Discover the top 10 London scholarships for international students in 2025. Learn about eligibility, benefits, application steps, documents required, and expert tips to study in London for free. Fully funded and partially funded opportunities for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs.
Introduction
London is one of the most desired study destinations in the world, attracting thousands of international students every year. Its globally ranked universities, diverse cultural environment, high-value degrees, and exceptional career opportunities make it a premier location for academic excellence. However, studying in London can be expensive due to tuition fees, living costs, and visa expenses. That’s exactly why London scholarships for international students in 2025 are more important than ever.
These scholarships open the door to high-quality education without the financial burden. Whether you’re applying for undergraduate, postgraduate, or PhD programs, London offers fully funded and partially funded options that can completely transform your academic journey.
This guide provides a complete breakdown of the 10 best scholarships in London, covering requirements, benefits, fields of study, and the complete process to apply confidently.
Why Study in London in 2025?
London continues to dominate global rankings as a top destination for higher education. The city offers a unique combination of world-class universities and endless opportunities.
Key reasons to choose London:
• Home to top universities like UCL, Imperial College London, LSE, King’s College London, and more
• High-quality research facilities and globally recognized degrees
• Wide variety of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs
• Exposure to multinational companies and internships
• Large international student community
• Scholarship opportunities for talented students
Scholarships in London cover tuition, monthly stipends, housing, books, and sometimes airfare and health insurance. These benefits make studying in London more accessible for students worldwide.
Top 10 London Scholarships for International Students in 2025
Below is the list of the most prestigious, fully funded, and highly competitive scholarships offered by London universities and UK institutions.
1. Chevening Scholarships
Chevening is the UK’s most prestigious fully funded scholarship for master’s programs. Offered to exceptional students worldwide, it covers academic fees, living expenses, visa costs, and travel.
Benefits include tuition fees, monthly stipend, accommodation support, networking events, and access to exclusive alumni groups.
2. Commonwealth Scholarships
Designed for students from Commonwealth countries, these scholarships support master’s and PhD students. The program focuses on academic merit and leadership potential.
Benefits include full tuition fees, monthly stipend, airfare, thesis grants, and family support (for selected categories).
3. University College London (UCL) Global Scholarships
UCL ranks among the top 10 universities globally. They offer merit-based and need-based scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Benefits include full or partial tuition fee waivers, accommodation support, and maintenance grants.
4. Imperial College London Scholarships
Imperial College is known for engineering, medicine, and science programs. The university provides generous scholarships for high-achieving students.
Types include:
• Imperial President’s Scholarships
• Imperial Doctoral Scholarships
• Imperial Global STEM Scholarships
Benefits include full academic fees, yearly stipends, and research funding.
5. King’s College London International Scholarships
King’s College London offers several scholarships for global students, especially in health, social sciences, humanities, and engineering.
Programs include:
• King’s International Hardship Fund
• King’s Global Scholarships
• King’s Africa International Scholarship
Benefits include fee discounts, full coverage, and living allowances.
6. London School of Economics (LSE) Scholarships
LSE is one of the most prestigious universities for social sciences. They offer generous financial aid to international students.
Benefits include full tuition fee coverage, travel allowance, and monthly maintenance grants.
7. Queen Mary University of London Scholarships
QMUL is known for its research excellence and offers academic scholarships for international students.
Benefits include fee reductions, full tuition waivers, and support for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students.
8. City University of London International Scholarships
Ideal for business, law, and technology students, this university offers partially and fully funded scholarships.
Benefits include tuition fee support, living allowance, and global study support.
9. Brunel University London Scholarships
Brunel offers multiple scholarship options for international students, especially for STEM and business programs.
Benefits include fee waivers up to 100%, book allowances, and research support.
10. University of Westminster Scholarships
This university focuses heavily on supporting international students with financial difficulties.
Benefits include full-tuition scholarships, accommodation support, and living expenses.
Eligibility Requirements for London Scholarships 2025
While each scholarship has its own criteria, common eligibility requirements include:
• Must be an international student
• Excellent academic performance
• English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or waivers)
• A strong statement of purpose
• Leadership potential
• Community involvement or extracurricular achievements
• Admission offer from a university (for some programs)
Documents Required
To apply for London scholarships, students typically need:
• Academic transcripts
• Passport copy
• Updated CV/Resume
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Recommendation letters
• Proof of English proficiency
• Research proposal (for PhD scholarships)
• Portfolio (for art/design programs, if required)
How to Apply for London Scholarships 2025
Step-by-step application guide:
- Decide your program and university in London
- Check available scholarships and eligibility
- Prepare required academic documents
- Write an impressive SOP and updated CV
- Secure strong recommendation letters
- Submit your university application first
- Apply separately for scholarships (if required)
- Attend interviews (for selected programs)
- Receive offer and complete visa process
Benefits of London Scholarships
Scholarships can support students in multiple ways:
• Full tuition fee coverage
• Monthly stipends for living
• Free accommodation or housing allowance
• Travel grants
• Medical insurance
• Networking and internship opportunities
• Research funding
• Access to prestigious alumni networks
Conclusion
London remains one of the world’s most elite education hubs, and the London scholarships for international students in 2025 make it easier than ever to study in this vibrant, globally connected city. Whether you’re aiming for a fully funded opportunity like the Chevening or Commonwealth Scholarships or seeking university-specific awards from institutions such as UCL, LSE, King’s College London, or Imperial College London, there is a scholarship designed to match your academic goals and financial needs.
These scholarships do more than just cover tuition—they open doors to world-class research, global networking, career-shaping internships, and a multicultural learning environment that prepares you for international success. With thousands of students applying each year, early preparation, strong academic performance, and well-organized documents can significantly boost your chances of receiving an award.
Also Read: How Can Students Study in Canada Without IELTS Through Scholarships 2025?
Sources
University College London (UCL)
FAQs
1. Can international students study in London for free?
Yes. Fully funded scholarships like Chevening, Commonwealth, and university grants allow students to study in London without paying tuition or living costs.
2. What GPA is required for London scholarships?
Most fully funded scholarships require at least a 3.0–3.5 GPA or above, but requirements vary.
3. Can I apply without IELTS?
Many London universities offer IELTS waivers, especially if you studied previously in English or meet specific criteria.
4. Which scholarship is best for international students?
Chevening, Commonwealth, UCL Global Scholarships, and Imperial College Scholarships are among the best.
5. Are London scholarships fully funded?
Some are fully funded, while others offer partial coverage depending on the program.
6. When should I apply for London scholarships 2025?
Applications typically begin between August and October 2024 and continue until early 2025.
7. Do I need work experience?
Work experience is required for some scholarships (e.g., Chevening) but not all.