The UK Government administers a series of UK Masters scholarships aimed at funding talented international postgraduates to study in the UK. These include the Chevening programme, Commonwealth Scholarships and Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships.
Chevening scholarships
Chevening is a prestigious UK Government postgraduate funding scheme specifically for international students in the UK. It covers full payment of your Masters tuition fees, travel and visa costs, as well as a monthly living allowance.
For more information on eligibility criteria and the application process, please read our guide to Chevening Scholarships.
Commonwealth Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarships programme is aimed at supporting citizens of the 53 Commonwealth countries (nations that were part of the former British Empire). It’s organised by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) on behalf of the UK Government.
Over 800 Commonwealth Scholarships are available, but most postgraduate opportunities are provided to citizens of developing Commonwealth countries.
There are three main Commonwealth Scholarship schemes for international Masters students.
Commonwealth Masters Scholarships
These opportunities are offered to citizens of developing Commonwealth countries. They offer support for one-year UK Masters degrees (not including MBAs) at partner universities.
To qualify you must be a citizen of an eligible developing Commonwealth country, a refugee or a British protected person. You must also be ordinarily resident in a developing Commonwealth country.
You should normally apply through a national nominating agency in your home country. You should not apply directly to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission itself. Applications for the scholarship open in the August of the year before the Masters starts.
Selection will be based on your academic merit as well as the potential benefit of your qualification to your home country.
Successful applicants normally receive:
- Payment of your tuition fees
- A monthly allowance for accommodation and living expenses
- Travel costs to and from the UK at the beginning and end of your course
Additional support may be offered to help cover other expenses associated with your course.
Find out more about Commonwealth Masters Scholarships.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
These provide funding for international students who have not studied extensively abroad and would not otherwise be able to study a Masters in the UK.
Unlike the standard Commonwealth Scholarships for Masters study, Shared Scholarships are partially supported by UK universities.
In order to be eligible you must be a citizen of a developing Commonwealth country, a refugee or a British protected person, permanently resident in a developing Commonwealth country.
You must also hold either:
- An undergraduate degree equivalent to a 2.1 (‘upper second-class honours’); or
- An undergraduate degree equivalent to a 2.2 (‘lower second-class honours’) plus a Masters-level qualification.
You must also not have studied (or worked) for more than one year in a developed country and not have the means to pay for study in the UK yourself.
You should make your application to a UK university participating in the scheme. They may then put you forward for a scholarship. Note that only certain universities and courses are eligible for this funding.
If successful, you will normally receive:
- Payment of your tuition fees and other academic expenses
- A monthly allowance to cover accommodation and living costs
- Travel to and from the UK at the beginning and end of your course
Other expenses may also be covered, either by the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission, or by your university.
Find out more about Commonwealth Shared Scholarships.
Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships
These provide specific support for international students to study a UK Masters degree while living in their home country.
To qualify for a scholarship you will need to be a citizen of a developing Commonwealth country, a refugee or a British protected person, permanently resident in a developing Commonwealth country.
You must also hold an undergraduate degree equivalent to a 2.1 (‘upper second-class honours). Lower qualifications may be considered in some cases.
Universities will offer a scholarship of up to £18,000 to fund your course. This should cover tuition fees and other expenses.
When you apply for the scholarship through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s application system, you’ll need to hold an offer to study an eligible distance learning Masters.
Find out more about Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships.
GREAT Scholarships
The GREAT Scholarship programme is a joint initiative between the UK Government and the British Council, offering scholarships of at least £10,000 for students from the following countries to study a Masters in the UK:
- Bangladesh
- China
- Egypt
- Ghana
- India
- Indonesia
- Kenya
- Malaysia
- Mexico
- Nepal
- Pakistan
- Sri Lanka
- Thailand
We’ve written a full guide to the GREAT Scholarship scheme, covering eligibility, applications and more.