So you’ve been daydreaming about sipping Earl Grey in Oxford, punting on the Cam at Cambridge, or joining cutting-edge AI labs at UCL? But then bam—the reality of sky-high tuition fees and London rent hits you like a double-decker bus? Good news: The UK has a treasure chest of fully funded scholarships, and 2026 could be your year to crack them open.
These opportunities don’t just cover tuition—they often pay for living costs, flights, visas, and yes, even winter coats (some awards have clothing allowances!). Whether you’re from Africa, Asia, the Americas, or anywhere else, many of these are open to you.
Why Go for UK Scholarships in 2026?
- UK degrees are recognized worldwide, giving you a passport to global careers.
- Most scholarships of the UK cover everything from tuition, stipends, airfare, to visa costs.
- These are meant to open doors to prestigious alumni networks (think world leaders, Nobel laureates, startup founders).
- Many are prioritizing applicants from developing countries, aiming for real social impact.
Read more: 10 Korean universities launches new scholarship program for Pakistani students
20 Fully Funded Scholarships that you can consider availing
Here’s your curated starter list of 20 top scholarships for Master’s, PhD, Undergrad, and Postdoc levels:
• Chevening Scholarships: For Master’s degrees. It is covering full tuition fees, monthly stipend, travel costs, and visa fees.
• Commonwealth Scholarships: For Master’s and PhD. Covers tuition, airfare, and living expenses.
• GREAT Scholarships: For Master’s. Offers up to £10,000 (some universities offer even more).
• Marshall Scholarships: For Master’s and PhD (only for US citizens). Covers tuition, books, stipend, and travel.
• Rhodes Scholarships: For Master’s and PhD (for select countries). Covers all costs, including a settling allowance.
• Gates Cambridge Scholarships: For Master’s and PhD. Covers full cost of study, airfare, and stipend.
• Clarendon Fund (Oxford): For Master’s and PhD. Covers full tuition and provides a generous stipend.
• Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship: For Master’s degrees. Covers full fees, living costs, and offers leadership training.
• UCL Global Masters Scholarship: For Master’s. Around £15,000 (need-based award).
• UCL Research Excellence Scholarships: For PhD students. Covers tuition fees and a stipend.
• Cambridge International Scholarships: For PhD. Fully funded for international students.
• Newton International Fellowships: For Postdoctoral researchers. Funding of up to £420,000 for three years.
• British Academy International Fellowship: For Postdoc. Includes research funding and relocation costs.
• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships: For PhD. Covers tuition, living expenses, and airfare.
• British Council Women in STEM Scholarships: For Master’s. Includes full tuition, stipend, IELTS fees, and return flights.
• Jardine Foundation Scholarship: For Undergraduate study at Oxford or Cambridge. Fully funded (for Southeast Asian nationals).
• Leverhulme Trust Fellowships: For PhD and Postdoc. Often covers the full cost of study.
• University of Glasgow Online Study Awards: For undergraduate and postgraduate study. Some awards cover full tuition for online programs.
• Cardiff International Scholarships: For undergraduate and postgraduate study. It is offering up to £10,000, with many full awards available.
• Winston Churchill Foundation Scholarships: For Master’s in STEM at Churchill College, Cambridge (for US citizens). Fully funded.
📅 When to Apply? 2026 Deadlines at a Glance
Most scholarships open in mid- to late-2025 and close between October 2025 and March 2026.
✅ Chevening: Aug–Nov 2025
✅ Rhodes: June–Oct 2025
✅ Marshall: June–Sept 2025
✅ Gates Cambridge: Sept 2025–Jan 2026
✅ Clarendon: Dec 2025–Jan 2026
✅ Newton Fellowships: Jan–Mar 2026
✅ Many others: Vary between Nov 2025–Apr 2026
Pro Tip: Start prepping by July 2025. Get your statement of purpose polished, request references early, and shortlist programs before deadlines sneak up.
Bonus to Know: Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships
Though not UK-government funded, the Aga Khan Foundation is offering highly competitive and needs-based, partially grant-partially loan awards for Master’s study anywhere, including top UK universities. It’s considered to be an excellent option for students from select developing countries in Asia and Africa.
Final Word:
UK scholarships aren’t just about free tuition, but these are considered to be your launchpad to global networks, world-class education, and life-changing opportunities.
If you’re aiming for getting the scholarship of 2026, this is your sign to start today. Research, plan, apply—and maybe next year you’ll be walking the ancient quads of Oxford or catching the Tube to your UCL lab.
Ready to swap dreams for plans? The castle gates are open.