UK Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students 2026 (Apply Now)

The United Kingdom is one of the most popular study destinations in the world. It offers top-ranked universities, internationally recognized degrees, and many funding opportunities for international students. Every year, the UK government and universities provide fully funded scholarships that cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.

This article presents the best UK fully funded scholarships for international students in 2026, including eligibility requirements, benefits, and official application links.

Why Study in the UK?

International students choose the UK because of:

High-quality education system
Globally recognized degrees
Short study duration
Strong research environment
Excellent employment opportunities

Top Fully Funded UK Scholarships 2026

1. Chevening Scholarships (UK Government)

About the Scholarship

Chevening is a prestigious UK government scholarship program that supports outstanding international students from over 160 countries. It allows students to study a one-year master’s degree at any UK university.

Scholarship Benefits

Full tuition fees
Monthly living allowance
Return flight tickets
Visa application costs
Arrival and departure allowances

Eligibility Requirements

Citizen of an eligible country
Bachelor’s degree
Minimum two years work experience
English language proficiency

Apply Here

https://www.chevening.org/apply

2. Commonwealth Scholarships

About the Scholarship

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers scholarships to students from developing Commonwealth countries, including many African nations. The program supports master’s and PhD studies in the UK.

Scholarship Benefits

Full tuition fees
Monthly stipend
Travel costs
Study and research grants

Eligibility Requirements

Citizen of a Commonwealth country
Strong academic performance
Admission to a UK university

Apply Here

https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships

3. Gates Cambridge Scholarship

About the Scholarship

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. It supports outstanding international students who want to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Cambridge.

Scholarship Benefits

Full tuition fees
Monthly maintenance allowance
Travel expenses
Health insurance
Academic development funding

Eligibility Requirements

International applicant
Excellent academic record
Leadership potential
Admission to the University of Cambridge

Apply Here

https://www.gatescambridge.org

4. Rhodes Scholarship (University of Oxford)

About the Scholarship

The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the oldest and most prestigious international scholarships. It supports students to study postgraduate programs at the University of Oxford.

Scholarship Benefits

Full tuition fees
Living allowance
Travel costs
Accommodation support

Eligibility Requirements

Outstanding academic achievement
Leadership qualities
Strong character and commitment to service
Admission to Oxford University

Apply Here

https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk

5. GREAT Scholarships

About the Scholarship

The GREAT Scholarship program is funded by the UK government in partnership with UK universities. It provides financial support to international students for postgraduate studies.

Scholarship Benefits

Tuition fee funding
Financial support grants
Study assistance

Eligibility Requirements

International student
Academic excellence
Admission to a participating UK university

Apply Here

https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/scholarships/great-scholarships

Documents Required for UK Scholarship Applications

Most UK scholarships require:

Academic certificates and transcripts
Motivation letter or personal statement
Recommendation letters
Passport copy
English language test results
CV or resume

How to Improve Your Scholarship Success

Apply early
Prepare a strong personal statement
Select experienced referees
Meet application deadlines
Follow scholarship guidelines carefully

Scholarship Safety Tips

Avoid fake scholarship opportunities.

Common warning signs include:

Requests for application fees
Guarantees of selection
No official website
Suspicious email addresses

Always apply through official scholarship and university websites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can African students apply for UK scholarships?
Yes. Many UK scholarships are open to African and international students.

Are UK scholarships fully funded?
Some programs are fully funded while others provide partial funding. Always check scholarship details.

Is IELTS required for UK scholarships?
Most universities require IELTS, but some accept alternative English qualifications.

Can undergraduate students apply?
Most fully funded UK scholarships are for postgraduate studies, but some undergraduate funding is available.

Conclusion

The UK offers many fully funded scholarship opportunities for international students in 2026. With proper preparation and early application, you can study in the UK without financial burden.

Start applying today and take the next step toward your academic success.