International Students: Study In The Uk For Free?

The UK is a popular destination for international students, offering a high-quality education and a chance to gain performance skills that can be used on international stages. While studying in the UK can be expensive, there are many scholarships, grants, and bursaries available to international students to help reduce the financial burden. These scholarships are offered by organisations like the government, private institutes, and universities, and can cover tuition fees, accommodation, travel, and personal expenses. In addition to scholarships, international students can also find part-time work while studying to earn extra money and build professional skills. Various organisations, such as UKCISA, are dedicated to supporting international students in the UK, ensuring they feel welcome and valued.

Can an international student study in the UK for free?

Scholarships, grants, and bursaries

There are several scholarship options available for international students in the UK, offered by both the government and private institutes. The UK government runs a variety of scholarship programs, including the GREAT Scholarships, Chevening Scholarships, and Commonwealth Scholarships. The GREAT Scholarships are offered to students from 18 countries, providing funding for bachelor's and postgraduate degrees in any subject area at participating UK universities. The Chevening Scholarships are prestigious, fully-funded master's degree programs for students with the potential to make a positive impact on the global stage. The Commonwealth Scholarships are also fully funded and are awarded to talented individuals worldwide.

Individual universities in the UK also offer scholarships to international students. For example, the University of Manchester provides scholarships for students who have received an offer letter from the university, including the Global Futures Scholarship, Humanitarian Scholarship, and Subject-specific awards. Westminster International Scholarships cover the entire tuition fee, accommodation, living expenses, and flight tickets for students pursuing a full-time master's degree at Westminster University. The Gates Cambridge Scholarships are awarded to students demonstrating academic excellence who are not UK citizens, covering tuition fees, travel costs, allowances, and fieldwork for PhD, MSc, or one-year postgraduate courses.

In addition to scholarships, grants, and bursaries are also available to international students in the UK. These are usually based on students' personal circumstances, such as coming from a low-income household or experiencing some form of disadvantage. They are typically one-off payments to help with travel costs or settling-in expenses.

Subject-specific scholarships are also offered by individual departments for students studying a particular course or subject. Equal access or sanctuary scholarships are available for refugees and asylum seekers, providing tuition fee reductions or waivers, or maintenance awards. Disability scholarships support international students with physical or mental impairments, long-term health conditions, learning differences, or special needs, contributing to any extra costs incurred due to their condition.

To find the right scholarship, grant, or bursary for your needs, you can seek guidance from organizations like SI-UK, which has close relationships with UK universities and can help you navigate the various options and eligibility criteria. The British Council and UCAS websites also provide valuable information on funding opportunities for international students.

University-specific scholarships

While there are no tuition-free universities in the UK, international students can apply for scholarships, grants, and bursaries to reduce the financial burden. These scholarships can either cover the entire tuition fee or a part of it. Some may also cover travel, accommodation, and personal expenses.

• The University of Manchester offers three scholarships for international students: the Global Futures Scholarship, the Humanitarian Scholarship, and Subject-specific awards.
• Westminster University offers the Westminster International Scholarships for students who wish to pursue a full-time master's degree at the university. This scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, and flight tickets.
• The University of Cambridge offers the Gates Cambridge Scholarships to students who demonstrate exceptional academic excellence and are not UK citizens. The scholarship is open to students pursuing a PhD, MSc, or any one-year postgraduate course and covers tuition fees, travel costs, allowances, and fieldwork, among other things.
• The University of Edinburgh is offering five scholarships to students from Thailand, India, Spain, Mexico, and Nigeria enrolling in one-year master's programs in the 2025-2026 academic year.
• The University of Salford also offers scholarships to international students, as shared by Jordan, a student at the university, on the Study UK website.
• The University of Kent also offers scholarships to international students, as explained by Maria, a student at the university, on the Study UK website.
• Disability scholarships are offered by various institutions to support international students with disabilities, long-term mental health conditions, learning difficulties, or other special needs.

Student visas

International students need to obtain a student visa to study in the UK. The student visa, previously known as a Tier 4 visa, refers to the immigration permission granted to international students aged 18 or over who want to pursue full-time, part-time or long-term higher education in the UK. The visa will allow students to live and study in the UK for the duration of their course. The visa costs £490 per applicant, and applicants must also prove they have the financial means to live in the UK. As of March 2025, the minimum living cost requirement is £1,483 per month for those studying in London and £1,136 per month for those outside London. Students will also need to show evidence that they have the funds to pay for one year’s worth of tuition fees. The application process can be started as early as six months before the course is due to begin, and applicants should expect to receive a response within three weeks.

Students should check the UK government website to find out whether they need a visa to study in the UK. From January 2025, students must register with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and apply for an eVisa. To do this, students will need to create a UKVI account. Students will also need to receive an unconditional offer from their chosen university, which will provide them with a Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS).

International students in the UK are allowed to work part-time alongside their studies, for up to 20 hours per week during term time. However, European students should be aware that working part-time may impact their eligibility for a refund on their Immigration Health Surcharge payment.

English language requirements

International students applying to study in the UK are generally required to meet specific English language requirements. While the level of English proficiency needed varies across universities and courses, it is a key requirement for acceptance into degree programmes.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a widely recognised test used to measure the English proficiency of students intending to pursue their studies in the UK. The test uses a 9-band scale, with band scores ranging from 1 (non-user) to 9 (expert). For instance, the University of Portsmouth requires a minimum IELTS band score of 5.5, with no component below 5.5, for foundation or pathway courses.

Other English language tests accepted by universities in the UK include:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic
• LanguageCert International ESOL (UKVI)
• Trinity College London Integrated Skills ISE

Some universities may also accept alternative forms of proof of English proficiency, such as:

• A Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate from a previous educational institute confirming that the applicant's previous education was completed in an English-medium school
• High school English scores, such as class 12 English scores or, in some cases, class 10 English marks
• Online interview: Some universities may assess an applicant's English proficiency through an online interview

It is important to note that the specific English language requirements may vary depending on the university and course. Therefore, it is advisable to check with the desired university and course for their specific entry requirements.

Part-time jobs

Although there are no tuition-free universities in the UK, international students can study in the UK for free by applying for scholarships, grants, and bursaries. These are offered by organisations like the government, private institutes, and universities. Scholarships can either cover the entire tuition fee or a part of it, and some may also cover travel, accommodation, and personal expenses.

The University of Manchester, for example, offers scholarships for students who have received an offer letter from the university. These include the Global Futures Scholarship, Humanitarian Scholarship, and Subject-specific awards. The university also offers the Commonwealth Scholarships, which are fully funded and available for international students.

Other scholarships that international students can consider are:

• The Chevening Scholarships: Funded by the FCO, these scholarships are available for students applying to any university in the UK and can be availed by those pursuing a master's degree in the country.
• The GREAT Scholarships: These are fully funded scholarships granted to students pursuing bachelor's and postgraduate degrees in the UK. While it is highly competitive, selectors look for holistic success, not just academic achievement.
• The Gates Cambridge Scholarships: These are awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional academic excellence and are not UK citizens. They are eligible for students pursuing a PhD, MSc, or any one-year postgraduate course. The scholarship covers the entire tuition fee, travel costs, allowances, and fieldwork.
• Westminster International Scholarships: These are awarded to students pursuing a full-time master's degree at Westminster University and include the entire tuition fee, accommodation, living expenses, and flight tickets.

In addition to scholarships, international students can also consider part-time jobs while studying in the UK. This can be a great way to earn extra money, meet new people, and build professional skills. It is important to be aware of the visa rules and the types of student jobs available. There are many resources available to help international students find part-time work, such as UKCISA, which is a charity that provides information, training, and advice to international students in the UK. They offer support on visa and immigration advice, as well as fee assessments, to ensure that international students have a positive experience during their time in the UK.

Frequently asked questions