Every student dreams of studying abroad, especially in the United Kingdom, at least once in their life. With the high demand for Master’s courses, we have seen students favouring the United Kingdom from every corner of the world.
Renowned for its high-quality courses, student accommodation, and scholarships, the UK attracts thousands of students every year. With the best facilities, higher education can be financially demanding in the UK. This is why many UK universities offer scholarships for students to achieve their academic aspirations. To simplify the process, this blog will provide you a guide on the various scholarship opportunities for master’s courses. Let’s explore it further!
Why Choose the UK for a Masters’ Course?
Over several decades, the UK universities are consistently gaining top ranks in the world. Universities like the University of Oxford, Imperial College London, the University of Manchester, etc offer cutting-edge education, world-class faculty, and more.
If you choose to pursue higher education in the UK, it would typically take only one year. This is where all the difference lies as many countries offer longer-duration courses. In the UK, you can expect to find affordable student housing and a lower cost of living. Furthermore, the diverse culture enhances the overall student life while fostering personal and professional growth.
Financial Challenge of Master’s Degree in the UK
With flexible student accommodation and endless opportunities, you might find a barrier in the cost of education. Well, good things do come at a higher cost sometimes. In the United Kingdom, tuition fees for international students typically range between £12,000 to £30,000 or more annually. These costs depend on the course and university. In short, getting a scholarship is significant to alleviate the costs and make education accessible.
Top Scholarships to Explore for Master’s Courses
Appreciating every deserving student, the United Kingdom has several scholarships for international students. There are scholarships ranging from part-funding to full-fledged funding, including program fees, rent of student apartments and more. Some of the top scholarships include:
1. Chevening Scholarships
One of the prestigious scholarship programs funded by the UK government is Chevening. This scholarship program offers full financial support for a one-year master’s program at any UK university. In short, be it the University of Oxford or the University of Manchester, you can apply for this scholarship.
To get this scholarship, the key eligibility criteria is that applicants must have at least two years of work experience and meet English language requirements. Besides this, this scholarship covers the rent of student rooms, tuition fees, airfare, and additional expenses. The application process is quite easy as it involves submitting an online form with a personal statement. And, if shortlisted, there will be an interview.
2. Commonwealth Scholarships
The next on our list is Commonwealth Scholarships. Designed for students from commonwealth countries, you are eligible if you are a citizen of a commonwealth country. With a strong academic background, you can get this scholarship on the basis of nominations. These nominations are made through universities or national agencies. As for the benefits, this scholarship takes care of tuition fees, airfare and a living stipend. With a living stipend, you can manage your student accommodation rent and other living expenses.
3. GREAT Scholarships
Are you from Asia-Pacific countries? If yes, then GREAT scholarships is the one for you. Funded by the UK government, this scholarship is targeted for international students from specific countries.
Students from India, China, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and among others can apply for this program. Also, this program offers a minimum of £10,000 towards tuition fees. As for the application process, you can simply apply directly to participating universities.
4. Rhodes Scholarships
If you are coming to the University of Oxford for a master’s degree, the Rhodes scholarship will support you. As one of the oldest and most prestigious scholarships, you can get this if you have exceptional academic achievements and leadership qualities. To apply for this program, you must be below 25 and can apply through essays, references and an interview. Plus, this program will cover tuition fees, travel costs and offer a monthly stipend.
5. British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM
The next is the British Council Scholarships specifically for women. If you are a woman in a male-dominated field, you should not miss out on this program. Designed for master’s degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, any woman from Asia, the US, and Africa can apply. As for benefits, this program will cover tuition fees, living expenses, and additional allowances. In addition, the application is simple and can be submitted to the British Council or partner universities.
6. University Specific Scholarships
Along with scholarships funded by the UK government, UK universities also have many scholarships. These scholarship programs are designed to attract top talent from every corner of the globe. Some of the notable scholarships include:
- Clarendon Scholarships offered by the University of Oxford to cover tuition fees along with a living stipend.
- The University of Cambridge offers Gates Cambridge Scholarships which covers everything including tuition, airfare and maintenance allowance.
- Warwick Chancellor International scholarship is also great if you want funding for tuition, student accommodation rent and other living expenses.
So, before you apply for a master’s degree in the UK universities, do check which scholarship they are offering, especially for international students.
Top Tips to Secure Scholarships
There is no hard and fast rule or shortcut to secure the scholarship. However, some of the key tips include:
- Start Early
- Research thoroughly to understand the requirements and eligibility grounds.
- Tailor your application as per the requirements of the scholarship programs.
- Show your talent, leadership qualities, and skills through your application, essay or statement of purpose.
- Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from university advisors or peers.
Securing a scholarship for a master’s degree in the UK can reduce your financial issues, especially for international students. Not only financial barriers but these scholarships enhance career prospects. So, find which scholarship offers everything like rent of student accommodation, tuition fees, stipend and more before applying. Start your journey today, and take a step closer to realizing your aspirations in the UK!
