Studying in the UK offers a world-class education, vibrant cultural exposure, and global networking opportunities. For many international students, however, cost remains a major barrier.
Fortunately, several fully funded UK scholarships offer complete tuition coverage, living stipends, accommodation allowances, and even travel costs. Here are the top 10 scholarships for 2025 that international students shouldn’t miss.
Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships in the UK for International Students (2025)
1. Chevening Scholarship
The UK Government’s global scholarship—funded by the FCDO—supports one-year master’s degrees at any UK university. It emphasizes leadership, networking, and future influence.
Deadline: 5 November 2025
Eligibility: Citizens of Chevening-eligible countries; bachelor’s degree; a minimum of two years’ work experience; leadership qualities; intent to return home post-study.
How to Apply: Online via chevening.org (August–November window). Submit academic documents, four essays (leadership, networking, career plans), and two references. Shortlisted candidates selected for interviews (Jan–Feb); results by June 2026.
2. Commonwealth Scholarships
Funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), these support master’s and PhD study for students from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries, emphasizing research with high development impact.
Deadline: Typically September–December 2025 (varies by country)
Eligibility: Citizens of eligible Commonwealth countries; first-degree holders with strong academic profiles; commitment to return and contribute to home nation.
How to Apply: Apply via your national nominating agency or directly to a UK university. Provide transcripts, references, personal statement/research proposal. Selections vary by country.
3. Rhodes Scholarships (University of Oxford)
The oldest prestigious scholarship program, supporting postgraduate study at Oxford with full funding for tuition, living costs, health insurance, and flights. Emphasis on outstanding intellect, character, leadership, and service.
Deadline: Varies by country—typically August–October 2024 for 2025 entry
Eligibility: Exceptional academic record (1st class or ~3.7+ GPA); age limit (~24–27); proven leadership and commitment to service.
How to Apply: Apply through your country’s Rhodes constituency: university endorsement, personal statement, references, and interviews (Oct–Nov). Finalists informed early 2025.
4. Clarendon Fund Scholarships (University of Oxford)
Awarded on academic merit to graduate applicants at Oxford—no separate essay required; covers full tuition and a generous living stipend.
Deadline: Aligns with Oxford’s graduate course deadlines (Dec 2024–Jan 2025)
Eligibility: All nationalities; applying for full-time master’s or DPhil; outstanding academic track record.
How to Apply: Submit your graduate application via Oxford portal with required documents. Automatic consideration; no separate Clarendon application.
5. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (University of Cambridge)
Highly selective postgraduate award established by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Covers full tuition, stipend, airfare, visa, and academic development.
Deadline: U.S. applicants: ~16 Oct 2024; others: early Dec 2024 or early Jan 2025
Eligibility: Non-UK citizens; applying for PhD, MPhil, MLitt, MSc, or similar full-time courses at Cambridge; academic excellence, leadership, and service commitment.
How to Apply: Submit joint application to course, college, and scholarship; include references and personal statement. Department nominates shortlist, followed by interview (Dec–Feb).
6. Weidenfeld–Hoffmann Scholarships & Leadership Programme (University of Oxford)
One-year master’s scholarships for students from developing/emerging nations, covering full tuition, living expenses, and leadership training programme at Oxford.
Deadline: Oxford graduate deadline (Dec 2025–Jan 2026)
Eligibility: Nationals from developing/emerging countries; applying for Oxford master’s; strong academic background and leadership potential; commitment to positive impact at home.
How to Apply: Opt in during graduate application on Oxford portal; submit questionnaire and leadership statement. Shortlisting involves interviews.
7. British Council GREAT Scholarships
Partnership initiative between the British Council and UK universities offering institution-specific awards for international master’s students from select countries.
Deadline: Institution-specific (usually Mar–Jun 2025); general final date: 30 June 2025.
Eligibility: Nationals from eligible countries (e.g., India, China, Malaysia, Mexico); admitted to participating UK master’s programmes; high academic merit.
How to Apply: Apply for your master’s programme first; then complete the GREAT Scholarship application via university portal. Each university manages its awards.
8. Jardine Scholarship (Oxford & Cambridge)
Prestigious full scholarships for Southeast Asian students at Oxford/Cambridge covering tuition, college fees, stipend, health insurance, and return airfare. Also includes summer internships.
Deadline: Typically October 2025 (for 2026 intake).
Eligibility: Citizens of Hong Kong, mainland China, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, or Taiwan; entering undergraduate programmes; outstanding academics and leadership potential.
How to Apply: Apply separately through Jardine Foundation following university application. Requires transcripts, references, personal statement, possibly face-to-face interviews.
9. Goldsmiths International Response Scholarship
Targeted at students with refugee/asylum-seeking backgrounds, covering full tuition, £8,825 allowance, and accommodation fee waiver. Four awards available (2 undergrad + 2 masters).
Deadline: 25 May 2025
Eligibility: International students, including refugees/asylum seekers; strong academic capability; entry into undergraduate or master’s courses at Goldsmiths.
How to Apply: Create a MyGoldsmiths account, apply via UCAS or portal, and complete scholarship form; submit evidence of status and academic achievement.
10. Rotary Peace Fellowship
Fully funded masters or professional certificate in peace studies at select global centres (including the UK). Covers tuition, lodging, travel, and field-study costs.
Deadline: 15 May 2025 (via local Rotary district nomination)
Eligibility: Professionals with strong leadership background, commitment to peace/ conflict resolution; typically 3+ years of relevant experience; bachelor’s degree; English proficiency.
How to Apply: Contact local Rotary club early, complete district-level application (essays, references), attend interview by local committee; finalists sent for centre-level selection.
Final Thoughts
These 10 scholarships present transformative opportunities for international students in 2025—ranging from leadership-driven awards like Chevening and Rhodes to specialist programmes like the Goldsmiths and Rotary Fellowships.
Start your preparations 6–12 months in advance, track deadlines, and tailor your applications to each programme’s ethos.