UK Postgraduate Scholarships for International Students: Top 10 Highest-Value Awards Still Open for January 2026
If you missed the November international scholarship deadlines for your UK Masters, don't panic - but do act fast.
While many UK university scholarships for January have already closed, new data from the Scholarship Scanner database confirms that over 50 significant funding opportunities are still open for applications with deadlines from 1st December 2025 onwards.
This is effectively the final call for the January 2026 intake. Securing one of these remaining awards could not only reduce your tuition fees by up to £10,000 - £17,000 but also ensure you start your studies in time to maximise your post-study work rights.
Top 10 Highest-Value UK Postgraduate Scholarships Still Open
These awards represent the best financial opportunities remaining for the January 2026 intake. They are competitive, so applicants must typically hold an offer of study and submit a strong personal statement or scholarship essay.
| University | Scholarship | Maximum Value | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Strathclyde | Strathclyde Business School Full-time MBA Scholarships | £17,000 | 12 Jan 2026 |
| University of Strathclyde | Strathclyde Business School Masters Scholarship | £12,000 | 12 Jan 2026 |
| University of Glasgow | Global Leadership Scholarship | £10,000 | 07 Dec 2025 |
| Bangor University | Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship | £10,000 | 08 Dec 2025 |
| Cardiff University | Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship | £10,000 | 10 Dec 2025 |
| University of Strathclyde | Strathclyde Business School - Glasgow 850 Scholarships | £8,000 | 12 Jan 2026 |
| University of Surrey | Vice Chancellor’s Future Leaders Award | £7,500 | 09 Jan 2026 |
| University of Strathclyde | MBA Dean's Excellence Awards | 50% discount | 12 Jan 2026 |
| University of Strathclyde | Faculty of Science International Excellence Award | £7,000 | 12 Dec 2025 |
| University of Strathclyde | Humanities & Social Sciences: Glasgow 850 International Masters Scholarships | £7,000 | 02 Jan 2026 |
Start your application now: Use the Scholarship Scanner database to filter all 51 open awards by your subject and country to secure your funding for January 2026.
UK University scholarships with deadlines in December and January 2026
The December deadlines are the most urgent, featuring several £10,000 awards. If you miss the January dates, you will miss out on funding for the UK’s January 2026 intake.
December Deadlines: UK universities with international scholarship deadlines in December include Kent, Sussex, West London, Bangor, Greenwich, City, East Anglia, Strathclyde, Dundee and Wolverhampton, as well as highly prestigious universities such as Exeter, Glasgow and Cardiff.
Latest Possible Deadline: The final scholarship deadlines for the January 2026 intake close on 31 January 2026.
Crucial Visa Warning: 2 Year UK Graduate Route Deadline
For international students, the January 2026 intake is particularly sensitive due to changes announced for the Graduate Route visa (the post-study work route).
The UK Home Office has confirmed that the visa's duration will be reduced from two years to 18 months for any student applying on or after 1 January 2027.
Your Last Chance for the UK Two Year Graduate Route visa: Students starting a typical 12-month Masters course in January 2026 may be able to complete their studies and apply for the Graduate Route before the 1 January 2027 deadline, thereby securing the full two-year visa.
Important: However, not all "one-year" courses finish precisely at the end of December. Some courses, especially those that include dissertations or placements, run until the following January or even later. It is essential that you get confirmation from your university of the exact date your course is expected to finish and when you are eligible to apply for the Graduate Route visa. Do not assume your course ends in 2026; only university confirmation will ensure that you meet the deadline for the two-year option.