over 60 universities in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Each scholarship provides £10,000 towards tuition fees for an eligible one-year taught postgraduate course.
Which countries are eligible?
For the published 2026–2027 cycle, the GREAT Scholarships programme lists students from these 18 countries:
- Bangladesh
- China
- Egypt
- France
- Ghana
- Greece
- India
- Indonesia
- Italy
- Kenya
- Malaysia
- Mexico
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Spain
- Thailand
- Türkiye
- Vietnam
Important: This list is for the published 2026–2027 programme, not a confirmed 2027–2028 country list. Applicants should check the British Council's website for announcements about the next academic cycle.
Are GREAT Scholarships fully funded?
The standard GREAT award provides £10,000 towards tuition fees. It should not automatically be described as a fully funded scholarship because students may need to pay the remaining tuition fees and living expenses themselves.
How do students apply?
- Open the official GREAT Scholarships website.
- Select your country.
- Review the participating universities and eligible courses.
- Visit the relevant university's scholarship page.
- Follow the university's application instructions and deadline.
Application dates and course eligibility vary by participating institution.
Official resources:
5. University Scholarships in the UK
University-funded awards are another important option for international students. Unlike national scholarship programmes, university scholarships may be available to students from a wider range of countries, depending on the individual award.
Types of university funding
Merit-based scholarships: Awarded according to academic achievement, leadership, or other selection criteria.
International tuition awards: Scholarships that reduce tuition fees for eligible international students.
Departmental scholarships: Awards offered by particular schools, departments, or academic programmes.
Research studentships: Funding opportunities for eligible PhD or research applicants, which may include tuition and a stipend.
Need-based assistance: Financial support available under the university's own financial-aid rules.
How to find suitable university scholarships
Start with the official university website and look for its international scholarships or postgraduate funding section.
For each award, confirm:
- Eligible nationalities and residency conditions.
- Eligible degree levels and courses.
- Whether an admission offer is required.
- Whether a separate scholarship application is needed.
- The amount of funding and which expenses it covers.
- The deadline and renewal conditions.
Do not assume that every scholarship at a UK university is open to international students. Some awards are restricted to particular nationalities, regions, or courses.
The Study UK scholarships directory can help you discover relevant opportunities.
6. Scholarships for Undergraduate Students
Students seeking a bachelor's degree in the UK should investigate university scholarships, international tuition awards, and subject-specific funding.
The major government scholarship programmes discussed above primarily focus on postgraduate study. Undergraduate applicants should therefore search specifically for bachelor's-level awards.
When evaluating an undergraduate scholarship, check:
- Whether international first-year students are eligible.
- Whether the award covers the full degree or only one academic year.
- Whether the funding is a tuition discount or includes living expenses.
- Whether applicants must demonstrate academic merit or financial need.
- Whether the award can be renewed in later years.
- Whether a separate application is required.
Always read the award conditions carefully. A scholarship advertised as an international student award may cover only a portion of tuition fees.
7. How to Apply for UK Scholarships
Although application procedures vary, the following steps can help students organize their search and prepare complete applications.
Step 1: Identify your degree level
Decide whether you want to pursue undergraduate study, a taught master's, a PhD, or a research programme.
Step 2: Confirm country eligibility
Check whether your nationality and residency qualify for the scholarship. For schemes such as Chevening, Commonwealth Scholarships, and GREAT Scholarships, use the official programme's country information.
Step 3: Choose a suitable course
Find courses that match your previous qualifications, professional interests, and future plans. Verify that the scholarship supports your chosen course.
Step 4: Review the funding terms
Determine whether the award covers tuition, living expenses, travel, and other costs. Calculate any remaining expenses before making a financial commitment.
Step 5: Prepare the required documents
Depending on the programme, you may need:
- Academic certificates and transcripts.
- A CV or résumé.
- A personal statement or scholarship essays.
- Letters of recommendation.
- English-language test results, if required.
- Details of professional experience.
- A research proposal for certain research degrees.
- Financial documentation where applicable.
Not every scholarship requires every item. Follow the official checklist for the individual award.
Step 6: Submit the scholarship and university applications
Some scholarships require a separate application, while others consider eligible students after they apply for university admission.
Submit each application through the designated official system before the deadline.
Step 7: Track your applications
Save submission confirmations and record the dates for interviews, document requests, admission decisions, and scholarship results.
8. Important Dates for 2027–2028 Applicants
Deadlines differ by programme, country, and university. The following dates reflect the specific opportunities described in this guide.
| Scholarship | Published status or deadline |
|---|---|
| Chevening 2027–2028 | Main deadline was 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC; now passed |
| Commonwealth SIDS Master's Scholarships 2027/28 | 20 October 2026 at 16:00 BST |
| GREAT Scholarships | Published country and university information currently relates to 2026–2027; check for 2027–2028 updates |
| University scholarships | Varies by university, course, and award |
Applicants should verify the latest official information before submitting an application. Do not rely on dates from an older scholarship cycle.
9. How to Avoid Scholarship Scams
International students may encounter websites or agents claiming to guarantee scholarships, admission, or visas. Protect yourself by following these precautions:
- Use official government, university, and scholarship-provider websites.
- Verify the scholarship and its eligibility requirements before sharing personal information.
- Be cautious of anyone promising guaranteed selection.
- Confirm whether an application fee is officially required.
- Do not submit false documents or inaccurate information.
- Read the award conditions to understand what is covered.
- Avoid making financial commitments based on unverified scholarship announcements.
A legitimate scholarship may be competitive, and meeting its minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection.
10. Frequently Asked Questions
Can international students get fully funded scholarships in the UK?
Yes. Eligible students can apply for programmes such as Chevening and certain Commonwealth Scholarships. Some university awards and research studentships also provide extensive funding. Eligibility and the exact funding package depend on the award.
Are UK scholarships available to students from every country?
No. Some programmes are limited to specific countries or territories, while university scholarships have their own eligibility conditions. Always verify the official country list.
Is Chevening open for 2027–2028?
The main Chevening application deadline for the 2027–2028 cycle was 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC. As of 9 October 2026, that deadline has passed. Check the official Chevening website for current status and future application announcements.
What is the GREAT Scholarship worth?
The published 2026–2027 GREAT Scholarship award provides £10,000 towards tuition fees for an eligible one-year taught postgraduate course. It does not automatically cover all study and living expenses.
Can undergraduate students apply for UK scholarships?
Yes. Some UK universities offer undergraduate scholarships to eligible international students. The amount, country eligibility, and application requirements vary by institution.
Are Commonwealth Scholarships open to all Commonwealth countries?
No. Eligible countries depend on the specific Commonwealth scholarship scheme. Applicants should use the official scheme page to confirm the current list.
Do I need IELTS to apply for a UK scholarship?
English-language requirements vary. A scholarship programme may have its own requirements, and the university or course may impose additional conditions. Check both sets of rules.
Where can I search for UK scholarships?
Start with the official Study UK funding directory, then visit the relevant scholarship provider or university website.
Conclusion
The UK offers international students several scholarship and funding routes, including Chevening, Commonwealth Scholarships, GREAT Scholarships, university awards, and research funding.
The right opportunity depends on your nationality, degree level, academic background, and funding needs. Before applying, confirm that your country is eligible, verify the award's benefits, and check the deadline for the specific academic year.
Start your search using the official Study UK scholarships directory, Chevening Scholarships, and Commonwealth Scholarship Commission websites.
Editorial note: Scholarship information changes each year. Always verify eligibility, funding terms, and application dates with the official provider before publishing an application announcement or making a decision.