Studying in London gives international students access to internationally recognised universities, diverse academic communities and a large professional network. The main challenge is cost. Tuition fees for overseas students can be substantial, while accommodation, food, transportation and other living expenses add considerably to the total cost of studying in the capital.

Scholarships can reduce that financial burden, but not every scholarship provides full funding. Some awards pay a portion of tuition, others provide a fixed fee reduction, while a smaller number can contribute substantially toward tuition and living expenses.

For that reason, finding a London scholarship requires more than searching for the phrase “fully funded scholarship in London.” You need to check the university, degree level, nationality requirements, fee status, eligible course, funding amount, application procedure and deadline for each opportunity.

This guide explains the main types of scholarships available in London for international students, examples of current 2026/27 opportunities, funding differences, eligibility requirements, application procedures and ways to avoid common mistakes.

2026/27 update: Scholarship availability and deadlines can change during an admissions cycle. Some awards listed for September 2026 have already closed, while others have later deadlines or operate on a different cycle. Always confirm the current status on the official university or scholarship-provider website before applying.

Quick Answer: Are There Scholarships for International Students in London?

Yes. London universities offer scholarships and other forms of financial support to international students at undergraduate, master’s and research levels.

The funding can come from:

• Universities
• The UK government
• The British Council
• The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission
• Charitable organisations
• Private foundations
• Country-specific programmes
• Research funding bodies
• External scholarship providers

The amount varies considerably. A scholarship might provide a few thousand pounds toward tuition, while another may cover tuition and provide substantial maintenance support.

For example, UCL’s Global Master’s Scholarship is worth £15,000 for one year and is aimed at prospective international students from lower-income backgrounds undertaking eligible full-time master’s programmes. (University College London)

Queen Mary University of London also offers international awards. Its 2026 Global Talent Scholarship is worth up to £12,000 for undergraduate students and £5,000 for postgraduate master’s students, subject to the applicable conditions. (Queen Mary University of London)

Therefore, an applicant should never assume that a scholarship advertised as “international” automatically covers all study costs.

 

What Types of Scholarships Are Available in London?

Understanding the type of funding is important because two scholarships with similar names can provide very different levels of financial support.

1. Fully Funded Scholarships

A genuinely fully funded award may cover most or all major study expenses, depending on its terms.

Possible benefits include:

• Full tuition fees
• Living allowance
• Accommodation support
• Airfare
• Health-related coverage
• Research or study allowances
• Other approved expenses

However, fully funded does not have one universal definition. Always read the scholarship’s official terms to see exactly what is included.

Chevening is an example of a major UK government scholarship for overseas students. Its 2027/28 application cycle is currently open, with applications closing on October 6, 2026. (chevening.org)

2. Tuition Fee Scholarships

These awards reduce the amount you have to pay to the university.

For instance, the University of Westminster’s International Postgraduate Excellence Award provides £3,000 toward tuition for eligible full-time master’s students. The September 2026 version closed on June 26, 2026, so applicants should distinguish between a scholarship that exists and one that is currently accepting applications. (University of Westminster)

3. Partial Scholarships

Partial scholarships cover only part of the overall cost.

A £5,000 award might make a significant difference, but it does not mean the student’s London education is fully funded.

Before accepting an award, calculate:

Total tuition + estimated living costs − scholarship = remaining amount you must fund.

4. Merit-Based Scholarships

These normally consider academic achievement and may also assess leadership, extracurricular involvement, professional achievements or other forms of distinction.

Queen Mary’s international Global Talent awards, for example, are designed for high-achieving international students. (Queen Mary University of London)

5. Need-Based Scholarships

Need-based funding focuses heavily on financial circumstances.

UCL’s Global Scholarships programme specifically supports international students from lower-income backgrounds, with separate undergraduate and master’s schemes. (University College London)

6. Research Studentships

PhD applicants should not restrict their search to scholarships labelled “international scholarship.”

Universities may provide:

• PhD studentships
• Research scholarships
• Departmental funding
• Faculty awards
• Research council funding
• Stipend-supported positions

LSE, for example, states that its 2026 research funding includes LSE PhD Studentships and ESRC Studentships. The awards can cover full fees, including the difference between UK and overseas fees for international students, together with an annual stipend. (LSE)

Best London Scholarships and Funding Opportunities to Check

The following examples demonstrate the range of funding available. Do not interpret the table as meaning every award is currently open. Always check the official page for the latest application status.

Scholarship or funding	Institution/provider	Level	Funding	Key point
UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship	UCL	Undergraduate	Funding varies by scheme	International students from lower-income backgrounds
UCL Global Master’s Scholarship	UCL	Master’s	£15,000 for one year	Overseas students from lower-income backgrounds
UCL International Master’s Awards	UCL	Master’s	Varies by award	One application can cover multiple eligible schemes
Queen Mary Global Talent Scholarship	Queen Mary	Undergraduate	Up to £12,000	High-achieving international students
Queen Mary Global Talent Scholarship	Queen Mary	Master’s	£5,000	International postgraduate students
Queen Mary Global Excellence Scholarship	Queen Mary	Master’s	£7,000	High-achieving postgraduate offer holders
GREAT Scholarships	British Council + participating universities	Master’s	£10,000	Country and university restrictions apply
Chevening Scholarship	UK Government	Master’s	Fully funded under its terms	Applications for 2027/28 are currently open
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships	Commonwealth Scholarship Commission	Master’s	Funded award	Eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries
LSE PhD Studentships	LSE	PhD	Full fees + annual stipend	Open to high-calibre students of all nationalities under the stated terms

The figures above should be treated as programme-specific information rather than a promise that every applicant receives the same amount. Scholarship terms, eligible courses and deadlines can differ between schemes.

Undergraduate Scholarships in London

Undergraduate applicants should search university scholarship databases rather than relying only on large international scholarship programmes.

Important factors include:

• International or overseas fee status
• Academic results
• Course eligibility
• Nationality
• Financial circumstances
• Admission status
• Whether the award is renewable
• Whether the scholarship covers the first year only

UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship

UCL’s Global Scholarships programme includes a dedicated Global Undergraduate Scholarship for international students from lower-income backgrounds. UCL states that the programme is designed to encourage international students to pursue undergraduate study at the university. (University College London)

Applicants should pay particular attention to the admission requirement. For the 2026/27 cycle, UCL required applicants to have already submitted an admission application, although they did not necessarily need to have received an offer when applying for the scholarship. Overseas fee status also had to be confirmed by UCL Admissions. (University College London)

That distinction illustrates why simply finding a scholarship is not enough. The admission and scholarship timelines must be considered together.

Queen Mary Global Talent Scholarship

Queen Mary lists Global Talent Scholarships for international students beginning in September 2026.

The published values are:

• Up to £12,000 for eligible undergraduate programmes
• £5,000 for eligible postgraduate master’s programmes

The university also lists a £7,000 Global Excellence Scholarship for eligible postgraduate taught offer holders. (Queen Mary University of London)

Applicants should consult the individual scholarship terms because course eligibility and application procedures can vary.

University of Westminster International Undergraduate Excellence Award

The University of Westminster’s 2026 International Undergraduate Excellence Award offered a £2,500 tuition fee awardtoward the first year of an eligible full-time bachelor’s programme.

The award was specifically for international students with overseas fee status and an offer for an eligible September 2026 programme. The 2026 version is now closed. (University of Westminster)

This is a useful example of why applicants should distinguish between a scholarship existing for an intake and the scholarship still accepting applications.

Master’s Scholarships in London

Master’s applicants have access to a wider range of university and external funding.

Potential sources include:

• University scholarships
• GREAT Scholarships
• Chevening
• Commonwealth scholarships
• Faculty awards
• Country-specific scholarships
• Research-related funding
• Private foundations

UCL Global Master’s Scholarship

The UCL Global Master’s Scholarship is one of the clearest examples of university funding aimed at international students.

For 2026/27, UCL lists:

• Value: £15,000
• Level: Master’s
• Fee status: Overseas
• Eligible programmes: Postgraduate taught programmes
• Target group: International students from lower-income backgrounds
• Selection: Financial need
• 2026 deadline: May 7, 2026

The scholarship required applicants to submit a complete admission application, including references, for a full-time master’s programme. (University College London)

Because the 2026 deadline has passed, applicants preparing for a later intake should monitor UCL’s scholarship pages for the next cycle rather than assuming the same date will apply.

UCL International Master’s Awards

UCL also operates an International Master’s Awards framework through which one application can be used to consider eligible applicants for multiple schemes.

For 2026/27, the listed awards included:

• UCL Global Master’s Scholarship
• GREAT Scholarship
• Ardalan Scholarship
• Bseisu-UCL Scholarship
• Humanitarian Scholarship
• Mukul Madhav Foundation Scholarship
• Musubi Global Master’s Scholarship

UCL required a complete admission application before applicants could apply through the funding system. The 2026/27 deadline was May 7, 2026. (University College London)

That application structure is worth highlighting because it demonstrates a common principle: scholarship applications are sometimes dependent on the university admission application.

GREAT Scholarships

GREAT Scholarships are jointly funded by the British Council, the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign and participating UK higher education institutions.

For 2026/27, more than 140 scholarships were offered by more than 60 universities across the UK. Each scholarship provides £10,000 toward tuition for eligible one-year taught postgraduate courses. (Study UK)

The programme is country-specific. The 2026/27 eligible countries include:

• Ghana
• Nigeria
• Kenya
• India
• China
• Egypt
• Pakistan
• Indonesia
• Vietnam
• Turkey
• Mexico
• and other participating countries

Not every participating university offers a GREAT Scholarship to every nationality. The British Council’s country pages therefore need to be checked alongside the individual university’s requirements. (Study UK)

For example, the British Council lists UCL’s 2026/27 GREAT Scholarship as available to students from Nigeria and Pakistan, while Royal Holloway’s GREAT Scholarship is listed for Ghana, Mexico and Nigeria. (Study UK)

This is why applicants should never assume that being from an eligible GREAT country automatically makes them eligible at every London university.

PhD and Research Scholarships in London

Doctoral applicants should search beyond conventional scholarship lists.

The strongest funding opportunities may be described as:

• PhD studentships
• Research studentships
• Doctoral scholarships
• Faculty studentships
• Departmental funding
• Research council awards
• Supervisor-funded projects

LSE PhD Studentships

LSE states that its 2026 research funding includes LSE PhD Studentships and ESRC Studentships.

Under the stated arrangements, the funding can cover full fees and an annual stipend, with LSE covering the difference between UK and overseas fees for international students where applicable. (LSE)

The application process also differs from many master’s scholarships. LSE explains that departments nominate eligible students and that there is not necessarily a separate scholarship application for its LSE, ESRC and department-specific studentships. Applicants therefore need to meet the relevant programme and funding deadlines. (LSE)

London Scholarships for African Students

Students from African countries should pay close attention to country-specific eligibility.

GREAT Scholarships are particularly relevant because the 2026/27 programme includes Ghana and Nigeria among its eligible countries. (Study UK)

The programme does not operate as one universal scholarship. Instead, participating universities determine which courses and applicants are eligible.

For Ghanaian applicants, the British Council lists participating institutions and explains that applicants must apply through the individual university’s scholarship process. (Study UK)

Nigerian applicants can also access GREAT opportunities at participating universities. The British Council’s Nigeria page states that applicants must be Nigerian passport holders and permanent residents of Nigeria, hold an undergraduate degree and meet the relevant university’s English-language requirement, among other conditions. (Study UK)

Other major funding routes for African students

Depending on nationality, academic level and programme, applicants should also investigate:

• Chevening
• Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
• University-specific international scholarships
• Country-based university awards
• Research studentships
• Government sponsorship
• Employer sponsorship
• Professional and charitable foundations

The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship is particularly relevant to eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries. For the 2027/28 academic year, applications are scheduled to open on September 8, 2026 and close on October 20, 2026. Applicants must meet the programme’s nationality, residence, academic and financial criteria. (Commonwealth Scholarships UK)

London Universities That Offer International Scholarships

Several London universities provide financial support for international students.

University College London (UCL)

UCL has a substantial scholarship and funding system covering undergraduate and postgraduate students.

International applicants should investigate:

• UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship
• UCL Global Master’s Scholarship
• International Master’s Awards
• GREAT Scholarships
• Faculty and donor-funded awards
• Research studentships

The exact eligibility and funding differ between schemes, so applicants should use the individual scholarship page rather than assuming that all UCL awards have the same conditions. (University College London)

King’s College London

King’s provides funding opportunities across different levels and types of study. Applicants should search the university’s current funding database according to their programme, nationality and study level.

Do not assume that a scholarship available to current King’s students is automatically available to prospective international applicants.

London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

LSE provides scholarships and other financial support for both undergraduate and graduate students.

For graduate applicants, its funding portfolio includes master’s awards, country-based awards, programme-related funding and research studentships. (LSE)

LSE also makes clear that fee status can affect the amount of tuition and the financial support for which a student is eligible. (LSE)

Queen Mary University of London

Queen Mary offers international scholarships at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Its published 2026 awards include:

• Global Talent Scholarship
• Global Excellence Scholarship
• President’s Global Scholarship

The values and eligibility differ according to study level and programme. (Queen Mary University of London)

University of Westminster

Westminster provides a range of scholarships for international students.

Its September 2026 International Postgraduate Excellence Award was worth £3,000, while its International Undergraduate Excellence Award was worth £2,500 for the first year. The university also lists separate funding opportunities for later intakes. (University of Westminster)

SOAS University of London

SOAS applicants should check the university’s current scholarship database for awards connected to nationality, academic level, programme and subject area.

Some funding may be university-wide, while other opportunities are restricted to particular courses or groups.

Brunel University London

Brunel provides scholarships and funding for international students, including opportunities connected to external programmes such as GREAT.

For Nigerian students, the British Council lists Brunel among the universities offering a 2026/27 GREAT Scholarship. (Study UK)

City St George’s, University of London

Applicants should search the university’s scholarship database according to their programme and fee status.

Professional and subject-specific funding can be particularly important because some awards are attached to particular courses rather than the institution as a whole.

How Much Do London Scholarships Actually Cover?

The phrase “scholarship” does not tell you how much money you will receive.

An award can be:

Full tuition

The scholarship pays all or most eligible tuition charges.

Partial tuition

Only part of the tuition is covered.

Tuition plus maintenance

The scholarship contributes to both academic fees and living expenses.

Fixed cash award

The student receives a specified amount that may be used according to the scholarship’s rules.

Stipend-based funding

Common in doctoral study, where the award may combine fee coverage with regular maintenance payments.

The safest approach is to calculate the remaining cost yourself.

For example:

Tuition: £30,000

Scholarship: £10,000

Remaining tuition: £20,000

That £20,000 does not include accommodation, food, transport, visa-related expenses or other personal costs.

What London Scholarships May Not Cover

Even a generous scholarship may leave certain expenses to the student.

Check whether your award covers:

• Tuition
• Accommodation
• Food
• Local transport
• Flights
• Visa-related costs
• Immigration-related charges
• Books
• Laptop or equipment
• Insurance
• Deposits
• Personal expenses

Never make financial plans based on the scholarship title alone.

Read the award terms and calculate the amount you will still need before accepting an offer.

Cost of Living in London for International Students

London is an expensive study destination, so scholarship planning should include living costs from the beginning.

Major expenses include:

Accommodation

Your largest expense may be rent.

Costs vary according to:

• Location
• Room type
• University accommodation
• Private accommodation
• Shared housing
• Distance from campus

Food

Monthly spending depends heavily on whether you cook regularly or eat out.

Transportation

Students should investigate available travel discounts and compare the cost of living farther from campus with the additional transportation expense.

Study and personal expenses

You may also need money for:

• Books
• Software
• Mobile phone
• Internet
• Clothing
• Personal items
• Social activities
• Emergency expenses

LSE’s current undergraduate guidance, for example, recommends budgeting at least £1,550 per month for living expenses, including accommodation, travel, food, laundry, study costs and other personal expenses. (LSE)

That figure is an institutional estimate rather than a universal London budget. Your actual expenditure will depend on your accommodation, lifestyle and location.

Who Is Eligible for London Scholarships?

Eligibility differs from one scholarship to another.

Before applying, check these areas.

1. Nationality

Some scholarships accept applicants worldwide.

Others are restricted to specific countries.

GREAT Scholarships, for instance, operate through country-specific eligibility rather than giving every international student access to every participating university. (Study UK)

2. Fee Status

Universities commonly distinguish between:

• Home fee status
• Overseas/international fee status

A scholarship may be restricted to one category.

3. Degree Level

Check whether the scholarship is for:

• Undergraduate
• Master’s
• PhD
• Research
• Short-term study

4. Course

Some awards apply to all eligible programmes, while others are restricted to particular subjects.

5. Academic Performance

Merit-based awards may require a particular academic standard.

6. Financial Need

Need-based awards may require evidence of household income or financial circumstances.

7. Admission Status

Some scholarships require:

• An application
• An offer
• An unconditional offer
• A conditional offer
• Or simply a submitted admission application

The distinction matters.

Do You Apply for Admission or the Scholarship First?

There are three common models.

Model 1: Admission Application First

You submit your university application and then apply for the scholarship.

UCL’s Global Undergraduate Scholarship is an example where applicants needed to have already submitted an admission application before applying for the scholarship. (University College London)

Model 2: Offer Required

Some scholarships require you to hold an offer before applying.

The University of Westminster’s International Postgraduate Excellence Award, for example, required applicants to hold an offer for an eligible full-time master’s course. (University of Westminster)

Model 3: Automatic Consideration

Some universities automatically consider eligible applicants for particular awards, meaning a separate scholarship application may not be necessary.

Never assume which model applies. Check the specific scholarship instructions.

Documents You May Need

The exact requirements depend on the scholarship, but applicants commonly need:

• Academic certificates
• Academic transcripts
• Passport or identity document
• CV
• Personal statement
• Scholarship essay
• Statement of Purpose where requested
• Recommendation letters
• Proof of admission or offer
• Evidence of financial circumstances where required
• English-language evidence where required
• Research proposal for some PhD applications
• Portfolio for selected creative programmes

Don’t prepare every document blindly.

Read the scholarship instructions first and create a document folder containing only what that particular application requires.

For help preparing an SOP, see our guide on How to Prepare a Statement of Purpose.

For scholarship essays, see our guide on How to Write a Scholarship Essay That Wins.

How to Apply for London Scholarships

Use this process to avoid overlooking important requirements.

Step 1: Choose your degree and university

Decide what you want to study and identify universities offering the programme.

Step 2: Check the total cost

Find the official tuition fee and estimate your living expenses.

Step 3: Search the university funding database

Look for scholarships matching your:

• Nationality
• Fee status
• Degree level
• Course
• Academic profile
• Financial circumstances

Step 4: Verify the scholarship

Confirm the information on the official university, British Council, UK government or recognised scholarship-provider website.

Step 5: Check the deadline

Record the exact date and time.

Do not rely on an old blog post or social-media announcement.

Step 6: Check whether admission is required

Determine whether you need to submit your university application before the scholarship application.

Step 7: Prepare your documents

Give yourself enough time to obtain references, transcripts and other supporting evidence.

Step 8: Write the scholarship-specific statement

Don’t send exactly the same essay to every provider.

Explain why this particular scholarship fits your academic and professional plans.

Step 9: Submit through the official channel

Use the university’s application portal or the official scholarship system.

Step 10: Monitor your application

Check your email and applicant portal for:

• Missing documents
• Interviews
• Additional evidence requests
• Admission decisions
• Scholarship decisions

How to Make Your Scholarship Application More Competitive

Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements is only the beginning.

A stronger application should demonstrate evidence rather than simply making claims.

Instead of writing:

“I am a great leader.”

Explain:

• What responsibility did you take?
• What problem did you face?
• What action did you take?
• What changed because of your involvement?
• What did you learn?

Connect your course to your goals

Explain why the programme is necessary for your next stage.

Demonstrate scholarship fit

Don’t merely explain why you need money.

Show why the scholarship provider’s objectives align with your plans.

Use specific evidence

Academic awards, professional projects, community work, research, entrepreneurship, volunteering and leadership can strengthen an application when they are relevant and supported by evidence.

Explain future impact

For major international scholarships, the selection committee may want to understand what you intend to do with the knowledge and experience gained from studying in the UK.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying only to famous scholarships

Highly visible awards can attract intense competition.

Build a portfolio of applications instead of relying on one opportunity.

Confusing partial funding with full funding

A £10,000 scholarship can still leave a substantial balance.

Calculate the remaining cost before applying.

Ignoring fee status

An award available to Home students may not be available to international students.

Missing the admission deadline

Some scholarships depend on having submitted a complete university application.

Using one generic essay everywhere

A strong scholarship statement should address the specific provider and award.

Waiting until the deadline

References, transcripts and admission applications can take time.

Trusting third-party scholarship lists blindly

Use scholarship websites to discover opportunities, but verify the final information through the official provider.

How to Avoid Fake London Scholarship Websites

Scholarship scams are a serious concern because fraudulent websites can imitate universities and legitimate funding organisations.

Be particularly cautious if a supposed scholarship:

• Guarantees selection
• Requires payment to “unlock” the award
• Requests your banking password
• Uses an unofficial university domain
• Provides no official university confirmation
• Pressures you to pay immediately
• Promises a guaranteed visa
• Claims everyone will be accepted
• Requests sensitive documents through an unverified account

If a scholarship claims to belong to a university, go directly to the university’s official website and search its scholarship database.

Don’t rely solely on screenshots shared on WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram or TikTok.

For a detailed guide, see our article on How to Spot Fake Scholarship Websites.

London Scholarship Deadlines for 2026/27

Deadlines vary significantly.

Some 2026/27 university scholarships closed several months before the academic year began.

For example:

• UCL Global Master’s Scholarship — May 7, 2026 for the 2026/27 cycle. (University College London)
• UCL International Master’s Awards — May 7, 2026. (University College London)
• University of Westminster International Postgraduate Excellence Award — June 26, 2026 for September 2026. (University of Westminster)
• University of Westminster International Undergraduate Excellence Award — closed for September 2026. (University of Westminster)

However, not every opportunity follows the same annual calendar.

Opportunities to watch in late 2026

Chevening’s 2027/28 scholarship applications opened on August 4, 2026 and close on October 6, 2026 at 11:00 UTC. (chevening.org)

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships for 2027/28 are scheduled to open on September 8, 2026 and close on October 20, 2026 at 16:00 BST. (Commonwealth Scholarships UK)

This demonstrates why applicants should start preparing for scholarships before the academic year they intend to begin.

What If You Miss a Scholarship Deadline?

Don’t automatically abandon your study plans.

Instead:

1. Check whether another scholarship at the same university remains open.
2. Search scholarships for a January or later intake.
3. Look for country-specific awards.
4. Check external funding organisations.
5. Investigate departmental or faculty funding.
6. Consider the next academic intake.
7. Prepare early for the following scholarship cycle.

A missed deadline is frustrating, but it does not mean that every funding opportunity has disappeared.

Can You Apply for Multiple London Scholarships?

In many cases, yes, but the rules differ.

Some scholarships can be combined.

Others prohibit recipients from holding additional funding above a specified value.

UCL, for example, states that some scholarship schemes have rules concerning other scholarships, studentships, awards or bursaries. Applicants must therefore check the individual award conditions before assuming that multiple awards can be combined. (University College London)

The safest strategy is to apply for every scholarship for which you genuinely qualify, then check the funding conditions before accepting multiple awards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there fully funded scholarships in London for international students?

Yes. Fully funded opportunities exist, although they are much less common than partial tuition awards. Chevening is one major UK-wide example for eligible master’s applicants, while doctoral studentships can provide full fees and stipends under specific university schemes. (chevening.org)

Which London universities offer scholarships to international students?

Universities including UCL, King’s College London, LSE, Queen Mary, Westminster, SOAS, Brunel and City St George’s provide various forms of funding. Eligibility and funding differ by institution, programme and applicant profile.

Can Nigerian students get scholarships in London?

Yes. Nigerian students can apply for London scholarships when they satisfy the relevant nationality, academic, course and fee-status requirements. The 2026/27 GREAT programme, for example, includes Nigeria among its eligible countries, with participating universities determining the specific awards available. (Study UK)

Can Ghanaian students get scholarships in London?

Yes. Ghana is also included in the 2026/27 GREAT Scholarship programme. The individual participating university determines which courses and applicants qualify. (Study UK)

Do London scholarships cover accommodation?

Some may contribute toward living or accommodation costs, but many university scholarships are tuition-fee awards only. Read the funding terms carefully before assuming accommodation is included.

Do scholarships cover visa costs?

Not necessarily. Some fully funded programmes may include travel or other allowances, while ordinary university tuition discounts may cover none of these costs.

Do I need an admission offer before applying?

It depends on the scholarship. UCL’s Global Undergraduate Scholarship required a submitted admission application but did not require an offer at the time of scholarship application. Other scholarships require an offer. (University College London)

Can I apply for more than one scholarship?

Usually, you can apply for multiple opportunities when you meet their eligibility criteria. However, individual scholarships may impose restrictions on combining awards.

Are PhD scholarships usually fully funded?

Many doctoral studentships provide substantial funding, sometimes including tuition and a stipend. However, not every PhD scholarship is fully funded, so applicants should check the exact award terms.

What should I do if a scholarship deadline has passed?

Search for other awards, later intakes, departmental funding and external programmes. You can also begin preparing for the next scholarship cycle.

How can I verify whether a scholarship is genuine?

Find the scholarship on the official university, British Council, UK government or recognised provider website. Avoid submitting sensitive information or making payments through an unverified third-party website.

Final Advice for Students Seeking London Scholarships

Finding a scholarship in London is not simply a matter of searching for the largest award.

The better strategy is to build a funding plan around your actual circumstances.

Start by choosing the degree and university. Then determine your international fee status, calculate the expected tuition and living costs, identify scholarships for which you qualify and record their deadlines.

After that, prepare your admission and scholarship documents early. A strong application should demonstrate academic preparation, relevant experience, clear goals and a convincing connection between the scholarship and your future plans.

Most importantly, verify every scholarship through its official source. Funding amounts, eligibility criteria and deadlines can change between academic years, so information published in an old article should never override the current instructions from the scholarship provider.

If you’re looking beyond London, our guide to Overseas Study Scholarships in 2026/2027 covers broader international funding opportunities.

For applicants specifically interested in fully funded opportunities, see our guide to Universities Offering Full Scholarships for International Students.

For help with applications, you can also read our guides on scholarship essays, preparing a Statement of Purpose and organising application documents.