The path to securing one of the fully funded UK scholarships for international students in 2026 is about to unfold, as many institutions will be announcing the opening of applications in the upcoming months.
Most of these scholarships open in mid to late 2025 and close by January or February 2026.
For international students, fully funded UK scholarships offer an opportunity to secure a degree without the cost of education.
These scholarships often cover students’ tuition, living expenses, project funding, and more.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass in this article takes a look at 10 fully funded scholarships for 2026;
1. Chevening Scholarship
Chevening Scholarship is a UK government-funded scholarship that allows international students to pursue one-year master’s degrees at UK universities.
The scholarship is open to students from Chevening-eligible countries, including Nigeria. Application forms are expected to be out by early November 2025
Benefits Package:
• Full tuition fees
• Monthly living stipend
• Economy-class return airfare
• Additional grants for essential expenses (e.g., visa, travel)
• Access to exclusive networking and cultural events
2. Commonwealth Scholarships
Commonwealth Scholarships are aimed at students from across the Commonwealth, including Nigeria, who would not otherwise be able to afford to study in the UK.
These scholarships prioritize academic merit and financial need, making them a lifeline for transformative education. Applications are expected to be opened in late 2025
Benefits Package:
• Full tuition fees
• Monthly stipend (£1,652–£2,000, depending on location)
• Return airfare
• Thesis and fieldwork grants
• Warm clothing allowance
3. Gates Cambridge Scholarships
This scholarship is offered by the University of Cambridge. Gates Cambridge Scholarship is among the world’s most prestigious awards for international students pursuing master’s or PhD degrees. The application is expected to be out by September 2025.
Benefits Package:
• Full tuition fees
• Annual stipend (~£20,000)
• Return airfare
• Visa costs
• Discretionary funding for academic development and family support
4. Rhodes Scholarships
The Rhodes Scholarship, one of the oldest and most elite awards, is offered to exceptional students worldwide to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford.
It targets young leaders aged 18–24 with outstanding academic records (minimum 3.9 GPA). Apply by October 2025 through the Rhodes Trust.
Benefits Package:
• Full tuition and college fees
• Annual stipend (~£18,000)
• Settling-in allowance
• Return airfare
• Health insurance
5. Clarendon Scholarships
The Clarendon Fund at the University of Oxford offers around 140 scholarships annually for international students pursuing postgraduate degrees. Selection is based on academic excellence across all disciplines. Applications are part of Oxford’s graduate admission process, with deadlines in January 2026.
Benefits Package:
• Full tuition and college fees
• Generous living grant (~£17,668 annually)
• Access to Oxford’s academic and professional networks
6. British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM
Aimed at empowering women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, these scholarships support master’s studies at select UK universities. Applications open in early 2026 via the British Council.
Benefits Package:
• Full tuition fees
• Monthly living stipend
• Return airfare
• Mentorship and global networking opportunities
• Visa and health surcharge coverage
7. Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarships
Imperial College London offers up to 50 President’s PhD Scholarships for international students, focusing on cutting-edge research in science, technology, and medicine. Apply by March 2026 through Imperial’s admissions portal.
Benefits Package:
• Full tuition fees
• Annual stipend (~£21,600)
• Research consumables fund (£2,000)
• Access to Imperial’s world-class facilities
8. University of Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships
The University of Edinburgh offers these scholarships to international PhD students, supporting research across diverse fields. Applications typically open by January 2026.
Benefits Package:
• Full tuition fees
• Annual stipend (~£16,000)
• Access to Edinburgh’s research networks
9. UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarships
University College London’s Global Undergraduate Scholarships support international students from underrepresented regions, focusing on financial need and diversity. Apply through UCL’s admissions portal by June 2026.
Benefits Package:
• Full tuition fees
• Maintenance allowance (~£15,000 annually)
• Support for accommodation and living costs
10. GREAT Scholarships
Funded by the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign and the British Council, GREAT Scholarships offer £10,000 toward tuition fees for one-year master’s programs at participating UK universities.
Available to students from 18 countries, including India, China, and Nigeria. Applications open in January 2026.
Benefits Package:
• £10,000 tuition fee waiver
• Welcome and networking events
• Support for visa and travel costs (in some cases)
