Fully Funded Scholarships in the UK for International Students 2024

Studying abroad in the UK is an amazing opportunity to gain a world-class education, experience a new culture, and build your network. However, international students often face significant financial barriers when considering this option. Luckily, there are many excellent scholarship programs available to help cover the full costs of tuition fees and living expenses.

This guide provides an overview of some of the most prestigious fully funded scholarships for international students seeking to study in the UK in 2024. We’ll examine eligibility requirements, what’s included, and how to apply. With diligent research and strong applications, these programs can help talented students from around the world earn a UK degree without incurring debt.

Chevening Scholarships

Offered by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Chevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding future leaders to complete either a master’s degree or short-term professional development program.

Eligibility: Candidates must be nominated by their country’s embassy and have at least two years of professional work experience. They should demonstrate strong academic ability, career potential, and commitment to development impact.

Benefits: Full financial support including tuition, living stipend, flights, visa, and healthcare coverage for the duration of the program, normally 1 year. Value can exceed £40,000.

Programs: All disciplines and popular areas include international relations, politics, law, business management, and engineering. 130+ universities across the UK are partners.

Application Deadlines: Nomination deadlines in Autumn 2023, program studies normally begin in September/October 2024. Strong candidates are encouraged to start applications early.

Marshall Scholarships

Established by the Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission, these scholarships support exceptional American students to study in the UK.

Eligibility: US citizens only with a minimum GPA of 3.7. Candidates demonstrate intellectual ability, leadership potential, and commitment to service.

Benefits: Annual stipend of approximately £42,600 to cover education, living costs, books, fees, and thesis expenses for 2 academic years (minimum).

Programs: Any full-time postgraduate degree program such as master’s, one-year Master of Research, or initial Ph.D. year at any UK university.

Application Deadlines: Nationally in early October 2023 to secure nomination in your state/district. Student applications mid-October, and university applications early December 2023.

Rhodes Scholarships

One of the oldest and most prestigious international scholarship programs, founded to bring outstanding leaders to the UK for postgraduate study.

Eligibility: Selection criteria emphasize high academic achievement, integrity of character, leadership potential, physical vigor, and interest in others. Candidates apply either as citizens of their country or as residents of a state or territory.

Benefits: Full financial support including tuition, fees, living stipend, and travel costs for up to 4 years of study (master’s, one year master of research, or initial PhD year) at the University of Oxford.

Application Deadlines: Mid-September for over 100 countries, mid-October for over 20 US states/territories. Final country/state selection processes complete by December to take up funding at Oxford from October 2024.

Gates Cambridge Scholarships

This program is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation which has an annual value of over $18 million.

Eligibility: No nationality, age, or subject restrictions. Candidates should demonstrate outstanding intellectual ability together with a commitment to improving the lives of others.

Benefits: Full financial support for tuition fees, living costs, books, research allowance plus flights for 2 years of study at the University of Cambridge. Scholarship value £50,000 per annum.

Application Deadlines: Mid-October 2023 for the program start in October 2024. Offers are made in late January/early February for Cambridge commencement that October term.

Schlumberger Foundation Scholarships

Funded by the Schlumberger Foundation and offered in partnership with the University of Cambridge, these scholarships support the education of outstanding students from selected countries.

Eligibility: Nationality-based, candidates must be citizens and residents of eligible countries across Latin America, North Africa, and the Middle East. High academic merit is essential.

Benefits: Full tuition, fees, and maintenance support to pursue a master’s degree at the University of Cambridge over 1-2 years based on the course requirements. Annual stipend of £20,000-£25,000.

Application Deadlines: October to early November 2023 for commencement at Cambridge in October 2024. Country-specific guidelines apply, check eligibility.

UK Government Global Talent Visa

Not strictly a scholarship, this visa route offers highly skilled migrant workers an alternative means to fully fund their own UK studies.

Benefits: Includes tuition costs, living expenses, and dependents’ school fees for master’s or PhD-level courses at participating UK universities. No minimum salary.

Eligibility: The program must be on the government shortage occupation list, endorsed by a Home Office-approved sponsor, and at degree level. IELTS or equivalent English language scores apply.

Deadlines: Applications open year-round and are assessed on a rolling basis until the next cohort intake at the university of choice begins. Check uni timelines.

Getting Started

Early preparation is critical to these competitive funding opportunities. Applicants should research eligibility fully, start drafting personal statements well in advance of deadlines, and ask recommenders to submit references with sufficient lead time. Don’t hesitate to reach out to program advisors with any questions too. With diligent effort, these scholarships can help exceptional students achieve their higher education goals in the UK at no financial cost.