UK Scholarships for International Students Post-Brexit (2025 Update)

🎓 Introduction

The United Kingdom continues to be a top destination for global students, thanks to its world-class universities and rich academic traditions. But since Brexit, many policies have shifted—especially those affecting EU and international students. One pressing question in 2025 is: Are scholarships in the UK still available for non-UK students?

The answer is a resounding yes.

In this updated 2025 guide, we highlight the top scholarships in the UK that are available post-Brexit, with details on funding, eligibility, and how to apply.

🇬🇧 Post-Brexit Changes Impacting International Students

• ❌ EU students no longer qualify for UK home fees

• ❌ No access to UK student loans for EU citizens

• ✅ Universities and the UK government have expanded scholarship offerings

• ✅ Visa process now unified for all international students, including EU

Bottom line: More scholarships have emerged to keep the UK globally competitive—and many are generous, even fully funded.

🏆 Top UK Scholarships for International Students (2025)

1. Chevening Scholarships (Fully Funded)

• Level: Master’s (1-year)

• Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend, travel, visa, and more

• Eligibility: Applicants from 160+ countries with leadership potential

• Deadline: November 2024

✅ Ideal for future leaders and professionals across any academic field.

🔗 Chevening Official Website

2. Commonwealth Scholarships (DFID-Funded)

• Level: Master’s and PhD

• Coverage: Full tuition, flights, monthly stipend, and research grants

• Eligibility: Citizens of Commonwealth countries only

• Deadline: October–December 2024

✅ Great for students from low- and middle-income Commonwealth nations.

🔗 Commonwealth Scholarships

3. GREAT Scholarships (British Council)

• Level: Master’s

• Coverage: £10,000 toward tuition fees

• Eligibility: Students from select countries (India, China, Pakistan, Nigeria, and more)

• Deadline: March–May 2025 (varies by institution)

✅ Offered in partnership with 50+ UK universities.

🔗 GREAT Scholarships

4. Rhodes Scholarship (University of Oxford)

• Level: Master’s and Second Bachelor’s at Oxford

• Coverage: Full tuition, annual stipend (~£18,000), airfare

• Eligibility: Citizens of selected countries

• Deadline: August–October 2024

✅ Prestigious and highly competitive.

🔗 Rhodes Trust

5. Gates Cambridge Scholarship

• Level: Master’s and PhD

• Coverage: Full tuition, maintenance, airfare, and family allowance

• Eligibility: Non-UK citizens

• Deadline: December 2024 (Oct 2024 for U.S. applicants)

✅ For applicants with outstanding intellectual ability and leadership potential.

🔗 Gates Cambridge

6. Clarendon Fund (University of Oxford)

• Level: Master’s and PhD

• Coverage: Full tuition + generous living stipend

• Eligibility: All international students automatically considered

• Deadline: January 2025 (aligned with course application)

✅ No separate application required beyond program admission.

🔗 Clarendon Scholarships

7. University-Specific Scholarships (2025 Highlights)

📚 Scholarships for EU Students Post-Brexit

Even though EU students now pay international fees, many universities and governments are offering EU-specific scholarships in 2025:

• EU Transition Scholarships (offered by some universities)

• European Union Scholarship Scheme (Kingston University)

• GREAT Scholarships for EU countries (select programs)

These help ease the financial impact of Brexit and maintain EU-UK academic ties.

💼 Can You Work While Studying in the UK (2025)?

Yes. On a Student Visa, international students can:

• Work up to 20 hours/week during term

• Work full-time during holidays

• Apply for a 2-year Graduate Route visa after graduation to stay and work in the UK

📝 Application Tips for UK Scholarships in 2025

1. Start early – Most major scholarships close by October–January for the following academic year.

2. Write compelling personal statements – Focus on leadership, goals, and impact.

3. Get excellent references – Academic or professional references are critical.

4. Meet English language requirements – IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent scores are often required.

5. Apply to multiple scholarships – You can apply to university and government scholarships simultaneously.

💡 FAQs

Q: Are there scholarships for undergraduate international students in the UK?
Yes! While less common than postgraduate awards, many universities offer merit-based UG scholarships (e.g., Bristol, Sheffield, Warwick).

Q: Is the UK still welcoming to international students post-Brexit?
Absolutely. Despite visa changes, the UK has increased scholarship funds and simplified visa processes for global students.

Q: Can I get a fully funded scholarship?
Yes – Chevening, Commonwealth, Gates Cambridge, and Rhodes are all fully funded scholarships.