Seize the Opportunity: Explore UK Scholarships for International Students 2023

Several of the top universities in the world, regularly ranked in the top 10 worldwide, are located in the United Kingdom. Employers worldwide hold UK degrees and universities in the highest regard due to their superior research and education offerings.

Even though tuition is expensive for overseas students, the UK provides a large number of scholarships to help lower the expenses of studying there. Scholarships can free up funds for additional fees that students may have, like living expenses and travel.

We give a thorough rundown of UK scholarships available to overseas students in this blog, along with information on the application process, university-funded scholarships, qualifying requirements, and more for 2023. So do not pause reading!

Academic achievement

• A decent GPA in prior education is generally considered to be competitive for most scholarships.
• For a few science and business-based programs high scores on standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, and IELTS are needed.
• Receiving academic and extracurricular awards and honors can weigh high on the student’s profile.
• Conducting research or participating in research projects can demonstrate and make a positive approach to the student’s curiosity and intellectual potential.

International students’ English language competency standards vary depending on UK universities and scholarships. Most scholarships, however, require applicants who are not from English-speaking nations to demonstrate their fluency in the language.

The TOEFL and IELTS are the two most favored worldwide accepted English language proficiency exams that are accepted by UK universities. Most UK universities and scholarships demand an IELTS score of 6.5, with no band lower than 6.0 while an overall TOEFL score of 90 is necessary, with no sector score being lower than 20 accepted in TOEFL. Additionally, higher English language proficiency scores may be required for some scholarships, particularly for courses where academic writing is a major requirement or if instruction is conducted in English.

• Based on the program and scholarships the university may ask to provide the student’s work experience or extracurricular activity list. Below we are showing some specific examples of work experience and extracurricular activities that may be needed while applying for scholarships to study in the UK:
• For experienced workers work experience such as Internships, apprenticeships, part-time jobs, and volunteer work can all count as work experience.
  Student organizations clubs, university or school clubs, sports teams, and volunteer work can all count as extracurricular activities.
• For experienced student holding a leadership position in a student organization, volunteer organization, or other group can demonstrate leadership skills that will advance the student profile.
  Students who have participated in team sports or extracurricular activities can show the extra activities.
• Volunteering work may also benefit students to demonstrate a profile for scholarship.

Depending on the particular scholarship, there are different requirements for applying to study in the UK. Below we are highlighting some–

The nationality criteria for applying for scholarships to study in the UK depends on specific scholarship programmes. There are citizenship and residency criteria based on which scholarships in the UK are awarded. Some scholarships in the UK require candidates to hold citizenship in some specific countries or group of countries. Some scholarships also demand applicants to be residents of the UK as a home country for several years.

The level of study depends on the chosen program and scholarships. Undergraduate and Graduate levels of education need different kinds of criteria. Undergraduate scholarships in the UK need a specific academic achievement, a mandatory English language proficiency test for non-English speaking applicants, nationality, and some other eligibility criteria which include additional eligibility requirements of extracurricular involvement or a specific field of study. A master’s and Ph.D. scholarship requirements are different than the undergraduate one. Academic achievements i.e. a strong academic record, with a decent CGPA in their undergraduate degree in a related subject, and research experience through internships, coursework, or independent projects are needed. Additionally, an English language proficiency test is needed for both programs for UK scholarships.

Financial need is important to achieve some additional funding opportunities. Universities, foundations, and private organizations often offer grants, bursaries, or work-study programs to support students with economic needs in the UK. However, there are many additional scholarships that also have other eligibility measures. Students should check the university website or get in touch with the scholarship sponsor directly to learn the exact requirements for a given scholarship.

The procedure of applying for scholarships to study in the UK is extensive and needs meticulous preparation, planning, and research.

Here is a step-by-step guide to assist you in successfully navigating the application process:

Check eligibility criteria

The first step is to check the eligibility criteria with the university and the scholarship forum. After checking the next procedures start.

A completed application form

There are application forms available online for each scholarship program. Firstly, it is needed to complete the application form.

Transcripts

You need to submit proof of full academic certificates and transcripts to the scholarship portal for verification.

Letters of recommendation

Letter of recommendation is needed from your prior academic places, workplaces and others if available.

A personal statement

Submitting a fully complete personal statement is needed for scholarships to study in the UK.

Government-funded scholarships

Chevening Scholarships

It is a fully funded global scholarship program available in the UK from the UK government which provides financial support, as well as the opportunity to develop professionally and academically.

Commonwealth Scholarships

The Commonwealth Scholarship in the UK is a fully funded scholarship that is awarded to talented individuals from Commonwealth countries. This scholarship provides tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs to students who can not afford the fees however, this scholarship is highly competitive but provides a life-changing opportunity for students.

GREAT Scholarships

GREAT Scholarships are awarded to the postgraduate degree candidates which are funded by the UK government and delivered by the British Council. This scholarship includes coverage of the full tuition fees, a stipend, and some additional benefits.

British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM

STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is the focus of the British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM. It offers financial support and helps women attending UK institutions for postgraduate courses in any STEM subjects. The scholarships are intended to support women in overcoming obstacles that may stand in their way of pursuing STEM careers and to inspire other women to do so.

University-funded scholarships

Apart from the governmental support, there are university-funded scholarships that are only awarded to the students who enroll in their universities and meet the requirements. Below we are creating a table for better understanding:

Along with the government and university-funded scholarships, there are other types of scholarships available in the UK. They are–

A.S. Hornby Trust Scholarship

It is awarded to the Master’s degree level candidates to people who are attached to teaching and other related professionals with experience. This award covers costs including a monthly stipend to cover accommodation and living expenses, tuition fees, return air tickets visa, and language test costs.

Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan

The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) is an international program that provides scholarships and fellowships to citizens of Commonwealth countries covering academic exchange, fostering cultural understanding, and contributing to sustainable development within the Commonwealth.

Global Wales Scholarships for International Students

International students who tend to pursue a postgraduate course in Wales have access to this prominent scholarship program. Up to £10,000 in financial aid is offered to cover living expenses and tuition costs and students only from Vietnam, India, the United States, Canada, and the European Union are eligible to apply for this award.

There are a few procedures to find suitable scholarship programs available in the UK. Firstly, you have to Identify eligibility based on nationality, level of study, subject area, and academic performance. You need to explore online databases for example– Scholarship Portal, Scholarships in the UK, The Scholarship Hub and so on to find relevant opportunities. Then you need to check with the university websites to compare and explore university-funded specific scholarships. You need to consider all the funding options available to find the best and most suitable one for you. After getting the best one you have to connect with organizations.

Here are some tips for finding scholarships:

• You have to start finding a suitable one as early as possible because the process takes a long time to find and apply for scholarships.
• You need to meet all of the eligibility requirements for a scholarship before you apply because without being eligible you can not apply and step forward.
• You need to collect and gather all the required letters, certificates, and documents as early as possible before the deadline.
• Proofread your applications carefully.
• In order to achieve the scholarship, you need to get involved in extracurricular activities and volunteer work as much as you can because participating in extracurricular activities gives additional points.
• Obtaining good grades is the most important factor in achieving any scholarship.

How can I get a 100% scholarship to study in the UK?

Meeting the academic requirements is the best option to get a 100% scholarship to study in the UK.

How much CGPA is required for a scholarship in the UK?

The CGPA for scholarship in the UK is not fixed because based on different types of scholarships it differ. However, 3.5 out of 4 CGPA is generally considered in most of the cases.

How to get a scholarship in the UK?

Meeting the academic requirements, engaging in research or internships, and demonstrating financial need are the few criteria to consider while thinking of getting a scholarship in the UK.

Who is eligible for the scholarship in the UK?

The eligibility for scholarships in the UK varies depending on the specific scholarship, university, financial status, and level of study. There is no specific eligibility for a specific level rather it is based on the candidate’s profile and chosen program.

For international students, the cost of tuition is high. Therefore, the UK scholarships are a huge help in covering the cost of studying there.
I hope the information above has given you a complete overview of the UK scholarships that are open to international students.