UK Scholarships for International Students: A Guide to Automatic Scholarships
If you're an international student planning to study in the UK, financing your education can be one of the biggest challenges. One way to ease this burden is by securing an automatic scholarship. But what are they, and how can you benefit from them? Let’s explore everything you need to know.
What Are Automatic Scholarships?
Automatic scholarships are financial discounts awarded to students without the need for a separate application. As long as you meet the eligibility criteria, the scholarship is automatically allocated. These criteria can vary but often include:
Nationality: Some scholarships are designed to attract students from specific regions, such as African nations and South Asian countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, where the cost of studying in the UK may be prohibitive.
Academic Achievement: Many universities require a specific level of academic success, often equivalent to a UK upper second-class degree (2:1).
Our recent research revealed that automatic scholarships are becoming increasingly common. As of 2025, 68% of undergraduate scholarships and 64% of postgraduate scholarships were automatic.
Why Do UK Universities Offer Automatic Scholarships?
There are several reasons why UK universities provide these scholarships:
1. Competitive Edge
The market for international students is highly competitive. Scholarships help universities position their course fees attractively while maintaining their reputation.
2. Cost of Living Pressures
The rising cost of living makes studying abroad more expensive. Financial aid through scholarships becomes essential for many students and their families.
3. Market Expansion
Universities may target specific regions where they are less known to grow their market share.
Students today are savvy and often apply to multiple institutions to get the best financial packages. Our UK Scholarship Finder allows you to compare scholarships and focus on applications that offer the most generous financial support.
How Valuable Are Automatic Scholarships?
The majority of automatic scholarships in the UK fall within the range of £1,500 to £5,000.
Notable institutions offering high-value awards include:
Scottish universities: The University of Aberdeen, University of Glasgow, University of Stirling, and University of Strathclyde offer scholarships between £6,000 and £8,000 per year for undergraduate degrees.
Other UK institutions: Cardiff University, University of Warwick, University of Reading, and Lancaster provide automatic scholarships worth between £8,000 and £10,000 for postgraduate degrees.
Search our UK Scholarship Finder to explore the full range of automatic scholarships.
What Do You Need to Do?
One of the biggest advantages of automatic scholarships is their simplicity. Here’s what you need to know:
Steps to Secure an Automatic Scholarship:
Apply to Your Chosen University: Submitting your application and meeting the criteria often guarantees the scholarship.
Check Terms and Conditions: Some universities may have deadlines or require you to accept your place by a certain date.
Renewability: Find out if the scholarship is for the first year only or renewable for subsequent years. If it is renewable, check the grades required to maintain eligibility.
Stacking Scholarships: Determine whether you can combine automatic scholarships with additional awards.
Final Tips for International Students
While most automatic scholarships don’t have deadlines, it’s always wise to double-check for exceptions. Universities may impose cut-off dates for eligibility.
By staying informed and proactive, you can make the most of automatic scholarship opportunities and significantly reduce the cost of studying in the UK.
Ready to find your ideal scholarship? Visit our UK Scholarship Finder to compare options and discover opportunities tailored to your needs.