Each year, numerous young people from the different parts of the world aspire to secure a scholarship in the U.K. in various fields of study. The demand for scholarships particularly for postgraduate and fellowship programs is always so great the reason why interested applicants must submit their papers as early as possible.
The British government through its British Council takes charge in making decisions regarding the number of scholarships and the funding scheme. Other than schools, organizations, the European Commission, trusts, research councils and employers also offer scholarships and fellowships. Fellowships are normally towards academic, research or professional development.
Governments offer scholarships to foreign students as their contribution to international development cooperation and as a way to promote the internationalization of their education systems. The U.K. is among developed countries that award government-funded scholarships to international students worldwide notably those with outstanding marks.
UK and British Scholarships
The Chevening Scholarship is the global scholarship program of the British government. Each year, the scholarship for a one-year Master’s degree is awarded to some 1,500 outstanding scholars from the different countries worldwide and cover tuition fees, a living allowance, economy class airfare to the U.K. and additional grants to support other necessary expenditures.
Another well known scholarship is that of the U.K. Commonwealth for students from developing Commonwealth nations. This is awarded to those who wish to pursue a Master’s or PhD degree in the U.K. Each scholarship covers tuition and exam fees, airfare to and from the United Kingdom, personal allowance, thesis grant and initial allowance upon arrival.
Financial Assistance
While it can be expensive to study in the U.K., there are still ways to fulfill your dream without having to spend a fortune. The British government oftentimes offer a loan or financial support to international students based on their nationality. Known as Government Student Support, this financial assistance is available in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The main eligibility requirements may be the same in these countries but the type and level of support may vary.
Some scholarships cover only tuition fee, living expenses or partial cash grant. But take note that there are also the fully funded types for international students that cover the tuition, living expenses, travel costs, book allowance and even insurance. The British Chevening Scholarships are an example of a fully funded government scholarships and are open to scholars with leadership potential. Those offered by universities include the Gates Cambridge scholarships, Clarendon scholarships (University of Oxford), Westminster International and University of Bradford Global Development scholarships.