Top UK scholarships for international students 2026–27: Highlights from A–G universities
Here at Scholarship Scanner, we’re deep into our 2026 data collection for UK university scholarships for international students. With more than 250 Higher Education providers - each offering their own unique funding schemes - this is a major undertaking. Our full Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) scholarship tables for the September 2026 intake will be published at the beginning of February.
A notable development this year is that several universities have already confirmed their January and September 2027 scholarship schemes. This is a welcome shift, recognising that international students often begin planning 12–18 months in advance. We’ll publish these 2027 opportunities in new tables alongside the 2026 data.
As we continue working through the data, we’re sharing early highlights from universities beginning A–G - including some of the most valuable, most generous, and fully funded scholarships available.
Undergraduate scholarships (UG): Top awards from A–G Universities
Below are the standout undergraduate scholarships based on maximum value, competitiveness, and global eligibility.
1. City, University of London – President’s International Scholarship
Value: 50% of tuition fees (Year 1)
Type: Application
Why it stands out:
This is one of the highest‑value partial scholarships available at UG level among A–G universities. A 50% tuition reduction at a London institution is a major saving, especially for international students.
2. Durham University – Undergraduate Inspiring Excellence Scholarships
Value: Two levels available - £10,000 per year (up to £30,000 total) £5,000 per year (up to £15,000 total)
Type: Application
Why it stands out:
Durham consistently offers some of the largest multi‑year awards in the UK. These scholarships reward academic excellence and are open to students across all subject areas.
3. Abertay University – Principal’s Excellence Scholarship (Global)
Value: £7,000 per year (up to £28,000 total)
Type: Automatic
Why it stands out:
Abertay’s automatic scholarships are among the most generous for international UG students, especially for those seeking a high‑value award without a separate application.
4. Bangor University – Vice-Chancellor Scholarships
Value: £10,000
Type: Application
Why it stands out:
A strong single‑year award for high‑achieving students, with clear academic criteria.
5. Cardiff University – Undergraduate International Excellence Scholarship
Value: £10,000
Type: Application
Why it stands out:
A competitive award available across most subject areas (excluding Medicine, Dentistry, and Healthcare), offering substantial fee reduction.
6. Falmouth University – Vice-Chancellor Scholarships
Value: £5,000
Type: Application
Why it stands out:
A creative‑sector university offering strong support for international talent.
Postgraduate Scholarships (PG): Top Awards from A–G Universities
The PG landscape includes some of the highest‑value scholarships in the UK, including fully funded opportunities - one of the most searched‑for terms by international students.
1. City, University of London – City Law School Dean’s Scholarship for Academic Excellence
Value: 100% of tuition fees (Fully Funded)
Type: Application
Why it stands out:
This is the only fully funded scholarship so far in the A–G group. Covering 100% of tuition fees, it is one of the most prestigious awards available for international students pursuing Law at postgraduate level.
2. Cranfield University – Cranfield International Scholarships
Value: Up to £15,000
Type: Application
Why it stands out:
Cranfield offers some of the largest PG awards in the UK, particularly for business, engineering, and technology programmes. The £15,000 award is one of the highest-value partial scholarships available.
3. Bangor University – Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship
Value: £10,000
Type: Application
Why it stands out:
A major award for high‑achieving PG applicants, especially those with a first‑class degree.
4. Durham University – Postgraduate Inspiring Excellence Scholarships
Value: Two levels available - £10,000 and £5,000
Type: Application
Why it stands out:
Durham continues its strong support at PG level with high‑value awards across all subject areas.
5. Falmouth University – EU Postgraduate Scholarship
Value: Reduced to Home Fees (Equivalent to a major discount)
Type: Automatic
Why it stands out:
For EU students, this effectively functions as a partial fee waiver worth thousands of pounds, depending on the programme.
6. Arts University Bournemouth – Postgraduate Scholarships for EU Nationals
Value: £9,975
Type: Application
Why it stands out: A substantial award for creative‑sector students from the EU.
Final thoughts
This early snapshot from universities A–G shows a strong year for high‑value scholarships, with several awards exceeding £10,000, and one fully funded option already confirmed. As more universities release their 2026 and 2027 schemes, we expect even more competitive opportunities to emerge.
Our full UG and PG scholarship tables will be published in early February, along with newly confirmed 2027 scholarships.
Stay tuned—there’s much more to come.