Pursuing higher education abroad becomes significantly more accessible with Fully Funded Scholarships in UK, especially for international students aiming for top-tier universities. Programs like Chevening, Commonwealth, and Gates Cambridge cover full tuition fees, living stipends, airfare, and visa costs for postgraduate studies. These prestigious scholarships are designed to attract future leaders and high-potential candidates. Other well-known options include the Rhodes Scholarship at Oxford and GREAT Scholarships, making the UK a strong destination for students seeking comprehensive financial support.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in UK
The UK offers a wide range of Fully Funded Scholarships in UK that support international students across master’s and PhD programs. These scholarships are funded by the UK government and leading universities, covering tuition fees, living expenses, travel, and other essential costs.
For students exploring fully funded scholarships in UK for international students, options like Chevening and Commonwealth stand out due to their global recognition and comprehensive benefits.
1. Chevening Scholarships
Chevening Scholarship is one of the most competitive options under Fully Funded Scholarships in UK, offering complete financial support for one-year master’s programs. It is ideal for professionals looking to study at top UK universities while building global leadership credentials.
Feature
Details
Level of Study
Master’s (1 year)
Tuition Fees
Fully covered (paid directly to the university)
Monthly Stipend
~£1,200–£1,500 (₹1.25L–₹1.55L), London: up to ~£1,800 (₹1.85L)
Travel Costs
Economy-class return airfare (approx. ₹60K–₹1L)
Additional Grants
Arrival allowance (~£300 / ₹30K), visa fee covered
Eligibility
Minimum 2 years (2,800 hours) of work experience + leadership profile
2. Commonwealth Scholarships
Commonwealth Scholarships are a key option under Fully Funded Scholarships in UK, especially for students from developing Commonwealth countries like India. They are also among the top choices for those looking for fully funded PhD scholarships for international students in UK.
Feature
Details
Level of Study
Master’s and PhD
Tuition Fees
Fully covered
Monthly Stipend
~£1,347 (₹1.40L), London: ~£1,652 (₹1.70L)
Travel Costs
Economy-class return airfare (approx. ₹60K–₹1L)
Additional Grants
Warm clothing allowance, thesis grant, study travel support
Eligibility
Must be from a Commonwealth country + strong academic background
3. Gates Cambridge Scholarship
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the most prestigious options under Fully Funded Scholarships in UK, supporting outstanding students pursuing postgraduate degrees at the University of Cambridge. This is also a top choice for those exploring fully funded PhD scholarships in UK.
Feature
Details
Level of Study
Master’s and PhD
Tuition Fees
Fully covered
Monthly Stipend
~£2,030 (₹2.10L)
Travel Costs
Economy-class return airfare (approx. ₹60K–₹1L)
Additional Grants
Visa cost, health surcharge, academic development funding (~£500–£2,000 / ₹50K–₹2L)
Eligibility
Outstanding academic record + leadership + commitment to social impact
4. Rhodes Scholarship (University of Oxford)
The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the oldest and most prestigious awards under Fully Funded Scholarships in UK, supporting exceptional students at the University of Oxford. Many applicants targeting fully funded scholarships in UK universities consider Rhodes a top-tier option.
Feature
Details
Level of Study
Master’s / Second Bachelor’s (in select cases)
Tuition Fees
Fully covered
Monthly Stipend
~£1,591 (₹1.65L)
Travel Costs
Economy-class return airfare (approx. ₹60K–₹1L)
Additional Grants
Visa fee, health surcharge, settling allowance (~£1,000 / ₹1L)
Eligibility
Academic excellence + leadership + community engagement
5. Clarendon Fund (University of Oxford)
The Clarendon Fund is a major graduate scholarship scheme at the University of Oxford and a strong option under Fully Funded Scholarships in UK. Unlike some scholarships, no separate application is required, you’re automatically considered when you apply to Oxford.
Feature
Details
Level of Study
Master’s and PhD
Tuition Fees
Fully covered
Annual Stipend
~£15,009 (₹15.5L per year)
Travel Costs
Not always included (depends on course/funding structure)
Additional Benefits
Access to Clarendon scholar network and academic support
Eligibility
High academic merit (top percentile applicants)
6. Imperial College President’s PhD Scholarship
The Imperial College President’s PhD Scholarship is a top option for students aiming to pursue research under Fully Funded Scholarships in UK, particularly in STEM fields. This is a strong choice for those targeting fully funded PhD scholarships for international students in UK.
Feature
Details
Level of Study
PhD
Tuition Fees
Fully covered
Annual Stipend
~£22,900 (₹23.5L per year)
Duration
Up to 3.5 years
Additional Benefits
Consumables fund (~£2,000 / ₹2L per year) for research costs
Eligibility
First-class academic record + research potential
7. GREAT Scholarships
GREAT Scholarships are jointly funded by the UK government and participating universities, making them a flexible option within Fully Funded Scholarships in UK. While many GREAT scholarships are partially funded, some universities offer higher-value awards that significantly reduce overall costs.
Feature
Details
Level of Study
Master’s
Tuition Fees
Minimum £10,000 (₹10L) contribution toward fees
Monthly Stipend
Not typically included
Travel Costs
Not covered
Participating Universities
Multiple UK universities (varies by country and course)
The Felix Scholarship is a well-known option for Indian students under Fully Funded Scholarships in UK. It is available at select universities like the University of Oxford, University of Reading, and SOAS University of London, making it relevant for those exploring fully funded scholarships for Indian students in UK.
Feature
Details
Level of Study
Master’s
Tuition Fees
Fully covered
Monthly Stipend
~£16,164 per year (₹16.5L annually)
Travel Costs
One return flight from India (approx. ₹60K–₹1L)
Additional Benefits
Living expenses + support for books and study materials
Eligibility
Indian nationals with strong academic record and financial need
9. UKRI Funded PhD Scholarships
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funded scholarships are among the most widely available options under Fully Funded Scholarships in UK, especially for doctoral studies. These scholarships are offered through various universities and research councils, making them a strong pathway for students planning to do PhD in UK with fully funded scholarships.
Feature
Details
Level of Study
PhD
Tuition Fees
Fully covered (home fee + international fee support in many cases)
Annual Stipend
~£18,622 (₹19L per year)
Duration
3–4 years
Additional Benefits
Research training support grant (~£1,000–£2,000 / ₹1L–₹2L per year)
Eligibility
Strong academic background + research proposal
10. University of Warwick Chancellor’s International Scholarship
The Chancellor’s International Scholarship at the University of Warwick is a competitive option under Fully Funded Scholarships in UK, specifically designed for outstanding PhD applicants. It provides comprehensive financial support and is well-suited for students aiming for fully funded PhD scholarships in UK across diverse research fields.
Feature
Details
Level of Study
PhD
Tuition Fees
Fully covered (international fees included)
Annual Stipend
~£18,750 (₹19.2L per year)
Duration
Up to 3.5 years
Additional Benefits
Research training support and development opportunities
Application Deadlines for UK Scholarships (2027 Intake)
Since it’s already March 2026, most major deadlines for the 2026 intake are closed. What this means is, you should now prepare for the 2027 intake, where applications will open in the coming months. If you're targeting Fully Funded Scholarships in UK, this is the ideal preparation window.
Upcoming Scholarship Deadlines (2027 Intake):
Scholarship Name
Application Opens
Expected Deadline
Chevening Scholarship
August 2026
October–November 2026
Commonwealth Scholarship
September 2026
October–December 2026
Gates Cambridge
September 2026
December 2026 – January 2027
Rhodes Scholarship
June–July 2026
August–October 2026
Clarendon Fund (Oxford)
September 2026
December 2026 – January 2027
UKRI PhD Scholarships
Varies
January – March 2027
How to Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships in UK
Applying for Fully Funded Scholarships in UK requires a structured approach. These scholarships are competitive, and a well-planned application can significantly improve your chances. If you're exploring how to get fully funded scholarship in UK, here’s a clear step-by-step process to follow.
Step-by-Step Application Process:
Step
What You Need to Do
Key Details
1. Shortlist Scholarships
Identify relevant programs
Focus on eligibility, course, and funding coverage
2. Check Requirements
Review criteria carefully
Academic scores, work experience, leadership profile
Securing Fully Funded Scholarships in UK requires early planning, a strong academic profile, and a well-crafted application. From government programs to university-specific funding, there are multiple opportunities available for international students. The key is to start early, stay organized, and apply strategically across options. With the right preparation, these scholarships can significantly reduce financial barriers and open doors to world-class education and global career opportunities.
Yes, it is possible to secure a 100% scholarship through Fully Funded Scholarships in UK, but it requires a strong overall profile. These scholarships typically cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel, and visa costs. However, selection is highly competitive, with candidates evaluated on academics, leadership, and long-term goals. Applying early and presenting a clear, well-structured application significantly improves your chances.
What UK scholarships are fully funded?
The UK offers several fully funded options such as Chevening, Commonwealth, Gates Cambridge, and Rhodes. These are among the most recognized fully funded scholarships in UK for international students and are backed by government bodies or top universities. Each scholarship has a different focus, some prioritize leadership, while others emphasize research or academic excellence.
What GPA do you need for the Chevening Scholarship?
Chevening does not officially specify a minimum GPA, but most successful applicants have strong academic records equivalent to a UK upper second-class degree or higher. In practical terms, this usually means around 70% or above. That said, academic performance alone is not enough, leadership experience and career clarity are equally important.
How do I qualify for a scholarship in the UK?
To qualify, you need to meet academic, language, and program-specific requirements. Most scholarships expect a good undergraduate degree, English proficiency, and a well-written statement of purpose. If you're exploring how to get fully funded scholarship in UK, focus on building a balanced profile that includes academics, leadership, and extracurricular impact.
Are there fully funded scholarships in UK for Indian students?
Yes, there are multiple fully funded scholarships for indian students in uk, including Chevening, Commonwealth, and Felix Scholarships. These programs actively accept applications from India and often have country-specific quotas. Indian students with strong academic backgrounds and leadership potential are well-positioned to apply.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships at the same time?
Yes, you can and should apply for multiple scholarships to increase your chances. There is no restriction on the number of applications, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria for each. Many applicants apply to a mix of government and university-funded options to improve their chances of securing at least one offer.
Do I need work experience for UK scholarships?
Work experience is not mandatory for all scholarships but is required for some, such as Chevening. Typically, Chevening requires at least two years of professional experience. Other scholarships, especially research-based ones, may prioritize academic achievements or research experience instead.
Are there fully funded PhD scholarships in the UK?
Yes, the UK offers a wide range of fully funded phd scholarships for international students in uk. These include UKRI-funded programs and university-specific scholarships. They usually cover tuition fees, provide an annual stipend, and include research funding, making them a strong option for long-term academic careers.
Can I study in the UK without IELTS for scholarships?
In some cases, yes. Certain universities accept alternatives like a Medium of Instruction certificate or other English tests. However, for top scholarships, having a recognized English proficiency score like IELTS can strengthen your application and improve credibility.
When should I start applying for UK scholarships?
Ideally, you should begin preparing 8–12 months before application deadlines. This allows enough time to research scholarships, prepare documents, and refine your SOP. Starting early is especially important for competitive programs under Fully Funded Scholarships in UK.
Are fully funded scholarships in UK universities hard to get?
Yes, these scholarships are highly competitive due to global demand and limited seats. Acceptance rates are often low, especially for top programs. However, candidates with strong academics, leadership experience, and a clear career vision can stand out and improve their chances.
upGrad Abroad Editorial Team |4298 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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