UK universities are among the most expensive, and the most lucrative, educational institutions in the world. Unfortunately for international students, that world-class education comes with a hefty price tag. It’s no surprise that there’s a lot of debate about student debt and whether it’s worth it.
The UK government capped tuition fees for domestic students at £9,250 per year – but there’s no limit on how much UK universities can charge international students.
While some universities offer reasonable fees that aren’t much higher than home fees, some international students pay as much as £38,000 per year in tuition fees.
On average, UK universities charge undergraduate international students between £12,000 and £19,000 in annual tuition fees. Scholarships can reduce that financial burden significantly.
Scholarships for international students in the UK
Many government-sponsored scholarships, including the Chevening scheme and Commonwealth Masters Scholarships, are exclusive to postgraduate international students. They’re also highly competitive – one Chevening applicant chased the scholarship every year for 13 years, and finally won in 2014.
Fewer scholarships are available for undergraduate students compared to postgraduate students, and international students don’t qualify for student loans from the UK government. Some scholarships are also only available to students from certain countries or studying specific courses.
However, many individual universities offer general scholarships for undergraduate international students. A few of these include:
- University College London: UCL’s Denys Holland Scholarship awards £9,000 per year to international students who demonstrate financial need and immerse themselves in the university’s activities.
- Bristol University: Bristol’s International Office awards five £8,500 scholarships to undergraduate international students each year.
- Kingston University: Undergraduate international students from any country and studying any course are eligible for a £2,000 scholarship.
Some scholarship opportunities for undergraduate international students in the UK aren’t university-affiliated. Some of these include:
- Adzuna’s Student of the Year: In addition to a £3,500 scholarship, the Adzuna Student of the Year will receive specialised career coaching and a work placement. This scholarship is open to undergraduate students from 12 countries.
- GREAT Scholarship: Indian students, both undergraduate and postgraduate, can apply for this scholarship, which covers full tuition fees for up to two years of study.
Funding advice for undergraduate international students in the UK
The unfortunate truth is that most undergraduate international students in the UK will need to fund most of their tuition costs themselves, whether through loans or alternative schemes like fellowships and bursaries.
Applying for financial aid can be a frustrating, confusing process, especially for international students who already have to fill out a mountain of paperwork. Here are some tips on keeping your cool while figuring out your funding.
Don’t get discouraged. Almost all scholarships are extremely competitive, but don’t let that put you off applying. Your chances of winning a scholarship are the same as everyone else’s.
Read the fine print. Eligibility criteria varies depending on the scholarship or loan you’re applying for. Be sure to read the requirements carefully, and make sure you know the full details of loan repayment schemes.
Find a part-time job. Yes, you’ll have a lot on your plate while you’re studying in the UK, but scholarships rarely cover additional costs of living. It’s in your best interest to find a part-time job during term time to help relieve some of that financial burden. Besides, part-time work will enhance your CV and help you gain work experience. Although part-time work will help with the bills, it is beneficial for building your career whilst at university.
Use all the resources at your disposal. Contact your prospective university’s financial aid department with questions about scholarship opportunities and eligibility. Scour the internet for information on international student scholarships every opportunity you get. (Keep reading and you’ll find we’ve taken care of some of the hard work for you.)
Useful resources for undergraduate international students in the UK
Our own resources page offers more information about scholarships for international students in the UK. Other useful funding resources for undergraduate international students include:
- The Scholarship Hub. In addition to scholarships, this database offers access to grants and bursaries. The Scholarship Hub even offers a fundraising option which allows students to earn money back from the businesses where they shop.
- British Council’s Study UK. This UK charity offers all kinds of helpful advice, from tips on finding a university and real-life international student success stories. Study UK’s funding resources include a breakdown of global scholarships, country-specific scholarships, and even tips on applying to study in the UK.
- Save the Student. This one-stop shop for all things student finance offers a treasure trove of scholarship advice and resources for international students.
- International Education Financial Aid (IEFA). IEFA’s database allows students to search for loans and scholarships and filter the results based on their university, course, and ethnicity. The organization’s blog also features relevant updates on scholarship opportunities, funding competitions, and more.
Funding your future
At International Student Pathfinder, we know how much red tape is involved with applying for funding, because we’ve been in your shoes and we’ve walked the same path. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to take some of that burden off your shoulders.
For comprehensive advice, insights and tips on maximising your university experience, check out International Student Pathfinder: The Essential Guide to UK Universities and Careers. This 5-star rated book is simply the most definitive guide for overseas students and includes real-life success stories from former students!
From all of us here at ISP, we wish you the best of luck on your scholarship hunting journey! If you’ve had any success with finding scholarships, why not share your experience in the comments to help out your fellow students?
