International Students: Eligibility For Student Finance England

The UK is a popular choice for students from around the world, with many internationally-renowned universities. However, international students are generally not eligible for UK government loans and must self-fund their studies. There are several options for funding your studies as an international student in the UK, including scholarships, grants, bursaries, and part-time work. The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) is a good place to start your research on funding options.

Can international students apply for student finance in England?

Postgraduate studentships and scholarships

The UK government offers a variety of scholarship programmes to support international students, including the GREAT Scholarships, Chevening Scholarships, and Commonwealth Scholarships. These scholarships are typically awarded based on academic merit or potential and can cover programme fees, living expenses, and travel costs. The Chevening Scholarship, for example, is aimed at students with at least two years of eligible work experience, while the Commonwealth Scholarship is awarded to students from developing Commonwealth countries. The GREAT Scholarships are available to students from 18 countries and cover a wide range of subjects.

Many universities in the UK also offer fully-funded postgraduate studentships and scholarships. For instance, the University of Edinburgh in Scotland provides scholarships for postgraduate students in the Social Sciences through funding from the Economics & Social Research Council (ESRC). Some universities may also create their own loan schemes for talented students from low-income backgrounds.

In addition to scholarships, international students can consider other funding options such as grants, bursaries, and part-time work. Grants and bursaries are usually based on a student's personal circumstances, such as financial disadvantage. Universities often have information about work opportunities and can advise on the UK's national minimum wage and living wage rates.

It is important to research funding options and eligibility criteria carefully, as competition for scholarships can be high. Websites like Postgraduate Studentships, Prospects, and the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) can provide valuable information on scholarships, loans, and other financial support for international students.

Undergraduate fees and funding

If you are an international student in the UK, you will likely be self-funded. The average cost for an international student studying at undergraduate level in the UK is about £22,000 per year, but this can vary from £11,400 to £38,000. An undergraduate medical degree can cost an overseas student up to £65,000 per year.

As an international student, it is unlikely that you will be able to get a student loan from the UK government. However, there are other funding options available.

Universities often offer scholarships, grants, and bursaries to students with certain skills or talents. Scholarships are the most common form of funding for international students and are usually awarded based on academic ability or potential. They may cover tuition fees in full or partially, or contribute to the cost of living and studying away from home.

Some universities also create their own student loan schemes for talented students from low-income backgrounds. Additionally, some companies will give students a loan under the condition that they work for them once they have completed their degree.

There are also specific scholarship schemes in the UK for international students, such as the Chevening Scholarship and Commonwealth Scholarships. The former financially supports international students with academic potential, while the latter is for students from developing Commonwealth countries.

It is important to research funding options and plan your budget before you arrive in the UK to avoid any costly mistakes. You may also need to make time for a part-time job to top up your income.

Student loan eligibility

If you are an international student, it is unlikely that you will be able to get a student loan from the UK government. However, there are other options available to help fund your studies. For example, scholarships are the most common form of funding for international students and are usually awarded based on academic ability or potential. Universities and colleges offer scholarships and bursaries to students with many different skills. There are also specific scholarships for students from developing Commonwealth countries and refugees or asylum seekers.

Another option is to take out a loan from a private company, although there are no guarantees with these financial options. Some companies will give students a loan under the condition that they work for them once they have completed their degree.

Additionally, many universities offer fully funded postgraduate studentships, and some universities will create their own student loan schemes for talented students from low-income backgrounds.

It is important to research funding options before arriving in the UK to avoid any costly mistakes. You can also make a budget to help you understand your costs and income and determine if you will need savings.

Part-time work in the UK

Unfortunately, international students are not eligible for student finance in England. To apply for full student finance in England, you must be a UK national, Irish citizen, or have 'settled status'.

Part-time work is a great way to enhance your experience in the UK and top up your income. Most international students in the UK are self-funded, so part-time work can help you finance your studies.

Firstly, you should check the visa rules to ensure you are permitted to work. You can then begin your job search. Many universities offer on-campus job opportunities, which are normally part-time roles in shops, cafes, bars, events, or student support. There are also plenty of off-campus job options to explore, such as casual work in hospitality, retail, or events, as well as seasonal work during holiday periods.

Your university's careers team will be able to provide you with information on work opportunities, as well as details on the UK national minimum wage, national living wage rates, and tax. It is important to remember that your university course should always be your priority, and you should ensure that your job does not negatively impact your studies.

There are also other ways to finance your studies as an international student in the UK. Scholarships are the most common form of funding and are usually awarded based on academic ability, potential, or talent in another area. You can also apply for grants and bursaries, which are typically based on students' personal circumstances. Some universities will create their own student loan schemes for talented students from low-income backgrounds, including non-EU students.

Student finance accounts

International students looking to study in the UK have a variety of funding options available to them, although it is important to note that there are no guarantees with these options. The UK is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world, and as such, it is a popular choice for students from all over the globe. However, studying in another country can be daunting, especially when it comes to funding your studies.

The average cost for an international student studying at the undergraduate level in the UK is about £22,000 per year, but this can vary from £11,400 to £38,000. At the postgraduate level, the average cost is about £17,109 per year, but this can also vary from £11,400 to £38,000. These fees should be clearly outlined on the website of your chosen university, and they will vary by subject and course length. For example, an undergraduate medical degree can cost an international student up to £65,000 per year.

Scholarships are the most common form of funding for international students, and they are usually awarded based on academic ability, potential, or talent in another area. They may cover tuition fees in full or partially, or they may contribute to the cost of living and studying in the UK. Universities and colleges offer scholarships and bursaries to students with a wide range of skills, and there are also scholarships specifically for students from developing Commonwealth countries or for refugees and asylum seekers.

Some universities will create their own student loan schemes for talented students from low-income backgrounds, and some companies will give students a loan on the condition that they work for them after graduation. It is also possible to work part-time while studying in the UK, which can help to enhance your experience and top up your income.

To summarise, while there are funding options available for international students in the UK, it is important to research these options thoroughly and plan your budget carefully to ensure you can finance your studies.

Frequently asked questions