Discover fully funded UK scholarships for master’s programs, including eligibility, benefits, top universities, application tips, and the best awards for 2025.
Learn about the best fully funded UK master’s scholarships with simple eligibility and high acceptance chances.
Introduction
The United Kingdom is one of the most sought-after study destinations for international students who dream of earning a world-class master’s degree. With its globally ranked universities, innovative teaching methods, and high employability rate, the UK attracts thousands of students each year. However, studying in the UK can be expensive due to tuition fees, living costs, travel, health insurance, and other expenses.
Fortunately, several fully funded UK scholarships cover all academic and living costs, making the dream of pursuing a master’s degree in the UK more accessible than ever. These scholarships are offered by the UK government, universities, non-profit organizations, and private institutions.
This detailed, SEO-optimized guide explores:
- Whether fully funded UK scholarships for master’s programs exist
- A complete list of the top fully funded scholarships
- Eligibility and selection criteria
- Step-by-step application strategies
- Required documents
- Tips to improve your chances
- FAQs, tags, and more
Let’s explore everything you need to know.
1. Are There Fully Funded UK Scholarships for Master’s Programs?
Yes. The UK offers several fully funded scholarships specifically for master’s programs. These awards cover all or most of the following:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance
- Airfare (round trip)
- Visa fees
- Health surcharge
- Accommodation
- Books and materials
- Travel stipend
- Research grants
Some of the world’s most competitive and prestigious scholarships originate from the UK, such as:
- Chevening Scholarships
- Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
- Gates Cambridge Scholarships
- Rhodes Scholarships
- Clarendon Scholarships
- Edinburgh Global Scholarships
- GREAT Scholarships
These scholarships are designed to attract the brightest minds, future leaders, innovators, and researchers from all nationalities.
2. Why the UK Is a Top Destination for Master’s Students
2.1 Globally Ranked Universities
The UK is home to prestigious institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, UCL, King’s College London, and the University of Edinburgh. Many of these rank in the Top 10 worldwide.
2.2 One-Year Master’s Programs
Unlike other countries where master’s programs last two years, most UK master’s degrees take only 12 months, saving time and money.
2.3 High Employability and Global Recognition
A UK degree is recognized worldwide. Graduates are highly valued in business, research, technology, government, and academia.
2.4 Post-Study Work Opportunities
The UK Graduate Route allows master’s graduates to stay and work for two years after completing their studies.
2.5 Diverse Scholarship Opportunities
From government-funded awards to university-specific scholarships, international students have many options to fund their education.
3. List of Fully Funded UK Scholarships for Master’s Programs (Detailed Guide)
Below is the comprehensive list of major scholarships available for international master’s students in the UK.
3.1 Chevening Scholarships (Fully Funded)
Chevening is one of the most prestigious UK government scholarships.
Benefits
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly stipend
- Round-trip airfare
- Visa fees
- UK health surcharge
- Travel allowance
- Access to Chevening communities and events
Eligibility
- Must be from a Chevening-eligible country
- At least 2 years of work experience
- Strong leadership skills
- Commitment to contributing to home country after studies
3.2 Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships (Fully Funded)
Funded by the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission, this scholarship supports students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries.
Benefits
- Full tuition
- Monthly stipend
- Airfare
- Thesis grant
- Study and travel allowance
- Disability support (if applicable)
Eligibility
- Citizen of a Commonwealth country
- Financial need
- Strong academic performance
3.3 Gates Cambridge Scholarships
Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this scholarship supports outstanding international students seeking to study at the University of Cambridge.
Benefits
- Full tuition
- Living allowance
- Visa and health fees
- Travel costs
- Academic development funding
Eligibility
- Outstanding academic merit
- Strong leadership potential
- Commitment to improving lives
3.4 Rhodes Scholarships (Fully Funded)
One of the oldest and most prestigious scholarships in the world, exclusively for study at the University of Oxford.
Benefits
- Full tuition
- Monthly stipend
- Health insurance
- Travel ticket
- Research and allowances
Eligibility
- Exceptional academic record
- Leadership qualities
- Community service
- Specific eligibility by country
3.5 Clarendon Scholarships – University of Oxford
Offered to the top academically outstanding students worldwide.
Benefits
- Full tuition
- Generous annual stipend
- Access to events and mentoring
Eligibility
- Academic excellence
- Admission to Oxford master’s programs
3.6 Edinburgh Global Master’s Scholarships
A fully funded or partially funded award for exceptionally talented students.
Benefits
- Full or partial tuition
- Living costs support
3.7 GREAT Scholarships (Partially to Fully Funded)
Offered by the UK government and British Council. Some universities provide full funding depending on the program.
3.8 Imperial College London Postgraduate Scholarships
Benefits
- Full tuition
- Stipend
- Accommodation support
3.9 University of Bristol Think Big Scholarships
Although not always fully funded, some students receive full tuition coverage depending on merit.
3.10 University of Warwick Chancellor’s International Scholarships
Benefits
- Full tuition
- Living allowance
Ideal for academically strong postgraduate students.
4. Eligibility Criteria for Fully Funded UK Master’s Scholarships
While each scholarship has specific criteria, common requirements include:
4.1 Academic Excellence
Most scholarships require a strong bachelor’s degree (first-class or upper-second-class equivalent).
4.2 English Language Proficiency
IELTS/TOEFL/PTE test scores may be required.
4.3 Work Experience (For Some Scholarships)
Chevening requires 2 years, while others prefer but do not require experience.
4.4 Leadership & Community Service
Applicants must demonstrate leadership potential, initiative, and community involvement.
4.5 Country Eligibility
Some scholarships are limited to certain countries or regions.
4.6 Financial Need
Commonwealth and some university scholarships check financial circumstances.
5. How to Apply for Fully Funded Master’s UK Scholarships – Step by Step
Step 1: Shortlist the Right Scholarships
Analyze eligibility, program match, academic requirements, and deadlines.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
Common documents include:
- CV/Resume
- Personal Statement
- Letters of Recommendation
- Academic transcripts
- English test scores
- Passport
- Research proposal (if applicable)
Step 3: Apply to UK Universities
Most scholarships require an unconditional or conditional admission offer.
Step 4: Submit the Scholarship Application
Complete forms, upload documents, and submit before deadlines.
Step 5: Prepare for Interview
Some scholarships, like Chevening or Rhodes, include interviews.
Step 6: Wait for Final Selection
Successful applicants receive offer letters and instructions for visa application.
6. Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Fully Funded UK Scholarship
6.1 Maintain Excellent Academic Grades
Merit-based scholarships prioritize top-performing students.
6.2 Build Strong Leadership and Community Experience
Scholarships like Chevening prioritize leadership.
6.3 Craft an Impactful Personal Statement
Highlight ambitions, achievements, leadership, and long-term goals.
6.4 Secure Strong Recommendation Letters
Choose professors or employers who know you well.
6.5 Apply Early
UK scholarships have deadlines from August to December for the next academic year.
6.6 Show Clarity of Purpose
Explain how the master’s degree fits your professional goals.
6.7 Demonstrate Commitment to Returning Home (If Required)
Commonwealth and Chevening require applicants to return after studies.
7. Advantages of Fully Funded UK Scholarships
- Zero financial burden
- Opportunity to study at top universities
- Networking and leadership development
- Access to exclusive academic and career events
- Better job opportunities after graduation
- Exposure to world-class education and research
8. Challenges in Getting Fully Funded UK Scholarships
- Extremely competitive
- Requires strong academic background
- Long application process
- Strict documentation requirements
- Interviews can be challenging
However, with strong preparation, thousands of students successfully secure funding each year.
9. Required Documents Checklist
- Passport
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcripts
- CV (professional and academic)
- Personal statement/SOP
- Research proposal (if required)
- Recommendation letters
- English proficiency test scores
- Extra-curricular certificates
- Portfolio (for arts-related programs)
10. Conclusion
The answer to the question “Are there fully funded UK scholarships for master’s programs?” is a clear YES.
With a wide range of government-funded, university-funded, and private UK Scholarships, international students have excellent opportunities to study in the UK without financial stress. Master’s scholarships like Chevening, Commonwealth, Rhodes, Gates Cambridge, and Clarendon are globally recognized and highly prestigious.
If you are willing to prepare a strong application, maintain academic excellence, and showcase leadership, your chances of being selected for a fully funded UK scholarship increase significantly.
The UK continues to invest heavily in global talent — and you could be the next awardee.
Also Read: Which DAAD Scholarships Can International Students Apply for in 2025?
Sources
FAQs
1. Are UK master’s scholarships fully funded?
Yes, several UK Scholarships fully fund tuition, living expenses, airfare, health charges, and more.
2. Which scholarship is best for master’s in the UK?
Chevening, Commonwealth, Gates Cambridge, and Rhodes are the top fully funded choices.
3. Can international students study in the UK for free?
Yes, if they win a fully funded scholarship.
4. Is IELTS required for UK scholarships?
Most UK Scholarships require IELTS or equivalent English tests.
5. Can I get a scholarship without work experience?
Yes. Scholarships like Commonwealth and many university UK Scholarships do not require experience.
6. When should I apply for UK master’s scholarships?
Apply between August and December for programs starting the next year.
7. Do Scholarships cover visa fees?
Yes, most fully funded scholarships cover visa and health surcharge fees.
8. Which UK universities offer fully funded UK Scholarships?
Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Warwick, Edinburgh, Imperial, Bristol, and Manchester.