Get ahead now: How to secure a UK fully funded scholarship in 2026

Written By Paul Hebron
Image of an international student planning how to secure a fully funded UK scholarship.

As the September 2025 academic year approaches, many international students are finalising offers and securing their scholarships. But if you’re planning to start your studies in the UK in September 2026, now is the ideal time to start preparing. Fully funded scholarships are highly competitive, particularly for undergraduate and postgraduate international students, so a strong, well-timed application is key.

In this article, we’ll guide you through how to prepare effectively, what UK universities typically offer, and how to make your application stand out using our SHAPE model. Whether you're searching for fully funded scholarships for undergraduate international students in the UK or looking into graduate-level scholarships that support postgraduate international students, this is the roadmap you need.

How many UK universities offer fully funded scholarships?

Based on our research from December 2024, fewer than ten UK universities offered fully funded scholarships for international students starting in September 2025. These awards were a mix of undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships, aimed at top-performing students with exceptional academic potential, leadership experience, and clear goals.

Fully funded scholarships typically cover 100% of tuition fees, and in some cases, offer a living allowance and travel expenses too. Due to their high value, these awards are limited - but well worth pursuing.

What should I be doing now?

Although most 2026 UK scholarships haven’t been announced yet, now is your window to prepare. UK universities tend to promote scholarships one cycle at a time, so new funding for September 2026 entry will begin appearing from autumn 2025 - usually around September or October.

In the meantime:

  • Review previous offers: Explore what scholarships were available for 2025 entry. Many universities offer similar schemes each year.

  • Check deadlines: Note how early applications were required—some deadlines for 2025 entry fell as early as November 2024.

  • Build your application profile: Focus on improving your academic performance, gaining leadership or volunteer experience, and writing your personal story.

We’ll be updating our Scholarship Scanner database as soon as 2026 opportunities go live. Until then, use the 2025 listings to anticipate what’s coming and work on the elements that will strengthen your application.

Use the SHAPE model to win fully funded scholarships in the UK

To stand out in a competitive application process, you need more than good grades. You need a clear, compelling story - and a strategy. That’s why we recommend using the SHAPE model, a five-step framework to help you develop a winning scholarship application:

S – Story

Tell your personal story. What makes you unique? What experiences have shaped your academic and personal journey? Whether it's overcoming adversity, championing a cause, or pursuing a lifelong dream, your story should reflect authenticity and purpose.

H – High Achievement

Fully funded UK scholarships are usually reserved for students with exceptional academic records - often the top 10% of their class. If you’re still studying, focus on achieving top predicted grades. Make sure you show how your performance reflects your potential and resilience.

A – Ambition

Clearly explain your long-term goals and how studying in the UK will help you achieve them. Funders want to invest in future changemakers - whether you plan to become an innovator, a community leader, or a global expert in your field.

P – Participation

Go beyond academics. Show evidence of extracurricular involvement - volunteering, internships, leadership roles, or community engagement. These experiences demonstrate initiative and real-world impact.

E – Excellence

Throughout your application, show that you strive for excellence in everything you do. Highlight achievements, awards, or moments of growth that reflect your commitment to quality and improvement.

Tip: Review the SHAPE model now to identify any gaps in your application profile - and take action before 2026 deadlines begin.

When should I apply for a fully funded scholarship?

Application deadlines vary by university and programme. Here’s what to expect:

  • Undergraduate fully funded scholarships often align with the UCAS deadline- which is 14 January 2026 for most applicants.

  • Postgraduate scholarships tend to have earlier deadlines, with many opening from September 2025 and closing by December or January.

Some high-profile scholarships may have multi-stage processes, requiring an initial application followed by interviews or written tasks - so starting early is crucial.

What if I don’t get a full scholarship?

Don’t give up! Fully funded scholarships are limited and highly competitive, but many universities offer generous partial scholarships that significantly reduce tuition costs.

Examples include:

  • Undergraduate scholarships that offer annual tuition fee discounts based on merit or nationality.

  • Postgraduate scholarships that cover 50–75% of fees or provide living cost support.

We’ll be publishing a full list of 2026 scholarships for international students in the UK later this year—including both fully and partially funded opportunities. There are more options than you might think, so stay open-minded and apply widely.

Final thoughts

Securing a fully funded scholarship in the UK for 2026 requires early preparation, strategic planning, and a strong application that tells your story. Use the months ahead to review your achievements, build your SHAPE profile, and track deadlines. Whether you’re applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate programme, your future could be fully funded—with the right approach.

Stay tuned to Scholarship Scanner for regular updates, new scholarship alerts, and expert advice to help you reach your goals.

We understand the challenges that international students face when applying to UK universities. Scholarship Scanner provides expert advice on applying to UK universities, and our scholarship blog shares latest updates on UK university funding opportunities. Our website can also help you to start your UK scholarship search and find the best financial support for your studies.