Scholarships and Funding for Studying in the UK - Unlocking Financial Assistance

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Meridean Overseas
Meridean Overseas

Updated On 10 July 2023 & Read Time 7 minutes

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Overview

Studying in the UK offers numerous advantages, making it an attractive destination for international students. The country boasts top-notch universities renowned for their academic excellence and research output, providing high-quality education and access to world-class faculty. Moreover, it has a relatively straightforward immigration process, with a high chance of getting a student visa. Therefore, this encourages many international students to study in UK.

 

However, one of the major concerns that stop talented and prospective students from studying in UK is the financial budget. Whereas, the concern of the financial budget must not stop you from completing your dream of studying in UK. So in this blog, let's discuss some of the scholarships and funding options for international students to study in UK.

 

How to Arrange Fund For Your Education in UK

There are several ways international students can finance their education in the UK. Here are some common options:

 

Sponsorships

 

As a student, you can take sponsorship from any of your blood relatives, government agencies, or private organisations to study in UK. If you have personal savings, it can help cover some or all of your education expenses in the UK. However, make sure to plan your finances in advance and consider the cost of living in the UK.

 

According to a recent Institute of International Education (IIE) study, nearly 65% of all international students were funded by their families and relatives.

 

In order to prove the financial stability of your sponsor, you might need the bank statements of the person who is sponsoring your education while applying for the visa. These sponsorships can cover some or all of the expenses related to education in the UK. It's important to research and approach potential sponsors early and fulfill any obligations associated with the sponsorship, such as 6 months old bank statements.

 

Scholarships

 

The scholarship is the second best option for funding your education in UK. Many universities in UK offer scholarships for international students. These scholarships can be based on academic merit, leadership potential, or other criteria. Various private agencies and governments also offer scholarships. Students can get a partial discount on tuition fees or a fully funded scholarship in UK.

 

Student Loans

 

Some international students may be eligible for student loans offered by their home country's government or private financial institutions. These loans can help cover tuition fees and living expenses. However, it's important to carefully consider the terms and conditions, including interest rates and repayment options.

 

Part-Time Jobs

 

Doing a part-time job is another great way to cover the cost of your education in UK as well as living expenses. The UK student visa allows international students to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week.

 

On average international students can earn 10 GBP per hour in the UK, through a part-time job. It is a great opportunity to earn your expenses while gaining practical experience.

 

Grants and Bursaries

 

Various organisations, charities, and government bodies offer grants and bursaries to international students studying in the UK. These can provide financial assistance based on the field of study, nationality, or financial need. Few universities also offer grants and bursaries to international students in collaboration with private organisations.

 

Types of Scholarships in UK

Before heading further to the scholarships, let's know the various types of scholarships for Indian students to study in the UK. Here are some common types:

 

Merit-Based Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and achievements. They typically require high academic performance, such as a minimum GPA or specific standardised test scores. Almost all the universities offer a merit-based scholarship in UK in one or the other form.

 

Subject-Specific Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to students pursuing studies in specific academic disciplines. They can be offered by universities, private organisations, or industry-specific institutions. Examples include scholarships for STEM fields, humanities, arts, and social sciences.

 

Need-Based Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded based on financial need. They aim to support students who may need more financial means to afford their education. Financial documentation and proof of need are usually required for these scholarships.

 

Country-Specific Scholarships: Some scholarships are specifically available to students from certain countries or regions. The UK government, foreign governments, or international organisations may fund these scholarships. They often have specific eligibility criteria based on nationality.

 

Government-Funded Scholarships: Many governments offer scholarships to their citizens to study abroad, including in the UK. These scholarships may cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other allowances. Government agencies or education ministries usually administer them.

 

University Scholarships: Most universities in the UK offer scholarships for international students. These scholarships may be based on academic merit, specific courses of study, or other criteria. Each university sets its scholarship programs, so checking with individual institutions for available opportunities is important.

 

Sports Scholarships: Some universities offer scholarships to international students who excel in sports. These scholarships are typically awarded to athletes who can contribute to the university's sports teams while pursuing their education.

 

Best Scholarships For Studying in UK

Certainly! Here are some of the best UK scholarships for Indian students:

Scholarship

Offered By

Chevening Scholarships

UK government

Commonwealth Scholarships

UK government

Rhodes Scholarships

University of Oxford

Gates Cambridge Scholarships

University of Cambridge

GREAT Scholarship

British Council

Felix Scholarships

Felix Scholarships Trust

Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships

Charles Wallace India Trust

Inlaks Scholarships

Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation

Sir Ratan Tata Trust Scholarships

Tata Group

The Hindu Scholarships

The Hindu Group of Publications

FAQs

Q: Can I get a 100% scholarship to study in UK?

A: Securing a 100% scholarship to study in UK is possible. However, it could be a little difficult to get the 100% scholarship due to the huge competition. Numerous universities and organisations in the UK offer scholarships which cover the whole tuition fee and the cost of living to exceptional international students based on academic merit, leadership potential, or specific fields of study.

 

Q: How to apply for a scholarship in UK?

A: Applying for a scholarship in the UK involves several key steps. Identifying suitable scholarships aligns with your academic goals and eligibility criteria. Once selected, if you wish to apply, read through the application requirements and instructions provided by the scholarship provider. You can easily apply online for a scholarship in the UK.

 

Q: What GPA is required for a scholarship in UK?

A: The required GPA for a scholarship in the UK can vary depending on the specific scholarship, university, and program of study. Generally, most scholarships in the UK have stringent academic criteria, and a high GPA is often a crucial factor in the selection process. At the same time, no fixed GPA requirement applies to need-based and sports scholarships.

 

Q: On what basis do international students get scholarships in UK?

A: UK international students can receive scholarships based on various criteria. The most common basis for awarding scholarships to international students in the UK is academic merit, which involves evaluating the student's academic achievements, such as GPA or examination scores. Additionally, scholarships may be awarded based on leadership potential, extracurricular involvement, community service, or specific talents in areas like sports, arts, or music.

 

If you are also passionate about fulfilling your dream of studying in UK, we encourage you to have a word with our team of expert counsellors at Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC). If you are unable to travel to our offices, we offer online counselling services via our website. Our dedicated counsellors will provide you with the best guidance regarding your application to study in UK. Don't hesitate to contact us at application02@meridean.org or call us at 1800-1230-00011.

 

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