The United Kingdom allows study abroad aspirants to study for a globally recognized degree and engage in lucrative career prospects after graduation. You can fast-track your ascent to professional eminence by pursuing a Master’s degree at a prestigious UK university.
While the initial investment in tuition fees and living expenses can be substantial, a diverse range of scholarships can bridge the financial gap and make your UK Master’s dream a reality. This comprehensive guide delves into scholarships available to international Masters students in the UK. We’ll explore government-funded programs and university-specific options and differentiate between them, empowering you to make informed decisions about securing financial support.
From full funding to partial tuition coverage, scholarships for international students in UK significantly reduce the financial burden, allowing you to focus on high-quality academia and live in a multicultural environment.
First, let us see what factors drive international students to pursue higher education in the United Kingdom.
Why UK is a Preferred Study Destination?
The academic landscape in the United Kingdom presents numerous advantages for international students pursuing a Master’s degree:
- Globally Recognized Degrees: Earning a Master’s degree from a UK university provides you with a qualification and research experience that employers worldwide appreciate.
- Diverse Range of Programs: UK universities offer extensive Masters programs catering to virtually every academic interest.
- Part-Time Work Opportunities: International students in the UK also benefit from the opportunity to work part-time for 20 hours per week during their studies.
Now that you know the reasons to study in the UK let’s see how much it costs overall to study for a Master’s degree as an international student.
Cost of Education
The tuition fee to pursue Masters in UK depends upon the University or the course you opt for. However, as a student from another country, you can expect to spend a minimum of £15,000 per annum as there are numerous affordable universities in UK. On the other hand, the amount can also go up to£40,000 per annum on the maximum side.
Similarly, the cost of living also varies according to the city you are living in and your lifestyle preferences. But there’s a higher chance your monthly expenses may fall between £11,000-13,000.
As you can see, the overall cost can be substantial. Luckily, competitive yet generous scholarships in the country ease the restraint.
Popular Scholarships to Study in UK
In this section, we will highlight some popular scholarships offered UK Government and leading universities of the United Kingdom for Masters studies.
- Government Funded Scholarships
| Scholarship Name | Award Value |
| Chevening Scholarship | Fully Funded |
| Commonwealth Scholarship | Fully Funded |
| GREAT Scholarship | Fully Funded |
- University-Specific Scholarships
| Scholarship Name | Award Value |
| International Excellence Scholarship by University of Leeds
|
Up to 50% fee reduction |
| Think Big Scholarships by the University of Bristol
|
Starts from £10,000 |
| International Leadership Scholarships by the University of Glasgow
|
£10,000 |
The bursaries mentioned above are just to provide you with an idea of the UK’s offerings in terms of financial aid to international students. Whether top or not, you will get numerous scholarships to study Masters in UK Universities. Once finalized, you can explore the scholarship section on the official website of your chosen university.
Moving on, we will dive into some essential factors of UK scholarships.
Comparing Government and University Specific Scholarship
Government scholarships typically offer comprehensive support to high-achieving international students, while university-specific scholarships aim to attract top talent to institutions. Understanding the distinctions between these two types of scholarships is crucial for students to make informed decisions about their funding options.
Benefits of Government-Funded Scholarships
Find below the top benefits of scholarships offered by the UK government:
- Generous Funding: Many government scholarships offer partial to full funding, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. This allows you to focus entirely on your studies without financial stress.
- Demonstrates Academic Excellence: Receiving a prestigious government scholarship like Chevening or a Commonwealth Scholarship adds significant weight to your academic profile.
- Appreciate Commitment: These scholarships often seek students who intend to contribute positively to their home countries upon returning. This can instill a sense of purpose in your studies and motivate you to use your acquired knowledge to make a real-world difference.
Benefits of University-Specific Scholarships
Here are the top advantages of scholarships offered by UK Universities:
- Reduced Financial Burden: University scholarships offer a range of award values, from partial to full tuition coverage.
- Tailored Support: University scholarships can align with specific programs or departments. This targeted financial aid can be particularly helpful for niche or specialized Master’s degrees not often covered by broader government scholarships.
- Demonstration of Dedication: Securing a university scholarship demonstrates your academic excellence and specific interest in their program. It showcases your research alignment with the university’s faculty and research areas, potentially strengthening your overall application.
Moving on from the benefits, you may encounter a few challenges due to the limited number of scholarships available.
Challenges in Government-Funded Scholarships
Here’s what you might encounter when you apply for a Government Scholarships in the UK:
- Highly Competitive: The application process for prestigious government scholarships is fiercely competitive. You’ll compete against exceptional students worldwide, requiring a strong academic record, compelling essays, and often work experience or a commitment to return to your home country.
- Stringent Eligibility: Strict eligibility criteria can limit your options. These scholarships might be restricted to specific nationalities, academic backgrounds, or fields of study.
- Complex Application: The centralized application process for government scholarships can be intricate, involving multiple stages and deadlines.
Challenges in University Scholarships
These are some limitations of University Specific Scholarships:
- Limited Award Value: You might need to secure additional funding through loans, savings, or part-time work to manage living expenses and remaining tuition fees.
- Restricted Options: Some university scholarships have specific courses or nationality restrictions. These limitations might not align with your ideal program or background, reducing your available funding options.
- Varying Deadlines: Application deadlines for university scholarships can differ significantly across universities. This requires meticulous organization to manage multiple applications simultaneously and ensure you meet each deadline.
Remember, these challenges shouldn’t prevent you from pursuing scholarships. With thorough research, a strategic approach, and a strong application package, you can increase your chances of securing funding and achieving your UK Master’s dream.
Nevertheless, if you do not qualify for a scholarship for any reason, you can always apply for a study abroad loan. Top Financial Institutions offer numerous overseas education loan schemes to meet student’s diverse needs and requirements.
So, whether you seek a competitive interest rate or an education loan for UK without collateral, there are numerous loan schemes tailored to your preferences. However, finalizing a lender among the wide choices might take time and effort. The best solution is to approach a global education consultant in your city who can aid you with study abroad loans. With their expertise, you can seamlessly fulfill your dream of pursuing Masters at your ideal UK University!
