Aside from master’s students, many secondary school graduates also dream of studying in the UK. However, the cost of higher education can be a major challenge for most students and their families.
Thankfully, there are several undergraduate scholarships in the UK available to international students, many of which also offer access to research opportunities, academic support, and career development resources.
These scholarships are funded by a mix of universities, private foundations, and government programs, all designed to provide financial support so students can focus on achieving their academic and personal goals.
Regardless of your background, high academic results, demonstrated exceptional talent, taken on leadership roles, or contributed to your community, there are scholarships tailored to match your unique strengths and support your journey abroad.
In this article, we highlight some of the top undergraduate scholarships in the UK that you should consider if you are looking to pursue your undergraduate degree in the United Kingdom.
This also include the benefits and eligibility criteria for each scholarship to help guide your application.
Top Undergraduate Scholarships UK
1. University of St Andrews International Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship:
The International Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship is awarded to high-achieving international students starting an undergraduate degree at the University of St Andrews. This fully funded scholarship is paid annually throughout the duration of your program.
Host University: University of St Andrews
Eligible Countries: All nationalities
Funding Reward: Full sponsorship
Deadline: Closed in January 2025, check HERE for updates on the next application cycle
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be entering the first year of an undergraduate degree (including direct entry to Year 2, not transfer students)
- Must be within the top 10% academically in your current school
- Must submit a 250-word motivation statement, outlining your achievements, goals, and how you’ll contribute to the St Andrews community
- Must upload proof of income, such as tax certificates, wage slips, or letters from government agencies
- Must submit two references: one academic and one personal (each not more than 200 words)
If selected, you will be expected to take part in the Student Ambassadors Scheme and assist with outreach and admission events
2. Newcastle University International Foundation Scholarships:
Newcastle University offers Foundation Scholarships for international students enrolling in foundation programs. A foundation program is a one-year preparation course for international students who need additional English language and academic preparation for entry into a UK university
These scholarships are worth £10,000 or £20,000, divided across tuition and Year 1 study.
Host University: Newcastle University
Eligible Countries: All nationalities
Funding Reward: Up to £20,000
Deadline: Closed for 2025, check HERE for future updates
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must hold an offer to study at the Newcastle University International Study Centre
- Scholarships are available for the following foundation programs: Architecture, Business and Management, Humanities and Social Sciences, Science, Computing, Engineering, and Mathematics, Biomedicine, Biology, and Pharmacy
- £10,000 (or £5,000) applies to the foundation year
- £10,000 (or £5,000) applies to Year 1 of the undergraduate course (upon successful progression)
3. University of Bristol Think Big Scholarship:
The Think Big Scholarships are available to international undergraduate students with overseas fee status. These awards help reduce tuition fees and support international students in pursuing their degrees at the University of Bristol.
Host University: University of Bristol
Eligible Countries: All nationalities
Funding Reward: £6,500 or £13,000 annually
Deadline: February 2025, check HERE for application details
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must apply for an eligible undergraduate course (excluding Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Science)
- Must begin studies in September 2025
- Must be classified as an overseas student for tuition purposes
- You can apply for the scholarship even if you haven’t received an offer yet
4. University of Westminster Vice-Chancellor’s Undergraduate Scholarship:
The University of Westminster Vice-Chancellor’s Undergraduate Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship is designed for undergraduate students from developing countries who demonstrate financial need. It supports tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and travel costs to and from London.
Host University: University of Westminster
Eligible Countries: Students from developing nations
Funding Reward: £5,000 per year, plus additional financial support
Deadline: 7 July 2025, you can apply HERE.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must hold a full-time undergraduate offer at the University of Westminster for application here
- Must have a household income of £25,000 or below
- Must not already hold an Honours degree
- Must be from a Black or Black Mixed ethnic background (other scholarships are available for students outside this group)
- Selection is based on financial need and a strong personal statement
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5. University College London (UCL) Global Undergraduate Scholarship:
The UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship aim to support international students from low-income backgrounds in pursuing full-time undergraduate studies at one of the UK’s most prestigious universities.
The award covers full tuition fees, a maintenance allowance, and a fixed contribution toward additional costs like the UK Immigration Health Surcharge and visa fees.
The scholarship is awarded based on financial need, not academic performance alone.
Host University: University College London (UCL)
Eligible Countries: All nationalities outside the UK
Funding Reward: Full tuition + living expenses
Deadline: 28 April 2025 — Apply HERE.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be eligible to pay the overseas tuition fee rate
- Must come from a low-income background
- Must have submitted an application for a full-time undergraduate degree at UCL for the 2025/26 academic year
- Shortlisted applicants will be required to provide financial documentation
6. Africa Undergraduate Excellence Award:
The Africa Undergraduate Excellence Award at the University of Nottingham is intended to recognize and support academically outstanding students from Africa. The award provides a tuition fee reduction between £2,000 and £6,000 for the first year of undergraduate study.
Host University: University of Nottingham
Eligible Countries: African countries
Funding Reward: £2,000 to £6,000 (tuition reduction in Year 1)
Deadline: Closed March 2025. Check HERE for future updates
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be an African student applying for a full-time undergraduate course
- Must be self-funded (not sponsored by a government or organization)
- Scholarships cannot be combined with other university awards
- Will be deducted directly from tuition fees (not paid to the student)
- Applicants are assessed based on academic excellence and passion for their field
7. University of Manchester Undergraduate Global Futures Scholarship:
The University of Manchester offers over 100 merit-based awards worth up to £24,000 to international students from select countries, including several African nations. Awards are spread across three years, with £8,000 per year for tuition support.
Host University: University of Manchester
Eligible Countries: Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Zimbabwe
Funding Reward: £24,000 (£8,000/year)
Deadline: Varies by qualification. Check HERE.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a self-funded international applicant from one of the eligible African countries
- Must be applying for direct entry into Year 1 of a full-time undergraduate program in 2025
- Must select the University of Manchester as their FIRM UCAS choice by 23 May 2025
- Applicants for Medicine, Dentistry, Architecture, or foundation year programs are not eligible
- Must not have studied in the UK previously
- Applications are assessed based on academic grades and personal statements
- Eligible students will receive the application form via email after receiving an academic offe
8. University of Sheffield International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship:
Offered by the University of sheffief, this is a competitive award worth £10,000 per year, providing up to £30,000 for three-year programs or £40,000 for four-year programs. It’s aimed at high-performing international students with strong academic and extracurricular profiles.
Host University: University of Sheffield
Eligible Countries: All nationalities
Funding Reward: Up to £40,000
Deadline: Closed for now — Check HERE for next cycle
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must receive an offer to study a full-time undergraduate course starting in autumn 2025
- Must be self-funded and pay overseas tuition fees
- Not available for students studying Medicine or Dentistry
- Must enter into Year 1 or Year 2 of an undergraduate degree (MArch programs are excluded)
- Must demonstrate academic excellence and initiative in extracurricular or voluntary activities
- Personal statements must connect achievements to future academic and career ambitions
ONGOING SCHOLARSHIPS
9. University of Edinburgh Global Scholarships:
The University of Edinburgh Global Undergraduate Scholarship is available to international students applying for full-time undergraduate degree programmes within the university’s School of Mathematics. This award offers £5,000 per year (up to £20,000 total) and is paid directly to students in instalments to help cover living costs during their studies.
Host University: University of Edinburgh
Eligible Countries: All countries
Funding Reward: £5,000 per year (up to £20,000 total.
Deadline: March 2025 — Check HERE for more information
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must have international fee status
- Must apply for full-time admission to an undergraduate degree in the School of Mathematics
- The scholarship is not available to:
-Students already enrolled in a program
-Those studying mathematics as part of a joint degree in another School
Applicants must apply through UCAS, though you do not need to have received an offer to begin the scholarship application The award is renewable for each year of study, but you must meed the required academic performance.
10. University of Oxford Ellison Scholarship:
The Ellison Scholarship at the University of Oxford is one of the most prestigious and competitive undergraduate awards available globally.
It offers a full scholarship, including tuition fees, living stipends, travel costs, accommodation, and access to elite networking and innovation programs through the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT).
Host University: University of Oxford
Eligible Countries: All countries
Funding Reward: Full tuition, living expenses, travel, accommodation, and more
Deadline: 31 July 2025. Apply HERE
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to students from all nationalities who are passionate about solving global challenges
- Applicants must:
-Meet Oxford’s entry and English language requirements for their chosen undergraduate course
-Hold, or be on track to complete, a recognized secondary school qualification
-Be committed to both academic excellence and project work with the EIT
No IELTS is required if the University of Oxford accepts your previous qualification as proof of English.
Conclusion
United Kingdom is one of the expensive study destination, thanks to its world-class education, global opportunities, and personal growth but you can escape the financial stress.
These top undergraduate scholarships are designed to support international students like you, making it possible to focus on your studies and long-term goals without worrying about tuition or living costs.
As you explore your options, be sure to check deadlines, gather your documents early, and write a compelling personal statement. Whether its Full or Partial scholarship, you will get one for yourself.
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