20 scholarships for international students to study in UK 2026 with background, eligibility and official links. Covers Chevening, Commonwealth, GREAT, Rhodes for African and Nigerian students.
Studying in the UK has been a dream for students across the world for decades. However, the cost of tuition and living in cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh can be a major barrier. Fortunately, scholarships for international students to study in UK 2026 are making that dream affordable.
Every year, the UK government, top universities, and private foundations invest millions of pounds to attract global talent. Moreover, many of these awards are fully funded and specifically target students from Africa, Asia, and other developing nations.
In this guide, we’ll break down 20 scholarships for international students to study in UK 2026. For each one, you’ll get the background, benefits, eligibility, deadlines, and official application links. We’ve also added special notes for African and Nigerian applicants.
Let’s dive in.
Why Choose Scholarships for International Students to Study in UK 2026?
First, the UK is home to 4 of the world’s top 10 universities: Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, and UCL. Second, a UK degree is respected by employers worldwide.
In addition, the UK offers a 2-year Graduate Route visa. Therefore, after graduation you can work and gain experience.
Most importantly, scholarships for international students to study in UK 2026 cover everything from tuition to flights. As a result, you can focus on your studies instead of finances.
20 Best Scholarships for International Students to Study in UK 2026 + Background
1. Chevening Scholarships UK
Background: Chevening was launched in 1983 by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. Since then, over 50,000 scholars from 160+ countries have studied in the UK through Chevening. It aims to develop global leaders.
Level: Masters
Value: Full tuition + monthly stipend + return flight + visa + arrival allowance
Eligibility: Citizens of Chevening-eligible countries. 2 years work experience. Open to all African countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya.
Deadline: 5 November 2025
Apply: https://www.chevening.org/apply/
Note: Highly competitive. However, it’s the UK’s flagship scholarship.
2. Commonwealth Scholarships UK
Background: Established in 1959, the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission funds scholars from Commonwealth countries. The goal is to contribute to development and build lasting links.
Level: Masters, PhD
Value: Full tuition + airfare + living stipend + thesis grant
Eligibility: Citizens of Commonwealth countries. Priority for applicants showing development impact. African students are prioritized.
Deadline: December / January Yearly
Apply: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/
Note: You must apply via your country’s nominating agency, not directly.
3. Rhodes Scholarships at Oxford University
Background: Founded in 1902 through the will of Cecil Rhodes, this is the oldest international scholarship. It brings exceptional young people to Oxford to become future leaders.
Level: Masters, PhD at Oxford
Value: Full tuition + £19,092 per year stipend + flights
Eligibility: Age 18-24. Academic excellence + leadership + commitment to service. West Africa region includes Nigeria and Ghana.
Deadline: October
Apply: https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/scholarships/the-rhodes-scholarship/
Note: Extremely competitive, but transformative.
4. GREAT Scholarships UK 2026
Background: GREAT was launched in 2012 by the British Council and UK government. It promotes UK education and supports talented students from partner countries.
Level: Masters Taught
Value: £10,000 – £15,000 tuition fee discount
Eligibility: Students from 15 countries. For 2026, Nigeria is eligible at Warwick, UCL, and others.
Deadline: Varies by university, typically May – June
Apply: https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/scholarships-funding/great-scholarships
Note: Jointly funded. Check each university’s page for Nigeria slots.
5. University of Warwick Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship
Background: Warwick created this award in 2015 to attract the brightest international undergraduates. It reflects Warwick’s commitment to global diversity.
Level: Undergraduate
Value: Full fee, 50% fee, 25% fee, or £2,000 awards
Eligibility: Self-funded international students. Apply via UCAS by 14 Jan 2026. Scholarship deadline 27 Feb 2026
Apply: https://warwick.ac.uk/study/scholarships-and-bursaries/warwick-global-excellence-scholarship-2026/
Note: All subjects except MBChB
6. Queen’s University Belfast China Scholarship Council PhD
Background: This partnership started in 2012 between QUB and CSC. It supports Chinese and international PhD talent in research.
Level: PhD
Value: Full international tuition for 3 years + 1 year thesis fee. CSC covers stipend + return flight + visa
Eligibility: Up to 20 awards for 2026-27
Note: Bench fees are waived
7. UCL GREAT Scholarship for Nigeria
Background: UCL joined GREAT in 2020 to support Nigerian postgraduates. UCL is ranked #9 globally and wants more African leaders.
Level: Masters Taught
Value: £10,000 tuition fee discount
Eligibility: Passport holders and residents of Nigeria. Must hold UCL offer by 7 May 2026
Apply: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/scholarships/great-scholarship
Note: Only 1 scholarship for Nigeria
8. University of Liverpool International Scholarships
Background: Liverpool has welcomed international students since 1881. These scholarships reward academic merit and diversity.
Level: Undergraduate, Masters
Value: £2,000 for Indian students. £5,000 tuition discount. Up to £11,700 for IP Law
Eligibility: Varies by course and country
Apply: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/international/scholarships-and-fees/scholarships-and-bursaries/
9. Northumbria University International Scholarship
Background: Northumbria launched this in 2018 to support students from emerging economies, with special focus on Africa.
Level: Undergraduate
Value: £3,000 tuition discount + £2,000 in subsequent years, up to £7,000. For Nigeria: up to £10,000
Eligibility: International students from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria. Must be self-funded and enrolled Sept 2026
10. University of Portsmouth MA TESOL Distance Learning Scholarship 2026
Background: Portsmouth created this to support English teachers in developing countries. It’s part of the UK’s soft power and education diplomacy.
Level: Masters Distance Learning
Value: Full scholarship for MA TESOL
Eligibility: Experienced English teachers. Permanent residents of Ghana, Kenya or Türkiye. No age restriction
Deadline: 30 April Yearly
Apply Step 1: https://www.port.ac.uk/study/courses/postgraduate-taught/ma-tesol
Apply Step 2: https://www.port.ac.uk/study/international-students/ma-tesol-dl-scholarships-2026/apply
Note: UK study visit in summer 2027
11. Marshall Scholarships
Background: Established by the UK Parliament in 1953 to thank the US for Marshall Aid. It funds Americans to study in the UK.
Level: Masters, PhD
Value: Full tuition + living allowance + travel
Eligibility: US citizens only
Deadline: September 2026
Apply: https://www.marshallscholarship.org/
12. Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Background: Funded by a $210M donation from Bill & Melinda Gates in 2000. It aims to build a global network of future leaders committed to improving lives.
Level: Masters, PhD at Cambridge
Value: Full tuition + £21,000 stipend + travel
Eligibility: All nationalities except UK
Deadline: October 2025/ January 2026
Apply: https://www.gatescambridge.org/apply/how-to-apply/
13. Clarendon Fund – University of Oxford
Background: Launched in 2001, Clarendon is Oxford’s flagship graduate scholarship. It’s funded by Oxford University Press and donors.
Level: Graduate Masters, DPhil
Value: Full tuition + living allowance
Eligibility: All nationalities. Automatic consideration when you apply to Oxford.
Apply: https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate
14. Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarships
Background: Started in 2007 to attract top STEM PhD students. Imperial is a world leader in science and engineering.
Level: PhD
Value: Full tuition + £40,000 stipend + £2,000 travel grant
Eligibility: High-achieving international students
15. University of Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships
Background: Edinburgh has funded global researchers since 2008. The aim is to reduce the overseas tuition gap for PhD students.
Level: PhD
Value: Tuition fee difference between UK and overseas rate
Eligibility: PhD applicants from any country
16. University of Manchester Global Futures Scholarship
Background: Launched in 2016, this supports Manchester’s goal to be a global university. It targets high-potential students from around the world.
Level: Undergraduate, Masters
Value: £3,000 – £10,000 tuition discount
Eligibility: High-achieving international students including Nigerians
17. University of Bristol Think Big Scholarships
Background: Think Big started in 2013 to help talented international students who could not otherwise afford Bristol.
Level: Undergraduate, Masters
Value: £6,500 – £26,000 tuition discount
Eligibility: International students
Apply: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/international/fees-finance/scholarships/
18. University of Glasgow International Leadership Scholarships
Background: Glasgow introduced this in 2017 to reward students who demonstrate leadership and community impact.
Level: Masters
Value: £10,000 tuition discount
Eligibility: International students demonstrating leadership
Deadline: Currently open for applications
Apply: https://www.gla.ac.uk/scholarships/globalleadershipscholarship/
19. University of Leeds International Masters Scholarship
Background: Leeds has offered merit scholarships since 2015 to attract the best global postgraduates.
Level: Masters
Value: 50% or 100% tuition fee
Eligibility: Academic excellence. Open to Africans.
Apply for Masters course here first: https://www.leeds.ac.uk/masters-applying/doc/apply-masters-courses
Apply for the scholarship: https://www.leeds.ac.uk/international-scholarships-funding/doc/masters-scholarships
20. University of Birmingham Global Masters Scholarship
Background: Birmingham launched this in 2019 to support students from key markets including Nigeria, India, and China.
Level: Masters
Value: £10,000 tuition discount
Eligibility: International students from selected countries including Nigeria
Apply: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/campaigns/international/pg/global-masters-changing-world
How to Apply for Scholarships for International Students to Study in UK 2026
Applying can feel overwhelming. However, with a plan, you can succeed. Use the following steps:
1: Start Applying Early regarding scholarships for international students to study in UK 2026
Most UK scholarships open between June and December. For example, Chevening closes 5 Nov. Therefore, begin 12 months ahead.
2: Check Country and Region Eligibility regarding scholarships for international students to study in UK 2026
For Africans and Nigerians, many awards specifically target Africa. For instance:
GREAT Scholarships: Nigeria eligible
UCL GREAT: 1 award for Nigeria
Northumbria: £10,000 for Nigerian students
Portsmouth TESOL: Ghana and Kenya eligible
3: Prepare Your Documents
You will typically need:
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Proof of English: IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL
- Personal statement / Letter of intent
- CV with leadership and community service
- 2-3 reference letters
- Passport copy
4: Apply Through Official Channels
Never pay an agent. Always use the official links above. For Chevening and Commonwealth, you apply online. For university awards like Warwick, you apply after UCAS.
5: Follow Up
After submitting, track your application. Some scholarships require interviews in early 2026.
Tips to Win Scholarships for International Students to Study in UK 2026
1. Tailor your essay: Explain how you’ll contribute to Nigeria/Africa after your degree
2. Show leadership: UK scholarships love community impact
3. Apply to multiple: Don’t rely on just Chevening. Add 5-6 university awards
4. Meet English requirements early: Book IELTS now
5. Avoid common mistakes: Late applications, generic essays, and missing documents
Frequently Asked Questions And Answers About scholarships for international students to study in UK 2026
Are scholarships for international students to study in UK 2026 fully funded?
Yes. Chevening, Commonwealth, Rhodes, and Gates Cambridge are fully funded. Others like GREAT and Northumbria are partial.
Can Nigerian students apply for Scholarships for International Students to Study in UK 2026?
Absolutely. Nigeria is eligible for Chevening, Commonwealth, GREAT at Warwick and UCL, and Northumbria.
When do applications open for Scholarships for International Students to Study in UK 2026?
Most open June – September 2025 and close Jan – April 2026. Others that varies runs till September or November.
Final Thoughts On Scholarships for International Students to Study in UK 2026
The UK has a long history of investing in global talent. With 20 scholarships for international students to study in UK 2026, you can join that tradition. Whether you aim for Chevening’s leadership network or a university award like Manchester Global Futures, start today. Research, prepare, and apply early.
You are one application away from having your dream education in the UK. Good luck with your application.
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