Pursuing a master’s degree in the UK is an invaluable opportunity, but can cost upwards of £24,000 in tuition and living expenses. For exceptional students, fully funded Masters scholarships in the UK cover these entire costs and provide access to leading universities like Oxford, Cambridge, London School of Economics and more. This allows focusing on world-class academics and networking instead of finances.
Pursue a world-class UK masters degree with Fully Funded Masters Scholarships UK 2024-2025 For International Students covering 100% of your expenses. Our guide helps outstanding candidates access over $65,000 USD awards at globally top 10 universities like Cambridge and Oxford cost-free!
Our guide provides a comprehensive overview of the top 10 Fully Funded Masters Scholarships UK 2024-2025 including prestigious programs like Chevening, Commonwealth, Marshall and Rhodes Scholarships. We outline their exceptional coverage of all tuition, accommodation, stipend and travel costs, competitive eligibility criteria, early application deadlines and high standards of academic and leadership attributes required from only top caliber candidates.
The application process for these awards is extensive and intensely competitive, with acceptance rates often under 10% as fully funded UK Masters scholarships enable free access to programs that cost over £44,000 otherwise. For those willing to put in the hard work, the pay-off of zero-cost education at globally respected universities, money-can’t-buy professional networks and life-changing career opportunities make the effort well worth it.
Top programs like Chevening Scholarships and Commonwealth Scholarships provide full tuition grants up to $32,000 USD and $28,000 living stipend for accommodation, flights, healthcare, visas and more. Highly prestigious. The Rhodes Scholarship offers full funding and access to an unparalleled Oxford education completely for free.
We detail eligibility and strict requirements set by these awards and leading universities. Requires outstanding academics, social impact potential and leadership skills. Top caliber international applicants who can demonstrate need for financial support are preferred amid intense competition for just 10-50 scholarship spots per university annually. Seize this opportunity for zero-cost masters study!
10 Best Fully Funded Masters Scholarships UK 2024-2025
A comprehensive guide to the top scholarships that fully cover tuition fees and living costs for a Masters Degree in the UK
What is a Fully Funded Masters Scholarship?
A fully funded masters scholarship offers financial support that covers the full cost of completing a postgraduate degree in the United Kingdom. This includes:
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Monthly living stipend
- Travel costs
- Health insurance
- Visa fees
In short, Fully Funded Masters Scholarships UK enable students to pursue a masters education completely free of any expenses. This allows scholarship recipients to focus fully on their academics and make the most of networking opportunities during their studies, rather than worrying about finances.
The key advantage of a Fully Funded Masters Scholarships UK over self-funded postgraduate study is clear: saving hundreds of thousands of pounds in tuition fees and living costs over the master’s program duration.
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1. Avoid Expensive Self-Funded Degrees
International students in the UK pay an average of £24,000 per year in tuition fees alone. On top of this, living costs like accommodation, transportation, food and other expenses amount to roughly £12,000 annually.
Fully Funded Masters Scholarships UK remove this huge financial burden, which is often impossible to meet without significant savings, parental support or taking on major debt. They provide full financial coverage so money is one less barrier to getting a coveted UK masters degree.
2. Opportunity to Study at Elite Universities
The UK boasts some of the world’s best and most prestigious universities like Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London and UCL. Many leading universities offer exclusive fully funded scholarship spots for the brightest and best international students.
These scholarships serve as merit-based endorsements that provide financial access to top tier educational programs and accelerated career pathways after graduation.
3. Gain International Work Experience
Most postgraduate scholarships in the UK include provisions for recipients to work part-time along with their studies once they officially register at their university. Opportunities may be on-campus jobs or internships related to their field of study.
This allows students to gain invaluable work experience in the UK to boost their CVs and prospects after finishing their degree. Such experience also helps greatly when applying for post-study work visas upon graduation.
4. Build Strong Professional Networks
A fully funded master’s degree offers an opportunity to study amongst top scholars and professionals in the chosen field. Between fellow students and faculty, there are rich opportunities for collaboration, mentorship and forming lifelong networks that advance future career goals.
Many Fully Funded Masters Scholarships UK also include professional development funding and conferences that enable recipients to build strong industry connections. These networks provide significant advantages when entering the job market after completing studies.
Also Read Best UK Scholarships For International Students 2024
Eligibility Criteria for Fully Funded Masters Scholarships UK
Students applying for full postgraduate scholarships in the UK typically have to meet certain eligibility standards related to:
- Academic achievement
- English language abilities
- Financial need
- Area of study
Meeting the eligibility criteria is essential for even having an application considered for one of these highly competitive funding awards.
Academic Achievement
Most Fully Funded Masters Scholarships UK require outstanding undergraduate academic performance, often with a minimum GPA or class rank percentile:
- First class honors degrees or cumulative GPA of 3.7+
- Rank in top 5-10% of graduating class
Performance in individual classes related to the masters program field may also be evaluated. Scientific aptitude tests like GREs may be required in STEM fields.
English Language Proficiency
Non-native applicants must demonstrate high English fluency with minimum test scores like:
- IELTS: 7.0+ (some programs need 7.5+)
- TOEFL (iBT): 100+
These ensure scholarship recipients can actively participate in graduate-level academics and student life in English-instruction universities.
Also Read Pershing Square Graduate Scholarship 2024-2025 by Oxford University
Financial Need Assessment
Students must prove their inability to self-fund their postgraduate education in the UK. This generally requires financial statements and strict income threshold requirements.
Area of Study
Some Fully Funded Masters Scholarships UK are targeted to specific study areas like public policy, engineering, law or sciences. Applicants would need to be pursuing a relevant postgraduate qualification.
10 Best Fully Funded Masters Scholarships UK 2024-2025
Here is an overview of the top 10 fully funded Masters scholarships in the UK for students starting in the 2024-2025 academic year:
1. Chevening Scholarships
The UK government’s prestigious Chevening Scholarships are geared towards developing global leaders. They provide funding for;
- Any one-year master’s degree at a UK university
- Fully covered tuition fees and living expenses
- Exclusive opportunities like internships and mentoring
Eligibility: Open to students from over 160 eligible countries with at least 2 years full-time work experience who meet all the Chevening criteria. Requires supporting documents and references.
Application Deadline: Opens in August 2023 for programs starting Fall 2024.
2. Commonwealth Scholarships
Awarded to citizens from Commonwealth territories, these scholarships cover full tuition fees, airfare, living expenses, and more. Priority fields of study include:
- Science & tech
- Business
- Law
- Social sciences
Eligibility: Citizens of nearly any Commonwealth country pursuing a masters in select partner disciplines. Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree or equivalent required.
Application Deadline: Generally opens May – July annually for the following academic year.
3. Rhodes Scholarships
The oldest graduate scholarship program globally, Rhodes Scholarships give 32 exceptional students per year the chance to pursue postgraduate study at Oxford University fully funded. It covers;
- All tuition and academic fees
- Living expenses
- Travel costs
- Healthcare
Eligibility: Extremely competitive. Open to outstanding all-rounders with proven intellectual, academic, leadership and ambassadorial abilities.
Application Deadline: Generally mid-June to early October annually.
4. Marshall Scholarships
Awarded to only 40 US students each year, Marshall Scholarships provide an opportunity to study at any university across the UK for 2-3 years with all expenses covered, including:
- Tuition
- Accommodation
- Living stipend
- Research funding
- Travel
Eligibility: Highly selective based on top academic and leadership achievement. Must be graduating college seniors or recent graduates with 3.7+ GPA.
Application Deadline: Early October annually
5. Gates Cambridge Scholarships
The Gates Cambridge program offers full cost scholarships for postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge. The funding includes:
- All academic costs
- Living expenses
- Return airfare
Eligibility: Extremely competitive, averaging 100 spots globally per year. Exceptional academic ability in chosen field of study required.
Application Deadline: Mid October – early December annually
6. Scotland Saltire Scholarships
Launched in 2020, the Saltire Scholarships offer over 100 outstanding international students from Canada, China, India, Pakistan and the USA full financial support for doing a one year taught masters degree at any Scottish university:
- Full UK tuition fees
- £8000 living allowance
- Healthcare
- Visa fees
Eligibility: High-achieving final year undergraduate students nominated by partner institutions and select US colleges.
Application Deadline: Generally October – January annually
7. University of Surrey Vice-Chancellor Scholarships
Top priority scholarships for accommodation and living costs. Includes:
- £14,500 towards living expenses
- £5,500 accommodation allowance
Eligibility: Awarded solely on academic merit and potential. Priority for applicants from developing Commonwealth countries in underrepresented fields like STEM.
Application Deadline: Same as standard masters application deadlines
8. University of Westminster Scholarships
Various competitive full scholarships for 1 year masters programs like:
- International partial fee waivers
- Fully-funded principal’s masters
- Developing country fund scholarships
Eligibility: Minimum 2:1 bachelors degree + good English skills. Priority fields like business, engineering and computer science.
Application Deadline: Same as standard UoW masters deadlines
9. University of Strathclyde Scholarships
Multiple scholarship options for merit-based, affordable education focused on STEM fields, including:
- Strathclyde Business School fee discounts
- Faculty scholarships by study area
- Accommodation award
Covering partial to potentially full tuition expenses.
Eligibility: Cumulative GPA of 3.3 (or equivalent), upward academic trajectory.
Application Deadline: Same as standard masters deadlines
10. University of York Scholarships
The University of York offers competitive masters scholarships like:
- York Graduate Research School Scholarships
- Departmental Scholarships
- York Prize Scholarships
Scholarship amounts range widely, aimed at recruiting top domestic and international talent in diverse degree areas. Award decisions are based on academic and research potential.
Eligibility: Proof of outstanding academic achievement with minimum GPAs and English test scores that meet York’s graduate admissions standards.
Application Deadline: Same as standard York masters degree deadlines
Deadlines
The top Fully Funded Masters Scholarships UK 2024-2025 academic year:
| Scholarship Name | 2024-2025 Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Chevening Scholarships | Opens August 2023 |
| Commonwealth Scholarships | May – July 2024 |
| Rhodes Scholarships | June – October 2024 |
| Marshall Scholarships | October 2023 |
| Gates Cambridge Scholarships | Mid October – Early December 2023 |
| Scotland Saltire Scholarships | October 2023 – January 2024 |
| University of Surrey Scholarships | Same as degree deadline |
| University of Westminster Scholarships | Same as degree deadline |
| University of Strathclyde Scholarships | Same as degree deadline |
| University of York Scholarships | Same as degree deadline |
The university-specific scholarships generally follow the same application deadlines as applying for admission to the degree program itself.
Application Tips
Applying for competitive Fully Funded Masters Scholarships UK requires thorough preparation across all required documents. Here are some top application tips:
Research Deadlines and Documents
- Carefully review each scholarship’s website for all required paperwork and strict deadlines. Missing items or lateness leads to direct rejection.
- Standard documents include transcripts, letters of recommendation, test scores (IELTS/TOEFL/GRE), CV/resumé and passport pages.
- The personal statement and interview carry heavy weight during evaluation. Prepare extensively for both.
Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation
- Identify 3-5 referees who can vividly endorse your strengths – a good mix of academic and professional endorsements is best.
- Provide recommenders with background on the scholarships, your transcripts and CV. Clearly convey why you merit the award.
- Request letters at least 2 months in advance. Follow up politely to ensure timely completion.
Craft an Exceptional Personal Statement
- Clearly convey how your ambitions, interests, experiences and strengths align with the scholarship program ideals and criteria.
- Emphasize academic motivations and leadership attributes through anecdotes and evidence.
- Tailor statements individually for each scholarship with word limits ranging 250-500 words typically.
Prepare Thoroughly for Interviews
- Re-read full application and curriculum vitae submitted so all details are fresh for concise, truthful responses.
- Research common scholarship interview questions to practice articulating stories and examples that show your worth candidly but confidently.
- Prepare some thoughtful questions showing genuine interest in the awarding organization and assessment panel.
Conclusion
Applying for Fully Funded Masters Scholarships UK enables exceptional students to access world-class education at globally ranking UK universities cost-free. This guide has aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the most prestigious and generous scholarships that fully finance UK master’s degrees. We covered the benefits they offer, eligibility criteria, top 10 programs and actionable application tips.
The application process requires extensive preparation, self-assessment and gathering key paperwork. For those willing to put in the work, winning a full scholarship in the increasingly competitive higher education landscape brings immense rewards and life-changing opportunities in networking, research, access and career progression.
FAQ’s
What is the UK scholarship for international students 2024 2025?
Some major UK scholarships open to international students for 2024-2025 study include Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, Rhodes Scholarships, Gates Cambridge Scholarships and over 150 university-specific scholarship programs. These fully or partially fund tuition, living costs and other expenses for eligible masters or PhD applicants.
How do I get a fully funded masters scholarship in the UK?
Key steps are:
- Research scholarships aligned with your nationality, masters program and strengths
- Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria related to academics, English fluency, etc.
- Submit a complete, error-free application by the deadline with all required paperwork
- Write an exceptional personal statement and ace the interview stage
What is a fully funded PhD scholarship in the UK for international students 2024?
Fully funded UK PhD scholarships cover all tuition and academic expenses, stipends for living costs, health insurance, conference and research travel allowances for outstanding doctoral candidates. Annual stipends range £14,000 – £25,000 typically. Leading awards include UKRI programs, research council studentships and university alumni funding programs.
Can I get 100% scholarship in UK?
Yes, many UK universities and external funders offer scholarships that cover 100% of tuition fees or both tuition + living costs for deserving international masters or PhD applicants who meet academic and eligibility requirements. Extremely competitive.
Which university gives the most scholarship to international students in UK?
No one university offers the most international scholarships. But leading options with dedicated funding include Surrey, York, Westminster, Strathclyde, Edinburgh, Kings College London and Imperial College. Over 150 UK universities now offer international student scholarships, many covering full costs.
How to get full scholarship in UK for international students?
Tips to gain full UK scholarships:
- Research appropriate scholarships 6-12 month before your course starts
- Craft an exceptional personal statement tailored to the scholarship goals
- Obtain excellent academic letters of recommendation
- Make sure all eligibility criteria related to grades, English ability, etc are met
- Prepare thoroughly for the competitive interview stages
Which University in UK offers full scholarship for Masters?
Some top options for full postgraduate scholarships include Chevening (multiple unis), University of Edinburgh, University of York, SOAS University of London, University of Westminster, University of Surrey, Imperial College London and University of St Andrews.
Is it easy to get fully funded scholarship in UK?
No, winning a fully funded masters or PhD scholarship in the UK is highly competitive, with acceptance rates often under 10% of applicants. Exceptional candidates are chosen through rigorous application review, interviews and final selection endorsement. Meeting all eligibility requirements is the bare minimum; you need to stand out significantly.
How do people fund Masters degrees UK?
Without scholarships, international students in the UK fund masters through:
- Personal/family savings
- Bank education loans
- Crowdfunding
- Part-time employment while studying
- Institutional loans and payment plans
- Employer sponsorship
So fully-funded scholarships are extremely valuable.
Are PhD in UK fully funded for international students?
Some prestigious studentships offer full PhD funding for international students in the UK covering all academic and living costs. But many doctoral candidates have mixed funding e.g. research council covers tuition, but students separately seek living cost support through part-time work, institutional hardship funds, bank loans etc. Significant self-funding is often still required.
What is the UK university scholarship 2024?
There is no single “UK university scholarship”. But major external options for 2024 study include Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, Marshall Scholarships, Rhodes Scholarships etc. Additionally over 150 individual UK universities offer partial to Fully Funded Masters Scholarships UK for international students starting courses in 2024 across undergraduate, masters and PhD levels.
What is the fully funded scholarship for UK 2024?
For 2024, the major fully funded UK scholarship schemes open to international students are Chevening Awards (masters), Commonwealth Scholarships (masters/PhD), Marshall Scholarships (masters/PhD) and Rhodes Scholarships (University of Oxford masters/DPhil) along with the 150+ fully funded university-specific scholarship programs across Britain.
Can a foreigner get a scholarship in UK?
Yes, hundreds of partial and fully funded UK scholarships are open solely for international student applicants each year e.g. Chevening Awards, Global Study Awards, University of Surrey Vice Chancellor’s Scholarships etc. Billions in UK scholarship funding aims to attract top global talent.
How much scholarship can I get for Masters in UK?
Scholarship values vary widely from a few thousand pounds towards partial tuition and living costs to awards covering 100% of all academic and maintenance fees (£24,000+ value). The British Council, universities and large global corporates offer some of the most generous UK masters scholarships – up to £50,000 total value.
Which scholarship is easy to get in UK?
No highly prestigious UK scholarship for international master’s or PhD students is easy to get with acceptance rates often under 10% of applicants. But less competitive options exist at smaller universities, for niche programs or based on specific country partnerships and direct university memorandums. The key is thoroughly researching appropriate funding.
Is DAAD scholarship still open?
Yes, the German Academic Exchange Service continues to offer highly competitive postgraduate scholarships open to international students for both full degrees or short-term research stays at German universities across diverse fields like STEM subjects, economics, law, social sciences and more.
How do international students get funding for PhD in UK?
PhD funding routes include:
- Applying to advertised fully funded doctoral scholarships packages covering all costs
- Securing grants independently or via supervisors e.g. charities, research councils, industry partners, private donors
- Taking paid R&D roles at universities
- Crowdfunding, loans, personal savings
- Teaching assistant, graduate assistant or freelance consulting roles
How much CGPA is required for scholarship in UK for Masters?
Most competitive UK master’s scholarships require minimum cumulative GPAs of 3.7+ or first class degrees. But some need higher e.g. Oxford scholarships want 3.9+ GPAs. Alternatives like University of Surrey just need a good 2:1 degree (3.3+ GPA). Assess individual awards.
Are Commonwealth PhD and Masters scholarships tenable in the United Kingdom 2024?
Yes, hundreds of new Commonwealth Scholarships for masters and PhD study spanning diverse disciplines will be tenable at leading universities across the United Kingdom in 2024-2025 as part of the Host Country Scholarship program between the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and UK Government.
What is the scholarship for Canadian students studying in the UK?
Scholarship options for Canadian students include:
- Chevening Awards
- Rhodes Scholarships
- Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
- Certain university scholarships e.g. University of Calgary UK Partner Awards, University of British Columbia Scholarships etc
- Scholarships Canada – Study Abroad Award, Irving Oil International Undergraduate Scholarship etc
What GPA is required for a scholarship in UK?
Minimum GPA requirements vary by university and scholarship program – competitive options generally need first class honors degrees or equivalent 3.5-4.0 GPAs for masters and 3.7+ GPAs for PhD awards. Grade requirements tend to be high for international students amid intense competition for UK postgraduate scholarships.
How do you win a fully funded scholarship?
Tips for winning include:
- Seeking multiple scholarship opportunities to increase chances
- Carefully assessing eligibility criteria before applying
- Crafting an exceptional personal statement conveying your worth
- Obtaining excellent academic recommendations
- Preparing thoroughly for the competitive interview process
Does Oxford offer scholarships to international students?
Yes, the University of Oxford has the prestigious Rhodes Scholarships scheme and offers over 1,500 international scholarships annually across undergraduate, masters and doctoral levels spanning subjects like humanities, social sciences, mathematical and physical sciences, medical studies and more, aimed at top academics. Awards have an average value of £27,000 per year.
How can I get a free degree UK?
Getting a full free degree in the UK is extremely competitive except for undocumented asylum seekers. But it is possible by winning extremely selective full scholarships like Rhodes Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships or similar university-specific awards that happen to cover all tuition and living expenses. Having exceptional grades and a compelling story distinguishing yourself greatly helps. Funding bodies want candidates demonstrating leadership and social impact capabilities who require financial support to study in the UK and amplify those skills globally.
What is the cheapest way to do a Masters degree?
Cheapest masters options include:
- Studying online vs on-campus
- Choosing universities in less expensive cities/regions
- Attending local public universities charging lower international fees
- Completing a one year masters by skipping the dissertation phase
- Applying extensively for partial to full scholarships and grants
- Taking paid campus jobs or graduate assistant roles
Is a Masters degree worth it UK?
Yes, UK postgraduate degrees significantly boost earning potential and employability. On average salaries increase by £10k+ per annum after a masters program with high employment rates. Alumni access strong professional networks and often achieve faster career progression in competitive fields like finance, technology, law and engineering with an advanced UK qualification.
How much does it cost to do a Masters in UK?
Total master’s costs range £24,000-£40,000 annually. Breakdown:
- Tuition fees: £12,500 – £24,000
- Living expenses: ~£12,000
- Other costs: flights, healthcare, books, travel
Costs are lower in less expensive areas and programs. Scholarships reduce financial burdens.
What is the tuition fee in the UK in 2024?
Average UK university tuition fees for 2024 are:
- Undergraduate degree: £9,250 per year
- Master’s degree: £12,500 – £24,000 per year
- PhD degree: Typically waived for research council funded candidates
Most students are eligible for tuition loans to cover undergraduate fees. Postgraduate costs often need self-funding or scholarships.
What is Chevening Scholarship UK?
Chevening is the UK government’s international awards scheme aimed at developing global leaders since 1983. It funds around 1,500 outstanding professionals per year from over 160 countries to study one-year postgraduate masters degrees at any UK university.
The fully-funded scholarship includes tuition fees, a monthly stipend, UK visa costs, travel, and more. Scholars develop leadership skills and global networks.
How do you qualify for scholarships in the UK?
General tips to qualify for UK scholarships:
- Have outstanding academic achievement – typically a first class honors degree or 3.7+ GPA is required
- Demonstrate strong motivation, leadership, social impact in your personal statement
- Meet English proficiency requirements like IELTS 7.0+
- Have 2+ years work experience for postgraduate scholarships
- Secure excellent references and ace interviews
- Ensure eligibility based on nationality, subject etc. and apply before deadlines
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