Studying in the UK is a dream for many international students pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree. However, the cost of tuition, living expenses, and other associated costs can often be discouraging. But what if you could study in the UK for free without spending thousands of pounds? This article reveals five UK universities offering fully funded or generous merit-based scholarships to international students, no financial proof required! Plus, there’s a bonus resource at the end to help you access over 1,500 scholarship opportunities.
Why Merit-Based Scholarships Matter for International Students
Many scholarships available to international students are need-based, requiring you to demonstrate financial hardship. However, merit-based scholarships focus on your academic excellence, achievements, leadership skills, and potential. This makes them ideal for ambitious students who may not want to go through complex financial documentation. Let’s dive into the top UK universities offering such scholarships for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs.
1. University of Oxford – Clarendon Scholarships
Scholarship Name: Clarendon Scholarship
Eligibility: Master’s and PhD students from all nationalities
Coverage: Full tuition fees, living expenses
Application Process: No separate application required; automatically considered
The Clarendon Scholarship at the University of Oxford is one of the most prestigious scholarships available for postgraduate studies. This fully funded scholarship covers both tuition and living expenses. What makes it more appealing is that it is purely merit-based, and students from all nationalities are eligible.
Each year, Oxford awards over 200 Clarendon Scholarships to top international applicants. To be considered, you must apply for your course by the relevant December or January deadline. Once your admission application is submitted, you will be automatically evaluated for this scholarship — no additional forms required.
Oxford University is world-renowned, consistently ranked among the top universities globally. It offers a rich academic environment, cutting-edge research facilities, and an inclusive international student community. For those pursuing a Master’s or PhD in the UK, Oxford’s Clarendon Scholarship is a golden opportunity.
2. University of Cambridge – Cambridge Trust Scholarships
Scholarship Names: Cambridge International Scholarship, Cambridge Masters Studentship, Chevening-Cambridge Partnership Scholarships
Eligibility: Master’s and PhD applicants; some scholarships available for undergraduates
Coverage: Full tuition fees, stipend, health surcharge, and living costs
Application Process: Automatically considered upon admission; some may require a separate application
The University of Cambridge offers a range of merit-based scholarships through the Cambridge Trust, including:
- Cambridge International Scholarship – Fully covers tuition and includes a generous living stipend
- Cambridge Masters Studentship – Offers up to £12,000 to partially or fully cover tuition fees
- Chevening-Cambridge Partnership – Covers tuition, stipend, and other living costs
International students are automatically considered for most scholarships when they apply for admission. However, for a few scholarships like Chevening, a separate application may be required. Always check individual deadlines and requirements on the Cambridge Trust website.
The scholarships are highly competitive, with preference given to applicants with outstanding academic records. Cambridge encourages early application to ensure scholarship eligibility.
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3. Imperial College London – Merit-Based Scholarships
Scholarship Names: President’s PhD Scholarships, Sanctuary Scholarships, Dean’s Impact Scholarship, Business School Scholarships
Eligibility: Postgraduate students (Master’s and PhD)
Coverage: Up to 100% tuition fees, living stipends, equipment grants
Application Process: Requires a separate scholarship application
Imperial College London is another top-tier university in the UK that provides extensive scholarship opportunities for international students. These scholarships are strictly merit-based, and preference is given to early applicants.
Here are some key opportunities:
- Sanctuary Scholarship – Covers full tuition and a £19,500 stipend plus equipment grants
- Dean’s Impact Scholarship – £20,000 for business school students
- President’s PhD Scholarship – Covers full tuition and living expenses
Imperial’s scholarships usually require a separate application after you’ve submitted your admission application. These scholarships are not automatically awarded, so proactive steps are necessary.
Their scholarship search database allows you to filter by degree type, nationality, and other criteria to find the best fit. This university is ideal for students interested in engineering, science, medicine, and business.
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4. University of Bristol – Think Big Scholarships
Scholarship Name: Think Big Scholarships
Eligibility: Undergraduate and postgraduate international students
Coverage: Up to 100% of tuition fees; in some cases, includes additional funding
Application Process: Requires a separate scholarship form
The University of Bristol offers the Think Big Scholarships for international students pursuing both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. These scholarships are merit-based and do not require proof of financial need.
Awards range from £5,000 to £20,000, depending on the course and level of study. The university explicitly states that early applicants are given preference. Students are required to fill out a specific application form — one for undergraduates and another for postgraduates.
The University of Bristol maintains a searchable scholarship database where students can find scholarships by country, course, and academic level. This ensures a personalized match for each applicant’s academic and financial goals.
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5. University of Manchester – Global Futures Scholarships
Scholarship Name: Global Futures Scholarships
Eligibility: Undergraduate and postgraduate international students
Coverage: Up to £8,000 per year; total funding up to £24,000
Application Process: Admission required first, then scholarship form provided
The University of Manchester provides generous scholarship opportunities to international students through its Global Futures Scholarships. The scholarships are merit-based and open to students from various regions, including Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
For 2025, the university allocated over £4.5 million in scholarships, a clear indication of their commitment to attracting global talent. Both undergraduate and postgraduate students can benefit. The scholarship offers up to £8,000 per year, totaling £24,000 for undergraduates and £8,000 for postgraduates.
Once you receive your admission offer, the university sends you the scholarship application form. Therefore, early application for admission is crucial.
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Bonus: Access 1,500+ Scholarships with Yr.com
Still looking for more options? Yr.com offers a massive scholarship database with 1,500+ UK scholarships for international students.
- Go to yr.com > Resources > Scholarships
- Search by degree level, field of study, and eligibility criteria
- Access real-time updates on available scholarships
- View admission statistics and chat with admitted students
This platform is invaluable for students seeking fully funded scholarships in the UK. Whether you’re aiming for a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD, there’s likely a funding opportunity tailored for your needs.
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Final Tips for Securing a Fully Funded UK Scholarship
- Apply Early: Many scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis. Early applicants stand a higher chance of being selected.
- Tailor Your Personal Statement: Emphasize academic merit, leadership qualities, and potential impact.
- Meet All Deadlines: Double-check each university’s scholarship and admission deadlines.
- Use Official Scholarship Databases: Stick to verified resources to avoid scams.
- Network and Ask Questions: Join online student communities and platforms like Yr.com to get insider tips.
Getting a fully funded scholarship to study in the UK is not just a dream — it’s a very achievable goal. From Oxford’s Clarendon Scholarships to Manchester’s Global Futures program, the UK offers multiple options for international students with strong academic records.
Remember, the key is early preparation, thorough research, and a compelling application. Use platforms like Yr.com to explore even more opportunities and connect with successful applicants.