As a prospective international student planning to study in the UK, one of your primary concerns is managing your financing.
Pursuing a graduate degree in a country renowned for having some of the world's top universities is an incredible opportunity. You gain access to a new culture, diverse professional networks, cutting-edge research, and expert mentorship. However, studying abroad is a significant financial investment, as you are relocating to a new country with its own unique cost of living.
This is exactly why scholarships, grants, and bursaries are so valuable. Beyond making your dream of studying abroad more affordable, these awards serve as prestigious recognition of your academic excellence and potential.
If you are still in the process of deciding which institution to choose, exploring available scholarship options can significantly influence your decision and streamline your application strategy.
Below, we highlight several UK universities that offer attractive scholarship programs for international students that you can consider for your 2026 applications.
1. University of West London Scholarships
One of the universities with the most comprehensive scholarship programs is the University of Kent. Most departments within the university offer specific awards, providing international students with numerous opportunities to qualify for financial support.
For example, students joining the School of Law and Criminology may be eligible for a 3,000 GBP scholarship, provided they have a relevant undergraduate background. Additional scholarship categories include:
- The Mollie Clay Scholarship: 2,500 GBP for outstanding achievements
- The Syed Hamid Scholarship: 2,500 GBP for outstanding achievements
- Exclusive alumni discounts: tuition fees discounts if you have graduated from a previous course at the university and continue with Master’s studies there
2. GCU Loyalty Scholarships
The University of Stirling, located in Scotland, offers a Loyalty Scholarship that reduces your Master’s tuition fees by 2,000 GBP in the first year and 1,000 GBP for subsequent years.
As the name implies, this scholarship comes with specific criteria. To be eligible, you must be a self-funded student and meet one of the following requirements:
- a previous degree from GCU
- a Foundation, Pre-Master’s or Pre-sessional course with INTO GCU
- a GCU Summer School
- an exchange programme at GCU
This scholarship is an ideal option if you need to complete a pre-Master’s program or foundation course to qualify for your chosen postgraduate degree.
3. Scholarships offered by the University of Portsmouth
The University of Portsmouth, located in England, offers a wide range of Master’s specializations. Their individual faculties provide various scholarships to support your academic journey, including these three primary options:
School of Earth and Environmental Sciences Scholarships
If you are applying to specific programs and originate from Nigeria or Ghana, you may be eligible for a 20% tuition fee discount. Other key criteria for these awards include:
- you're fully self-funded
- if you are from Nigeria, you need a minimum GPA of 3.0/5 in a relevant subject
- if you are from Ghana you must hold a minimum of a Second Class Upper in a relevant subject
Faculty of Business and Law Scholarships
The Faculty of Business and Law at the University of Portsmouth offers EU students the opportunity to receive a 40% tuition fee reduction. To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:
- you're fully self-funded
- you are an EU-national
- you were accepted at an on-campus degree
- you have a 2:1 from your Bachelors
Bonus: 2 University Awards
The university also offers two bursaries for international students, providing a 10% discount on tuition based on your country of residence. These are awarded automatically, so no separate application is required. Qualifying conditions include:
- you come from an eligible country
- you are self-funded
- you haven’t previously studied at the University of Portsmouth
- you don’t have any other scholarship
4. The University of the West of Scotland Anniversary Scholarships for 2018-2019
Several institutions mark major anniversaries by offering special scholarships of 1,500 GBP. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate exceptional academic performance during their undergraduate studies.
This scholarship is aimed at self-funding, full-time, fee-paying international students enrolling in Master’s programs for the upcoming academic intakes.
5. De Montfort University Scholarships
De Montfort University (DMU) in England provides two primary types of scholarships for motivated international students.
First, they offer the Principal’s Scholarship, worth 3,000 GBP, for students enrolling in Leicester Castle Business School. Eligible applicants are considered automatically upon applying for qualifying Business and Management Master’s programs, with no separate application required.
Second, they offer the Vice-Chancellor's Sports Scholarships for students looking to excel in their athletic performance. Worth 6,000 GBP, eligibility depends on the following criteria:
- be enrolled on taught or research course during the academic year 2018/19
- demonstrate commitment and passion for the sport you practice
6 & 7. Universities that automatically consider international applicants for scholarships
Loughborough University and the University of Chester are two institutions where you may receive an automatic scholarship simply by being accepted into a degree program, with no extra paperwork required.
At Loughborough University, you are automatically considered for a 20% tuition fee waiver for postgraduate taught degrees.
Similarly, the University of Chester offers international and merit-based scholarships that provide a significant discount on tuition fees, applied automatically once you submit your application.
Apply right now for the Online Result Scholarship
You can also apply for our own scholarship program. We are proud to offer 5 grants to future international students. If you meet the admission requirements, we invite you to apply for the Online Result Scholarship: International Distinction Awards.
What are you waiting for? Take the first step toward your future by applying for a Master’s degree in the UK and securing your scholarship today!