The Ultimate Guide to Securing Scholarships: Expert Advice for International Students

Understanding how scholarships work can give you a significant advantage in securing the best awards. These tips are provided by experts with firsthand experience in UK universities, offering insights into the scholarship design and selection process.

What is a Scholarship?

A scholarship is essentially financial aid to help cover the cost of your education. 

Most UK universities offer scholarships to international students for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. These scholarships may be funded directly by the universities or provided by external organisations. Typically, scholarships are awarded as a reduction in tuition fees.

Top universities will begin advertising their scholarships as soon as they open applications for the upcoming intake. 

It's important to note the significant difference in tuition fees for international students compared to UK residents. To attract specific students, universities often offer substantial scholarships that offset these higher fees.

When deciding which universities to apply to, it's crucial to consider not only the course fees but also the university's reputation, the strength of the programme, and the scholarships available to you.

Why Do Universities Offer Scholarships?

Understanding why universities offer scholarships to international students can help you secure the right one. UK universities provide scholarships for several reasons:

  • Competitive Pricing: Scholarships are used as a pricing tool to compete with other universities.

  • Attracting Top Students: Universities aim to attract high-quality students who are likely to secure good jobs and improve the university’s position in league tables.

  • Promoting Diversity: Scholarships are offered to students from certain countries to ensure a diverse mix of nationalities in the classroom.

  • Filling Courses: Universities may offer scholarships to attract students to courses that are struggling to fill their places.

  • Encouraging Early Commitment: Scholarships can encourage international students to commit to a university by accepting their place early.

In recent years, most UK universities have introduced additional intakes, typically in January or April/May, alongside the traditional September intake, which has the largest number of international students. The January and April/May intakes usually attract fewer students, which can increase pressure on universities to fill their courses. If one of these alternative intakes works for you, you might have a better chance of securing a more generous scholarship.

While China and India send the most students to UK universities, there are often scholarships specifically designed to attract students from countries with fewer students in the UK, helping to increase diversity on campus.

Types of Scholarships

Navigating scholarships can be challenging, as each university offers a unique set of options. Some universities have only a few categories, while others offer a wide range of scholarships. This variety can make it difficult to find the best scholarship for your needs. Generally, scholarships fall into two main types:

  • Automatic Scholarships: These scholarships require no additional action from you beyond applying for your course and receiving an offer. If you qualify, you will be automatically informed. Eligibility is often based on your grades, expected grades, or the country you come from.

  • Application-Based Scholarships: These scholarships typically offer higher financial support but require you to complete an application. This may involve writing an essay or submitting a video. You’ll likely need to explain why you deserve the scholarship, how you will excel as a student, and how you will contribute positively to the university community. For tips on how to make a successful application, be sure to check our guide!

Additionally, many universities offer early payment discounts on tuition fees if you pay by a certain date. It’s crucial to check whether you can combine an early payment discount with another scholarship, as this can help you maximise your financial benefit. Be sure to carefully compare your options to ensure you’re getting the best deal available.

Tips for Applying for a Scholarship

Identify the Best Scholarships: Start by selecting universities that offer scholarships that suit your needs. Use our Scholarship Scanner tool to help you find the right options.

  1. Apply Early: Universities often advertise scholarships for international students as soon as they open applications. The most valuable scholarships usually require an application, and deadlines are often early in the recruitment cycle.

  2. Consider January or April/May Intakes: These intakes typically attract fewer students, which may increase your chances of securing a better scholarship. If one of these dates suits your schedule, it’s worth exploring.

  3. Leverage Your Strengths: If you have strong grades, relevant work or volunteer experience, or if you’re from a specific country, you may already be well-positioned to apply for a scholarship.

  4. Understand the Evaluation Criteria: Scholarship applications are often reviewed by academic staff or international recruitment and admissions teams. They will be looking for:

    • Strong written English

    • Academic excellence

    • Relevant experience outside the classroom (e.g., work, volunteering)

    • A commitment to maximising your studies

    • Passion and enthusiasm for your chosen subject

  5. Stand Out in Your Application:

    • Tell Your Story: Share your journey, explain your future goals, and describe how this scholarship will help you achieve them.

    • Highlight Relevant Experience: Show how your experiences, whether through work, volunteering, or hobbies, will enrich the classroom environment.

    • Showcase Your Achievements: Mention accomplishments you’re proud of, especially if you’ve overcome challenges to achieve them.

    • Name-Drop When Relevant: If you’ve worked with well-known organisations or participated in significant programs, be sure to mention them.

    • Explain How You’ll Contribute: Discuss how you will be a strong ambassador for the university and promote it within your network.

    • Have a Clear Plan: Even if you’re unsure of your exact career path, describe your goals and how this scholarship will help you reach them.

    • Write Clearly and Effectively: If English isn’t your first language, ask someone to review your application. Use short sentences, simple language, and clear paragraphs.

  6. For Video Applications:

    • Prepare a Script: Plan what you want to say, rehearse it, and record when you feel confident.

    • Keep to the Time Limit: If asked for a one- or two-minute video, stay within the time limit; otherwise, the admissions team may stop watching.

    • Make a Strong Impression: Consider your appearance, smile, and present yourself well.

    • Choose the Right Setting: Record in a quiet place with a suitable background and no distractions.

Understand Your Rights

Before accepting a scholarship, it’s crucial to fully understand your rights and obligations. Universities should clearly provide the terms and conditions on their websites alongside scholarship information. Be sure to check the following:

  • Ensure that your course is eligible for the scholarship you’re interested in.

  • Review all conditions attached to the scholarship to avoid any surprises.

  • Find out what happens if you need an extension on the acceptance deadline.

  • Understand the implications if you need to defer your start date to a later intake.

  • Check whether you can combine the scholarship with other discounts or scholarships.

Finally, download and save the terms and conditions for future reference in case you need them later.