Scholarships for international students in the UK
Studying in the UK is something that has been on the wishlist of most students intending to study at universities in other countries. Having plenty of international universities, research facilities, and a wide range of disciplines, the UK is a perfect environment for further education and professional development.
However, the cost of tuition fees plus other living expenses can act as a big barrier to apparently wise scholars. Expenses such as tuition, housing, food, transportation, clothes and books take their toll leading to a rude shock for some who cannot afford the cost of their dreams.
To supplement this, a number of scholarships which are offered to international students have been initiated by the UK to help fill this financial gap. Not only do these scholarships appeal to the financial needs of the students but also recognise their achievement, leadership, and extracurricular activities.
These scholarships from government sponsored scholarships to university specific scholarships enable various students to succeed in their careers from a good foundation.
Here are some of the Scholarships for International Students in the UK that you might consider.
They are available in various disciplines comprising various levels of studies with open doors to the deserving candidates globally. Thanks to these scholarships, learners can make their dreams come true and become a part of knowledge and cultural exchange programs.
UK government funded Scholarships
- Chevening Scholarships
Chevening Scholarships are among the most competitive Scholarship schemes in the world, being funded by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom.
These scholarships have been arranged for students who would need to show sound leadership qualities and strong academic performance. Scholarships offered under the Chevening program include tuition fee, living expenses, and travel expenses for a one year masters’ degree course of the competitor’s choice, in any university in the United Kingdom.
This broad funding helps scholars on their studies and their individual growth and assists them in establishing ties with a worldwide community of leaders.
- Commonwealth Scholarships
Aimed at students from developing Commonwealth countries, Commonwealth Scholarships are a unique chance to continue master’s and PhD education in Great Britain.
They usually include tuition fee, flight ticket to and from the country of study, and other allowances. Intended to develop the future leaders and innovators, the program assists students in the fields that are most important for the development of the countries of students’ origins. You can know more about commonwealth scholarships here
Scholarships offered specially for a particular University
The University of Bristol – Think Big Scholarships
Think Big Scholarship is one of the most vibrant scholarship programmes offered to International students who wish to undertake Undergraduate and Postgraduate degree programmes in the University of Bristol. These scholars offer substantial reduction in tuition fees so that the beneficiaries can afford quality education without suffering full costs.
University of Manchester – International Excellent Student Scholarships
The above learned University of Manchester also provides scholarships termed International Excellence Scholarships for the international students with excellent performance. Scholarship incentives which are based on merit acknowledge the extraordinary academic accomplishment that a student has achieved and are open for students of all fields who seek tuition fee waiver.
Subject-Specific Scholarships
Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Shared Scholarship
For the students who want to study for Islamic culture and civilization, there is an opportunity in Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Scholarships. These scholarships fully fund course costs, and include a living cost grant, making it possible to focus on advanced, concentrated academic study in a particular subject area.
Organizations & Scholarships of External Organization
Rotary Peace Fellowships
Rotary Peace Fellowships are one of the best-funded opportunities offered by the Rotary International that ensures study and education for people with strong focus on peace and conflict scores.
These fellowships are available to candidates intending to take master’s or PhD programs in areas of peace, relations, conflict and its resolution among others. Rotary Peace Fellowships provide nearly all the costs that are involved which are tuition fees, accommodation, cost of travel and other costs.
Fellows also get to network with other fellow MILE post-conflict peace builders and leaders, who have vibrant careers in professions of choice and passion.
Application Tips:
It is important to plan and prepare if one is to get the scholarship. Below are some practical tips to help you maximize your chances of success:
Research Early
In fact scholarship applications are usually closed months before the beginning of the academic year. The best time to start searching for opportunities is now so that you do not miss important dates regarding the opportunity. It also provided time to gather all relevant documentation and to prepare a well written and presented application.
Eligibility Criteria is among the areas of focus when it comes to welfare state policy analysis so it is important to grasp its meaning.
The requirements for each of the scholarships are unique by discipline, academic performance, area of study, and personal history. It is important to review these criteria as closely as possible before applying in order to be confident in a good match.
It is unprofitable to submit applications for scholarships where you do not qualify for because this will only waste time and energy.
Simply, prepare good documentation to back up your information.
Typical application documents are records of the applicant’s courses, references, and an autobiography. Invest time in writing good recommendation letters and a personal statement that will show leadership achievement, goals compatibility with the scholarship, and other leadership accomplishments.
Emphasize Profession and the Participation of the Community
Many scholarships such as Chevening and Rotary Peace Fellowships have requirements that potential scholars must be leaders and must have been involved in community activities. Since these areas are seen as potential rather than accomplishment, make sure you stand out by highlighting your experiences in these areas while also making sure to highlight your potential for future success.
Conclusion
A scholarship is one way of minimizing a lot of the financial hurdles associated with studying in the UK, and therefore increasing the chances of accessing quality education from all over the globe. Scholarships not only bring in monetary aid, but also reward performance, leadership and a desire to effect change.
This is why by searching through the diversification of the opportunities like UK government funded scholarships, University funded scholarships and other external scholarships you can identify and apply for the scholarships that suit your desired course and background. The preparation for the applying process can be crucial and it is important to know the way to get a good chance—start preparing early, check the eligibility requirements, and emphasize the applicant’s strengths, leadership skills, goals, and accomplishments.
Lastly, scholarships are not simple ways of being given cash, but a way of getting prepared for future careers and being placed in a pool of scholars and professionals across the world. It is therefore very possible to increase the odds of those who are willing to study in the UK through good planning and determination to get the required funds for the dream to come through.