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Every international student dreams of studying in the UK for free. The United Kingdom is a popular study abroad destination, known for providing the right blend of academic excellence and innovation. With state-of-the-art facilities, world-leading UK universities, and exceptional teaching staff, the UK has what it takes to push students to reach their potential. However, since there are no universities that waive tuition fees, it is difficult to study in the UK for free. But what if we tell you that there are other ways to reduce your financial stress? In this blog, you will read all about how to study in the UK with minimal fees, which feels like a free-of-cost education for an international student.
This Blog Includes:
Can I Study in UK for Free?
It is difficult to study in the UK for free due to numerous factors. To begin with, the cost of studying and living in the UK is higher than in other countries such as Germany and Canada. Secondly, the UK is home to some of the top universities in the world such as the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and the University of Edinburgh. Admission to these universities comes with high tuition fees that reflect their global reputation and quality of education.
However, there are other ways to make your education more affordable. As you read this blog, you will discover a list of scholarships for international students, universities that waive application fees, and work-based degrees that allow you the independence to earn while you learn.
How Can You Study in UK for Free?
Studying in the UK is difficult but not entirely impossible. If you are ready to dedicate your time and resources to doing extensive research and taking a strategic approach, you can crack this tough nut with ease. Here is a step-by-step process of how you can study in the UK as free as an international student:
Step 1: Look for Government and University Scholarships
The first and most important thing you must do is explore fully funded or partially funded scholarships. The government, universities, and some international organisations offer them. In this blog, you will explore about 8 scholarships for undergraduate admissions and 10 types of scholarships for postgraduate admissions such as GATES Scholarships, Rhodes Scholarships, and Chevening Scholarships.
Step 2: Check Eligibility
Next, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. Visit the official government websites or university pages to find credible information. Although the exact eligibility criteria may vary depending on the specific university requirements, course, and other factors, we are providing you with a general overview of the same.
Undergraduate Admission
- You are required to achieve a minimum GPA as per the university’s requirements
- You must demonstrate English proficiency through TOEFL or IELTS
Postgraduate Admission
- You must have an undergraduate degree with a minimum of 2:1 or its equivalent
- You are required to submit good scores in standardised tests such as GMAT or GRE (applicable in some courses)
- You must demonstrate English Language proficiency through tests such as TOEFL and IELTS
- Some universities also prefer relevant work or research experience
Step 3: Meet Application Deadlines
Lastly, mark important dates and deadlines to avoid missing out on your chance to study in the UK for free. UK universities and colleges accept admissions in three intakes or admission cycles throughout the year.
| UK Intake | Duration |
| September intake | September – December |
| January intake | January – April |
| May intake | May – August |
The September intake is the most popular one among the three cycles with more course and scholarship options for students. Each scholarship has its own deadline and may even close before the university’s application deadline. Therefore, it is strongly recommended for students to plan ahead and apply early.
Also Read: Intakes in UK 2024: September, January, May Intakes
Apply for Scholarships
Although multiple scholarships are available for international students to study in the UK, they have strict criteria. Moreover, they are available only to a particular set of people, making it highly difficult. Nonetheless, they are no less than a blessing.
Undergraduate Scholarships
Although scholarships and bursaries for international students and the EU are less common, they still exist for eligible students. These scholarships or grants can be split into two categories:
- Scholarships offered by UK universities
- Scholarships offered by governments or organisations in your country
Below we have provided a complete list of the scholarships for international students to study undergraduate courses in the UK. Although some of them might not be fully funded, they will cover part of your tuition fees and other expenses.
| University | Scholarship | Value |
| University of Sheffield | International Excellence Scholarships | Scholarships of up to £3,000 |
| University of Birmingham | Sanctuary Scholarship | Tuition fee Yearly £5,000 stipend Accommodation |
| University of Oxford | Ellison Scholars Programme | Fully-funded |
| Simmons University | Simmons Distinguished Scholar Award | Full tuition |
| University of Stirling | GEMS International Undergraduate Scholarship | £2,000 each year (£8,000 over four years) |
| University of Bristol | Think Big Undergraduate Awards | Scholarships of up to £6,500 and £13,000 |
| Goldsmiths University of London | Goldsmiths International Undergraduate Scholarships | Awards of up to £2,000 and £5,000 |
| University of Exeter | Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarships | Awards of £7,500 |
Also Read: Study in U: Requirements, Scholarships, Top Universities, and More
Postgraduate Scholarships
As mentioned earlier, there is a great number of scholarships for students who wish to pursue postgraduate courses in the UK. They can have different eligibility criteria and may be eligible for specific countries only. However, since most of these scholarships are fully funded, you must explore them to achieve your study abroad dreams without breaking the bank.
| Scholarship | Value |
| GREAT Scholarships India | a minimum of £10,000 towards |
| Chevening Scholarships | Tuition or programme fees Living expenses Return flights to the UK |
| Commonwealth Scholarships | Tuition fee Airfare to and from the UK Living allowance |
| British Council Women in STEM Scholarships | Tuition fees Stipend Travel costs Health coverageVisa |
| Global Wales Postgraduate Scholarship | Scholarships worth up to £10,000 |
| Felix Scholarships | Tuition fees A grant for living costs One return flight to the UK |
| Rhodes Scholarship | Course fees Annual stipend |
| Gates Cambridge Scholarships | Fully-funded Additional funding |
| GIST Scholarships | Fully-funded Monthly stipend |
| Dr Manmohan Singh Scholarship | Tuition fees AirfareMonthly allowance |
Apply to Universities in UK with No Application Fees
Many universities understand the plight of students that studying in the UK can be expensive because of high tuition fees, accommodation, and other expenses. Therefore, some universities in the UK do not charge the application fee. Applying to these universities will help you save some money.
Below we have mentioned a complete list of universities which allow students to apply to specific courses without paying the application fee. However, these universities may charge the application fee for some courses. To find more information, you can visit the official website of these universities.
| University | QS Ranking 2025 | Criteria |
| Lancaster University | 141 | For postgraduate research application |
| University of Birmingham | 80 | Some postgraduate courses may charge a £50 application fee |
| University of Liverpool | 165 | No fee for applying |
| Queen Mary University of London | 120 | No application fee |
| Newcastle University | 129 | No fee for direct applications |
| University of Kent | 380 | No fee for direct applications |
| Coventry University | 531 | No application fee |
| University of Sheffield | 105 | No application fee to apply for Postgraduate Taught Masters degree programmes |
| University of Edinburgh | 27 | No application fee |
| Durham University | 89 | No application fee for all courses except postgraduate taught programmes within the Business School. |
Also Read: Study in the UK Without IELTS 2024: Accepted Universities and Admission Criteria
Choose Work-Based Degrees
Work-based degree programs are specifically created for students who wish to pursue their studies without pausing their careers or attending a university full-time. This helps them earn money to finance their education, and living expenses, and live comfortably in a foreign country. They are mostly part-time or short-term courses, giving you the independence to earn money.
| University | Course | Fee | Start date |
| University of Plymouth | Applied Computing (Learning at Work) BSc (Hons) | £6,170 – £12,330 (depending on credits) | September 2024 January 2025 September 2024 January 2026 |
| Aston University | Electrical Power Engineering FdEng | £15,100 | September 2024 |
| London South Bank University | BA (Hons) EDUCATION (WORK-BASED) | £14900 | September 2024 |
| University of Chester | Work Based and Integrative Studies BA (Hons) | £13,950 | September 2024 September 2025 |
| St Mary’s University | Primary Education (Work-Based Route) BA (Hons) | N/A | September 2024 |
| University of Dundee | Community Education Work Based Route BA (Hons) | N/A | October 2024 |
Explore more informative reads here!
FAQs
It is difficult for international students to study in the UK for free. This is because the UK is home to prestigious universities which charge tuition fees greater than other countries. Similarly, studying in the UK is more expensive than in other study-abroad destinations such as Canada, Germany, and France.
No, pursuing a master’s degree in the UK is not free. International and domestic students have to pay tuition fees, application fees, and other miscellaneous charges to study in the UK.
Yes, there are numerous scholarships available for international students who wish to pursue their undergraduate or postgraduate courses in the UK. You can browse the official website of your preferred university to find out more details about the eligibility and value of scholarships.
Hope you now have the answer to your questions about how to study in the UK for free for international students. Not sure how to go about it? Let the professionals at Leverage Edu take care of your academic journey! You may enlist the assistance of Leverage Edu specialists to assist you with the application process so that you can realize your goals. Call us immediately at 1800 57 2000 for a free 30-minute counselling session.
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