If you’re in the middle of applying to study abroad, consider these UK scholarships for international students – even Oxbridge institutions. Oxbridge consists of the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge and marks the two oldest and most prestigious higher education institutions in the United Kingdom.
Their long-standing reputation and prestige also mean that graduates of both universities are often highly sought after by both employers and academics, making education at such institutions attractive to most international students.
Now it’s no secret that getting an offer from an Oxbridge university is tough. Oxford University typically has a 17% acceptance rate, with Cambridge slightly higher at 21%.
These rates are higher than some Ivy League universities like Harvard and Columbia — which typically accept only about 5% of their applicants. However, Oxbridge universities carry out a thorough screening process for their applicants, meaning that you would have to go through several rounds of assignments and interviews before being awarded an offer.
British Scholarships for International Students: I got an offer from Oxbridge University. What now?
Do you have an offer? Congratulations! That in itself is an incredible achievement. Now comes the next step: figuring out how to finance your education.
Both the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge are renowned for being some of the most expensive institutions in the UK. At Oxford, international students typically pay between £28,950 and £44,240 per year. Cambridge has a higher category: tuition fees start at £23,340 and can go up to £60,942 for medical students.
If you are unable to fully fund yourself, this means you will probably need to find alternative ways to pay for your degree. In most cases, this can take the form of loans or scholarships from the local government. However, Oxbridge institutions sometimes offer their own scholarships to a few lucky students as well.
Here is a look at a range of UK scholarships for international students applying to Oxbridge unis:
University of Oxford
Hill Foundation Scholarships
The Hill Foundation offers scholarships to fund high-achieving Russian students. There is no restriction on the field of study, which means that Russian students will be able to study programs in a wide range of subjects. However, applicants must demonstrate that they have previously studied at a Russian university in order to qualify.
In addition, they will have to return to Russia for at least one year after graduating from Oxford.
The Bright Oceans Corporation Scholarship
Created for students from China, the Bright Oceans Corporation Scholarship was established to fund promising undergraduate students with exceptional academic merit. Specifically, this scholarship is reserved to fund students who are studying in the Mathematics, Physics Division, and Life Sciences.
These UK scholarships for international students will cover three to four years of course fees on top of living expenses. Scholarships are awarded based on a student’s financial need and academic merit, so students should be able to demonstrate this in their application.
Palgrave Brown Scholarship
The Palgrave Brown Bursary, established by the Palgrave Brown Bursary Fund, is aimed at financing undergraduate students from several selected Eastern European countries. Offer holders from all subjects in the course list can qualify for the scholarship.
This is a partial award with an annual grant of at least £13,365 towards living costs. Scholarships will be awarded based on financial need and academic merit.
University of Cambridge
Cambridge Trust Scholarships
Cambridge Trust Scholarships refer to a range of funds and grants offered to holders by the University of Cambridge. Most of these are aimed at local students, but there are a number of UK scholarships for international students.
It is important to note that Cambridge International Scholarships are reserved for PhD students. In this, students receive full financial support and the scholarship will cover the university tuition fee and a food allowance for one person.
Chevening Scholarship: Details you need to know
Scholarship coverage
In addition to academic opportunities, successful Chevening scholarship applicants have the excellent opportunity to participate in engagement programs tailored to expand their network with other Chevening alumni, the Foreign Office, the Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), high-profile speakers and partner organisations.
Award recipients receive a range of benefits which include full tuition reimbursement, economy return ticket(s) on an approved route for the student, arrival allowance, departure allowance as well as a timely student visa application. .
The successful applicant is also fully reimbursed for mandatory TB testing worth 75 British pounds, a travel supplement allowance as well as a monthly personal living allowance (stipend) to cover accommodation and living expenses. Rates may vary depending on whether the applicant is studying in or outside London and are subject to annual review.
Eligibility
- To be eligible for a Chevening scholarship and bursary, applicants must demonstrate or meet the following conditions:
- Be a citizen of one of the Chevening-eligible countries or territories.
- Have at least two years worth of accumulated work experience (equivalent to 2,800 hours).
- Complete all components of an undergraduate degree that will enable them to gain entry to a postgraduate program at a UK university at the time the applicant applies. Typical entry requirements for most UK Masters programs require the applicant to have obtained the equivalent of a 2:1 degree (Upper Second Class) in the UK. However, this may vary depending on the applicant’s course and choice of university.
- Applicants must return to their country of citizenship for at least two years after the end of their grant.
- The applicant must apply to three eligible UK university courses and have received an unconditional offer from one of the courses by 14 July 2022.