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Have you got the United Kingdom at the top of your academic wishlist? Do you imagine yourself poring over tomes of timeless literature at the John Ryland’s library? And, and…does the groundbreaking research that unfolds within the confines of Oxford’s research center speak to you? If you nodded along to any of the above but feel that financial constraints are holding you back from pursuing your dreams, then this guide is for you.
In this detailed guide, you will dig deeper into the various types of scholarships offered to international students at a postgraduate level. We’ll explore eligibility requirements, key deadlines for each scholarship, and finally, tips and tricks that will help you glide through the application process.
1. Commonwealth Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarship is a scholarship funded by the UK government. These scholarships fully fund the student’s PG studies in the UK.
Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be citizens of a Commonwealth country, demonstrate academic excellence, and possess leadership potential. Specific eligibility requirements vary by country and program.
Dates to Consider: Application deadlines typically fall between October and December each year, depending on the country and program.
2. Chevening Scholarships
Chevening Scholarship is another type of UK government scholarship that are aimed at mid-career professionals.
Eligibility Criteria: Candidates must be citizens of Chevening-eligible countries. They should be exceptional individuals with the right mindset for climbing up the leadership ladder in any capacity. A postgraduate-level- education or an equivalent work experience is also required in addition to a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
Dates to Consider: The application cycle usually opens in August and closes in early November. Applicants are encouraged to check the official website for specific deadlines.
3. Rhodes Scholarship
The Rhodes Scholarship allows outstanding students from around the world to pursue their postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford.
Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be citizens of eligible countries, have an extraordinary academic record, and demonstrate leadership, character, and commitment to service.
Dates to Consider: Deadlines vary by country. However, applications are generally due between August and October each year. It is recommended for candidates to consult their country-specific Rhodes Trust for exact dates.
4. British Council Scholarship for Women in STEM
This scholarship fully funds postgraduate studies for talented women from around the world, in an attempt to make STEM education more accessible for women.
Eligibility Criteria: Female applicants from eligible countries who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in STEM fields are eligible. Candidates must reflect potential in excelling academically, being a future leader, and promoting gender equality.
Dates to Consider: Application deadlines vary depending on the specific scholarship program. Prospective applicants should check the British Council website for updated information.
5. GREAT Scholarship
Jointly funded by the UK government and the British council, this scholarship awards a minimum of GBP 10,000 for a one-year Master’s program.
Eligibility Criteria: Eligibility requirements vary by individual scholarship program and participating university. Generally, applicants must be citizens of specific countries and demonstrate academic excellence and motivation for their subject. Also, as a scholar, they must be willing to get involved in their university, academically or otherwise.
Dates to Consider: Application deadlines vary by university and scholarship program. Applicants should consult the respective university’s website for deadline information.
6. World Bank Scholarship
Funded by the Government of Japan and administered by the World Bank, these scholarships contribute towards the tuition and maintenance of professionals who aspire to pursue PG studies in the UK.
Eligibility Criteria: The scholarship generally targets students from developing countries with study aspirations relevant to the World Bank’s mission. Academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to development are required to become a successful candidate.
Dates to Consider: Application deadlines vary by program. Prospective applicants should review the specific scholarship program’s website for deadline information.
7. Gates Scholarship
Sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this scholarship is for international students to study a Master’s program at the University of Cambridge.
Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must firstly be citizens of any country outside the United Kingdom. They must be admitted to a full-time postgraduate program at the University of Cambridge. Apart from being excellent students, having leadership potential and a commitment to improving the lives of others are also essential.
Dates to Consider: The application cycle typically opens in September and closes in December each year. Prospective applicants should consult the Gates Cambridge website for exact deadlines.
A step-by-step guide to the scholarship application process
The UK offers generous financial support for international students at the postgraduate level. Unlocking the financial aid can, however, be a daunting process. Let us try to tackle the UK Scholarship application process one step at a time.
Plan ahead of time: Research thoroughly on what each scholarship requires in terms of their values and mission. Keep track of important dates and deadlines. Schedule and take any English proficiency tests in advance. Start gathering the required documents. This is to avoid panicking due to lack of preparation when the deadlines are approaching.
Write a compelling personal statement: Often times, the only thing standing between you and the scholarship you want is your personal statement. To write a good personal statement, brainstorm all your relevant achievements and find a way to relate them to your prospective studies. Make sure that both your personality and passion for the study program shine through in your writing.
Get your references ready: Choosing the right referees is crucial. Make sure your referees not only have a positive, long-standing relationship with you but they are also familiar with your academic prowess and personal attributes. This is what will help them to furnish the letter with examples that are specific to you.
Talk about your passion projects: Try to pursue your field of study outside of the classroom. Participate in national or international competitions related to your field. Start a business that solves a problem in your field.
Give instances of demonstrated leadership: Leadership skills are the most sought-after criteria for postgraduate scholarships in the UK. Talk about your work experience or involvement in clubs and societies. Give examples of the times when you demonstrated leadership, enhanced team efficiency, and ensured team management as a leader.
Once you’ve crafted your application the way you know best, it is suggested to get a mentor or a previous scholar to proofread it. The more polished your application looks, the more chances you have of landing an international student scholarship for PG studies in the UK.
Here at SuccessFactors, we guide you every step of the way and offer you insights that help you take your application to the next level. Our track record speaks volumes, with numerous students securing postgraduate scholarships from prestigious UK universities. So join us and be the next success story!