Savanna Hoffman
International students in the UK often face high tuition fees and living costs, with annual expenses ranging from £10,000 to £38,000 for undergraduate degrees and up to £65,000 for medical degrees. While UK government student loans are typically not available to international students, there are various other financial aid options to consider. These include scholarships, grants, bursaries, private loans, and funding from international organisations or one's home country. Additionally, some universities offer limited financial aid or loan schemes for international students. Proper budgeting and part-time work can also help international students manage their finances during their studies in the UK.
Can international students get financial aid in the UK?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average undergraduate tuition fees | £22,000 per year |
| Range of undergraduate tuition fees | £11,400 - £38,000 per year |
| Average postgraduate tuition fees | £17,109 per year |
| Range of postgraduate tuition fees | £11,400 - £38,000 per year |
| Undergraduate medical degree fees | up to £65,000 per year |
| Student visa requirements | upfront payment and bank statements or financial guarantee letters |
| Main source of funding for international students | family and relatives |
| Percentage of international students funded by family and relatives | 65% |
| Types of financial aid | scholarships, grants, bursaries, student loans, private loans |
| UK government scholarships | GREAT Scholarships, Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships |
| Other scholarships | subject-specific, equal access/sanctuary, disability |
| UK government financial support | bursaries and additional financial support |
| Private grants | companies and non-governmental organisations |
| Private loans | commercial banks, private companies |
| Work opportunities | part-time jobs |
| Exchange programs | formal exchange with home institution |
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What You'll Learn
Scholarships, grants, and bursaries
Scholarships
Scholarships are the most common form of funding for international students. They are typically awarded based on academic merit, potential, or talent in a particular field. The UK government offers hundreds of scholarships to students from various countries. Here are some notable ones:
- Chevening Scholarships: This is one of the UK's most prestigious scholarship programmes, offering fully funded master's degrees in the UK.
- Commonwealth Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to talented individuals from developing Commonwealth countries, typically at the postgraduate level, covering tuition, transport, and a monthly allowance.
- GREAT Scholarships: This programme offers scholarships to students from 18 countries for a wide range of one-year taught postgraduate courses.
- Global Wales: Global Wales offers scholarship opportunities for international students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies.
Grants
Grants are usually offered based on students' personal circumstances, such as financial or other disadvantages. Private grants are an option for international students, provided by companies and non-governmental organisations. These grants often come with conditions, such as working for the company after graduation.
Bursaries
Bursaries are similar to grants and are often one-time payments to help with specific costs like travel or living expenses. International students may receive a bursary or fee reduction from a university based on prior relationships, such as having a family member who is an alumnus or current student. Universities may also offer bursaries to students who have previously participated in summer school or exchange programmes at the same institution.
Other Options
In addition to scholarships, grants, and bursaries, there are other ways to secure financial aid:
- Student Loans: While UK government student loans are typically not available to international students, some countries have loan programs for their citizens studying abroad. For example, US students can access Study Abroad Loans and Foreign Enrolled Loans for studying in the UK.
- Exchange Programmes: Enrolling in an exchange or study abroad programme through your home country's university can be a more affordable way to study in the UK for a semester or year.
- Family Funding: Many international students rely on financial support from their families. Discussing your financial needs with your family can be a valuable source of funding.
- Part-time Work: International students in the UK may need to budget and consider part-time work to supplement their income.
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Student loans
However, there are some exceptions and alternative options for international students seeking student loans. Here are some key points to consider:
- US students have access to specific loan programs: The Study Abroad Loan is for US students enrolled in an approved US school and studying in the UK for up to a year. The Foreign Enrolled Loan is for US students studying at least half-time at approved schools in the UK toward a full degree or certificate.
- EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals who started university in the 2020/2021 academic year or earlier may have access to student loans: Due to Brexit, new EU students starting after August 2021 no longer have access to UK government student loans. However, those who started before this date may continue to be eligible.
- Some universities offer their own loan schemes, including for international students: Certain universities may create their own student loan schemes, especially for talented students from low-income backgrounds. Contact the universities directly to inquire about such opportunities.
- Commercial banks offer student loans: Banks often provide loans aimed at students, which can have lower interest rates and more flexible terms.
- Private companies may offer financial support in exchange for future employment: Some companies may provide financial support for students studying in the UK on the condition that they work for the company after graduation.
While student loans may be an option for some international students, it is important to explore all funding opportunities, including scholarships, grants, and bursaries, to secure the necessary financial support for studying in the UK.
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Private companies and banks
For international students, it can be difficult to source funding to study in the UK. While there is no UK student body providing funding for international students, there are still many opportunities for financial aid. Private companies and banks are one source of funding for international students.
Some private companies may offer to fund your studies in the UK under the condition that you work for them for a certain amount of time after graduation. This is a win-win situation for both parties: you get your degree, and the company hires an exceptional employee. You can also ask private companies for funds in exchange for a reward, such as an interest rate or an agreement to work for them for a certain period.
Commercial banks providing loans aimed at students will generally charge a lower interest rate than they would for other types of customers, and their terms may be more flexible. This is an option worth considering, but you should always read the loan agreement before signing it. Private loans are a helpful alternative if you are unable to borrow Direct Loans, for example, if you are on a course with overseas elements that make it ineligible.
If you are a US student, you can investigate Title IV Federal Aid (US Direct Loans) before applying for a private student loan as Direct Loans are often cheaper. The University of York recommends that you do this before applying for a private loan.
You can also look into banks in your home country that may have some sort of student support scheme in place as this could be a stable option. Student accounts commonly offer interest-free overdrafts to help with living costs or rent, but these shouldn't be relied upon as a sole source of funding.
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Family and relatives
Studying in the UK as an international student can be expensive, with tuition fees for international undergraduates averaging £22,000 per year, and for postgraduates, £17,109. As a result, many international students rely on their family and relatives for funding. In fact, according to a study by the Institute of International Education (IIE), nearly 65% of all international students are funded by their family and relatives.
If you are an international student, it is worth discussing with your parents or wider family whether they can provide financial support. This is especially important as, if you are a non-EU student, it is unlikely that you will be able to get a student loan from the UK government. However, some universities will create their own student loan schemes for talented students from low-income backgrounds, including non-EU students.
In addition to family funding, there are other ways to finance your studies in the UK. For example, scholarships are one of the main sources of funding for international students. Chevening Scholarships, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, are awarded to students with strong academic ability and clear leadership skills. The scholarships cover flights, accommodation and all fees related to your course. Commonwealth Scholarships are another option, supporting students from developing Commonwealth countries. These scholarships are typically awarded to postgraduate students and cover tuition, transport and offer a monthly allowance.
There are also private grants and loans available for international students. However, private loans often come with repayment time limits and interest, so it is important to read the agreement carefully before signing. Some companies will provide loans on the condition that you work for them once you have graduated.
Finally, part-time work can be a way to top up your income while studying. Universities will be able to provide information on job opportunities, as well as the UK national minimum wage and national living wage rates. However, it is important to be aware of any limits on part-time work as part of visa-related conditions.
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University-specific funding
While it is difficult for international students to secure financial aid in the UK, some universities offer limited financial aid to attract students. These are some of the scholarships and funding opportunities offered by specific universities in the UK:
University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is part of a consortium of universities in Scotland that have been awarded funding from the Economics & Social Research Council (ESRC) to support postgraduate studentships and training in the Social Sciences in Scotland. The College operates numerous scholarship schemes funded through university funds, organisations, and industrial sponsors.
University of Kent
The University of Kent offers the GREAT Scholarships for high-achieving students living in the Commonwealth.
University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge offers the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, which is the university's leading scholarship programme for international students.
University of Oxford
The University of Oxford offers the Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme for students from transition and emerging economies.
University of Bristol
The University of Bristol offers the Think Big Undergraduate Scholarship Programme for international students.
To find out more about university-specific funding, it is recommended that you contact the school directly to get more information and the requirements of the financial aid.
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Frequently asked questions
International students can get financial aid in the UK, but it is hard to find. There are various scholarships, grants, and bursaries available for international students. Additionally, some UK universities offer limited financial aid to attract international students.
There are many scholarships that international students can apply for, including:
- Chevening Scholarships
- Commonwealth Scholarships
- GREAT Scholarships
- Global Wales Scholarships
Grants and bursaries are usually based on students' personal circumstances, like experiencing some form of personal or financial disadvantage. They are typically one-off payments to help with travel costs or settling-in costs. International students may also receive a bursary or fee reduction from a university based on a prior relationship or existing link with them.
Loans are available for international students, but they are typically private loans from banks or companies. These loans often come with repayment time limits and interest. Some companies will give students loans on the condition that they work for them once they have graduated.
The average cost for an international student studying at the undergraduate level in the UK is about £22,000 per year, but can vary from £11,400 to £38,000. At the postgraduate level, the average cost is about £17,109 per year, but can vary from £11,400 to £38,000.
