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Master’s and PhD Scholarships for International Students in the UK – Submit Application Now

ByRichard. July 17, 2025

The United Kingdom is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities, making it a top destination for international students seeking advanced degrees. However, pursuing a Master’s or PhD in the UK can be expensive, especially for students from abroad. Fortunately, numerous scholarships are available to help ease the financial burden and make studying in the UK more accessible. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the top Master’s and PhD scholarships for international students in the UK, including how to apply and what they cover.

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Table of Contents

2024 Master’s and PhD Scholarships for International Students in the UK

1. Chevening Scholarships

Overview: The Chevening Scholarships are one of the UK’s most prestigious and competitive scholarship programs, funded by the UK government. These scholarships are awarded to outstanding emerging leaders from around the world to pursue a one-year Master’s degree in any subject at any UK university.

What It Covers:

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Full Tuition Fees: The scholarship covers all tuition fees for the duration of your Master’s program.
Living Allowance: A monthly stipend is provided to cover accommodation, food, and other living expenses.
Return Airfare: The scholarship includes a round-trip economy class flight to and from the UK.
Additional Costs: Other allowances include the cost of a UK visa application, arrival allowance, and reimbursement for the cost of mandatory TB testing (if applicable).

Eligibility:

Open to applicants from Chevening-eligible countries (around 160 countries).
Candidates must have an undergraduate degree, at least two years of work experience, and meet the English language requirement.
Applicants should demonstrate leadership potential and a strong academic background.

Application Process:

Applications typically open in August and close in November each year.
The process involves submitting an online application, including academic transcripts, references, and essays on leadership and career goals.
Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview at the British Embassy or High Commission in their home country.

2. Commonwealth Scholarships

Overview: Commonwealth Scholarships are funded by the UK government and are aimed at students from developing Commonwealth countries. These scholarships are available for both Master’s and PhD programs in a wide range of disciplines.

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What It Covers:

Full Tuition Fees: Covers all tuition costs for the duration of your study.
Living Allowance: A monthly stipend is provided to cover living expenses.
Return Airfare: Includes a round-trip economy class flight to and from the UK.
Additional Costs: The scholarship may also cover study-related travel within the UK and provide a thesis grant.

Eligibility:

Open to citizens of eligible Commonwealth countries.
Applicants must have a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) or a relevant postgraduate qualification for PhD candidates.
Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, potential impact of the work on the candidate’s home country, and the quality of the study plan.

Application Process:

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Applications are made through the nominating agency in the applicant’s home country, typically a government department or university.
The application process usually opens in September and closes in December.
Candidates need to submit academic transcripts, a personal statement, and references, along with a research proposal for PhD applications.

3. Gates Cambridge Scholarships

Overview: Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gates Cambridge Scholarships are awarded to outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge. This scholarship is highly prestigious and competitive.

What It Covers:

Full Tuition Fees: Covers the full cost of tuition for the chosen course.
Living Allowance: A generous stipend is provided for living expenses, currently around £20,000 per year.
Travel Costs: Includes the cost of inbound and outbound flights from the UK.
Additional Funding: Provides support for family allowances, conference attendance, and visa costs.

Eligibility:

Open to applicants from any country outside the UK.
Candidates must demonstrate exceptional academic ability, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving the lives of others.
Scholarships are available for all full-time postgraduate degrees offered at Cambridge, except for a few professional degrees (e.g., MBA, MD).

Application Process:

The application process typically opens in September and closes in December or January, depending on the applicant’s nationality.
Applicants must apply for admission to the University of Cambridge and submit a separate Gates Cambridge Scholarship application, including a personal statement, references, and a research proposal for PhD candidates.

4. Rhodes Scholarships

Overview: The Rhodes Scholarships are among the oldest and most prestigious international scholarship programs, established in 1902. They are awarded to exceptional students from selected countries to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford.

What It Covers:

Full Tuition Fees: Covers all tuition costs for the duration of the chosen degree.
Living Stipend: A monthly stipend is provided to cover living expenses, currently around £17,000 per year.
Travel Costs: Includes economy class airfare to and from the UK at the beginning and end of the scholarship.
Additional Funding: Provides support for attending conferences and academic events.

Eligibility:

Open to students from eligible countries, including the USA, Canada, Australia, India, and several African countries.
Candidates must be between 18 and 24 years old, have an outstanding academic record, and demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to making a difference.
Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree with a high academic standing.

Application Process:

Applications typically open in June and close in October each year.
The process includes submitting an online application, academic transcripts, references, and a personal statement. Shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview.
Candidates must also apply for admission to the University of Oxford through its separate application process.

5. University-Specific Scholarships

Overview: Many UK universities offer their own fully funded scholarships for international students pursuing Master’s and PhD programs. These scholarships are often merit-based and available across a wide range of disciplines.

Examples:

Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarships: This scholarship covers full tuition fees and provides a living allowance for students from developing countries studying at the University of Oxford.
Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships: These scholarships cover the difference between the tuition fees for UK/EU students and international students at the University of Edinburgh, along with a stipend for living expenses.
Warwick Chancellor’s International Scholarships: These scholarships are available for PhD students at the University of Warwick and cover tuition fees, provide a stipend, and offer funding for research expenses.

Eligibility:

Applicants must meet the academic and English language requirements of the specific university.
Scholarships are often awarded based on academic excellence, research potential, and leadership qualities.

Application Process:

Application deadlines vary by university, so it’s essential to check the specific dates on each university’s website.
Some scholarships require a separate application, while others automatically consider all applicants for funding based on their course application.

6. The Clarendon Fund Scholarships

Overview: The Clarendon Fund offers fully funded scholarships to outstanding graduate students from all over the world to study at the University of Oxford. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and potential.

What It Covers:

Full Tuition Fees: Covers all tuition and college fees.
Living Allowance: Provides a generous annual grant for living expenses, currently around £17,000.

Eligibility:

Open to all international students applying for a full-time or part-time Master’s or DPhil (Oxford’s term for a PhD) course at the University of Oxford.
Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and a strong potential for future leadership.

Application Process:

No separate application is required for the Clarendon Scholarship; all applicants to the University of Oxford are automatically considered based on their academic merit.
Applications for Oxford courses typically close in January for the following academic year.

7. UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Scholarships

Overview: UKRI is the national funding agency that supports research and innovation in the UK. It offers scholarships for PhD students through various research councils, providing comprehensive funding for doctoral studies.

What It Covers:

Tuition Fees: Full coverage of tuition fees for the duration of the PhD.
Stipend: A living allowance is provided, usually around £18,000 per year.
Research Costs: Additional funding is available for research-related expenses, such as fieldwork, travel, and equipment.

Eligibility:

Open to international students pursuing PhD studies in eligible fields, including science, technology, engineering, humanities, and social sciences.
Candidates must demonstrate academic excellence and a strong research proposal.

Application Process:

Applications are submitted through the university where the candidate plans to study, with specific deadlines and requirements set by each institution.
The process typically includes submitting a research proposal, academic transcripts, and references.

What is the age limit for PhD scholarship in UK?

In the UK, there is generally no strict age limit for applying for a PhD scholarship. Most universities and funding bodies focus on the applicant’s academic qualifications, research proposal, and potential rather than their age.

Key Considerations:

Funding Bodies: Some funding bodies might have specific eligibility criteria, but these rarely include age limits. For example, the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and other major research councils do not impose age restrictions on PhD scholarships.
Scholarships and Fellowships: Some specific scholarships, fellowships, or awards might have age-related criteria, particularly those aimed at early-career researchers or recent graduates. However, these are the exceptions rather than the rule.
Professional Background: Mature students with significant professional experience are often encouraged to apply, as this experience can be seen as an asset in research.
Visa Considerations: If you are an international student, age might be a consideration in visa applications, particularly if you’re applying for a student visa after an extended gap in your education. However, this is more about the consistency of your academic or professional journey rather than a hard age limit.

Conclusion:

Pursuing a Master’s or PhD in the UK can be a transformative experience, offering access to world-class education and research opportunities. With a range of fully funded scholarships available, international students have the chance to study at some of the most prestigious universities without the financial burden. By carefully researching your options and preparing a strong application, you can increase your chances of securing one of these scholarships and achieving your academic and career goals in the UK. Whether you’re aiming for a Chevening Scholarship or a university-specific award, the journey to academic excellence in the UK is within your reach.

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2024 Master’s and PhD Scholarships for International Students in the UK

1. Chevening Scholarships

2. Commonwealth Scholarships

3. Gates Cambridge Scholarships

4. Rhodes Scholarships

5. University-Specific Scholarships

6. The Clarendon Fund Scholarships

7. UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Scholarships

What is the age limit for PhD scholarship in UK?

Key Considerations:

Conclusion:

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