Funding for International students

Funding for International students

If you’re an international student and dream of studying in the UK, the question of, “is there any international student funding in the UK?” has more than likely crossed your mind. You may also be wondering what student funding is, how to apply for it and how you receive it. It can be difficult to find this information, and the process can add extra stress when looking for your perfect UK university. However, we’ve put together this simple guide with all the information you’ll need.

The types of student funding

There are two types of funding that could be available to you. These are part-funding and full-funding. The difference between the two is part-funding will require you to contribute your own money to the part of your fees that are not paid for by the scholarship or loan. A fully-funded scholarship or loan will include all expenses, such as tuition fees, living expenses, and even a return flight to the UK. Both types of funding can apply to a student who is going to be doing an undergraduate degree or even someone who is thinking of undertaking postgraduate studies. However, the undergraduate level of study is the most offered student funding.

Scholarships

Scholarships are the most popular ways to obtain student funding. Scholarships are usually rewarded to students who are outstanding in their subject so you’ll need to apply for this, and they can be quite competitive so it’s a good idea to not rely solely on this type of funding for your university life.

How do I find a scholarship?

As mentioned, there are lots of scholarships available for international students, the trouble is finding the right one. You can search databases such as Britishcouncil.org or the International Education Financial Aid (IEFA) to see if they have a scholarship that matches your criteria. It’s important to note that not all courses will be covered by a scholarship, and under no circumstances should you pay a fee to find a scholarship. A scholarship is very competitive to get hold of, and no amount of money can guarantee you a place.

You should also check with the UK university you’ll be studying at. A lot of the institutions will offer scholarships and financial support to international students who choose their university, but only some universities will offer this.

How do I get a scholarship?

If you’re certain that you want to study in the UK, you can apply for a scholarship. First, you’ll need to research thoroughly. This way, you’ll know everything about the scholarship you’re applying for, and you’ll be confident that it applies to you. Once you’re sure you meet the eligibility criteria, you can then create your application. This needs to be strong to make you stand out from the hundreds of other students applying for the same scholarship.

For some scholarships, the application form is the only thing you need to complete. However, for others, there are extra tasks that you may need to complete, such as written assessments and tests, or even attend an interview. Once you’ve completed all the tasks, you’ll simply have to wait for their decision. It’s important to remember that, even at this stage in the process, you may not be successful in obtaining a scholarship. We always recommend thinking about alternative options just in case you’re unsuccessful.

The types of scholarships

There are many different types of scholarships available that you’ll need to research and consider. You might not be suitable for every scholarship, but if you research carefully, you may be able to apply for more than one. Applying to several different scholarships (if you can) gives you a higher chance of being successful.

University Scholarships - Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Ph.D. funding for international students in the UK.

University scholarships are offered by many universities to encourage international students to come to the UK and study by supporting them with the cost of moving away from home. The most common university scholarships are:

-        Academic, Merit, and Excellence scholarships. These are awarded to students who have achieved strong grades and have a good academic record.

-        Subject-specific scholarships. These are similar to the above, but as the name suggests, they are specific to a certain subject. These are usually offered by a relevant university or the relevant department within the university.

-        Performance-based scholarships. These are awarded to students who show exceptional skills in extracurricular activities such as sports, drama, dance, etc. You don’t need to study a relevant subject, but you may be expected to participate in extra roles, such as playing for the university sports team.

-        Disability scholarships. These support international students who have disability, a long-term mental health condition, a learning difficulty, or other special needs.

Global scholarships - Postgraduate and Ph.D. funding for international students in the UK.

Global scholarships are not restricted to any country. This means that almost everyone should be able to apply as it’s specifically for international students and not just students from a certain country. However, not all countries are listed in the criteria and are therefore not eligible, so make sure you check the small print before applying. Global scholarships are a good starting point when you’re searching for funding as an international student, as they are broader than others. Global scholarship examples include:

-        Chevening Scholarships. These are available to over 160 countries across the globe. The number of scholarships offered does vary country to country, but typically, well over 1,000 scholarships are awarded each year. This is one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarships available and is unfortunately only available to Postgraduate students. The funding will usually cover your tuition fees, flights, and accommodation.

-        Commonwealth Scholarship. These are available to students who are a commonwealth citizen, a refugee, or a British protected person. There are eight different types of commonwealth scholarships which vary across different countries, so you’ll need to do some research. Again, unfortunately, these scholarships are only available to postgraduate students and Ph.D. students. The funding typically covers all charges for your course, a monthly living allowance, and flights to and from the UK.

-        GREAT Scholarships. These are available in 18 countries around the globe - most of them being in Asia. Many UK universities take part in this scholarship, and the funding is a minimum of £10,000. It’s a good idea to check the information with your university of interest to see if they're taking part. However, the scholarship is only available to Postgraduate students.

Bursaries

Bursaries are similar to scholarships in the sense that you’ll be rewarded money. However, some bursaries will only pay for certain elements such as tuition fees or cover your cost of living. Bursaries are usually offered by universities as a way of encouraging you to study in the UK and choose their establishment. This is usually based on if you have a prior relationship with the university or an existing link, such as a family member studied here previously. There are some bursaries that, although they’re less common, will offer funding to students who come from a low-income background or are experiencing some other form of disadvantage. It’s a good idea to check with the university you’re interested in studying at to see what they have to offer.

Ph.D. Funding

Finding a fully funded Ph.D. in the UK for international students may be easier than you think. A lot of the above listed scholarships and bursaries are aimed directly at Postgraduate and Ph.D. students. You’ll undergo the same application process and must have strong grades to meet the criteria. Have a look at the information on the UK Government website regarding Ph.D. funding and who would be eligible for funding.

Summary

Although finding Undergraduate scholarships and funding may be more difficult than Postgraduate and Ph.D., there are still some places you can find them - the main places being Universities. You can find funding in the form of scholarships which may provide everything from the tuition fees to your accommodation, or you can find bursaries, some of which may be a one-off payment to help with your living costs. For those scholarships and bursaries that don’t cover your living costs, it’s a good idea to look at the student accommodation on offer that is both affordable and practical for you. Here at UniHomes, we offer a vast catalogue of amazing properties, which all come with bills included! That’s your rent, your electricity, your water, your internet, and any other type of household bill you can think of all wrapped up into one neat price. Have a look at what we have to offer today, and get in touch if you have any further questions!