15 Undergraduate Scholarships in London for International Students (2026/2027)

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Studying for a bachelor’s degree in London is an exciting opportunity. The city is home to some of the world’s most respected universities, offering internationally recognised qualifications, diverse learning environments, and excellent career prospects.

For many international students, however, tuition fees and living costs can make studying in London seem out of reach. Fortunately, many universities and organisations provide scholarships specifically for undergraduate students, helping to reduce the financial burden.

This guide introduces some of the best undergraduate scholarships in London for the 2026/2027 academic year, explains who can apply, and shares practical advice for preparing a competitive application.

Undergraduate Scholarships in London for International Students

 

Why Choose London for Your Undergraduate Degree?

London attracts students from around the world because it offers more than just high-quality education.

Benefits include:

  • Globally recognised universities
  • Modern teaching facilities
  • Access to internships and work placements
  • A multicultural student community
  • Excellent transport links
  • Museums, libraries, and cultural attractions
  • Strong graduate employment opportunities

Studying in London also gives students the chance to build international networks that can support their future careers.

Who Can Apply?

Undergraduate scholarships are generally available to students who:

  • Have completed secondary school or its equivalent.
  • Meet the university’s academic entry requirements.
  • Apply for a full-time undergraduate programme.
  • Satisfy any nationality or residency requirements for the scholarship.
  • Meet any English language requirements set by the university.

Each scholarship has its own criteria, so read the eligibility requirements carefully before applying.

Types of Undergraduate Scholarships

Merit-Based Scholarships

Awarded to students with outstanding academic achievements, leadership experience, or exceptional talents.

Need-Based Scholarships

Designed for students who can demonstrate financial need.

Applicants may be asked to provide supporting financial documents.

Subject-Specific Scholarships

Some universities provide scholarships for students studying:

  • Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Medicine
  • Law
  • Business
  • Education
  • Arts and Humanities

Country-Specific Scholarships

Certain universities reserve funding for students from specific countries or regions.

Always check whether scholarships are available for applicants from your country.

Top Undergraduate Scholarships in London

1. UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship

University College London offers this scholarship to support international students from lower-income backgrounds.

Potential Benefits

  • Tuition fee support
  • Living cost assistance (subject to the scholarship terms)

Official Page

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/scholarships

2. University of Westminster Undergraduate Scholarships

Westminster offers several scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate students.

Funding varies depending on the award.

Official Page

https://www.westminster.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/scholarships

3. Queen Mary University of London Scholarships

Queen Mary provides a variety of undergraduate scholarships based on academic excellence and other criteria.

Official Page

https://www.qmul.ac.uk/scholarships/

4. Brunel University London International Excellence Scholarship

Brunel awards scholarships to high-achieving international students entering undergraduate programmes.

Official Page

https://www.brunel.ac.uk/scholarships

5. City St George’s, University of London Scholarships

International undergraduate students may qualify for scholarships based on academic performance and programme-specific criteria.

Official Page

https://www.citystgeorges.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/scholarships-and-bursaries

Documents You’ll Typically Need

Prepare these documents before applications open:

  • Secondary school certificates
  • Academic transcripts
  • Valid passport
  • Personal statement
  • Recommendation letter(s), if required
  • CV or résumé (where requested)
  • English language test results or other accepted proof, if required

Keeping digital and printed copies organised will make the application process much smoother.

10 More Undergraduate Scholarships in London for International Students

Many London universities provide additional scholarship opportunities that are less well known but can still make a significant difference to the cost of studying abroad. Some awards are automatically considered during admission, while others require a separate application.

Always review the latest information on the university’s official scholarship page before applying.

6. King’s College London Undergraduate Scholarships

King’s College London offers several scholarships for international undergraduate students through university-wide and faculty-specific funding schemes.

Benefits May Include

  • Tuition fee reduction
  • Merit awards
  • Financial assistance for eligible students

Official Scholarship Page

https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/scholarships

7. SOAS University of London Scholarships

SOAS supports students interested in African, Asian, and Middle Eastern studies through a range of scholarship programmes.

Scholarships may be awarded based on:

  • Academic excellence
  • Financial need
  • Programme of study

Official Scholarship Page

https://www.soas.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/scholarships

8. London Metropolitan University Scholarships

London Metropolitan University offers scholarships and tuition discounts for selected international students.

Funding opportunities vary by programme and academic year.

Official Scholarship Page

https://www.londonmet.ac.uk/scholarships/

9. Middlesex University London Scholarships

Middlesex University provides scholarships to international students with strong academic records.

Awards may include:

  • Tuition fee discounts
  • Merit-based scholarships
  • Regional scholarships

Official Scholarship Page

https://www.mdx.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/scholarships-and-bursaries

10. University of East London Scholarships

The University of East London offers financial support to eligible international students through a range of scholarship schemes.

Official Scholarship Page

https://www.uel.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/scholarships

11. Goldsmiths, University of London Scholarships

Goldsmiths offers scholarships for talented international students, particularly in creative arts, media, social sciences, and humanities.

Official Scholarship Page

https://www.gold.ac.uk/fees-funding/scholarships/

12. Birkbeck, University of London Scholarships

Birkbeck provides scholarships and tuition fee discounts for international undergraduate students.

Many awards recognise:

  • Academic achievement
  • Financial need
  • Widening participation

Official Scholarship Page

https://www.bbk.ac.uk/student-services/fees-and-funding/scholarships

13. Royal Holloway, University of London Scholarships

Royal Holloway offers scholarships for international students across various undergraduate programmes.

Awards may include:

  • Tuition support
  • Merit scholarships
  • Department-specific funding

Official Scholarship Page

https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/studying-here/fees-and-funding/scholarships/

14. University of Roehampton Scholarships

Roehampton provides scholarships designed to support international students beginning undergraduate study.

Funding may be awarded for:

  • Academic excellence
  • Leadership
  • Community engagement

Official Scholarship Page

https://www.roehampton.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/scholarships/

15. Kingston University London Scholarships

Kingston University offers scholarships that help international students reduce tuition costs.

Selection is generally based on:

  • Academic performance
  • Personal statement
  • Supporting documents

Official Scholarship Page

https://www.kingston.ac.uk/international/fees-and-funding/scholarships/

How to Make Your Undergraduate Application Stand Out

Competition for scholarships can be intense, so it’s important to present a well-rounded application.

Demonstrate Academic Excellence

Maintain strong grades throughout your secondary education. Many scholarships use academic performance as a key selection criterion.

Highlight Leadership and Extracurricular Activities

Universities value students who contribute beyond the classroom.

Include activities such as:

  • Student leadership roles
  • Volunteering
  • Community projects
  • Sports
  • Debate clubs
  • Science competitions
  • Entrepreneurship initiatives

Write a Strong Personal Statement

Your personal statement should explain:

  • Why you chose your course.
  • Why you want to study in London.
  • Your career aspirations.
  • What makes you a strong scholarship candidate.

Avoid copying sample essays from the internet. Admissions teams look for authentic, original responses.

Prepare for Visa and Financial Requirements

Even with a scholarship, you may still need to show financial evidence for your student visa, depending on your scholarship coverage and immigration rules.

Review the latest guidance before applying for your visa.

 Final Tips for Winning an Undergraduate Scholarship in London

Securing an undergraduate scholarship requires more than meeting the minimum entry requirements. Universities want students who show academic promise, motivation, leadership, and a genuine interest in contributing to campus life.

The advice below can help you strengthen your application.

Common Mistakes Undergraduate Applicants Make

Learning from other applicants’ mistakes can improve your chances of success.

1. Applying Too Late

Many students begin preparing only a few weeks before the deadline.

Instead:

  • Research scholarships early.
  • Prepare your documents in advance.
  • Submit your application before the closing date.

Early applications often allow enough time to correct mistakes if the university requests additional information.

2. Ignoring Scholarship Requirements

Every scholarship has its own eligibility criteria.

Check carefully:

  • Academic requirements
  • Nationality restrictions
  • Course eligibility
  • Required supporting documents
  • English language requirements
  • Application deadlines

Applying without meeting the requirements wastes valuable time.

3. Writing a Weak Personal Statement

Your personal statement is one of the most important parts of your application.

Explain:

  • Why you chose the course.
  • Why you selected the university.
  • Your academic achievements.
  • Leadership experiences.
  • Career ambitions.
  • How the scholarship will help you achieve your goals.

Write honestly and avoid copying content from other applicants or websites.

4. Poor Document Organisation

Many applications are delayed because applicants cannot locate important documents.

Create separate folders for:

  • Passport
  • Academic certificates
  • School transcripts
  • Recommendation letters
  • Personal statement
  • Scholarship essays
  • English language documents

This simple habit can save time and reduce stress.

5. Applying Only to One University

Even excellent students are not guaranteed admission or a scholarship.

Apply to several universities that match your academic profile to improve your chances of receiving an offer.

Undergraduate Scholarship Preparation Timeline

12 Months Before Admission

  • Research London universities.
  • Compare undergraduate courses.
  • Explore available scholarships.
  • Review admission requirements.

10–8 Months Before

  • Obtain academic transcripts.
  • Request recommendation letters.
  • Prepare your passport.
  • Draft your personal statement.

7–5 Months Before

  • Submit university applications.
  • Apply for scholarships.
  • Upload all supporting documents.
  • Keep copies of every application.

4–2 Months Before

  • Monitor your email regularly.
  • Respond to requests for additional information.
  • Attend interviews if required.
  • Accept scholarship offers.

Before Travelling

  • Apply for your student visa.
  • Arrange accommodation.
  • Purchase health insurance if necessary.
  • Book your flight after receiving your visa.
  • Attend any pre-departure orientation sessions offered by your university.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a full undergraduate scholarship in London?

Yes. Some universities offer scholarships that cover all or most tuition fees. A few awards may also contribute towards living costs, but the level of funding varies by scholarship. Always check the official scholarship details.

Can I apply before receiving my final examination results?

Some universities accept predicted grades, while others require final results before making a decision. Check the admission policy for your chosen university.

Do I need IELTS for undergraduate scholarships?

Requirements vary by university. Some institutions accept alternative evidence of English proficiency where permitted, while others require an approved English language test. Always review the current admission requirements.

Can I work while studying in London?

International students are often allowed to work part-time during their studies, subject to the conditions of their student visa and UK immigration rules.

Conclusion

An undergraduate scholarship can make studying in London far more affordable while giving you access to world-class education and valuable international experience. Success depends on choosing the right universities, preparing your application carefully, and applying before the deadline.

Focus on presenting a complete, well-organised application that highlights your academic strengths, leadership experience, and future goals. Even if you are not successful the first time, each application helps you improve your skills for future opportunities.

With careful planning and persistence, you can take an important step towards earning your undergraduate degree in London during the 2026/2027 academic year.

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