The UK is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities, offering outstanding academic programs and research opportunities. For international students, pursuing a master’s degree in the UK can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, the cost of tuition and living expenses can be a significant hurdle. Fortunately, there are numerous Masters scholarships in the UK designed to make studying in the UK more accessible and affordable.
READ MORE: UK Government Chevening Scholarships 2025
Whether you are an undergraduate looking to continue your education or a professional aiming to deepen your expertise, the following top Masters scholarships in the UK provide incredible opportunities to study in one of the world’s most renowned educational systems.
1. Chevening Scholarships
Chevening Scholarships are perhaps the most well-known scholarships for international students wishing to study in the UK. These scholarships are funded by the UK government and offer full financial support for a one-year master’s degree at any UK university.
Key Benefits:
- Full tuition fees coverage
- Monthly living allowance
- Travel costs to and from the UK
- Visa and immigration fees
- Access to networking opportunities with global leaders
Eligibility:
- Strong academic background and leadership potential
- At least two years of work experience
- An offer from a UK university (before applying)
Application Deadline: Annually in November
2. Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP)
The Commonwealth Scholarship program offers fully funded opportunities for students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries to pursue a master’s degree in the UK. This scholarship is aimed at promoting international development by supporting students who will contribute to their home countries after completing their studies.
Key Benefits:
- Full tuition fees
- Airfare and travel expenses
- Living allowance
- Thesis/Dissertation support (in some cases)
Eligibility:
- Applicants must be citizens of a Commonwealth country
- Must have an undergraduate degree (equivalent to a UK second class honors degree)
- Must not have studied in the UK previously
Application Deadline: Typically in early January
3. Rhodes Scholarship
The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the oldest and most prestigious international scholarship programs. It provides full financial support for students to pursue a master’s degree at the University of Oxford. Rhodes Scholars are selected not only based on academic excellence but also leadership qualities, commitment to service, and the ability to make a positive impact in the world.
Key Benefits:
- Full tuition and fees
- Living stipend
- Travel expenses to and from Oxford
- Access to networking events and mentorship
Eligibility:
- Must be a citizen of a participating country (including Australia, Canada, India, and the United States, among others)
- Outstanding academic and extracurricular achievements
- Demonstrated commitment to leadership and public service
Application Deadline: Varies by country, but usually in October
4. Gates Cambridge Scholarship
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship offers full funding for international students to pursue a postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge. This highly competitive scholarship is awarded to exceptional students who demonstrate a commitment to improving the lives of others through leadership and innovation.
Key Benefits:
- Full tuition fees
- Maintenance allowance (for living expenses)
- Travel allowance
- Access to a global community of scholars
Eligibility:
- Applicants must be applying for a master’s degree at the University of Cambridge
- Outstanding academic achievement and leadership potential
- Strong commitment to addressing global challenges
Application Deadline: Varies by course, typically in December or January
5. Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships
The Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships are aimed at international students from outside the European Union who wish to undertake a research-oriented master’s degree at the University of Edinburgh. While this scholarship is primarily for research-based programs, it also includes funding for taught master’s degrees.
Key Benefits:
- Full tuition fees for non-EU international students
- A maintenance allowance (for living costs)
Eligibility:
- Applicants must be classified as international students
- Must have an offer of admission to a master’s program at the University of Edinburgh
- Excellent academic track record
Application Deadline: Varies by program, typically in early May
6. University of Oxford – Clarendon Scholarships
The Clarendon Fund offers fully-funded scholarships to outstanding graduate students at the University of Oxford. This scholarship is available for both taught and research master’s programs and is open to students from all over the world.
Key Benefits:
- Full tuition fees coverage
- Generous living stipend
- Additional allowances for academic development
Eligibility:
- Applicants must have an offer of admission to a graduate program at Oxford
- Exceptional academic performance and research potential
Application Deadline: Varies by course, typically in January
7. University of Warwick – Chancellor’s International Scholarship
The Chancellor’s International Scholarship at the University of Warwick is a highly competitive award available to students from outside the UK and EU who are applying for a master’s program. This scholarship aims to attract talented international students to Warwick’s graduate programs.
Key Benefits:
- Full tuition fees coverage
- Generous living allowance
- Research training support (for research programs)
Eligibility:
- Must be classified as an international student
- Strong academic record
- Must have received an offer for a master’s degree at Warwick
Application Deadline: Varies by program, typically in late April
8. The University of Sheffield – International Merit Postgraduate Scholarship
The University of Sheffield offers merit-based scholarships to international postgraduate students. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and cover part of the tuition fees for selected students.
Key Benefits:
- Partial tuition fee discount (usually £2,000–£5,000)
- A great opportunity for students to reduce their study costs
Eligibility:
- Applicants must be international students
- Must meet the University’s academic requirements for the program
Application Deadline: Varies by course, usually in July
9. UCL Global Scholarships
University College London (UCL) offers several scholarships for international students to pursue a master’s degree at the university. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, financial need, and other factors, such as career potential.
Key Benefits:
- Full or partial tuition fee coverage
- Living expenses support (in some cases)
- Mentoring and networking opportunities
Eligibility:
- International students who have an offer to study at UCL
- Demonstrated academic excellence
Application Deadline: Varies by course, typically in March
10. British Council – GREAT Scholarships
The GREAT Scholarships are funded by the UK government and in partnership with several UK universities. This scholarship program is designed to help international students from specific countries pursue a postgraduate degree in the UK.
Key Benefits:
- £10,000 towards tuition fees
- Access to a community of scholars and industry professionals
Eligibility:
- Available to students from select countries
- Must have an offer to study at a UK university
Application Deadline: Varies by university
Conclusion
Pursuing a master’s degree in the UK is a fantastic opportunity to gain a world-class education and prepare for a successful career. With the variety of scholarships available for international students, there are plenty of options to help ease the financial burden of studying abroad.
