Studying in the UK is a prestigious opportunity for many international students, especially those from Africa. The UK offers numerous scholarships to help mitigate the high costs of education and living expenses. Below are the top 10 currently available scholarships, including detailed descriptions, eligibility criteria, and application links to assist you in making an informed decision.
1. Chevening Scholarships
Description: Funded by the UK government, Chevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding emerging leaders from around the world to pursue a one-year Master’s degree in any subject at any UK university. These scholarships offer a unique opportunity for future leaders, influencers, and decision-makers from all over the world to develop professionally and academically, network extensively, experience UK culture, and build lasting positive relationships with the UK.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fees.
- Living allowance.
- Return airfare to the UK.
- Additional grants to cover essential expenditure.
Eligibility:
- Be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country (including many African nations).
- Return to your country of citizenship for at least two years after your award has ended.
- Have an undergraduate degree that will enable you to gain entry to a postgraduate program at a UK university.
- Have at least two years of work experience.
- Meet the Chevening English language requirement.
Application Link: Chevening Scholarships
2. Commonwealth Scholarships
Description: Commonwealth Scholarships are aimed at students from developing Commonwealth countries who would not otherwise be able to study in the UK. These scholarships are funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID). They enable talented and motivated individuals to gain the knowledge and skills required for sustainable development and are aimed at those who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK.
Benefits:
- Airfare to and from the UK.
- Tuition and examination fees.
- Personal maintaining allowance.
- Thesis grant, where applicable.
- Warm clothing allowance.
- Study travel grant.
- Excess baggage allowance, where applicable.
Eligibility:
- Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be permanently resident in a Commonwealth country.
- Be available to start your academic studies in the UK by the start of the UK academic year.
- By October of the scholarship year, hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) honours standard, or a second class degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree).
Application Link: Commonwealth Scholarships
3. Rhodes Scholarships at University of Oxford
Description: Established in 1902, the Rhodes Scholarship is one of the oldest and most prestigious international scholarship programs in the world. It aims to nurture public-spirited leaders for the world’s future. Rhodes Scholars are selected not only for their outstanding scholarly achievements but also for their character, commitment to others and to the common good, and potential for leadership in whatever domains their careers may lead.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fees.
- Annual stipend of £17,310.
- Airfare to and from the UK at the beginning and end of the scholarship.
- International health surcharge.
Eligibility:
- Be a citizen of one of the Rhodes-eligible countries (several African countries are included).
- Have reached your 19th and not have passed your 25th birthday by 1 October in the year of application.
- Have completed a bachelor’s degree before coming up to Oxford, to a sufficiently high standard to be admitted to the University of Oxford.
Application Link: Rhodes Scholarships
4. Gates Cambridge Scholarships
Description: Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gates Cambridge Scholarships are highly competitive full-cost scholarships awarded to outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree in any subject available at the University of Cambridge. The program aims to build a global network of future leaders committed to improving the lives of others.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fees.
- Maintenance allowance.
- Airfare at the beginning and end of the course.
- Discretionary funding for academic development, family allowance, fieldwork, etc.
Eligibility:
- Be a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom.
- Applying to pursue one of the following full-time residential courses of study at the University of Cambridge: PhD, MSc/MLitt, or a one-year postgraduate course.
Application Link: Gates Cambridge Scholarships
5. Clarendon Scholarships at University of Oxford
Description: The Clarendon Fund is a major graduate scholarship scheme at the University of Oxford, offering around 140 new scholarships each year. Clarendon Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence and potential across all degree-bearing subjects at the graduate level at the University of Oxford. The scholarships cover tuition and college fees in full and a generous grant for living expenses.
Benefits:
- Full tuition and college fees.
- Annual grant for living expenses (usually around £15,009).
Eligibility:
- All applicants for graduate study at the University of Oxford are eligible.
- Scholarships are awarded on the basis of outstanding academic merit and potential.
Application Link: Clarendon Scholarships
6. GREAT Scholarships
Description: GREAT Scholarships are jointly funded by the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign and the British Council, with participating UK higher education institutions. These scholarships are for students from 15 countries to pursue a one-year postgraduate course in the UK.
Benefits:
- £10,000 towards tuition fees.
Eligibility:
- Be a citizen of one of the 15 eligible countries (including several African nations).
- Have an undergraduate degree that will enable you to gain entry to a postgraduate program at a UK university.
Application Link: GREAT Scholarships
7. University of Edinburgh Global Research Scholarship
Description: This scholarship is designed to attract high-quality overseas research students to the University of Edinburgh. It covers the difference between the tuition fee for a UK/EU graduate student and that chargeable to an overseas graduate student.
Benefits:
- Covers the difference between UK/EU tuition fees and international tuition fees.
Eligibility:
- Applicants must be liable to pay tuition fees at the rate applicable to overseas students and should have been offered a place at the University of Edinburgh.
- Applicants must be of outstanding academic merit and research potential.
Application Link: University of Edinburgh Scholarships
8. University of Sussex Chancellor’s International Scholarships
Description: These scholarships are available in most Sussex Schools and are awarded on the basis of academic performance and potential to non-EU international students who have applied for and been offered a place for eligible full-time Postgraduate Taught degrees at the University of Sussex.
Benefits:
- 50% off international student tuition fee.
Eligibility:
- Be classified as an overseas student for fee purposes.
- Have accepted an offer of a place on a full-time eligible Master’s course at Sussex.
Application Link: Sussex Scholarships
9. University of Westminster Full International Scholarships
Description: These scholarships are for international students from developing countries who want to pursue a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Westminster. They cover full tuition fee, accommodation, living expenses, and flights to and from London.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fee.
- Accommodation.
- Living expenses.
- Flights to and from London.
Eligibility:
- Be an international student from a developing country.
- Hold an offer for a full-time undergraduate course at the University.
Application Link: Westminster Scholarships
10. Developing Solutions Scholarships at University of Nottingham
Description: These scholarships are designed for international students from Africa, India, or one of the developing countries of the Commonwealth who want to study a Master’s Degree at the University of Nottingham and make a difference to the development of their home country.
Benefits:
- 50-100% tuition fee coverage.
Eligibility:
- Be a national of or permanently domiciled in Africa, India, or a Commonwealth country.
- Be classed as an overseas student for fee purposes.
- Have not already studied outside of your home country.
Application Link: Nottingham Scholarships
Conclusion
These scholarships not only alleviate the financial burden of studying abroad but also provide unique opportunities to build a global network and gain invaluable experiences. Each scholarship has specific eligibility criteria and benefits, so it’s crucial to review them carefully to find the best fit for your academic and professional goals. For more detailed information and to apply, visit the respective scholarship links provided. By securing one of these scholarships, you can take a significant step towards achieving your educational aspirations in the UK.