Janice Lozano
The UK is home to some of the world's most prestigious universities, attracting students from all over the world. However, studying in the UK as an international student can be costly, with tuition fees for international students substantially higher than for home students. Although financial aid in the UK is not as readily available as in the US, there are still options for international students seeking financial support. These include scholarships, grants, bursaries, private loans, and part-time work.
Do international students get financial aid in the UK?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees for international students | £11,400-£38,000 per year for undergraduate degrees; £11,400-£38,000 per year for postgraduate degrees |
| Average tuition fees for international students | £22,000 per year for undergraduate degrees; £17,109 per year for postgraduate degrees |
| Student loans for international students | Unlikely to be available from the UK government; some countries have loan programs for citizens studying abroad |
| Scholarships | Offered by the UK government, universities, and third parties; based on academic ability, talent, or personal circumstances |
| Grants | Offered by companies and non-governmental organizations; may come with conditions such as working for the company after graduation |
| Bursaries | Offered by universities and third parties; based on personal circumstances or prior relationships with the university |
| Part-time work | May be necessary to supplement income; universities can provide information on job opportunities and visa-related conditions |
| Budgeting | Recommended to plan for additional living costs and research costs beforehand to make informed financial decisions |
| Visa requirements | May include upfront payments and proof of sufficient funds in a bank account |
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What You'll Learn
Scholarships, grants, and bursaries
International students in the UK are mostly self-funded. While scholarships, grants, and bursaries are available, they are not as common as in the US. International students are also not eligible for student loans from the UK government.
Scholarships
Scholarships are the most common form of funding for international students in the UK. They are usually awarded based on academic merit or potential, or talent in areas such as sports or music.
The UK government offers hundreds of scholarships to students from a large number of countries. The three main UK government scholarships are:
- GREAT Scholarships: Scholarships to UK universities across a variety of subjects for students from 18 countries.
- Chevening Scholarships: Offers fully-funded master's degrees in the UK.
- Commonwealth Scholarships: Scholarships for talented individuals from developing Commonwealth countries to study in the UK.
Other scholarship opportunities include:
- Global Wales: Offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for international students.
- Subject-specific scholarships: Often offered by individual departments for students studying a particular course or subject.
- Equal access or sanctuary scholarships: Offered to refugees and asylum seekers who have fled persecution from their home countries.
- Disability scholarships: Support international students with disabilities, long-term mental health conditions, learning difficulties, or other special needs.
Grants
Private grants are another financial option for international students in the UK. These are offered by companies and non-governmental organisations to help students complete their higher education.
Bursaries
Bursaries are usually based on students' personal circumstances, such as experiencing financial or other disadvantages. They are typically one-off payments to help with travel costs or settling-in expenses. International students may also receive a bursary or fee reduction from a university based on a prior relationship or existing link with them. For example, if a family member has attended or is currently attending the university, or if the student participated in an international summer school or exchange programme at the university.
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Student loans
UK Government Student Loans
It is unlikely for international students to be able to obtain a student loan from the UK government. This is especially true for non-EU students, as EU students may have access to the same student finance options as UK students, depending on when they started their studies.
University Student Loan Schemes
Some universities in the UK create their own student loan schemes, which may be available to international students, including non-EU students. These loan schemes are typically designed to support talented students from low-income backgrounds.
Private Student Loans
International students can also explore private loan options from companies and financial institutions. These loans often come with repayment time limits and interest, and some may require the borrower to work for the lender after graduation. It is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of private loans before signing any agreements.
Alternative Funding Options
In addition to student loans, international students can explore other funding options such as scholarships, grants, and bursaries. Scholarships are the most common form of funding for international students and are often awarded based on academic merit or talent. Grants and bursaries, on the other hand, are usually based on financial need or personal circumstances.
It is recommended that international students research funding options and plan their budget in advance to make informed decisions about their studies in the UK.
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Part-time work
International students in the UK are mostly self-funded. While part-time work is an option to top up your income, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, you need to understand your costs and income and create a budget to determine how many hours you can work without affecting your studies. Secondly, you should be aware of any visa-related conditions that may limit the number of hours you can work. The UK's national minimum wage and national living wage rates should be considered when budgeting.
There are various sources of advice and information on part-time work for international students. Your university's careers team can provide guidance on work opportunities and visa requirements. Online resources, such as university websites and specialist websites, can also offer valuable insights. It is recommended to research part-time job options before arriving in the UK and to understand the rules and regulations surrounding part-time work for students.
The availability of part-time work will depend on your location and the demand for jobs in that area. Some common part-time jobs for students include retail, hospitality, tutoring, or freelance work. It is worth exploring these options and networking with potential employers before making a decision. Additionally, some universities may have partnerships with companies offering part-time work specifically for their students.
While part-time work can provide a source of income, it is important to balance it with your studies. Time management and organisation are crucial to success. Remember to prioritise your education and well-being while enhancing your experience in the UK through part-time work opportunities.
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University-provided financial aid
While it is rare for a university in the UK to fund someone's entire degree, some universities do offer limited financial aid for international students.
- Scholarships: The UK government runs a variety of scholarship programmes to financially support international students. The three main UK government scholarships are:
- Chevening Scholarships: Offers fully-funded master's degrees in the UK.
- Commonwealth Scholarships: These are given to talented individuals with the potential to make a positive impact globally. They are typically awarded to postgraduate students to cover tuition, transport, and a monthly allowance.
- GREAT Scholarships: Scholarships to UK universities across a variety of subjects for students from 18 countries.
- Subject-specific scholarships: Often offered by individual departments for students studying a particular course or subject.
- Equal access or sanctuary scholarships: These can take the form of a tuition fee reduction or waiver or maintenance award and are offered to refugees and asylum seekers who have fled persecution from their home countries.
- Disability scholarships: These support international students with disabilities, long-term mental health conditions, learning difficulties, or other special needs.
- Bursaries: Bursaries are usually based on students' personal circumstances, such as experiencing some form of personal or financial disadvantage. They are typically one-off payments to help with travel costs or settling-in expenses. International students may also receive a bursary or fee reduction from a university based on a prior relationship or existing link with them.
- Grants: Similar to bursaries, grants are usually based on students' personal circumstances. They are often provided by companies and non-governmental organisations to help students complete their higher education.
- Student loans: Some universities will create their own student loan schemes for talented students from low-income backgrounds, including non-EU students.
Additionally, international students may be able to work part-time during their studies to supplement their income. It is important to research the rules your university has on the number of hours students are allowed to work during term time and understand any limits on part-time work as part of visa-related conditions.
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Private loans
When applying for a private loan, lenders typically like to see 2 to 3 years' worth of UK address history. However, some specialist lenders may be more flexible. It is recommended that you investigate additional private lenders to determine whether they will lend to you during your studies in the UK.
You should not apply for a private loan more than 180 days before the disbursement date. For example, if your course starts in October, you should not apply before May, or your loan application may become invalid.
There are other options for funding your studies in the UK as an international student. These include scholarships, grants, and bursaries, as well as seeking funding from your home country or family members.
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Frequently asked questions
International students in the UK are mostly self-funded. However, there are some scholarships, grants, and bursaries available for international students.
There are several scholarships available for international students in the UK, including:
- Chevening Scholarships
- Commonwealth Scholarships
- GREAT Scholarships
- Global Wales Scholarships
- Subject-specific scholarships
- Equal access or sanctuary scholarships
- Disability scholarships
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.
Aside from scholarships, grants, and bursaries, international students can also consider the following options to fund their studies:
- Contacting their local government office and companies in their home country to inquire about studying assistance.
- Taking out a private loan, although these usually come with repayment time limits and interest.
- Working part-time during their studies.
