Dreaming of studying in Scotland and waking up to breathtaking, historic landscapes every day? The good news is that Scotland offers a wealth of scholarship programs designed to make your academic journey more accessible and affordable.
In this guide, we explore the primary types of scholarships in Scotland for international students, ranging from university-specific awards to funding from government agencies, charitable trusts, and independent organizations.
Understanding scholarships in Scotland
There are various funding avenues available in Scotland, provided by universities, national research councils, and government bodies. Depending on the award, you may receive partial tuition fee coverage or full-ride scholarships that include both tuition and living stipends.
If you have a specific Scottish university in mind, prioritize checking their official scholarships page. You can typically filter available opportunities by criteria such as:
- Your student status: Some scholarships are offered to new students, others to current students.
- Your field of study: Some scholarships are only for certain degrees or faculties.
- Your level of study: There are different scholarships for undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD students.
- Your country of origin: In some cases, eligibility criteria include students from specific countries.
- Academic achievement or merit: Some awards are based on high grades or exceptional academic performance.
Common scholarships in Scotland for international students
Below, you will find information on key UK-wide scholarships, research grants, and internship programs available to those studying in Scotland:
Chevening Scholarship
- What does it cover? Tuition fees, travel, living expenses
- Who is it for? Students from Chevening-eligible countries looking to study Master’s degrees
- Offered by? UK government
The prestigious Chevening Scholarship allows you to select three Master’s programs across various UK universities. You may choose to dedicate all three selections to Scottish institutions. This award covers a wide academic spectrum, from Arts and Culture to STEM fields.
Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP)
- What does it cover? Tuition fees, travel, living allowance
- Who is it for? Students from Commonwealth countries pursuing Master’s or PhD degrees
- Offered by? The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan
The Commonwealth Scholarship program provides various options for students from member nations. Eligible applicants from low- and middle-income countries can apply for on-site or Distance Learning Master’s and PhD scholarships, while candidates from high-income nations may qualify for PhD-specific support.
Please note that country income classifications are based strictly on OECD standards.
Fulbright Awards
- What does it cover? Tuition fees, travel, living allowance
- Who is it for? US citizens looking for postgraduate study or research in the UK. Shorter exchange programmes for undergraduates are also available.
- Offered by? US-UK Fulbright Commission
The Fulbright program is designed for US citizens pursuing Master’s degrees, PhDs, or research projects at UK universities, including those located in Scotland. Undergraduate students may also explore short-term summer exchange opportunities.
GREAT Scholarships
- What does it cover? Partial tuition fees
- Who is it for? Students from 18 selected countries (Bangladesh, China, Egypt, France, Ghana, Greece, India, Indonesia, Italy, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam) who want to study a Master’s degree in the UK
- Offered by? The UK government and participating universities
If you are from an eligible country, you might qualify for a GREAT Scholarship. With over 60 participating UK universities—including many in Scotland—these awards vary annually. Always verify if your chosen Scottish university and program are active partners in the GREAT Scholarship scheme for your intended intake year.
Royal Society Grants
- What does it cover? Research costs, sometimes travel, and living expenses
- Who is it for? Researchers in science, engineering, or medicine at the postgraduate or postdoctoral level
- Offered by? The Royal Society
Royal Society Grants offer essential support for postgraduate researchers and early-career scientists. Various grant schemes are available throughout the UK, supporting innovative research projects at many Scottish universities.
University-specific scholarships in Scotland for international students
Remember that universities frequently administer their own internal funding. For example, if you are applying to the University of Edinburgh, explore their dedicated scholarship portal to find various merit-based and need-based scholarships.
Below are notable scholarship examples provided by several Scottish universities:
World Changers Global Excellence Scholarships at the University of Glasgow
- What does it cover? Tuition fee discount (between £7,000 and £10,000 per year)
- Who is it for? New undergraduate students who show excellent academic achievement in their A Levels or equivalent
- Offered by? The University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow offers merit-based scholarships for high-achieving undergraduate students with strong A-Level or equivalent qualifications. Eligible applicants are typically assessed automatically once an offer of admission is received.
Edinburgh Doctoral College Scholarships
- What does it cover? Tuition fee + stipend
- Who is it for? Students starting their PhD research
- Offered by? The University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh Doctoral College Scholarships provide vital support for PhD researchers. These awards generally cover full tuition fees and include a stipend for living costs, with availability varying based on your specific field of research.
Glasgow Global Leadership Scholarships
- What does it cover? Tuition fee discount (£10,000)
- Who is it for? International students from eligible countries starting a postgraduate taught Master’s programme
- Offered by? The University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow also provides Master’s scholarships for international students who have achieved an equivalent to UK First-Class Honours in their undergraduate studies. To qualify, you must hold an offer for a one-year Master’s program at the institution.
International Undergraduate Scholarship from the University of Stirling
- What does it cover? Tuition fee discount (around £2,000 per year)
- Who is it for? International students who have an unconditional offer from an eligible undergraduate programme
- Offered by? The University of Stirling
International undergraduates receiving an unconditional offer from the University of Stirling may be automatically eligible for a tuition fee reduction, which is applied throughout the duration of their four-year undergraduate degree.
St Andrews International Excellence Scholarship
- What does it cover? Full tuition fees
- Who is it for? Undergraduate students with excellent academic grades
- Offered by? University of St Andrews
Some universities offer competitive full-tuition scholarships for high-achieving international students, often requiring a letter of motivation and two references (academic and personal). These are typically available across a broad selection of undergraduate degree programs.
Alternative ways to cover your study costs
If you need additional financial assistance, part-time work is a viable option to help cover living costs while studying in Scotland. Most international students aged 16 and over are permitted to work, provided they adhere to the conditions of their visa and the requirements of their sponsoring institution.
Students are typically permitted to work up to 10 or 20 hours per week during term time, with full-time hours allowed during holidays. You can pursue various roles across multiple sectors, provided your work does not interfere with your academic progress.
Relevant work placements and internships, particularly those integrated into your course, provide excellent opportunities to gain UK professional experience, expand your network, and build your CV while earning supplemental income.
Scotland is looking forward to welcoming you!
With over 73,000 international students choosing Scotland for its world-class education and high quality of life, the country remains a premier destination for global scholars seeking diverse financial support options.
Take the time to research both UK-wide programs like Chevening and GREAT, alongside specific institutional awards offered by Scottish universities. Plan your applications well in advance, as deadlines and eligibility criteria can vary significantly.