Other funding sources

See below for possible sources of funding for international students

Information for current students only

Please note that the information on these pages applies to current students only. Information for students joining us in 2012 will be available here shortly.

There is a basic guide to possible sources of funding for international students who want to study in the UK produced jointly by the British Council, UKCOSA and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The guide is entitled "Studying in the UK: Sources of funding for international students" and can be downloaded from the UKCOSA web site.

Postgraduate study

British Council
The British Council offers details on scholarship schemes. Students should apply in their own country. (If there is no British Council, thenthe British Embassy or High Commission can assist.)

British Chevening Scholarships
(Funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office)
Selection is carried out by British Embassies and High Commissions in consultation with a British Council Director. Some awards are jointly funded with private companies, trusts and other organisations. The scheme is advertised in the countries where the awards are offered. US citizens, however,are not eligible.

Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan
(Funded by the Department for International Development and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office)
Scholarships are mainly awarded for postgraduate study or research but exceptions are made in some circumstances for undergraduate study. Grants are for 1-3 years and cover, travel, tuition and living expenses.

Overseas Research Awards Scheme (ORSAS)
Funded by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES), these grants are for postgraduate students undertaking full-time study for a higher degree as registered research students at British Universities. Selection is on merit and research potential. Awards meet the difference between home and overseas level of tuition fees only. Contact Postgraduate Admissions (Taught Masters) or the Research & Innovation Centre (Research Degrees).

Fulbright Scholarships
(Funded by the Department for Education and Skills and the US Government)
Awards for U.S. graduate students studying in the U.K. No restrictions on age or subject. Awards made on a competitive basis and for an initial 9 months but may be extended to 1 year - Contact - The Fulbright Commission.

Undergraduate study

Most scholarships for study in the U.K. are for postgraduate courses but the Commonwealth Scholarship Fellowship Plan and the DFID Shared Scholarship Scheme are sometimes willing to consider applications from undergraduates.

European Union

Provide schemes to promote the exchange of students and academic staff within Europe such as SOCRATES and LEONARDO programmes. The EU sometimes offers grants to students from developing countries.Contact E.C Brussels.

Non-UK EU students are not eligible for a UK student loan, supplementary grants, hardship loans or Access funds.

International Agencies

UNESCO and WHO operate schemes for developing countries. Contact your Government Ministry of Education in the place in which you currently live.

Voluntary Organisations

Religious bodies and charities award scholarships but they are very specified and tailored to individual needs. The British Council or UKCISAcould advise. Most appear only to offer small amounts in the final years of study.

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