UK government scholarships for international students include Chevening, Commonwealth Scholarships, and GREAT Scholarships. Most are fully funded and open to students from South Asia, Africa, and other regions.
This guide covers the main UK government-backed scholarships available to international students, who is eligible, what each one covers, and how to apply for 2027 entry.
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Does the UK Government Fund International Student Scholarships?
Yes. The UK government, through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and other bodies, funds several major scholarship programs for international students. These programs are not just for students from wealthy backgrounds. Many are specifically designed to support emerging leaders, professionals, and students from lower- and middle-income countries who show academic excellence and leadership potential.
The most well-known UK government scholarship programs are Chevening, the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP), and the GREAT Scholarships. Each program has different eligibility rules, target countries, and levels of funding.
Chevening Scholarships
Chevening is the UK government's flagship international scholarship program. It is funded by the FCDO and administered by the British Council. Chevening offers fully funded places on one-year Master's programs at UK universities for outstanding emerging leaders from around the world.
What Chevening Covers
- Full tuition fees for your Master's program (at any eligible UK university).
- A monthly living allowance.
- Return economy-class airfare from your home country to the UK.
- Arrival allowance, homeward departure allowance, and thesis grant.
- Travel within the UK for Chevening events.
- Access to the Chevening alumni network of over 55,000 alumni globally.
Who Is Eligible for Chevening?
Chevening is open to citizens of Chevening-eligible countries and territories. Most countries in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa are eligible. You must:
- Be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country (check the official country list at chevening.org).
- Have at least 2,800 hours of work experience (the equivalent of two years of full-time work) by the application deadline.
- Hold an undergraduate degree that meets the entry requirements of your chosen UK university program.
- Intend to return to your home country for at least two years after completing the scholarship.
- Not hold British citizenship or permanent residency.
Note: Chevening is based on leadership potential, not just academic performance. Your application must show how you have demonstrated leadership, what your career goals are, and why a UK Master's is essential to those goals. Strong applicants usually have a clear plan for how the degree will help them make a positive impact in their field and country.
When to Apply for Chevening 2027
Applications for 2027/28 entry opened in August 2026 and close on October 6, 2026. The exact dates are confirmed on the Chevening website each year (chevening.org).
Note: When you submit your Chevening application, you list three course preferences rather than confirmed university offers. If you are conditionally selected for a Chevening award, you are then required to secure at least one unconditional offer from a UK university (typically by July of the following year). Start your university applications early so you can meet this deadline after selection. Chevening is one of the most competitive scholarship programs in the world, so give yourself plenty of time to prepare both the scholarship application and your university applications.
Commonwealth Scholarships
Commonwealth Scholarships are funded by the UK government through the FCDO and administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC). They are open to citizens of Commonwealth countries and cover several different types of study.
Note: Commonwealth Scholarships are primarily designed for students from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries. If you are from a high-income Commonwealth country (such as Canada, Australia, or New Zealand), check the CSC website for eligibility. Many of the most generous awards target students from developing Commonwealth nations.
Types of Commonwealth Scholarships
Commonwealth Master's Scholarships
Commonwealth Master's Scholarships are fully funded awards for students from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries. They cover a one-year Master's degree at a UK university. The scholarship is fully funded: tuition fees, living costs, return airfare, and a study travel grant are all included.
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships support doctoral (PhD) research at UK universities for students from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries. The award covers up to three years of doctoral study and includes tuition fees, living allowance, return airfare, and a research grant.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are offered jointly by the CSC and UK universities on specific development-related Master's programs. They target students from Commonwealth countries in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. The funding is shared between the UK government and the participating university. Unlike standard Commonwealth scholarships, Shared Scholarships cover programs in fields relevant to sustainable development, health, and economic growth.
Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships
Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships allow students to study for a UK Master's degree remotely, without leaving their home country. This is useful for students who cannot travel to the UK due to work, family commitments, or other responsibilities. Programs are offered by UK universities that have approved distance learning Master's programs.
GREAT Scholarships
GREAT Scholarships are offered through the British Council's GREAT Britain Campaign in partnership with UK universities. They are country-specific: each year, a set of universities offer partial scholarships to students from particular countries. Each award is worth a minimum of GBP 10,000 toward tuition fees for one year, with some universities offering more.
GREAT Scholarships are available to students from countries including India, China, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Malaysia, Turkey, and others. The list of participating countries changes each cycle.
Tip! GREAT Scholarships are administered directly by the participating UK universities, not by the British Council. To apply, find a GREAT Scholarship-participating university that offers the program you want, and apply directly to that university for both the program and the scholarship. Check the British Council's GREAT Scholarships page for the current list of universities and programs.
Comparing the Main UK Government Scholarships
Explore UK programs while you plan your scholarship applications
Many UK universities also offer their own merit scholarships. Browse programs on ApplyBoard and ask your counsellor about funding options at each institution.
Tips for a Strong UK Government Scholarship Application
Start Early
Government scholarship applications open months before the academic year begins. Chevening for 2027 entry is open as of August 2026 and closes in October 2026. Start building your university application list and gathering reference letters well before then or prepare in advance for the following cycle.
Be Specific About Your Goals
Scholarship panels want to see a clear connection between your degree choice, your career plans, and the impact you will have in your home country. Vague goals weaken applications. Write about specific roles, sectors, or changes you want to drive.
Show Leadership Evidence
For Chevening especially, you need to show how you have already demonstrated leadership in your career, community, or professional life. Document your leadership experiences before you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions About UK Government Scholarships
Yes. For Chevening, you submit your application with three course preferences listed; you do not need university offers at the application stage. If you are conditionally selected, you are then required to secure at least one unconditional offer from a UK university (typically by July of the following year). For Commonwealth Scholarships, you apply to the CSC separately; university admission is not required at the application stage, but you will need it later. For GREAT Scholarships, the process varies by university, so check with your chosen institution.
Yes, in most cases. Applying for multiple scholarships is common and acceptable. You should declare any other scholarship applications you are making when completing each application, as most programs ask about this. If you receive more than one award, you will need to choose which one to accept, since you cannot typically hold two fully funded scholarships at the same time.
Yes, most UK universities require proof of English language ability for admission, and this is a prerequisite for receiving the scholarship. IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, and TOEFL iBT are commonly accepted. Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships require you to meet the English language requirements of the UK university you will attend. Check each program's language requirements early.
Most UK government-funded scholarship programs focus on postgraduate study (Master's and PhD). Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships are postgraduate-only. GREAT Scholarships are also primarily for postgraduate students. For undergraduate funding, look at individual university scholarships, which may cover partial tuition for high-achieving international undergraduate students. Ask your ApplyBoard counsellor about university-level funding options.
Scholarship holders still apply for a standard UK Student visa. The scholarship funding does not change the visa type, but it satisfies the financial requirement: you will not need to show personal savings in the same way as a self-funded student, since the scholarship letter confirms your funding. You will still need to meet all other Student visa requirements.
UK government scholarships are among the most generous and competitive in the world. Whether you are aiming for Chevening, a Commonwealth award, or a GREAT Scholarship through a UK university, the key is to start preparing well in advance. Research the deadlines, understand what each program values, and apply to your UK university programs through ApplyBoard while you build your scholarship application.
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