UK Scholarship for International Students from Nepal
Studying in the United Kingdom is a dream for many students worldwide. With its globally respected universities, high academic standards, and post-study work opportunities, the UK remains one of the most sought-after destinations for higher education. However, the cost of tuition and living can be a significant barrier - especially for students from developing countries like Nepal. That’s where UK scholarships for international students in 2025 come in. These funding opportunities ranging from fully funded government schemes like Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships to university-specific awards help talented students reduce financial burdens while unlocking world-class education.
This blog offers a comprehensive guide to the top scholarships in the UK, eligibility criteria, how to apply, and tips to boost your chances. If you're searching for “how to study in the UK with a scholarship” or “fully funded UK scholarships”, you're in the right place. Let’s explore the doors that scholarships can open for your future in the UK.
Table of Contents
- Why Study in the UK from Nepal?
- List of UK Scholarships for International Students
- Government-Funded Scholarships in the UK
- Chevening Scholarships
- Commonwealth Scholarships
- GREAT Scholarships
- University-Specific Scholarships in the UK
- Clarendon Scholarships – University of Oxford
- Gates Cambridge Scholarships – University of Cambridge
- University of Westminster International Scholarships
- Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships
- Rhodes Scholarships – University of Oxford
- Government-Funded Scholarships in the UK
- Eligibility Requirements for UK Scholarships
- Documents Required for the UK Scholarships
- How to Get Scholarship in the UK for International Students?
- Conclusion
- FAQs - UK Scholarship for International Students
Why Study in the UK from Nepal?
The United Kingdom has become one of the top choices for Nepali students seeking high-quality international education. Every year, thousands of students from Nepal choose the UK to pursue their undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies. Here’s why studying in the UK from Nepal is a smart investment in your future:
1. World-Ranked Universities
The UK is home to prestigious universities like the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University College London (UCL), and King’s College London. These institutions offer globally recognized degrees that open doors to career opportunities worldwide.
2. Post-Study Work Visa
The Graduate Route Visa allows Nepali students to stay in the UK for up to 18 months (three years for PhD) after graduation to work or look for jobs - an excellent way to gain international work experience.
3. Abundant Scholarship Opportunities
From Chevening Scholarships to GREAT Scholarships, students from Nepal can access fully funded or partial funding options to ease the cost of study.
4. Multicultural Experience
The UK is a diverse and welcoming country. Nepali students find active Nepali student societies, cultural festivals, and community support across major UK cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh.
5. Shorter Degree Duration
Compared to other countries, UK degrees are shorter:
- Bachelor’s: 3 years
- Master’s: 1 year
This helps you save on tuition fees and living costs.
6. Global Career Opportunities
A UK degree significantly boosts your employability, whether you plan to return to Nepal, work in the UK, or pursue a career in another country.
List of UK Scholarships for International Students
1. Government-Funded Scholarships in the UK
These scholarships are financed by UK government departments, often in partnership with global institutions, and are typically fully funded for outstanding students from eligible countries.
Chevening Scholarships
Overview: The UK’s flagship scholarship program for future global leaders. It enables students from over 160 countries to study a one-year master’s degree at any UK university.
Offered By: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
Level: Master’s (1-year full-time)
Benefits:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance
- Return airfare
- Visa costs
- Travel grants
- Access to Chevening’s global alumni network
Commonwealth Scholarships
Overview: A development-focused scholarship for students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries to study in the UK.
Offered By: UK Department for International Development (DFID) through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC)
Level: Master’s and PhD
Benefits:
- Full tuition fees
- Round-trip airfare
- Monthly stipend
- Thesis grant (if applicable)
- Research support (for PhD students)
GREAT Scholarships
Overview: A UK government initiative in collaboration with UK universities, offering partial tuition support to students from select countries.
Offered By: British Council and UK universities
Level: Postgraduate (Taught Master’s)
Benefits: £10,000 towards tuition fees
2. University-Specific Scholarships in the UK
These scholarships are provided directly by UK universities to attract top global talent. Some are fully funded, while others offer partial fee waivers or living allowances.
Clarendon Scholarships – University of Oxford
Overview: A highly competitive scholarship for graduate students with exceptional academic records applying to the University of Oxford.
Level: Master’s and DPhil (PhD)
Benefits:
- Full tuition and college fees
- Annual living stipend (~£18,000 per year)
- Automatically considered with admission application
Gates Cambridge Scholarships – University of Cambridge
Overview: A full-cost scholarship for international students to study at Cambridge with a focus on leadership and community service.
Level: Master’s and PhD
Benefits:
- Full tuition
- Maintenance allowance (~£20,000/year)
- Airfare and visa
- Dependent support and discretionary academic funding
University of Westminster International Scholarships
Overview: Designed for students from developing countries who demonstrate academic excellence and financial need.
Level: Undergraduate and Postgraduate
Benefits:
- Full tuition
- Monthly stipend
- Accommodation
- Flight to/from the UK
Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships
Overview: Targeted at international students seeking to pursue a PhD at the University of Edinburgh.
Benefits:
- Full international tuition fee waiver
- Living costs not included (students must self-fund or seek additional grants)
Rhodes Scholarships – University of Oxford
Overview: A world-renowned scholarship aimed at exceptional students from select countries for postgraduate study at Oxford.
Offered By: The Rhodes Trust
Level: Master’s or Second Undergraduate Degree
Benefits:
- Full tuition
- Living stipend
- International airfare
- Health insurance
- Visa fees
Eligibility Requirements for UK Scholarships
Before applying for a UK scholarship as an international student, it's crucial to understand the general eligibility criteria. While specific requirements may vary depending on the scholarship provider and university, most fully funded and partial scholarships in the UK follow a similar framework.
- Academic Excellence: Strong grades (usually 1st class or GPA 3.5+)
- Nationality: Must be from an eligible country. Make sure to check the eligibility of the scholarship for your country.
- English Proficiency: IELTS/TOEFL/PTE scores required
- University Offer: Conditional or unconditional offer from a UK university
- Leadership & Activities: Involvement in extracurriculars or community service is an additional benefit for your profile.
- Work Experience: Needed for some scholarships like Chevening (2 years)
- Financial Need: Required for need-based scholarships (e.g., Westminster)
- Personal Statement: Strong SOP or research proposal is crucial
Documents Required for the UK Scholarships
To apply for UK scholarships, you’ll typically need the following documents:
1. Academic Transcripts & Certificates
2. Proof of English Language Proficiency (IELTS / TOEFL / PTE scorecard)
3. Statement of Purpose (SOP) / Personal Statement
4. Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume
5. Letters of Recommendation (Usually 2–3 from academic or professional referees)
6. Valid Passport Copy
7. Offer Letter from a UK University (Conditional or unconditional offer letter)
8. Research Proposal (for PhD applicants)
9. Work Experience Proof (if required)
10. Financial Documents (for need-based scholarships)
How to Get Scholarship in the UK for International Students?
To bag a scholarship for studying in the UK, you can follow the step-wise guide listed below:
Step 1: Research Scholarships
Early Start 10–12 months in advance. Look into government (Chevening, Commonwealth) and university-specific scholarships (Oxford, Westminster, etc.).
Step 2: Choose Your Course & University
Shortlist UK universities and eligible courses that align with your academic goals.
Step 3: Check Eligibility Requirements
Verify academic qualifications, work experience, nationality, English proficiency (IELTS), and other criteria.
Step 4: Prepare Key Documents
Make sure to prepare the documents as per the above checklist
Step 5: Apply to UK Universities
Submit applications for admission. Some scholarships require an unconditional offer.
Step 6: Apply for Scholarships Separately
For most scholarships (like Chevening, Gates), you must apply separately via their official portals.
Step 7: Attend Interviews (if required)
Some scholarships include interviews or assessments as part of the selection process.
Step 8: Wait for Results & Accept Offer
Check email and scholarship portals regularly. Accept the scholarship and university offer if selected.
Step 9: Apply for UK Student Visa
Use your CAS and scholarship confirmation to apply for a UK Student Visa.
Conclusion
Studying in the UK offers unparalleled academic opportunities, global exposure, and career advancement. While tuition and living costs can be high, UK scholarships for international students - whether government-funded or university-specific, provide vital financial support to talented students from Nepal and around the world.
By understanding the types of scholarships available, eligibility criteria, and the application process, you can strategically position yourself to win these prestigious awards. Start early, prepare your documents carefully, and highlight your academic excellence and leadership qualities.
Your dream of studying at a top UK university is within reach. Explore the scholarship options today, take the first step, and unlock a world of possibilities.
Don’t wait. Reach out to us now and we will help you make this journey more seamless and fruitful.
FAQs - UK Scholarship for International Students
1. How can an international student get a full scholarship in the UK?
To get a full scholarship, you must excel academically, demonstrate leadership, and meet specific eligibility criteria. Apply early to prestigious scholarships like Chevening, Commonwealth, or Gates Cambridge. Secure admission to a UK university, prepare strong personal statements, and gather compelling recommendation letters.
2. Is there a 100% scholarship in the UK?
Yes, several scholarships cover 100% of tuition and living expenses, such as Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, Clarendon Fund (Oxford), and Gates Cambridge Scholarships. These are highly competitive and usually cover tuition, stipend, airfare, and visa fees.
3. How to get a scholarship in the UK from Nepal?
Nepali students should research scholarships open to Nepal, like Chevening Nepal, GREAT Scholarships, and university-specific awards. Meet eligibility (academic excellence, English proficiency), apply for university admission, then apply for scholarships separately. Early preparation and strong leadership experience increase success chances.
4. How to get a 100% scholarship in the UK?
Focus on fully funded scholarships offered by the UK government or top universities. Maintain excellent academics, gain leadership experience, prepare a compelling personal statement, and apply widely. Fulfill all application requirements meticulously and meet deadlines.
5. Which scholarship is easy to get?
Partial scholarships or country-specific awards may be easier than fully funded ones. Scholarships like GREAT Scholarships or some university merit-based awards have slightly less competitive criteria but offer partial tuition support rather than full coverage.
6. What is the minimum score to get a scholarship?
Most scholarships require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 to 7.0 (or equivalent TOEFL/PTE), and a strong academic record (around GPA 3.0 to 3.5+). Some scholarships have higher standards, especially fully funded ones.
Also Read:
Study in UK from Nepal: Your Ultimate 2025 Guide