Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships in the UK
Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships in the UK 2025! The United Kingdom remains one of the most sought-after destinations for international students due to its world-renowned universities, academic excellence, and cultural diversity. However, the high cost of tuition and living expenses can make studying in the UK financially challenging. The good news is that there are fully funded undergraduate scholarships available to support talented and deserving international students.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best fully funded scholarships for undergraduate students in the UK, including eligibility criteria, application processes, and how to increase your chances of success.
Why Study in the UK?
Before diving into scholarship opportunities, let’s highlight why the UK is such a top choice for global students:
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World-class education: The UK is home to four of the top 10 universities globally (QS World University Rankings).
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Globally recognized degrees: UK degrees hold prestige and are recognized worldwide.
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Multicultural environment: More than 500,000 international students study in the UK every year.
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Pathways to work and residency: The UK offers post-study work visas, making it easier to transition from student to professional life.
What Does “Fully Funded” Mean?
A fully funded undergraduate scholarship typically covers:
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100% of tuition fees
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Living expenses
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Accommodation
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Travel costs
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Study materials and other associated costs
Some scholarships may also include additional stipends for internships or research opportunities.
Top Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships in the UK (2025)
1. Reach Oxford Scholarships (University of Oxford)
Overview:
Offered by the University of Oxford, these scholarships are designed for students from low-income countries who are unable to study in their own country due to political or financial reasons.
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Coverage: Tuition fees, living expenses, and one return airfare per year.
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Eligibility: Applicants from developing countries, strong academic background, financial need.
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Deadline: Typically February (for October start).
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Application: UCAS application followed by a scholarship application to Oxford.
🔗 Visit Oxford’s Reach Scholarship page
2. University of Westminster Fully Funded International Scholarships
Overview:
This London-based university offers full scholarships to students from developing countries with exceptional academic performance.
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Coverage: Full tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and flights.
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Eligibility: Academic excellence, financial need, leadership potential.
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Deadline: April–May annually.
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Application: Submit an undergraduate application through UCAS and then apply for the scholarship.
🔗 University of Westminster Scholarships
3. Gates Cambridge Scholarships (For Second Undergraduate Degrees)
While primarily for graduate students, Gates Cambridge may support a second undergraduate degree if it’s considered equivalent to a master’s level program.
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Coverage: Full cost of study, visa fees, health surcharge, travel costs.
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Eligibility: Exceptional academic achievement, leadership potential.
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Deadline: December/January.
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Note: Only available at the University of Cambridge.
🔗 Gates Cambridge Scholarships
4. Clarendon Scholarships (University of Oxford)
Though mainly for postgraduate studies, the Clarendon Fund sometimes supports undergraduate-level courses that are second degrees (i.e., accelerated degrees or graduate-entry programs).
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Coverage: Tuition fees and living allowance.
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Eligibility: Outstanding academic performance, Oxford admission.
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Deadline: January.
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Note: Limited undergraduate options—check eligibility carefully.
5. Chevening Scholarships (For Graduate Entry Medicine or Accelerated Programs)
Although Chevening is primarily for master’s level, some students pursuing accelerated undergraduate programs (e.g., medicine or law) may qualify in specific contexts.
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Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend, travel costs.
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Eligibility: Strong academic and leadership credentials.
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Note: This varies by country and program.
6. The Denys Holland Scholarship (University College London – UCL)
Overview:
Supports undergraduate students who without the scholarship would be unable to secure funding for their studies.
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Coverage: Up to £9,000 per year for tuition and living costs.
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Eligibility: Financial need, academic excellence, and interest in extracurricular activities.
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Deadline: July.
🔗 UCL Denys Holland Scholarship
7. University of Bristol Think Big Scholarships
Overview:
Although not traditionally “fully funded,” some packages come close to covering full tuition and substantial living costs.
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Coverage: Up to £20,000 per year.
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Eligibility: International fee-paying students with outstanding academic records.
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Deadline: February.
🔗 Bristol Think Big
8. GREAT Scholarships (UK Government Partnership)
Overview:
In collaboration with UK universities, the British Council offers scholarships to students from selected countries.
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Coverage: Full tuition and partial living stipend.
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Eligibility: Country-specific eligibility and academic merit.
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Partner Universities: Over 40 UK universities.
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Deadline: Varies by institution.
🔗 GREAT Scholarships
Other University-Specific Scholarships Worth Exploring
Several UK universities offer generous financial aid packages. While not always fully funded, these can significantly reduce the cost of study:
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University of Edinburgh Global Undergraduate Scholarships
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University of Leeds International Undergraduate Scholarship
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King’s College London International Hardship Fund
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University of Nottingham Undergraduate Excellence Award
Tips to Win Fully Funded UK Scholarships
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Start Early:
Begin your research at least 12–18 months in advance of your intended start date. -
Focus on Academic Excellence:
High grades and standardized test scores can make your application stand out. -
Show Leadership Potential:
Many scholarships value extracurricular involvement and leadership experience. -
Write a Compelling Personal Statement:
Tell your story, your goals, and how the scholarship aligns with your future. -
Get Strong References:
Letters from teachers or mentors can make a big difference. -
Apply Broadly:
Don’t rely on one scholarship; apply to several to improve your odds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I get a full scholarship to study in the UK as an international undergraduate student?
Yes, several UK universities and organizations offer fully funded undergraduate scholarships, particularly to students from developing or low-income countries.
What are the requirements for applying?
Typical requirements include:
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Proof of academic excellence
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Financial need (in some cases)
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English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
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A strong personal statement or essay
Are scholarships available for all courses?
Most scholarships are available for a broad range of subjects, but some are targeted toward specific fields like STEM, law, or medicine. Always check the details.
Do I need to apply through UCAS?
Yes. For undergraduate programs, you must typically apply via UCAS before applying for university scholarships.
Final Thoughts
Fully funded undergraduate scholarships in the UK can change your life. While the competition is high, proper planning, a strong academic record, and a compelling personal story can significantly improve your chances. Whether you aim to study at Oxford, UCL, or the University of Westminster, opportunities are available for talented international students from around the world.
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Start preparing now, gather your documents, and take that next step toward a world-class education in the UK—without the burden of student debt.