The United Kingdom remains one of the most sought-after study destinations, boasting world-class universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London. However, the cost of studying in the UK can be prohibitive, making fully funded scholarships in United Kingdom in 2026 a game-changer for students worldwide.
This updated guide for the 2026 academic session provides a detailed list of UK universities offering full scholarships, eligibility criteria, benefits, and direct application links. Whether you’re pursuing an undergraduate, master’s, or PhD, this article will help you secure a fully funded scholarship in the UK in 2026.
Top UK Universities Offering Fully Funded Scholarships in 2026
Here’s an updated list of universities providing fully funded scholarships in United Kingdom in 2026, including new opportunities and revised deadlines.
1. University of Oxford – Clarendon Scholarships (2026 Intake)
🔹 Coverage: Full tuition + £17,000 annual living stipend
🔹 Eligibility: All nationalities, outstanding academic merit
🔹 Deadline: January 2026
🔹 Apply Here: Oxford Clarendon Scholarships
2. University of Cambridge – Gates Cambridge Scholarships
🔹 Coverage: Full tuition + £20,000 living allowance + travel grants
🔹 Eligibility: Non-UK students with leadership potential
🔹 Deadline: October 2025 (for international students)
🔹 Apply Here: Gates Cambridge Scholarships
3. Imperial College London – President’s PhD Scholarships
🔹 Coverage: Full tuition + £25,000 annual stipend + research funds
🔹 Eligibility: Exceptional PhD candidates in STEM fields
🔹 Deadline: November 2025
🔹 Apply Here: Imperial President’s Scholarships
4. London School of Economics (LSE) – Graduate Support Scheme
🔹 Coverage: Up to £18,000 towards tuition and living costs
🔹 Eligibility: Need-based, all nationalities
🔹 Deadline: April 2026
🔹 Apply Here: LSE Financial Support
5. University of Edinburgh – Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships
🔹 Coverage: Full tuition + £17,500 annual stipend
🔹 Eligibility: PhD applicants with research excellence
🔹 Deadline: February 2026
🔹 Apply Here: Edinburgh Scholarships
6. University of Manchester – Humanities International Excellence Scholarships
🔹 Coverage: £12,000 – £25,000 tuition discount + stipend
🔹 Eligibility: Non-UK humanities students
🔹 Deadline: May 2026
🔹 Apply Here: Manchester Scholarships
7. University of Bristol – Think Big Scholarships (2026 Update)
🔹 Coverage: £6,000 – £25,000 towards tuition fees
🔹 Eligibility: Undergraduate & postgraduate international students
🔹 Deadline: April 2026
🔹 Apply Here: Bristol Think Big Scholarships
8. University of Warwick – Chancellor’s International Scholarships
🔹 Coverage: Full tuition + £17,000 stipend
🔹 Eligibility: PhD applicants with academic excellence
🔹 Deadline: January 2026
🔹 Apply Here: Warwick Scholarships
9. King’s College London – Global PhD Scholarships
🔹 Coverage: Full tuition + £22,000 annual stipend
🔹 Eligibility: Outstanding research proposals
🔹 Deadline: March 2026
🔹 Apply Here: King’s College Scholarships
10. University of Sussex – Chancellor’s International Scholarships
🔹 Coverage: 50% – 100% tuition waiver + £16,000 stipend
🔹 Eligibility: Non-UK postgraduate students
🔹 Deadline: May 2026
🔹 Apply Here: Sussex Scholarships
Comparison Table: Fully Funded Scholarships in UK 2026
| University | Scholarship Name | Coverage | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Oxford | Clarendon Scholarships | Full tuition + £17,000 stipend | All nationalities | Jan 2026 |
| University of Cambridge | Gates Cambridge | Full tuition + £20,000 stipend | Non-UK students | Oct 2025 |
| Imperial College London | President’s PhD | Full tuition + £25,000 stipend | PhD candidates | Nov 2025 |
| LSE | Graduate Support Scheme | Up to £18,000 | Need-based | Apr 2026 |
| University of Edinburgh | Global Research | Full tuition + £17,500 | PhD researchers | Feb 2026 |
(Click on university names for direct application links)
How to Win a Fully Funded Scholarship in UK 2026?
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Research Early – Deadlines are often 6-12 months before enrollment.
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Excel Academically – Most scholarships require a first-class or 2:1 degree.
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Craft a Compelling SOP – Highlight achievements, leadership, and career goals.
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Secure Strong Recommendations – Academic/professional references boost credibility.
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Apply Broadly – Increase chances by targeting 5-10 scholarships.
Why Choose a Fully Funded Scholarship in the UK?
Before diving into the list, let’s explore why fully funded scholarships in United Kingdom in 2026 are highly competitive and valuable:
✅ Full Tuition Coverage – No out-of-pocket expenses for degree programs.
✅ Monthly Living Stipend – Financial support for accommodation and daily needs.
✅ Travel & Relocation Grants – Some scholarships include flight tickets and settling-in allowances.
✅ Health & Insurance Coverage – Comprehensive medical benefits.
✅ Global Networking Opportunities – Access to elite academic circles and career prospects.
With tuition fees rising, securing a fully funded scholarship in the UK in 2026 can save you over £50,000 while providing a world-class education.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the easiest fully funded scholarship to get in the UK for 2026?
The Chevening Scholarship and University of Sussex Chancellor’s Scholarship have relatively higher acceptance rates.
2. Do UK scholarships require IELTS in 2026?
Most universities require IELTS (7.0+) or TOEFL (100+) unless exempt.
3. Can I work while on a UK scholarship?
Yes, most student visas allow 20 hours/week of part-time work.
4. When should I start applying for 2026 scholarships?
Start 6-12 months in advance (e.g., October 2025 for 2026 intake).
5. Are there scholarships for undergraduate students?
Yes! Check University of Bristol Think Big and Manchester Humanities Scholarships.
Securing a fully funded scholarship in United Kingdom in 2026 requires preparation, but the rewards are immense. From Oxford’s Clarendon to Cambridge’s Gates Scholarships, opportunities abound for deserving candidates.
Pro Tip: Bookmark this page and check university websites regularly for updates!
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