Find International Scholarships UK for Your Higher Education

Could a single application unlock thousands in fee reductions and living support for your study in Britain?

You’ll discover clear, practical information that helps you act fast. The University of Bristol’s Think Big scheme offers awards from £6,500 up to £26,000 per year and even a £3,000 Career Accelerator for eligible postgraduate applicants.

Aston University has over £5 million in funding and a mix of automatic discounts and statement-led awards, such as a £10,000 Chancellor’s fee reduction and automatic merit awards. Deadlines and exclusions vary, so timing matters.

You’ll learn how universities package awards so you can match a scholarship to your goals, country context and subject choice. Expect to see how fee reductions apply to tuition, what counts as evidence, and which programmes are excluded.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a simple plan for the next steps and feel confident that a suitable award is available international for your study plans.

Explore a range of international scholarships available now

Universities in the UK invest in awards to attract talent, enrich campus life and boost research and careers. You’ll find funds that reward merit, support leadership and target particular countries or programmes.

Why universities fund overseas students

Institutions direct funding to build diverse cohorts and to bring in high-achieving applicants.

That benefits you: better teaching, stronger networks and more research opportunities during your course.

Types of awards you can pursue

• Automatic fee reductions that apply to tuition.
• Competitive merit scholarships and one-off prizes.
• Regional awards linked to your country and discipline.
• Combined packages that add leadership training or career support.

How to match awards to your goals

Check eligibility early fee status, study level and subject often decide who qualifies.

Prioritise awards that fit your longer-term plan and prepare evidence (grades, references, impact stories) well before deadlines.

International scholarships UK: featured programmes and real examples

Use concrete examples to see how award design affects your chances.

University of Bristol Think Big

The Think Big scheme offers clear award bands: £6,500 or £13,000 per year for undergraduates, and £6,500, £13,000 or £26,000 per year for postgraduate students. Up to £5 million supports eligible applicants with overseas fee status for 2026.

With a single application you are considered for multiple awards within the Think Big ecosystem. Postgraduate applicants can also apply for the Think Big Career Accelerator, a £3,000 boost that adds bespoke career support.

Aston University automatic and competitive awards

Aston’s International Community Scholarship subtracts fees automatically: £4,000 for January 2026 intake or £3,000 for April 2026 when you pay your deposit by 9 November 2026. Eligible students automatically receive the discount without a separate form.

The Sir Adrian Cadbury Chancellor’s Scholarship gives a £10,000 fee reduction via a short statement (up to 500 words). You’ll get a personal link after offer; deadline 9 November 2025, decisions the week commencing 17 November 2025.

• Merit awards: undergraduate A*AA = £2,000; AAB = £1,000. Postgraduate UK first = £2,000; UK 2:1 = £1,000 (check exclusions).
• Regional awards are listed by country and scholarships cannot be combined the highest value applies.

Eligibility criteria, fee status and award requirements

Knowing your fee classification is the single most useful step before you pursue any major award. Start by confirming whether you hold overseas fee status, since many UK university awards for international students require it.

Overseas fee status and course checks

Check your course page to verify eligibility. Bristol’s schemes are for overseas fee status on eligible undergraduate and master’s courses. At Aston, many awards require an offer before you apply.

Academic thresholds and exclusions

Map your grades against merit scholarship thresholds (A*AA = £2,000; AAB = £1,000 for undergraduates; UK first = £2,000; 2:1 = £1,000 for postgraduates). Note excluded programmes such as MBChB, Nursing, OSPAP, Physician Associate and some MRes routes.

How awards apply and non-combinability

You’ll see how undergraduate and postgraduate awards differ in how tuition fee reductions appear on your invoice. At Aston, awards cannot be combined the highest-value award applies.

"Clarify fee status early to avoid wasted applications."

Gather transcripts, references and evidence of meeting requirements early, and consider country-specific options to widen your chances. For related funding ideas see undergraduate scholarships.

Your application process made simple

Getting an offer for your chosen course often unlocks the next stage of funding opportunities.

When you need to apply for your course before award windows open

Some universities ask you to have an offer in place before you can apply for most awards. For example, Aston requires an offer before you can access many programme-specific funds.

Submitting one scholarship application where available

Use single-application schemes to save time. Bristol’s Think Big lets you submit one form and be considered across several awards, including career-focused boosts for postgraduates.

Deadlines, decision dates and what to include in your statement

Diary key dates and prepare a concise statement. For the Sir Adrian Cadbury award you need a 500-word piece by 9 November 2025, with decisions the week commencing 17 November 2025.

Focus on impact, leadership and community benefits that match your country and subject.

What “automatically receive” means for fee reductions

Automatic discounts apply once you meet the condition. At Aston, the International Community Scholarship is applied after you pay the deposit by the stated date. Automatic merit awards are assessed by admissions without a separate form.

• Map your timeline: apply for the course first where required.
• Keep documents consistent and track each application in a checklist.
• Use FAQs and ask questions early to avoid mistakes.

For clear, practical next steps see study finance guidance and check official pages if you have questions.

Take your next step with confidence today

Start by choosing one or two award routes that fit your grades, fee status and timeline, then act while applications are open.

Shortlist the best options from one-application schemes like Bristol’s Think Big and automatic fee reduction offers such as Aston’s community discounts. Prepare a concise statement, gather transcripts and meet deposit dates so you can automatically receive any eligible fee reduction.

Compare postgraduate and undergraduate funding, check eligibility criteria early and plan how grants, merit scholarship awards and student finance combine in your budget. If you have questions, contact admissions or the funding team to confirm requirements and next steps.

If you want to know other articles similar to Find International Scholarships UK for Your Higher Education you can visit the category International.