If you are planning to study in the UK this year and wondering whether it is still possible, the answer is a big yes. A lot of students assume that once the year kicks off, all applications are closed, but that is not entirely true.
While some UK universities close applications early, many others open longer, especially for international students. Some of these universities also provide scholarships and funding opportunities that can significantly reduce, or even fully cover, your tuition fees.
September/October remains the most popular intake for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, but here’s the secret: the UK’s academic calendar is far more flexible than most people realise. So you can still find universities accepting applications.
In this guide, we will walk you through UK universities you can still apply to in 2025, plus the scholarships they offer for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students.
1. Cambridge University
If your goal is to pursue an MBA at one of the most prestigious UK universities, the University of Cambridge still has opportunities open.
Through the Boustany Foundation Cambridge University MBA Scholarship, qualified international students can get financial support for this competitive program.
The Cambridge University MBA Scholarship is offered once every two years, and it covers the tuition fees of its selected applicants. The scholarship also offers a post-graduation internship as well as travel and accommodation expenses related to the internship.
Scholarship Summary:
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: 75% Tuition | Accommodation | Flight Costs
- Deadline: May 15, 2026
2. Keele University
If you are looking to study a master’s degree, you can apply to Keele University. The university also offers a fully funded opportunity named the SURF Scholarship for candidates from low-income backgrounds to study in the UK.
The Keele University SURF Program is a fully funded opportunity that covers full tuition fees for five years, covering Master’s and Doctoral studies, living stipends at UKRI rate, and £10,000 allowance to support research.
Scholarship Summary:
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: Developing Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | Living Stipend | £10,000 research allowance
- No IELTS Required
- Deadline: August 18, 2025
3. University of Oxford
If you want to study a master’s degree at one of the top universities in the UK, then you should apply to the University of Oxford through the Mastercard AfOx scholarship.
The Mastercard AfOx Scholarship programme supports passionate, locally rooted, and globally minded African young people to undertake graduate studies at the University of Oxford.
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All African Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | Flight Tickets | Visa Fee | Accommodations
- Deadline: January 7, 2026
4. University of Leeds
If you want to pursue an MBA, the University of Leeds offers an MBA Excellence Scholarship that provides tuition fee discounts for exceptional candidates. This funding makes a top UK MBA more affordable without compromising on quality.
The program targets applicants with strong professional and academic achievements. It’s a competitive option for students looking to stand out in the business world.
All you have to do to secure this scholarship is apply for admission. Once you are offered a provisional admission for a full-time MBA program, you are automatically considered for the University of Leeds MBA Excellence Scholarship.
Scholarship Summary:
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Tuition fee discount
- Deadline: Not Specified
5.Swansea University
For research-focused students, Swansea University offers the International Excellence Scholarship to postgraduate candidates, including overseas PhD and Professional Doctorate applicants. This award can cover your entire tuition fee, reducing your financial stress.
The scholarship offers international students the opportunity for funding that covers the full tuition fees of overseas PhD and Professional Doctorate applicants.
Scholarship Summary:
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Partial Scholarship
- Deadline: April 15, 2026
6. University of Southampton
If you are a doctoral degree applicant, the University of Southampton provides a 4-year funded studentship covering tuition and offering a £19,237 annual tax-free stipend. The focus is on research that drives social impact.
This is ideal for students committed to meaningful, real-world change through research. Southampton’s academic reputation ensures your work gains global recognition.
Scholarship Summary:
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | £19,237 per year
- No IELTS Required
- Deadline: Varies by Program
7.University of Manchester
For master’s students from developing countries, the Equity and Merit Scholarship at the University of Manchester covers tuition, return airfare, living expenses, and visas. It’s one of the most comprehensive funding packages in the UK.
The program focuses on talented students who can use their education to drive change back home. It’s not just about academics—it’s about leadership and impact.
Scholarship Summary:
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: Selected African Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | Living Stipends | Accommodation | Travel Costs
- Deadline: August 31, 2025
8. University of Warwick
If you are looking for a postgraduate opportunity in the UK, apply to the University of Warwick. This university offers Postgraduate Research Scholarships.
The University of Warwick Postgraduate Research Scholarships offer fully funded opportunities for doctoral candidates to study at Warwick’s Department of Chemistry.
Scholarship Summary:
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | £20,780 Stipend/Yr
- No IELTS Required
- Deadline: October 6, 2025
Required Documents Needed to Apply To Apply To The UK
- Academic Transcripts: This includes your official secondary school transcripts or records for undergraduate applications and any relevant university transcripts if applying for postgraduate studies.
- Certificates of Graduation: You need your high school graduation certificate and any university degree certificates, whether it is a bachelor’s or master’s, depending on the degree you want to do
- English Language Proficiency: Universities typically require proof of English language proficiency, often through standardized tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. And if you are from West Africa, some universities will accept your WAEC English with grade not less than C6.
- Research Proposal: Graduate applicants, eespecially PhD may need to submit a research proposal outlining their intended area of study.
- Passport: A valid passport is crucial for international students.
- Personal Statement/ Statement of Purpose: This is your chance to showcase why you want the course/university, your suitability, and your future goals.
- Letter of Recommendation:Typically, you will need one or two reference letters from teachers or supervisors who can attest to your academic abilities and character.
- Resume/CV: A well-structured CV can be helpful, especially for postgraduate applications. If you have relevant work experience, include copies of your experience letters.
- Proof of Funds: You will need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses.
- Student Visa Application:
This is crucial. Once accepted, you will need to apply for a UK student visa, which requires specific documentation.
You can still study in the UK in 2025 if you start applying now. These universities are still open for applications, and many of them come with fully funded scholarships to ease your financial worries.
The key is to start now: gather your documents, refine your application, and apply before the spaces fill up. In our previous post, we highlighted the important documents required for a UK student visa Application
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