Top Fully Funded Scholarships in UK For International Students in 2025
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Dreaming of studying in the UK but worried about the costs? Don’t let tuition fees and travel expenses stop you from chasing your goals! The UK is home to some of the world’s top universities, and the best part? You can actually study there for free—thanks to a wide range of fully funded scholarships in UK for international students in 2025.
Whether you’re aiming for a one-year master’s program or a full PhD journey, there’s a scholarship designed to cover your tuition, living costs, flights, and more. In this blog, we’ll walk you through some of the most popular and prestigious scholarships in the UK, including Chevening, Rhodes, Commonwealth, and more. Let’s dive into the details and help you find the one that fits you best!
Popular Fully Funded Scholarships in UK 2025
Studying in the United Kingdom can be a transformative experience, especially when your academic journey is fully supported through scholarships. For international students, the UK offers some of the most prestigious and generous fully funded scholarships, designed to cover all the major costs associated with studying abroad. From tuition fees, travel, and visa costs to monthly living allowances, these scholarships are more than just financial support—they’re career-launching platforms. Below are some of the popular fully funded Scholarships in UK:
Chevening Scholarships
The Chevening Scholarships, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), are among the most well-known government-funded scholarships in the world. These scholarships offer students a one-year fully funded master’s degree at any UK university of their choice.
Applicants must be from a Chevening-eligible country and should hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies them for postgraduate study in the UK. Additionally, applicants are required to have at least two years of work experience and must agree to return to their home country for a minimum of two years after completing their studies. Following are the key details of Chevening Scholarships:
Scholarship Name | Level | Coverage | Offered By |
Chevening Scholarship | Master’s | Tuition, living stipend, airfare, visa fees | UK Government (FCDO) |
Commonwealth Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarships are another prestigious and fully funded opportunity offered to students from low- and middle-income Commonwealth nations. Administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), these scholarships are designed to support individuals who would not otherwise be able to study in the UK.
To qualify, applicants must be citizens of a Commonwealth country, must not already be residing or studying in a high-income nation, and must demonstrate both financial need and strong academic merit. The scholarships cover full tuition fees, a monthly stipend to assist with living expenses, return airfare to and from the UK, and sometimes additional costs such as thesis grants or travel for fieldwork. Following are the key details of Commonwealth Scholarships:
Scholarship Name | Level | Coverage | Offered By |
Commonwealth Scholarship | Master’s/PhD | Tuition, airfare, living allowance | Commonwealth Scholarship Commission |
Commonwealth PhD Scholarship | PhD | Full tuition, return travel, monthly stipend | Commonwealth Scholarship Commission |
Commonwealth Split-site Scholarship | PhD (Joint) | 12-month funding for joint doctoral programs | Commonwealth Scholarship Commission |
Gates Cambridge Scholarships
Offered by the University of Cambridge, the Gates Cambridge Scholarships are among the most prestigious international postgraduate awards in the world. These scholarships are for students from outside the UK who demonstrate leadership potential. They are open to students applying for a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge—either a master’s or PhD program (with the exception of undergraduate degrees and certain non-degree short-term courses).
The scholarship provides complete coverage including full tuition fees, a generous annual stipend (estimated around £20,000), return airfare, visa costs, and access to additional discretionary funding for academic development, family support, and fieldwork. Following are the key details of Gates Cambridge Scholarships:
Scholarship Name | Level | Coverage | Offered By |
Gates Cambridge Scholarship | Master’s/PhD | Full tuition, annual stipend (~£20,000), airfare, visa | University of Cambridge |
Rhodes Scholarships
The Rhodes Scholarship is not only one of the oldest but also one of the most prestigious fully funded international scholarship programs in the world. Established in 1902, it enables exceptional students from across the globe to pursue full-time postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford. The scholarship is highly competitive, with strict eligibility criteria depending on the country or region of application.
Typically, applicants must be between 18 and 24 years of age and citizens of eligible countries such as India, Pakistan, the USA, Australia, and several others. The funding package is incredibly generous—it includes full tuition fees, a stipend of approximately £18,180 per year to cover living costs, and round-trip airfare to the UK. Following are the key details of Rhodes Scholarship:
Scholarship Name | Level | Coverage | Offered By |
Rhodes Scholarship | Master’s/PhD | Tuition, annual stipend (~£18,180), flights | University of Oxford |
Clarendon Fund – University of Oxford
The Clarendon Fund is another prestigious fully funded scholarship opportunity offered by the University of Oxford, and it’s open to international students from all around the world. Each year, the fund supports over 150 academically brilliant students pursuing either a master’s or doctoral degree. The best part? You don’t need to submit a separate scholarship application.
All students who apply to Oxford by the January admissions deadline are automatically considered for the Clarendon Scholarship—making it one of the most accessible major scholarships in the UK. The scholarship covers the entire tuition fee and a generous annual living grant, which is currently valued at around £17,668. Following are the key details of Clarendon Fund – University of Oxford:
Scholarship Name | Level | Coverage | Offered By |
Clarendon Scholarship | Master’s/PhD | Full tuition + annual living grant (~£17,668) | University of Oxford |
GREAT Scholarships
The GREAT Scholarships are a collaborative initiative between the UK government and selected UK universities aimed at providing financial support to international students from 18 specific countries. These scholarships are ideal for those planning to pursue a one-year taught master’s program in the UK. The scholarship offers a grant of £10,000 toward the tuition fees, significantly reducing the financial burden for postgraduate students.
While it doesn’t cover full costs like accommodation or living expenses, the GREAT Scholarship remains highly attractive for students who have partial funding or personal resources and are looking for a boost to afford a UK degree. Eligible countries include India, China, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia, Nigeria, and more. Each participating university and country have its own application process and deadlines, typically falling between March and June. Following are the key details of GREAT Scholarships:
Scholarship Name | Level | Coverage | Offered By | Deadline (Approx.) |
GREAT Scholarship | Master’s | £10,000 tuition fee grant | UK Government + UK Universities | March–June 2025 |
Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships (CWIT)
The Charles Wallace India Trust (CWIT) Scholarships are a fantastic opportunity for Indian students and professionals who are passionate about the arts, heritage conservation, or humanities. Funded by the British Council in collaboration with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), this scholarship aims to strengthen cultural ties between India and the UK while supporting talented individuals looking to gain international exposure and expertise.
These scholarships are primarily intended for mid-career professionals and postgraduate students who want to undertake short-term training courses, academic research, or professional development programs in the UK. The scholarship provides complete financial assistance, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and return airfare, making it easier for selected candidates to focus on their craft without worrying about the cost of studying abroad.
CWIT is highly competitive and requires a solid portfolio or track record of work, especially for arts-related disciplines. Following are the key details of Charles Wallace India Trust (CWIT) Scholarships:
Scholarship Name | Level | Coverage | Offered By | Deadline (Approx.) |
CWIT Scholarship | PG/Training | Tuition, living expenses, airfare | British Council + FCDO | March 2025 |
Conclusion
Studying in the UK can be life-changing—and with these fully funded scholarships for 2025, it’s more achievable than ever. Whether you’re a future researcher, leader, artist, or changemaker, there’s a scholarship out there with your name on it.
From tuition to travel and everything in between, these programs make sure you’re fully supported while you study at some of the best universities in the world. So, get your documents ready, apply early, and don’t hold back—your UK education dream is waiting to come true!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can international students get fully funded scholarships in the UK for 2025?
Yes, international students can apply for several fully funded scholarships in the UK for 2025. Top options include Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, Gates Cambridge Scholarships, and the Rhodes Scholarship. These cover tuition fees, living costs, airfare, and more.
What are the most popular fully funded scholarships in the UK for international students?
Some of the most popular fully funded scholarships in the UK include:
1. Chevening Scholarship
2. Commonwealth Scholarships
3. Gates Cambridge Scholarship
4. Rhodes Scholarship
5. Clarendon Fund (Oxford)
6. GREAT Scholarships
7. Charles Wallace India Trust (CWIT)
Each of these scholarships supports tuition, accommodation, and other study-related expenses.
How do I apply for Chevening Scholarships in 2025?
To apply for the Chevening Scholarship, you must:
1. Be from a Chevening-eligible country
2. Hold a bachelor’s degree
3. Have at least 2 years of work experience
4. Apply online at the official Chevening website
The deadline is usually around November 2025, and the scholarship covers full tuition, visa fees, flights, and a monthly stipend.
Which UK universities offer fully funded scholarships for international students?
Top UK universities offering fully funded scholarships include:
1. University of Oxford (Rhodes, Clarendon, Reach Oxford)
2. University of Cambridge (Gates Cambridge)
3. Imperial College London
4. University of Edinburgh
5. University of Strathclyde
Many others under the Chevening and Commonwealth umbrella
What is the deadline to apply for fully funded UK scholarships for 2025?
Deadlines vary depending on the scholarship:
1. Chevening: November 2025
2. Commonwealth: October–November 2025
3. Gates Cambridge: December 2025
4. Rhodes: August–October 2025
5. Clarendon: January 2025 (no separate application)
6. GREAT Scholarships: March–June 2025
7. CWIT Scholarships: March 2025
It’s best to check the official website of each scholarship for exact dates.
Do fully funded scholarships in the UK cover living expenses and flights?
Yes! Most fully funded scholarships in the UK cover:
1. Tuition fees
2. Living allowance or monthly stipend
3. Round-trip airfare
4. Visa and insurance costs
Examples include Chevening, Rhodes, and Commonwealth Scholarships.
Can I study in the UK for free as an international student?
Yes, if you are awarded a fully funded scholarship, you can study in the UK for free. These scholarships cover all major expenses, including tuition, accommodation, flights, and more. Apply early and make sure your application stands out.