International students aspiring to study in UK, don't have to worry about the high cost of education; they have options to apply for fully funded scholarships to study in UK. These scholarships may include full tuition, travel, and daily living costs. They can be quite competitive, though, but students must apply by the deadline.
The Reach Oxford Scholarship, the Chevening Scholarship, and the Imperial College President's PhD Scholarship are typical scholarships offered to students. Scholarships have different eligibility and award levels, so students should select the ones that fit their academic level and studies.
This article explains UK fully funded scholarships, the top scholarships available for different levels of study, eligibility, benefits, documents required, deadlines, and how to apply for Indian students.
Fully Funded Scholarships in UK After 12th
Students who have completed Class 12 can apply for undergraduate scholarships at UK universities. However, fully funded awards that cover all study and living costs are less common at this level. Many universities offer scholarships that cover full tuition fees or provide a discount instead.
The following table includes fully funded scholarships for Indian students in UK after 12th:
Fully Funded Scholarships in UK for Master's Programs
Many of the best-known scholarships are for students who have completed a bachelor's degree and want to study in UK for a master's degree. These awards may cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel, and other approved costs.
For students searching for fully funded scholarships for Indian students in UK, the Chevening Scholarship and Commonwealth Master's Scholarships are important options to explore.
Here’s a table showing some of the popular fully funded scholarships for postgraduate students:
Fully Funded Scholarships in UK for Doctoral Programs
If you are interested in studying for a PhD or other Doctoral degrees, you can apply for scholarships, research grants and funded studentships. They can cover tuition fees and a stipend for living expenses. Some also cover research costs, conference travel, or other costs.
For doctoral study, students should look at both university scholarships and research projects that offer funding. The following options are worth exploring when searching for fully funded scholarships in UK for international students.
The following table includes all the information about fully funded scholarships for PhD students:
Scholarship name
Eligibility criteria
Coverage offered
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships
From eligible Commonwealth countries with strong academic records who meet residency and development-impact requirements.
Tuition fees, return airfare, living allowance and other eligible allowances, depending on the scheme.
Imperial College President's PhD Scholarship
Strong research potential and the required English-language proficiency applying for an eligible PhD programme.
Full tuition fees, a stipend and a contribution towards research costs, subject to the award terms.
Warwick Chancellor's International Scholarship
Outstanding records and strong research potential applying for an eligible PhD programme.
Full overseas tuition fees and a living stipend for the funded period, subject to the award terms.
Edinburgh Doctoral Scholarships
Strong academics who meet the academic, research and English-language requirements of an eligible doctoral programme.
Depends on the award; some scholarships cover international tuition fees and provide a living stipend.
UKRI-Funded Council Studentships
High academic records who meet the entry requirements of an eligible PhD programme; IELTS or other proof of English proficiency may be required.
Tuition fees and a tax-free stipend. For reference, GBP 21,805 (approximately INR 27.46L) per year.
Application Deadlines for Fully Funded Scholarships in UK
Not all UK scholarships have one specific deadline. These dates are dependent on the scholarship, university, course, and intake. Several applications open almost a year before the course starts, according to the university's admission schedule.
For instance, the closing date for the application for the Chevening Scholarship differs from that for the Commonwealth awards, university awards and PhD studentships.
The table below shows deadlines for fully funded scholarships in UK for international students:
Fully Funded Scholarships in UK
Tentative Application Deadline (2027-28)
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
December 2026 (To be confirmed)
Gates Cambridge Scholarship
8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027 (Course-dependent)
Clarendon Fund Scholarships
8 January 2027 or 29 January 2027 (Course-dependent)
Reach Oxford Scholarship
26 January 2027
Imperial College President's PhD Scholarships
1 March 2027 (Final round)
Note: The scholarship dates and the rules for its funding may vary annually, so please refer to the official website for the scholarship that you want to apply for.
How to Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships in UK?
If you know what you need to do to apply for a scholarship, it will be much simpler. International students who want to apply for UK fully funded scholarships, please follow this process:
Step 1: Choose your class and University
Make your selections of courses that align with your education, interests, and career goals.
Step 2: Scholarship applications
Provide details of the research awards that accept students from your country.
Step 3: Put your documents in order
Prepare transcripts, certificates, resume, personal statement, and recommendation letters.
Step 4: Apply for university admission
If the scholarship requires an offer of admission, then submit a course application.
Step 5: Apply for the scholarship
Fill out the scholarship application on the appropriate scholarship site or the university's funding site.
Step 6: Carry out interviews or assessments
Some scholarships require an interview or other selection process for candidates.
Step 7: Review, award enrolment
Review scholarship details, accept and enrol at the university, and meet the requirements of a student visa for UK.
Those who are seeking fully funded scholarships in UK for international students should also enquire if they need to apply for scholarships separately. For some universities, interested students are automatically considered; for others, a separate form is required.
Documents Required for Fully Funded Scholarships in UK
The nature of the documents may vary from one scholarship to another, as well as from one university to another, and further, from one credit level to another. Some awards ask for a personal statement and transcripts of their courses; others ask for financial need, work experience, and research plans.
Common documents include:
Valid passport
Transcripts and certificates for Class 10, Class 11, and Class 12 (for undergraduate applicants)
Transcripts for all bachelor's degrees or certificates earned (for master's applicants)
All Bachelor's and Master's transcripts and certificates (for PhD applicants)
English Language Test (required if applicable - IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE)
Statement of Purpose/ personal statement (check the correct SOP format)
Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
PhD supervisor acceptance letter, if required
Letters of recommendation (check the correct LOR format)
Professional reference letter, if required
CV or academic resume
Work experience proof, if required
Academic publications or research portfolio, if applicable
Family income proof or financial documents, if required
Certified English translations of documents, if required
TB test certificate, if required for UK visa
Before applying for fully funded scholarships for Indian students in UK, read the official document checklist. Documents must be submitted in the proper format and with certified translations if needed.
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Fully Funded Scholarship in UK
Those who are looking for fully funded scholarships for Indian students in UK should also check scholarships offered by the universities themselves apart from the government scholarships.
When it's time to apply for a scholarship, being prepared can make all the difference. Start with these easy but important steps:
Do research proactively: Start looking for scholarships well before being admitted to the University.
Connect your personal statement with the scholarship: Explain how the course is related to the scholarship.
Describe your accomplishments: such as performance in academics, work, leadership, or community service.
Strong LORs: Letters of recommendation from people who are familiar with your abilities and accomplishments.
Fill out the Application: Be sure to read through all of the forms and documents before completing them.
Submit applications for multiple scholarships: Research other options if there are multiple scholarships available.
For those planning for UK fully funded scholarships, keep in mind that the basic qualification is not enough to be selected. Academic ability, leadership, career plans, research quality, or potential impact of the student's work may also be assessed by the provider.
Conclusion
Fully funded scholarships in UK can be beneficial for students to finance their studies and minimize the expenses of studying abroad. The funding can be for tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other approved costs.
Students have the option to explore different avenues after Class 12, after graduating, or prior to a PhD. Lots more opportunities for funding the postgraduate course than there are for university course funding: a lot of scholarships don't cover everything.
For Indian students, research studentships, Commonwealth Scholarships, and university awards, as well as the Chevening Scholarship, are to be considered for a full-fledged scholarship for UK. Review the eligibility criteria and conditions, the amount of the scholarship, and the deadline for application submission before applying.
How can Indian students get 100% scholarships in UK?
Students from India are eligible for Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships and Scholarships by Universities. Make sure that nationality, academic qualifications, and employment history are up to scratch and ensure that your course requirements have been fulfilled; apply to the university (if applicable) and provide some very good references and a strong personal statement.
Which university gives free scholarships in UK?
Students at Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, and Warwick, among other universities, receive scholarships that result in full tuition, and in some cases, living expenses. Eligibility and funding are subject to the scholarship and the course applied for.
Do I need IELTS for fully funded scholarships in UK?
Not all scholarships require IELTS. TOEFL/PTE is also accepted, or previous English-medium education at a University. However, there may be specific English language requirements that need to be fulfilled before being admitted to or enrolled in the university. There may, however, be specific English language requirements that must be met before admission and enrolment in the University.
How much CGPA is required for a scholarship?
Not all UK scholarships have a requirement for CGPA. Academic performance is crucial and a requirement for many competitive awards, typically equivalent to a UK first-class degree or a mark of between 75 and 85% in India.
What is the easiest fully funded scholarship?
There isn't an easy-to-receive scholarship for a full scholarship. The probability depends on the courses, work experience, academic performance, and country of origin. You may not be able to compete for a thesis scholarship (Chevening or Gates Cambridge).
Which fully funded scholarship in UK has the highest acceptance rate?
Acceptance rates are not available for UK fully funded scholarships. Each year, selection is dependent upon course and applicant pools. Note that it is not just that one scholarship is easier to receive than another; it is the information published, eligibility requirements, and your profile.
Which fully funded scholarships in UK give the highest merit?
Gates Cambridge is a highly competitive award based purely on merit, considering academic excellence, choice of subject, and leadership and commitment to a better world. Clarendon and Imperial President's PhD Scholarships are based on academic excellence.
Do fully funded scholarships in UK cover living costs?
Living costs are covered for many fully funded awards with a monthly stipend. For example, Commonwealth Shared Scholarships cover the return airfare, tuition fees (which are approved), and a living allowance, for instance. Find out if there is a covered amount for accommodation and other expenses.
Where can I find fully funded scholarships in UK for international students?
Search the official University funding pages, the British Council’s Study UK, the Chevening website, and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website; UKRI-funded studentship listings can also be searched. These are sources of information on eligibility, coverage, and applications.
How much time does the result take for fully funded scholarships in UK?
This may take as long as 6-8 months after the application due date for results. Some decisions from the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission are made at different times for various scholarships, for instance. Make sure to consult the scholarship's official schedule for interview dates and results.
How can I check the status of fully funded scholarships in UK?
Fill out the official application page for the scholarship and check the scholarship's status. Look for an invitation to interview, documentation, or final decisions in your spam/junk mail folder or registered email inbox continually.
upGrad Abroad Editorial Team |5034 articles published
We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education ...
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