English Students: Scholarships And University Dreams

Scholarships are a great way to fund your education and make your dream of studying in the UK a reality. While full-ride scholarships are rare, there are plenty of partial scholarships, private scholarships, and other types of financial aid available for students, including those majoring in English. In this article, we will discuss the different types of scholarships and financial aid options available for English students, as well as provide tips on how to maximise your chances of securing a scholarship.

Scholarships for English majors at UK universities

Scholarships are a great way to fund your education and make your dream of studying in the UK a reality. There are various scholarship opportunities available for English majors at UK universities, ranging from university-specific scholarships to government-funded and private scholarships.

University-Specific Scholarships

Many UK universities offer scholarships specifically for international undergraduate students, and some also offer scholarships for postgraduate students. These scholarships are often merit-based and can cover either part or all of the tuition fees. Here are some examples:

• University of Bristol International Scholarships — Scholarships for international students to study at the University of Bristol on any undergraduate or postgraduate program.
• University of Birmingham International Scholarships — Various scholarships for international students to study at the University of Birmingham.
• Cardiff University Elite International Scholarships — Bachelor's and master's degree scholarships for international students to study at Cardiff University in Wales.
• Imperial College London Bursaries and Scholarships — Undergraduate scholarships, including the President's Undergraduate Scholarships, are available to study at Imperial College London. The university also offers postgraduate scholarships.
• Kingston University International Scholarships — The university's international office awards scholarships for all study levels, including undergraduate scholarships for Indian students.
• University of Nottingham International Scholarships — Various scholarships available at all study levels.

Government-Funded Scholarships

The UK government and its agencies provide scholarships to international students, including:

• Chevening Scholarships — Fully funded scholarships for outstanding individuals worldwide who wish to pursue a one-year master's degree in any field at any UK university.
• Commonwealth Scholarships — Scholarships funded by the UK government and awarded to citizens of Commonwealth countries to pursue a master's or PhD.
• British Council GREAT Scholarships — Offered in partnership with UK universities to international students from various countries to pursue a master's degree in any field.

Private Scholarships

Private organisations, foundations, and companies also provide scholarships to international students, usually based on academic merit, financial need, or a combination of both. An example of a private scholarship is:

CastleSmart Scholarship — Estate agent CastleSmart offers £6,000 annually for an undergraduate student in the UK (open to all nationalities). Applicants must create a compelling YouTube video outlining their study and career plans.

Subject-Specific Scholarships

While the focus here is on English majors, it is worth noting that some scholarships are available for students who plan to study a particular subject. For instance, there are scholarships for students who intend to study engineering, business, or medicine.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

Aside from the scholarships mentioned above, there are other opportunities available for international students in the UK, such as the:

• Erasmus Mundus Scholarships — Fully funded scholarships for international students to pursue a joint master's or PhD at multiple universities across Europe, including those in the UK.
• Fulbright Scholarships — Scholarships funded by the US government and awarded to outstanding US citizens to pursue a master's or PhD in the UK.
• Rhodes Scholarships at Oxford University — Merit-based scholarships for master's and PhD students to study at Oxford University.
• Marshall Scholarships — Postgraduate scholarships for US students showing academic merit, leadership potential, and ambassadorial potential to study in the UK. Excludes MBAs and certain courses.

Scholarships for English students at US universities

The US is one of the most expensive countries in which to pursue higher education, but don't let that put you off, as there are hundreds of opportunities to gain funding for your studies. While international students won't be eligible for funding intended specifically for US nationals, many US universities prioritise internationalisation and offer need-blind admission.

Government-funded Scholarships

The US government offers scholarships for international students, including the following:

• Fulbright Foreign Student Program: One of the most popular options, this scholarship is open to graduate students, young professionals and artists from all fields excluding medicine.
• Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program: This non-degree scholarship is for international experienced professionals wishing to undertake 10 months of academic study in the US.

Non-governmental Scholarships

There are also numerous non-governmental scholarships available for international students, including:

• #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship: This scholarship is aimed at all overseas students studying any subject at a participating college or university in the US (of which there are 57). Applicants must submit an essay or video demonstrating their interest and initiative in promoting intercultural learning and exchange.
• Civil Society Leadership Awards: These fully-funded scholarships are available for students from eligible countries to study in the US or another host country at the master's level.
• David P. Shapiro Autism Scholarship: This US$1,000 scholarship is open to current or prospective students in the US diagnosed with autism.
• Preply Scholarship: Open to all students (domestic and international, and at any study level) aged between 16 and 35. Applicants must submit a 500-word essay related to online education, multilingualism, and professional development.
• Surfshark Privacy and Security Scholarship: A $2,000 prize available to a student currently enrolled in the US or another study destination as a high school, undergraduate or graduate student. Applicants must submit an essay and the scholarship is open to all nationalities.

University-specific Scholarships

Many US universities also offer scholarships specifically for international students, including the following:

• American University: The Emerging Global Leader Scholarship is aimed at international students who are showing leadership potential.
• Brandeis University: The Wien International Scholarship Program is a funding opportunity for high-achieving students with an interest in student community contribution.
• Clark University: The Global Scholars Program offers scholarships of no less than US$10,000, as well as a guaranteed $2,500 taxable stipend for a paid internship, for first-year international applicants.
• Emory University: The Needs-Based Scholarship Program offers funding opportunities for international students who can demonstrate financial need.
• Harvard University: Harvard offers a range of competitive international scholarships for students from all over the world.
• Illinois State University: Illinois State offers tuition waivers, merit awards and graduate assistantships to incoming international students.
• Iowa State University: Iowa State offers a merit-based scholarship program for high-achieving international students.
• Michigan State University: MSU offers various grants and scholarships for international students.
• New York University: NYU Wagner offers international scholarships to study at the Graduate School of Public Service.
• University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas offers funding opportunities for international students of varying backgrounds and nationalities.
• University of Iowa: The University of Iowa offers various scholarships for international students starting their first year.
• University of Minnesota: The University of Minnesota offers the Global Excellence Scholarship, as well as the #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship, a renewable scholarship which offers $15,000 per year.
• University of Oregon: The University of Oregon offers US scholarships aimed at international students from around the world.
• University of Wisconsin: The University of Wisconsin offers a non-resident tuition waiver program for international students demonstrating financial need.

Scholarships for English students based on merit

Scholarships are a great way to help students pay for university. Merit scholarships are usually awarded to students with a strong academic background, including high grades in their school exams.

For UK Students

• The University of Sheffield offers 75 International Undergraduate Merit Scholarships worth £10,000 towards tuition fees for an undergraduate degree programme starting in autumn 2025.
• The University of Manchester offers Equity and Merit Scholarships for academically excellent international master's students who have the potential to make a significant contribution to sustainable development in their home countries. These scholarships are intended for students who cannot afford to study in Manchester without financial aid.

For US Students

• The Davidson Institute Fellows Scholarship is a $50,000 opportunity for students in the US under 18 who have produced a significant piece of work in literature.
• The National Writers Association Foundation Scholarships are for aspiring writers who can detail their writing goals and how they plan to use the reward to achieve them.
• The Norma Ross Walter Scholarship is for female high school seniors from Nebraska who plan to study English at university.
• The Willa Cather Foundation offers the Antonette Willa Skupa Turner Scholarship to college-bound high school seniors from Nebraska who will pursue an English or history degree.

For International Students

• The Foreign Fulbright Student Program offers scholarships for graduate students from around the world to study in the USA.
• The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program provides comprehensive financial coverage for students from developing countries who have supported their home country's development and are applying for a development-related Master's programme.

Scholarships for English students with financial need

Scholarships are a great way to fund your education and turn your dream of studying in the UK into a reality. If you are an English student with financial need, there are several scholarship opportunities available to help you pursue your degree. Here are some options to consider:

Undergraduate Scholarships:

Undergraduate scholarships for English students with financial need are offered by various organizations and institutions. Here are some examples:

• ScholarshipPoints.com $10,000 Scholarship: This scholarship is open to all students, including those studying English, who need financial assistance.
• Alice Parsons Davis Memorial Scholarship: Offered by the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, this scholarship is for students majoring in English, history, journalism, or creative writing.
• Oscar and Aileen Horn Scholarship Fund: Administered by the Ventura County Community Foundation, this scholarship is for students majoring in English.
• SAGE Scholarship Fund: Also offered by the Ventura County Community Foundation, this scholarship is for students residing in Ventura, CA, and majoring in English, language, journalism, or creative writing.
• Marjorie Stonehill English, Journalism and Creative Arts Scholarship: This scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Boone County, is for high school seniors residing in Boone, IN, and planning to major in English, journalism, or creative arts.
• Harry and Arlene Bohr Memorial Scholarship Fund: The Blackford County Community Foundation provides this scholarship for high school seniors from Blackford High School, Hartford City, IN, who plan to major in English, journalism, creative writing, composition, or writing.
• Dorothy Ezell DuPree Scholarship Endowment: The Arkansas Community Foundation offers this scholarship to high school seniors attending school in Jefferson, AR, and planning to major in English or history.
• Moore High School Alumni Association Bennie Raine Scholarship Fund: This scholarship is provided by the Oklahoma City Community Foundation for high school seniors from Moore High School, Moore, OK, majoring in English or journalism.

Graduate Scholarships:

There are also graduate-level scholarships available for English students with financial need:

• LAGRANT Foundation Graduate Scholarships: This scholarship is for graduate students studying marketing, public relations, anthropology, art, English, sociology, or communications.
• East Rock Films Scholarship: This scholarship is open to all graduate students, with a preference for those studying film, media, or English.
• Jean L. Jensen Language Arts Scholarship: Offered to graduate students pursuing a degree in language arts, including English.
• Nellie Martin Carman Scholarship: This scholarship is for graduate students studying English, literature, creative writing, or journalism.

Essay Contests and Competitions:

In addition to traditional scholarships, there are also essay contests and competitions that offer financial awards, which can be a great option for English students:

• Ayn Rand Anthem Essay Contest: This essay contest is based on Ayn Rand's novel "Anthem" and is open to students from 8th grade through graduate school.
• Ayn Rand Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest: Another essay contest based on Ayn Rand's novel "Atlas Shrugged", open to high school seniors, undergraduate, and graduate students.
• Kemper Human Rights Education Foundation Essay Contest: This essay contest focuses on human rights issues and is open to undergraduate and graduate students.

Subject-Specific Scholarships:

English students may also be eligible for subject-specific scholarships offered by their university or college. These scholarships are often awarded based on academic merit, financial need, or a combination of both. Be sure to check with your institution's financial aid office to explore these opportunities.

Applying for scholarships can be a competitive process, but it is worth the effort to secure funding for your education. These scholarships provide a great opportunity for English students with financial need to pursue their academic goals and gain access to higher education. Remember to carefully review the eligibility criteria and application requirements for each scholarship, as they may vary. Good luck with your scholarship search and your academic journey!

Scholarships for English students at specific universities

Many UK universities offer scholarships for English students. These scholarships are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, and they are often merit-based. Here are some examples of scholarships for English students at specific universities in the UK:

University of Bristol International Scholarships

The University of Bristol offers scholarships for international students to pursue any undergraduate or postgraduate programme.

University of Birmingham International Scholarships

The University of Birmingham provides various scholarships for international students, which can be merit-based or need-based.

Cardiff University Elite International Scholarships

Cardiff University in Wales offers bachelor's and master's degree scholarships for international students.

Clarendon Scholarships at the University of Oxford

Sponsored by Oxford University Press, the Clarendon Fund offers full and part-time graduate scholarships at the University of Oxford.

Imperial College London Bursaries and Scholarships

Imperial College London provides undergraduate scholarships, including the President's Undergraduate Scholarships. Postgraduate scholarships are also available.

Kingston University International Scholarships

Kingston University's international office awards scholarships for all study levels, including undergraduate scholarships for Indian students.

University of Nottingham International Scholarships

The University of Nottingham offers various scholarships at all study levels, which may be merit-based or need-based.

University of Westminster Scholarships for International Students

The University of Westminster provides master's scholarships based on academic merit and financial need. Scholarships are also available for international undergraduate students.

University College London (UCL) Scholarships

UCL offers a search tool for finding financial awards for both current and prospective students.

University of Edinburgh Global Scholarships

The University of Edinburgh in Scotland provides various scholarship programmes for graduate international students. The university also offers scholarships for students from Central and South America.

Aberystwyth University International Scholarships

Aberystwyth University in Wales has a range of scholarships, bursaries, and award schemes to support international students.

Queen's University Belfast International Scholarships

Queen's University Belfast in Northern Ireland offers a range of undergraduate and graduate scholarship options.

Swansea University Undergraduate Scholarships

Swansea University has a selection of undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships for students from various regions, including the EU, Asia, and the Middle East.

Sheffield Hallam University Transform Together Scholarships

Sheffield Hallam University offers scholarships for international and European Union (non-UK) students pursuing full-time undergraduate or postgraduate taught courses.

Bristol Bright Futures Scholarship

The University of Bristol offers the Bright Futures Scholarship, which awards £3,000 to students who demonstrate academic excellence and a passion for a particular subject.

Bristol International Office Scholarship

The University of Bristol also provides the International Office Scholarship, which offers £5,000 to students from any country outside the UK who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement.

Bristol Think Big Undergraduate Scholarship

The Think Big Undergraduate Scholarship at the University of Bristol is a £5,000 award for students who demonstrate academic excellence and a passion for a particular subject.

Bristol Think Big Postgraduate Scholarship

Similarly, the University of Bristol offers the Think Big Postgraduate Scholarship, which awards £10,000 to students who demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to making a difference.

Bristol UNIQ Scholarship

The University of Bristol's UNIQ Scholarship is a £3,000 award for students who have participated in the UNIQ Spring or Summer School and achieved A-level results that meet the grade criteria.

Bristol Undergraduate Bursary

The University of Bristol provides the Undergraduate Bursary, which is a £1,000 annual award for UK students from lower-income backgrounds who achieve A-level results that meet the grade criteria.

Bristol Undergraduate Bursary for Care Leavers

The University of Bristol also offers a £1,000 annual bursary for UK students who have spent time in local authority care and achieve A-level results that meet the grade criteria.

Bristol Undergraduate Bursary for Students with Disabilities

Additionally, the University of Bristol provides a £1,000 annual bursary for UK students with a disability or long-term health condition who achieve A-level results that meet the grade criteria.

University of Essex Undergraduate Scholarships

The University of Essex offers a range of scholarships for undergraduate students, including the Essex International Scholarship, the Sports Scholarship, and the Care Leaver's Bursary.

University of Essex Postgraduate Scholarships

The University of Essex also provides several scholarships for postgraduate students, such as the Alumni Scholarship, the Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship, and the Chancellor's Scholarship.

University of Kent Scholarships

The University of Kent has various scholarships available, including the Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence, the Kent Sport Scholarship, and the Kent Choice Scholarship.

University of Kent Fee Waivers

In addition to scholarships, the University of Kent offers fee waivers for specific groups, such as the Care Leaver's Fee Waiver and the Student Refugee Fee Waiver.

University of Kent Sanctuary Scholarships

The University of Kent also provides Sanctuary Scholarships, which offer full tuition fee waivers and additional support for individuals who have sought asylum in the UK.

University of Glasgow Undergraduate Scholarships

The University of Glasgow offers several scholarships for undergraduate students, including the Glasgow International Leadership Scholarship and the Glasgow International Excellence Scholarship.

University of Glasgow Postgraduate Taught Masters Scholarships

The University of Glasgow also provides postgraduate taught masters scholarships, such as the Glasgow International Postgraduate Taught Scholarship and the Glasgow International Leadership Postgraduate Taught Scholarship.

University of Glasgow Postgraduate Research Scholarships

Additionally, the University of Glasgow offers various scholarships for postgraduate research students, including the College of Arts Postgraduate Scholarship and the College of Science and Engineering Postgraduate Scholarship.

These are just a few examples of the many scholarships available for English students at specific universities in the UK. Each university will have its own application process and eligibility criteria, so it is essential to check the university's website for detailed information.

Frequently asked questions