The United Kingdom remains one of the most popular study destinations for international students, known for its globally recognized degrees, cultural diversity, and academic excellence. However, tuition and living costs can be a barrier. The good news is that many fully funded UK scholarships for 2025 are available to help deserving international students study free at leading British universities.
This guide lists the Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships in the UK for 2025 Intake, their benefits, eligibility, and how to apply successfully.
Overview Table
| Scholarship Name | Degree Level | Coverage | Host University/Body | Deadline (Approx.) | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevening Scholarship | Master’s | Tuition, living cost, airfare | UK Government | Nov 2024 | 160+ eligible countries |
| Commonwealth Scholarship | Master’s/PhD | Full funding | Commonwealth Commission | Jan 2025 | Commonwealth nations |
| Gates Cambridge Scholarship | Master’s/PhD | Full funding + allowance | University of Cambridge | Oct–Dec 2024 | All international students |
| Rhodes Scholarship | Master’s/PhD | Full funding | University of Oxford | July–Oct 2024 | Select countries |
| Clarendon Scholarship | Master’s/PhD | Tuition + stipend | University of Oxford | Dec 2024–Jan 2025 | All nationalities |
| GREAT Scholarships | Master’s | Tuition + partial support | British Council | Varies by country | Select countries |
| University of Westminster Scholarship | Undergraduate/Master’s | Full funding | University of Westminster | May–July 2025 | Developing countries |
| Edinburgh Global Scholarship | Master’s/PhD | Full or partial funding | University of Edinburgh | Feb–Apr 2025 | All countries |
| Bristol Think Big Scholarship | Undergraduate/Master’s | Tuition + support | University of Bristol | Feb 2025 | All international students |
| Scotland’s Saltire Scholarship | Master’s | Partial/full | Scottish Government | May 2025 | Select countries |
1. Chevening Scholarships 2025
The Chevening Scholarship, funded by the UK Government, enables talented individuals from over 160 countries to pursue a one-year master’s degree in any subject at any UK university.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly living stipend
- Travel and visa costs
- Networking events and leadership workshops
Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s degree with good academic record
- Minimum two years of work experience
- Commitment to return home and contribute to national development
2. Commonwealth Scholarships 2025
This scholarship is for students from Commonwealth countries who can’t afford to study in the UK without financial aid. It supports Master’s and PhD programs at leading UK universities.
Benefits:
- Full tuition
- Monthly allowance
- Airfare and thesis grants
Eligibility:
- Citizen of a Commonwealth country
- Strong academic background
- Must not be able to afford UK education otherwise
3. Gates Cambridge Scholarships 2025
Founded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this program allows outstanding students from around the world to study at the University of Cambridge.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fees
- Annual stipend (£20,000+ per year)
- Family, travel, and visa support
Eligibility:
- Non-UK citizen
- Applying for a full-time residential postgraduate degree
- Academic excellence and leadership qualities
4. Rhodes Scholarships 2025
The Rhodes Scholarship is among the world’s most prestigious awards, supporting exceptional students to study at the University of Oxford.
Benefits:
- Tuition fees fully covered
- Annual stipend (£18,180 approx.)
- One return air ticket
Eligibility:
- Age 18–24 years
- High academic achievement and leadership potential
- Motivation to serve and create impact in society
5. Clarendon Scholarships 2025
The Clarendon Fund at the University of Oxford provides fully funded graduate scholarships to academically outstanding students.
Benefits:
- Covers tuition and college fees
- Annual grant for living expenses
Eligibility:
- Automatically considered when applying for a graduate course
- No separate application required
6. GREAT Scholarships 2025
Jointly funded by the UK Government and UK universities, the GREAT Scholarships offer partial or full funding to students from specific countries including India, China, Nigeria, and Malaysia.
Benefits:
- Up to £10,000 towards tuition fees
- Opportunity to study at top UK universities
Eligibility:
- Must be from a participating country
- Excellent academic record and English proficiency
7. University of Westminster Fully Funded Scholarships
This program targets students from developing nations to pursue undergraduate or master’s degrees in the UK.
Benefits:
- Full tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and flights
Eligibility:
- Must be an international student from a developing country
- Academic excellence and financial need
8. Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships
The University of Edinburgh provides scholarships for outstanding international students applying for research-based degrees.
Benefits:
- Full or partial tuition coverage
- Research support and training opportunities
Eligibility:
- Excellent academic and research background
- Admission to a PhD or research program
9. University of Bristol Think Big Scholarships
These scholarships are open to all international students applying for undergraduate or postgraduate programs.
Benefits:
- Tuition fee waivers ranging from £5,000 to £20,000
- Additional support for living costs
Eligibility:
- Strong academic background
- Admission to an eligible program at Bristol University
10. Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships
The Scottish Government offers the Saltire Scholarships in partnership with Scottish universities for students from Canada, India, Japan, and other nations.
Benefits:
- Awards worth up to £8,000 towards tuition
- Opportunities to connect with Scottish industry leaders
Eligibility:
- Apply for a postgraduate degree in Scotland
- Interest in science, technology, healthcare, or creative industries
Application Tips for UK Scholarships 2025
To improve your chances of securing a scholarship:
- Start applications early (between August–November 2024).
- Prepare strong supporting documents — CV, academic transcripts, and references.
- Write a compelling personal statement showcasing your goals and achievements.
- Meet language proficiency requirements (IELTS, TOEFL).
- Apply to multiple scholarships to increase your success rate.
Why Choose the UK for Higher Studies?
- Home to globally top-ranked universities (Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College).
- Shorter degree programs — 1 year for master’s, 3 years for undergraduate.
- Work opportunities during and after studies (Graduate Route Visa).
- Multicultural student community and innovative learning methods.
Conclusion
The Top 10 Fully Funded UK Scholarships for 2025 Intake offer international students a chance to gain world-class education without financial pressure. Whether you’re applying for Chevening, Commonwealth, Rhodes, or Clarendon, each scholarship opens doors to global opportunities, leadership growth, and career excellence. Start preparing now — the UK could be your next academic destination.
FAQs
Q1: Do fully funded UK scholarships cover living and travel costs?
A: Yes, most scholarships cover tuition, living stipends, and airfare.
Q2: When should I start applying for 2025 UK scholarships?
A: Start between August and November 2024, depending on the program.
Q3: Can I apply for more than one UK scholarship?
A: Yes, you can apply for multiple programs if you meet their eligibility requirements.