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Posted Jan. 6, 2020
Scholarships for international postgraduate students in the UK
Sorting out funding as an international postgraduate student coming to the UK is super important as you'll need to provide proof of funds to gain the necessary visas to come into the country.
There are many scholarships for international postgraduate students studying a masters in the UK and most universities allow international students to apply for many different available scholarships. And even if you secure some funding through a postgraduate scholarship, once you have been offered a place at a recognised institution you will also be eligible to apply for a Postgrad Solutions Study Bursary worth £500.
Let’s take a look at what scholarships are available for International students and how to go about finding them.
Where to search
As an international student, unless you are already studying in the UK, it will be difficult for you to come and personally search for scholarships. The first place to start looking is your home country, especially if you plan to return home and use your postgraduate qualification to pursue a career at home. The next place to search is online with your university or institution. Most universities and departments or faculties will advertise scholarships throughout the year as the scholarships become available for application on their websites, for example, the London School of Economics, lists available scholarships. Sign up for publications from industry magazines and websites in the UK and at home to find out about any scholarships being offered by private companies. Taking the time throughout your undergraduate studies and your career to build networks of contacts will pay off now as you can let it be known that you are about to commence a postgraduate qualification and you might find out about scholarships through someone you know.
When to search
Start searching for postgraduate scholarships as soon as you are accepted onto a course or even in conjunction with researching the course you apply for. Bear in mind that scholarships are available throughout the year as some may be for specific parts of a student's course and it is worthwhile checking regularly with your institution and any subject area bodies, such as the Arkwright Scholarships Trust for Engineering, or postgraduate student organisations for new or upcoming scholarships.
When to apply
Applications for postgraduate scholarships can take quite a bit of time to complete and if they are based on providing a strong personal statement it is a good idea to write something specifically for each individual application. Apply for any postgraduate scholarships in good time and well in advance of the deadline.
What types of scholarships are available?
Most universities offer alumni scholarships or discounts off of the full tuition fees, so if you have studied in the UK before at any level, it is worthwhile checking with your former institution – for example at Newcastle University some alumni get 20% discounts from the tuition fees. Most academically based scholarships are available for all students as are many subject area scholarships. With academically based scholarships you will probably find that you need to keep your grades above a certain level throughout your studies. Many universities offer scholarships for students from certain countries that the university has historic links with, so make sure you do a thorough search through everything that is available to see if you are eligible.
Selection of scholarships
Here is a selection of scholarships currently available to international postgraduate students in the UK:
Commonwealth Scholarships for Commonwealth country students
Chevening Scholarships for international students from select countries
Marshall Scholarships for American students
Hani Qaddumi Scholarship Foundation for Palestinian students at the University of Birmingham
BAFTA Scholarships for Chinese film students
Other funding options
If you are unable to secure a scholarship, or if the amount doesn’t cover all your costs, remember you can always apply for a loan from Prodigy Finance. Prodigy Finance is a private loans company that offers tailor-made loans specifically for postgraduate students and these have certain benefits over other private loans such as competitive rates of interest and no collateral needed. Find out more here.
Please note that the information here does not constitute financial advice. Prodigy Finance is one of many potential funding options for international postgraduate students. Other student funding options are available and Postgrad.com advises you to research all your options thoroughly before making such a commitment. Postgrad.com accepts no responsibility for your choice of loan and does not endorse or support Prodigy Finance. Prodigy Finance Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and entered on the Financial Services Register under firm registration number 612713.
Related articles
UK Government Postgraduate Funding For 2022
More Ingenious Ways To Fund Your Masters Infographic
Ultimate Postgraduate Student Funding Guide
2 comments
Charlotte King Jan. 13, 2020, 8:27 p.m.
Hi Richie – Our bursary winners 2019 have already been announced >
https://www.postgrad.com/fees_and_funding/postgrad_solutions_study_bursaries/bursary-winners/winners-2019/
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Richie Ain Jan. 10, 2020, 7:06 p.m.
Hello,
When will the winners of the
Postgrad Solutions Study Bursary 2019 be released?