Scholarship in England: Requirements and how to apply

The UK is one of the most popular study-abroad destinations—and for good reason. Universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and the London School of Economics stand out not just for their history and academic prestige but also for their innovative programs. Studying at one of them could completely change your future. That said, it won’t be cheap. Does that mean you should rule it out and opt for a more affordable country? Luckily, no. There are scholarships available that could help make your dream a reality.

These financial aids don’t just cover tuition—they often include transportation, academic materials, and even daily expenses. If you dream of studying at one of England’s top universities, keep reading. We’ll walk you through the most interesting scholarships available, their benefits, and the requirements to apply. Join us to find out how you can become one of the 605,000 international students enrolling in the UK each year!

The best scholarships to study in England

Living in England isn’t cheap, and that’s no secret. Its universities are not only prestigious but also expensive. Tuition alone can go over £9,250 ($11,500) for UK students—and international students pay even more. On top of that, you’ll need to budget for daily expenses. Renting an apartment in central London can cost around £1,750 ($2,187.50) per month, while student housing averages £800 ($1,000). Then there’s entertainment, your student visa, and trips back home to consider.

Looking at it this way, it might seem out of reach for most people. But don’t worry—like we said, there are scholarships that can help make your dream of studying in England a reality. Here are some of the best ones you can apply for:

1. Chevening Scholarship (UK Government)

The Chevening Scholarship is one of the UK’s most prestigious awards. Funded by the Foreign Office and partner organizations, it’s designed to support future leaders across various fields. It doesn’t just cover tuition—it also gives recipients access to a global network of influential professionals. With this scholarship, you can study at top universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and King’s College London.

• General requirements: Must have a university degree, a minimum of two years of work experience, proven academic excellence and a strong professional project. Acceptance from a British university is also required.
• Coverage and benefits: Full tuition, monthly living expenses, round-trip airfare, installation allowance, and events exclusive to scholarship recipients.
• Type of study offered: Master’s degree programs at universities in the United Kingdom.
• Aimed at: International students from more than 160 countries, between the ages of 25 and 45.
• How to apply? Applications are processed through the official Chevening website. It is essential to complete the online form and attach references and essays.
• Opening date: August.
• Closing date: November.

2. Commonwealth Scholarships (Association of Commonwealth Nations)

The Commonwealth Scholarships are for students from Commonwealth countries, a group of nations with historical ties to the UK. They aim to support outstanding students who want to specialize in fields that contribute to their home country’s development.

• General requirements: Must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country, prove outstanding academic merit and meet the entrance requirements of a British university.
• Coverage and benefits: Full tuition, monthly living expenses, round-trip airfare and financial support for research or thesis work.
• Type of studies offered: Master’s and doctoral degrees in fields related to sustainable development, public health and technology.
• Aimed at: International students from Commonwealth countries, with a preference for developing countries.
• How to apply? Applications are made through local governments or the official Commonwealth Scholarships website.
• Opening date: September.
• Closing date: December.

3. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (University of Cambridge)

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the most competitive in the world. Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, it’s designed for outstanding students pursuing postgraduate studies at the prestigious University of Cambridge.

• General requirements: Must be admitted to a graduate program at the University of Cambridge, show academic excellence, leadership skills and a commitment to improving the lives of others.
• Coverage and benefits: Full tuition, monthly living expenses, round-trip airfare, additional costs for fieldwork and access to networking events.
• Type of studies offered: Master’s and doctoral degrees in any field of study available at Cambridge.
• Aimed at: International students regardless of nationality or age.
• How to apply? The application is made directly through the Cambridge admissions system, indicating interest in the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.
• Opening date: September.
• Closing date: December.

4. Rhodes Scholarships (University of Oxford)

The Rhodes Scholarships are the oldest international scholarship program in the world. Established in 1902, they are designed to develop future leaders at the University of Oxford, one of the world’s most prestigious institutions.

• General requirements: Academic excellence, proven leadership skills and commitment to community service. You must also meet Oxford’s admissions standards.
• Coverage and benefits: Full tuition, monthly living expenses, round-trip airfare, and allowances for books and study materials.
• Type of studies offered: Master’s and PhD programs in all areas of study at Oxford.
• Aimed at: International students from specific countries according to Rhodes Scholarship rules.
• How to apply? Applications are made online through the official Rhodes website, supported by recommendation letters and personal essays.
• Opening date: June.
• Closing date: September.

5. GREAT Scholarships (British Council)

The GREAT Scholarships program is a collaboration between the British Council and several UK universities. It’s aimed at international students from countries of strategic importance to the UK government, offering them the chance to further their studies in an environment of excellence.

• General requirements: Must be a citizen of an eligible country as listed by each university, meet admission requirements, and prove outstanding academic potential.
• Coverage and benefits: A partial grant of up to £10,000 ($12,500) towards tuition fees.
• Type of studies offered: Master’s degree programs at British partner universities.
• Aimed at: International students from countries with which the United Kingdom has strong trade, educational or diplomatic agreements, such as India, China, Mexico and Malaysia.
• How to apply? Applications are handled through the participating universities. Please refer to their websites for specific requirements.
• Opening date: January.
• Closing date: March.

6. Erasmus+ (European Union)

After Brexit, the conditions of this scholarship changed significantly, but it’s still possible to study in England with it. Erasmus+ is one of Europe’s most well-known academic exchange programs. While the UK is no longer officially part of it since leaving the EU, many British universities have made agreements to continue participating in student exchanges with European institutions.

• Which universities in the UK are still in the Erasmus+ program? Institutions such as University College London, King’s College London and the University of Edinburgh have bilateral agreements with institutions in the EU.
• General requirements: Must be enrolled in a European university participating in Erasmus+ and be accepted in a British institution with a valid agreement. Proof of an adequate level of English is sometimes required.
• Coverage and benefits: Includes a monthly allowance for living expenses, partial or full financing of accommodation and travel allowances. Amounts depend on the country of origin and destination.
• Type of studies offered: Undergraduate and graduate academic exchanges in a wide variety of disciplines.
• Aimed at: Students from European universities enrolled in the Erasmus+ program, regardless of age.
• How to apply? You must apply through the international relations office of your home university, which will arrange the exchange with the British institution of your choice.
• Opening date: Between February and April, depending on the university of origin.
• Closing date: Between May and June, depending on the calendar of each participating university.

Tips on how to apply for a scholarship in England

Have you found one that suits you? Hold on. Before applying, take a moment to think about how you’re going to secure it. As you can imagine, it’s not easy to get one—there’s a lot of competition. You’ll need to stand out among students from all over the world who are after the same thing. Fortunately, there are some tips you can follow to help you stand out as a candidate. Let’s go over what you can do:

1. Research priority fields in each scholarship: Many scholarships in England focus on high-impact areas like technology, sustainability, and scientific research. Tailor your application to show how your studies will contribute to these fields.
2. Obtain recognized English language certifications: Can you imagine applying to Oxford without knowing English? We can’t say it’s impossible, but it would definitely be challenging. Proving advanced language skills is key. Certifications like IELTS or TOEFL are essential and can make a big difference in your application. Be sure to aim for a high score to back up your abilities.
3. Stand out in the personal essay: UK institutions really value personal statements. Use this space to highlight your achievements, goals, and how this experience will impact your career. Be honest and compelling.
4. Get solid references: All the scholarships mentioned require at least one recommendation letter. Reach out to professors or respected professionals who can write them for you. Ideally, these references should highlight your academic potential and ability to handle challenges in an international setting.
5. Familiarize yourself with the requirements of each program: Take a close look at the requirements for each scholarship. Some programs may ask for professional experience (for instance, the Chevening Scholarship requires two years, or about 2,800 hours of work), previous research projects (like the Commonwealth Scholarships, which require a clear research plan), or acceptance at a specific university.
6. Take advantage of networking events and education fairs: Attending education fairs for UK universities or events organized by institutions like the British Council gives you direct access to scholarship details. It’s also a great chance to ask important questions.
7. Apply for multiple scholarships at the same time: Don’t limit yourself to just one option. Boost your chances by applying to multiple programs that match your profile and academic goals.
8. Lean on specialized counseling resources: Take advantage of all the resources at your disposal. Institutions like Education UK and the British Council provide free support for international students.
9. Keep up to date with the process: It’s important to stay on top of any additional document requirements. If you’re already abroad, you can get a Holafly global plan to send whatever you need as soon as possible.

Top universities to study in England

When it comes to quality education, the UK is one of the first places that comes to mind. Home to some of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities, the country is known for its academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and an interdisciplinary approach that shapes leaders across all fields. Notable figures like Isaac Newton, Stephen Hawking, and Margaret Thatcher studied here.

Let’s take a look at the top-ranking institutions and what makes them the top choice for students around the world:

1. University of Oxford

When talking about higher education in the UK, it’s hard not to mention the University of Oxford. Founded in 1096, it’s the oldest English-speaking university and one of the most prestigious in the world. Based in the city of Oxford, it has educated 29 Nobel Prize winners, 28 British prime ministers, and international figures like Malala Yousafzai. It also regularly tops global rankings like Times Higher Education and QS World University Rankings.

• Featured careers: Humanities, law, medicine, political science and economics. Also leading in areas such as AI and sustainability.
• Why choose it: It combines tradition and innovation and offers world-class academic programs. It fosters critical learning and advanced research through a unique tutorial system and personalized attention to each student.

Oxford’s campus is a historical gem, featuring iconic buildings like the Bodleian Library and the Sheldonian Theatre. Its vibrant cultural scene and international community make studying there an unforgettable experience.

2. University of Cambridge

Founded in 1209, the University of Cambridge is known for its academic excellence and innovation. With 121 Nobel laureates connected to the university, it’s at the forefront of research in fields like physics, biology, and mathematics. Iconic figures like Charles Darwin, Alan Turing, and Stephen Hawking have shaped its history. Cambridge consistently ranks among the world’s top universities and is a leader in numerous disciplines.

• Featured careers: Natural sciences, engineering, mathematics, English literature and economics. It also excels in AI and biomedicine.
• Why choose it: Its focus on advanced research and network of global connections make it a gateway for those seeking to excel in their fields of study. Plus, its system encourages collaborative learning.

The atmosphere at Cambridge blends the serenity of its landscapes with state-of-the-art facilities like the Cavendish Laboratory and the Institute of Astronomy. Its libraries and student clubs are internationally renowned for supporting the overall development of students.

3. Imperial College London

Founded in 1907, Imperial College London is a global leader in science, technology, engineering, and medicine. Known for its focus on tackling global challenges, it has trained renowned researchers and maintains strong ties with industry. It consistently ranks in the top 10 of international rankings like the QS World University Rankings.

• Featured careers: Aerospace engineering, AI, medicine, physics and biotechnology. Also a leader in finance and sustainability.
• Why choose it: It offers an interdisciplinary approach that connects students to real projects and job opportunities in world-class companies. Its proximity to the City of London facilitates unique professional connections.

Located in the heart of London, its campus is equipped with cutting-edge labs and collaborative spaces. Plus, its multicultural environment makes it an ideal setting for exchanging ideas and experiences.

4. London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

Founded in 1895, LSE is one of the world’s leading institutions in social sciences and economics. It has educated 18 Nobel laureates and global figures like John F. Kennedy and Ursula von der Leyen. Its programs are highly ranked worldwide with a strong focus on addressing the social and economic challenges of the 21st century.

• Featured careers: Economics, international relations, law, sociology and political science. Leading in gender studies and global development.
• Why choose it: Its academic focus is combined with applied learning in real-world settings. LSE has close links with international institutions such as the United Nations and the World Bank.

Set in the heart of London, LSE offers students access to a vast global network and numerous opportunities. Its diverse environment, along with exceptional resources like the Political and Economic Science Library, makes it stand out.

5. University College London (UCL)

When it comes to prestigious UK universities, University College London (UCL) is definitely a name that stands out. Established in 1826, it’s consistently ranked among the world’s top institutions. Known for its interdisciplinary research and dedication to academic excellence, UCL has always been at the forefront of promoting diversity, being one of the first to welcome students from all backgrounds.

• Featured careers: Medicine, biomedical engineering, architecture, neuroscience, economics and law. Also leading in emerging areas such as AI and sustainability.
• Why choose it: Its interdisciplinary approach connects students with globally impactful research and internship opportunities at leading companies.

UCL blends cutting-edge facilities with a multicultural environment, welcoming students from over 150 countries. With its state-of-the-art labs, world-class libraries, and collaborative spaces, it’s an ideal place to bring ideas and projects to life.

Frequently asked questions about scholarships to study in England

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