A UK scholarship ensures you get the opportunity to join an illustrious list of alumni, no matter your financial background.
According to data from the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) one in four world leaders studied in the UK. British universities top the table for educating world leaders.
Here are some UK scholarships up for your grabs in 2021-22:
Rhodes Scholarship
This is regarded as the oldest scholarship in the world today. The Rhodes scholarship fund was established in 1902.
This Scholarship is awarded to postgraduate students aiming to study at the University of Oxford. Every year, 100 exceptional students receive one of these scholarships.
It covers all tuition fees and return airfare to the UK. The scholarships are offered in over 22 designated Rhodes constituencies and aim to build on scholar qualities, through retreats during their first and second year, workshops, conferences, in addition to social and discussion events, hosted at Rhodes House.
Commonwealth Scholarships
Over 27, 000 people have taken up Commonwealth Scholarship since the first group of 175 scholars arrived in the UK in 1960. This UK scholarship funded by the UK Department for International Development, is intended for applicants from developing Commonwealth countries who want to pursue master’s study in the UK.
Each scholarship provides airfare to and from the UK, tuition and examination fees, personal maintenance allowance, thesis grant (if applicable), initial arrival allowance, among others. Commonwealth Scholarships are awarded to students enrolling in Engineering and Technology, Theoretical and Applied Science, Agriculture, and Humanities and Social Sciences.
Gates Cambridge Scholarship
University of Cambridge, one of the best universities in the UK and in the world, offers the Gates Cambridge Scholarship. This scholarship is offered to individuals who aim to enroll in full-time postgraduate study here.
Every year, Gates Cambridge offers 80 full scholarships to outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK to pursue a postgraduate degree in any subject available at the University of Cambridge.
Two-thirds of these awards, most likely, will be offered to PhD students.
About 25 awards are available in the US round and 55 available in the International round.
The selection criteria include outstanding intellectual ability, reasons for choosing a course, a commitment to improving the lives of others and leadership potential.
Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge.
University of Edinburgh: Global Research Scholarship
This University of Edinburgh scholarship is for students intending to pursue a PhD Research Programme.
The University of Edinburgh offers its Global Research Scholarship to 30 outstanding overseas students. It covers all field of study offered at the Scottish university. Each scholarship covers the difference between the tuition fee for a UK/EU graduate student and that chargeable to an overseas graduate student. The awards do not cover maintenance expenses.
UK scholarships from universities
Several reputed universities in the UK offer country-specific scholarships, which are often through external partner organisations.
To apply for these country-specific scholarships, you will compete only with applicants from your country, and not around the world.
Other institutions – London School of Economics and Political Sciences, King’s College London, University College London, offer scholarships based on area or level of study. Check them out.