If you want to study for a postgraduate degree in the UK but worry about the cost, you are not alone. Many international and home students look for scholarships to help pay for tuition and living expenses. The good news is that several top UK universities offer postgraduate scholarships. These scholarships can cover part or all of your fees and sometimes provide a living allowance.
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about the best UK universities that offer postgraduate scholarships. We explain what scholarships are available, who can apply, and how to increase your chances of getting one. We also include a helpful summary table and answer common questions about postgraduate scholarships in the UK.
What Are Postgraduate Scholarships?
Postgraduate scholarships are financial awards given to students pursuing studies after their first degree. This includes master's degrees, PhDs, and other postgraduate certificates or diplomas. Scholarships can be based on:
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Academic excellence
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Financial need
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Research potential
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Country of origin
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Field of study
They do not have to be repaid, unlike loans. Getting a scholarship can make it much easier to afford studying in the UK.
Why Choose UK Universities for Postgraduate Scholarships?
The UK is known for its world-class education. Many UK universities invest heavily in postgraduate studies. They attract students globally by offering scholarships that support talent and research. Scholarships encourage students to study in the UK and contribute to innovation.
Studying in the UK also gives access to excellent facilities, experienced professors, and a rich cultural environment. Scholarship recipients can focus on their studies without financial stress, making the experience more rewarding.
How to Apply for Postgraduate Scholarships in the UK
Applying for scholarships can be competitive. Here are some key steps to improve your chances:
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Research Early: Check university websites and scholarship portals early. Deadlines may be months before the course starts.
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Meet Eligibility: Read all requirements carefully. Some scholarships are only for international students, certain courses, or students from specific countries.
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Prepare Documents: Have your transcripts, recommendation letters, personal statement, and CV ready.
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Write a Strong Personal Statement: Explain why you deserve the scholarship and how your studies will benefit your career.
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Apply to Multiple Scholarships: Do not rely on one scholarship. Apply to several to increase your chances.
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Follow Instructions: Submit your application correctly and before deadlines.
Top 10 UK Universities Offering Postgraduate Scholarships
1. University of Oxford
Oxford offers several prestigious postgraduate scholarships. These include the Clarendon Fund, which covers tuition and living costs. The Rhodes Scholarship is another well-known award for international students showing leadership potential.
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Scholarships Offered: Clarendon Fund, Rhodes Scholarship, departmental awards
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Eligibility: Academic excellence and research potential
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Coverage: Full tuition and living stipend
Oxford’s scholarships are highly competitive but provide generous support.
2. University of Cambridge
Cambridge provides numerous scholarships for postgraduate students, such as the Gates Cambridge Scholarship. It targets international students with strong academic records and leadership qualities.
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Scholarships Offered: Gates Cambridge, Cambridge International Scholarships
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Eligibility: Academic merit and leadership skills
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Coverage: Full tuition, maintenance, and travel costs
3. Imperial College London
Imperial offers scholarships mainly for STEM subjects. The Imperial College President’s PhD Scholarships are highly sought after by research students.
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Scholarships Offered: President’s PhD Scholarships, departmental awards
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Eligibility: Research excellence and innovation
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Coverage: Full fees and stipend
4. London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
LSE offers scholarships focusing on social sciences and economics. The LSE Graduate Support Scheme provides partial fee waivers.
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Scholarships Offered: Graduate Support Scheme, departmental awards
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Eligibility: Academic excellence and financial need
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Coverage: Partial fee waiver or full scholarships for some courses
5. University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh provides various scholarships for international and home postgraduate students. The Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships support PhD research.
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Scholarships Offered: Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships, College scholarships
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Eligibility: Research proposals and academic records
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Coverage: Tuition fees and living allowances
6. University of Manchester
Manchester offers many scholarships for master's and PhD students. The President’s Doctoral Scholar Awards provide full funding.
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Scholarships Offered: President’s Doctoral Scholar Awards, faculty scholarships
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Eligibility: Academic merit and research potential
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Coverage: Full tuition and stipend
7. University of Warwick
Warwick offers scholarships such as the Chancellor’s International Scholarship for outstanding international students.
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Scholarships Offered: Chancellor’s International Scholarship, departmental awards
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Eligibility: Academic excellence
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Coverage: Full or partial tuition fee waivers
8. University of Bristol
Bristol has scholarships for a wide range of postgraduate courses, including the Bristol Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships.
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Scholarships Offered: Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships, faculty-specific awards
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Eligibility: Academic achievement and course relevance
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Coverage: Tuition fee discounts and maintenance
9. University of Glasgow
Glasgow offers the Principal’s Scholarships for international postgraduate students. These cover full or partial tuition fees.
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Scholarships Offered: Principal’s Scholarships, college awards
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Eligibility: Academic merit and personal statement
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Coverage: Tuition fee waiver
10. University of Southampton
Southampton offers several scholarships including the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships for high-achieving international postgraduates.
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Scholarships Offered: Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships, departmental awards
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Eligibility: Academic merit
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Coverage: Tuition fee discounts
Summary Table: UK Universities with Top Postgraduate Scholarships
| University | Scholarship Name | Eligibility Criteria | Coverage |
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| University of Oxford | Clarendon Fund, Rhodes | Academic excellence, leadership | Full tuition + stipend |
| University of Cambridge | Gates Cambridge | Academic merit, leadership | Full tuition + living costs |
| Imperial College London | President’s PhD Scholarships | Research excellence | Full fees + stipend |
| LSE | Graduate Support Scheme | Academic merit, financial need | Partial fee waiver |
| University of Edinburgh | Global Research Scholarships | Research proposals | Tuition + living allowance |
| University of Manchester | President’s Doctoral Scholars | Academic merit, research potential | Full tuition + stipend |
| University of Warwick | Chancellor’s International | Academic excellence | Full or partial tuition |
| University of Bristol | Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships | Academic achievement | Fee discounts, maintenance |
| University of Glasgow | Principal’s Scholarships | Academic merit | Tuition fee waiver |
| University of Southampton | Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships | Academic merit | Tuition fee discounts |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the difference between a scholarship and a bursary?
A scholarship is usually awarded based on merit or achievement. A bursary is given based on financial need.
2. Can international students apply for UK postgraduate scholarships?
Yes, many UK universities offer scholarships specifically for international students.
3. How competitive are these scholarships?
They are highly competitive because many students from around the world apply.
4. Do scholarships cover living expenses?
Some scholarships cover full living expenses, while others cover only tuition fees.
5. How do I improve my chances of getting a scholarship?
Maintain high grades, prepare strong personal statements, and apply early to multiple scholarships.
6. Are there scholarships for part-time postgraduate students?
Some universities offer scholarships for part-time students, but they are less common.
7. Do I need to have a job offer before applying for scholarships?
No, scholarships are generally awarded based on academic merit, not job offers.
8. Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
Yes, you can apply for several scholarships to increase your chances.
9. When should I apply for scholarships?
Apply as early as possible, usually 6-12 months before your course starts.
10. Do all scholarships require a personal statement?
Most scholarships require a personal statement explaining your goals and why you deserve the scholarship.
Conclusion
Getting a postgraduate scholarship in the UK can make your study journey easier and less expensive. The universities listed here offer some of the best scholarships for international and home students. Remember to start your research early, meet all eligibility criteria, and prepare your application carefully.
If you want to study at a top UK university but worry about fees, apply for these scholarships. They can cover your tuition, living expenses, and sometimes travel costs. Use this guide as your reference and share it with others who may benefit.
Good luck with your scholarship search and future studies!