The Ultimate List of UK & US Scholarships for International Students
For every aspiring student who has ever looked across the horizon and dreamt of walking the hallowed halls of a university in the UK or the US, this guide is for you.
The dream of a world-class education, of expanding your mind and your world, is a powerful one.
It’s a journey that promises not just a degree, but a transformation.
Yet, for many, the financial hurdles can seem as vast as the ocean separating continents.
But what if those hurdles were not insurmountable?
What if they were simply challenges waiting for the right key?
This guide is that key.
It is a comprehensive map to the most significant scholarships available, designed to empower you with the knowledge and confidence to turn your aspirations into achievements.
Let's embark on this journey together and unlock the door to your future.
Scholarships in the United Kingdom
The UK's rich academic heritage and vibrant, multicultural society make it a top choice for students worldwide.
A scholarship to study here is more than just financial aid; it's an invitation to become part of a long-standing tradition of excellence and innovation.
Government-Funded Scholarships
These are the UK's flagship awards, offering comprehensive support and unparalleled prestige.
Chevening Scholarships
The Chevening Scholarship is the UK government’s premier global scholarship program, designed to cultivate a network of future world leaders.
This is far more than a simple funding package; it is a life-changing opportunity to join a prestigious and influential global community.
The scholarship is fully funded, covering all tuition fees for a one-year master's degree at any UK university, a living stipend, and travel costs to and from the UK.
Crucially, applicants must have at least two years of work experience and be able to demonstrate a clear vision for their future leadership goals.
The selection committee looks for ambitious professionals who will return to their home countries and drive positive change.
Commonwealth Scholarships
Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Commonwealth Scholarships are a testament to the UK's enduring commitment to the Commonwealth nations.
These awards are aimed at talented individuals who have the potential to make a significant impact on the global stage, particularly in relation to sustainable development.
The scholarships support students pursuing Master's and PhD programs, often covering tuition fees, living allowances, and travel expenses.
The application process is unique, as candidates must first be nominated by their home country's national nominating agency, adding a layer of national prestige to this highly competitive and respected award.
https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/
GREAT Scholarships
The GREAT Scholarships program is a fantastic initiative by the UK government's GREAT Britain Campaign and the British Council, in partnership with UK universities.
It is specifically designed to attract talented postgraduate students from a select group of countries.
Each scholarship provides a minimum of £10,000 towards the tuition fee for a one-year master's course, making a significant contribution to the cost of studying in the UK.
This program not only provides financial support but also serves as an invitation to experience the best of UK culture and academia.
Applications are managed directly by the participating universities, so prospective students should check their chosen institution's website for details.
https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/scholarships/great-scholarships
University-Specific Scholarships
Many UK universities offer their own scholarships as a way to attract the brightest minds from around the world.
These scholarships are incredibly diverse, ranging from small grants that help with tuition fees to full-ride awards that cover every aspect of your studies.
Eligibility is determined by the individual university and can be based on a wide range of factors, including exceptional academic achievement, financial need, your country of origin, or your chosen subject of study.
It is essential to research the specific offerings of the universities you are interested in.
Typically, you will apply for these scholarships after receiving an offer of admission, so be sure to keep a close eye on all deadlines to maximize your chances.
University of Cambridge:
Cambridge is home to a multitude of funding opportunities, most notably the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.
This prestigious award is for intellectually outstanding postgraduate students from outside the UK.
It is a full-cost scholarship that covers all fees, a generous living allowance, and travel expenses.
The program's mission is to build a global network of future leaders committed to improving the lives of others.
Selection is based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to service.
https://www.cam.ac.uk/admissions/postgraduate/fees-and-funding/funding-opportunities
University of Oxford:
Oxford offers a wealth of scholarships, including the world-renowned Rhodes Scholarship and the Clarendon Scholarship.
The Clarendon Scholarship is one of the university's largest schemes, offering around 140 new, fully-funded scholarships each year to academically excellent graduate students from all over the world.
A key advantage is that all eligible applicants for graduate study are automatically considered for the Clarendon, meaning there is no separate application process.
The award covers all tuition fees and provides a generous grant for living expenses.
https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/fees-and-funding/scholarships
Imperial College London:
As a world leader in science, technology, engineering, medicine, and business, Imperial College London offers a variety of scholarships to attract top-tier international talent.
These awards are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate students and are often tied to specific departments or research areas.
They range from partial funding to full scholarships that cover all costs.
These scholarships reflect the university's commitment to fostering innovation and supporting the next generation of global leaders in STEM and business fields.
https://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/scholarships/
Other Scholarships
Beyond government and university funding, several other organizations provide valuable support.
The Royal Society:
As the independent scientific academy of the UK, The Royal Society plays a crucial role in supporting scientific excellence.
It offers a range of prestigious grants and fellowships designed for outstanding postdoctoral researchers, not for taught degree courses.
These awards are highly sought after and provide funding for independent research, fostering the careers of the world's most promising scientists.
Securing a Royal Society fellowship is a significant mark of distinction and a launchpad for a successful career in scientific research and academia.
https://royalsociety.org/grants-schemes-awards/
The British Council (Scholarships for Women in STEM):
The British Council has launched a vital scholarship program aimed at addressing the significant gender gap in STEM fields.
This initiative provides scholarships for women from select countries in the Americas, South Asia, and East Asia to pursue a Master's degree or an Early Academic Fellowship in a STEM subject at a UK university.
The scholarship is a comprehensive package, often covering tuition, living expenses, and even providing support for dependents, empowering talented women to advance their careers and become leaders and role models in their chosen fields.
https://www.britishcouncil.org/study-work-abroad/in-uk/scholarship-women-stem
Scholarships in the United States
The US higher education system is renowned for its quality, flexibility, and innovation, making it a magnet for students globally.
Scholarships are a key part of making this world-class education accessible.
Government-Funded Scholarships
The US government sponsors several high-profile programs to foster international goodwill and exchange.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Program is the United States' flagship international educational exchange program, and it is a life-changing experience for its recipients.
Its primary goal is to foster mutual understanding between the people of the US and other countries.
The program provides full funding for graduate students (Master's and PhD) and young professionals to study and conduct research in the United States.
The grant covers tuition, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance.
Beyond the financial support, becoming a "Fulbrighter" means joining a vibrant network of alumni who are leaders in their fields around the world.
https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org/
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
The Humphrey Fellowship is a unique, non-degree program designed for experienced professionals from designated countries who have a record of leadership and public service.
For one year, fellows engage in a combination of graduate-level coursework, conferences, networking, and a professional affiliation or work placement.
The program is not about earning a degree but about professional development and cultural exchange.
It provides a platform for fellows to broaden their perspectives, gain new skills, and build a global network of colleagues to address shared challenges.
The fellowship covers all major expenses, including tuition, travel, and a living allowance.
https://www.humphreyfellowship.org/
University-Specific Scholarships
US universities, particularly private institutions, are known for their substantial endowments and generous financial aid programs.
These scholarships can vary from partial grants to full-cost awards.
Eligibility can be based on academic merit, athletic talent, artistic ability, or demonstrated financial need.
The application process is often integrated with the main university application, and it is crucial to pay close attention to the financial aid deadlines, which may be earlier than the admission deadlines.
Researching the financial aid policies of each university is a critical step, as some are far more generous to international students than others.
Harvard University:
Harvard's financial aid program is legendary.
The university is committed to the principle that a student's financial situation should not be a barrier to attendance.
For international students, Harvard offers need-based scholarships that cover 100% of demonstrated financial need.
This means the university calculates what your family can afford to pay, and the rest is covered by grants and scholarships that do not need to be repaid.
This incredible generosity makes a Harvard education a possibility for talented students from all economic backgrounds.
https://college.harvard.edu/financial-aid/how-aid-works/types-aid
Stanford University:
Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Stanford University also has a strong commitment to providing financial aid for international students.
While the admission process is "need-aware" for international applicants (meaning a request for aid is a factor in the admission decision), Stanford pledges to meet 100% of the demonstrated financial need for all admitted students.
This aid is provided through scholarships and grants, ensuring that all students who are admitted can afford to attend.
https://financialaid.stanford.edu/undergrad/how/international.html
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT):
MIT stands out as one of the very few elite US universities that has a "need-blind" admissions policy for all students, including internationals.
This is a game-changing policy, as it means your family's financial situation is not considered in any way during the admissions process.
If you are admitted to MIT, the university guarantees it will meet 100% of your demonstrated financial need through a combination of MIT scholarships, grants, and student employment, making this world-class technical education accessible to all who earn a place.
https://sfs.mit.edu/undergraduate-students/types-of-aid/mit-scholarships/
Non-Governmental Scholarships
Many private foundations and organizations are dedicated to supporting international education.
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme:
This program provides scholarships to outstanding students from select developing countries who have no other means of financing their postgraduate studies.
The scholarships are unique in that they are structured as a 50% grant and 50% loan, which must be repaid.
The foundation prioritizes students pursuing Master's and PhD programs in fields related to development, such as health, education, and rural development, reflecting its mission to support self-reliant and sustainable communities.
https://www.akdn.org/our-agencies/aga-khan-foundation/international-scholarship-programme
AAUW International Fellowships:
For over a century, the American Association of University Women (AAUW) has been a leading voice for women's equity.
Their International Fellowships are awarded for full-time graduate or postgraduate study or research in the United States to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
The program is highly competitive and supports women who demonstrate a commitment to the advancement of women and girls in their home countries.
Recipients become part of a global network of women leaders.
https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants/current-opportunities/international/
The Gates Scholarship:
This is a highly selective, "last-dollar" scholarship for exceptional, minority, high school seniors from low-income households.
While primarily for US citizens, it is open to non-citizens who are eligible for federal Pell Grants.
The term "last-dollar" means the scholarship covers the full cost of attendance that is not covered by other financial aid and expected family contribution.
It is a comprehensive award designed to ensure that scholars can focus on their studies without financial worry, from their freshman year through to graduation.
https://www.thegatesscholarship.org/
The End of the Beginning
The path to studying abroad is a marathon, not a sprint.
It requires dedication, meticulous research, and a belief in your own potential.
The scholarships listed here represent more than just financial aid; they are investments in the leaders, innovators, and thinkers of tomorrow.
Let this guide be your starting block.
Dive deep into the opportunities that resonate with your ambitions. Craft applications that tell your unique story with passion and clarity.
The journey may be demanding, but the destination—a world-class education and a future filled with limitless possibilities—is worth every step.
Your dream is valid, your ambition is valuable, and with the right preparation, you can make it your reality.
