Scholarship to Study in the UK for Master’s Students
The UK is one of the best destinations abroad to get a Master’s degree. Whether it be film school or in STEM, a Master’s degree in the UK can be transformative for your career and future. According to Times Higher Education, there are 164 world-ranking UK universities to consider for your Master’s program. And if costs are a concern, Gradstar is here to help you discover the right scholarship to study in the UK as a Master’s student!
Study costs in the UK may appear to be on the more expensive side. However, UK universities also offer generous scholarships, with some excellent options specifically for Master’s students. You can apply for multiple scholarship programs at some of the world’s top universities here. Let’s have a look at the options open to you.
Why Choose a Master’s Degree in the UK?
A master’s degree is great for many reasons. Many fresh graduates opt for master’s degrees before joining the industry. Others get in a few years of work experience before opting for a Master’s, to develop transferrable skills or fast-track career growth.
The UK is an ideal place to start a Master’s program. A degree from a UK university has recognition around the world. These programs are continuously evolving to keep pace with industry developments and demands. The UK also facilitates your post-study options and career-building prospects. And to incentivize you further, you can look into one of the many options in scholarship to study in the UK for Master’s students!
Here are a couple of reasons to consider a Master’s degree in the UK:
Higher Salaries and Better Career Prospects
Postgraduate students in the UK earn £6,000 more on average than fresh graduates. A Master’s degree in general is good for your career. Students who complete master’s programs in their field of study have an advantage over other graduates.
A master’s degree also opens you up for candidacy in better jobs, making you more competitive in the job market. Completing a master’s degree means you have deeper competencies, expert knowledge, and keener experience in your specialization. In the UK, 78% of master’s degree holders are in professional or higher-skilled employment.
Career Change Options
A Master’s degree allows you to change your field of specialization if you are looking to make a career change. If you’re hoping for a career in something outside your major or current professional field, this may be the way to go. Enrolling in a master’s program in a different field opens a whole new career pathway for you to explore. Many universities in the UK offer master’s degrees without a compulsory undergraduate degree in that field.
Another option is to participate in a specialized master’s program relevant to your chosen field. You can reskill and increase your expertise in a specific part of your field of study. As a result, you have an easier time carrying out a career change and developing transferrable skills.
Cheaper Than an Undergraduate Degree
Master’s programs are shorter than bachelor’s programs – around 1-2 years in comparison to the three years of most UK degrees. This is typically half the duration of most undergraduate programs, meaning a lower overall tuition. If cost was a concern holding you back from studying abroad for a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree is still a great and accessible option for you. Plus, you can always find a scholarship to study in the UK for Master’s students!
| Study Level | Course Fees in the UK |
| Undergraduate | £11,400 - £38,000 per year |
| Postgraduate | £9,000 - £30,000 per year |
Remember that tuition fees in the UK can depend on a variety of factors. Generally, tuition fees will vary depending on the following factors:
| Factors | More expensive if it’s | More affordable if it’s |
| Size | A large university | A relatively smaller university |
| Reputation | A prestigious university with high visibility and recognition internationally | A smaller, usually younger university with less international visibility and recognition |
| Public/private | A privately-owned university | A public, state-funded university |
| Location | In a big city (generally cities with a higher cost of living) | In smaller cities or suburban areas farther out from the city center (generally cities or locations in cities with a lower cost of living) |
| Program | A highly technical or resource-intensive program | A less technical and resource-intensive program |
To give you an idea of the tuition fee ranges at some of the UK’s best universities for Master’s, have a look below:
Tuition Fee Ranges at Top UK Universities
University of Portsmouth: £17,200 – £19,200
University of Lincoln: £15,900 – £19,300
University of Westminster: £15,000 – £19,000
Coventry University: £16,800 – £20,050
Aside from the tuition fees, you also need to think about the cost of living and other expenses. Fortunately, as a Student visa holder in the UK, you have the option to work part-time. You can work 20 hours a week during semesters, and full-time during your breaks. If your Master’s includes an internship or work placement, great news! As long as this does not exceed 50% of your curriculum, you can opt for paid internship opportunities, without affecting your part-time work hour limits. And of course, you also have the option to look into a scholarship to study in the UK!
Post-Study Opportunity
Master’s students in the UK can access post-study pathways to continue living and working in the country after graduation! Once you finish your studies, you can apply for the UK’s Graduate route. This lets you stay for an additional 2 years as you explore your career options. After completing these 2 years, you have the option to transition into a skilled worker visa. This lets you continue growing your career in the UK after your postgraduate degree.
Scholarships for Master’s Students in the UK
In the UK, you will find many scholarship options to choose from for Master’s programs. Some of the best universities offer scholarship programs to make master’s education more affordable for international students. Have a look at the types of scholarship options you can explore below:
General Scholarships
Many top universities offer general scholarships for postgraduate students. Students applying to any master’s program are eligible for such scholarships. Below, we’re shortlisting some options for you to consider, and to give you an idea of the variety of scholarship options available:
University of Portsmouth
Chancellor's Global Academic Merit Scholarship
Value: £5,000 fee reduction
Eligibility: Self-funding international students
Vice Chancellor's Global Development Scholarship
Value: £2,500 fee reduction
Eligibility: Students from specific countries
University of Exeter
Global Excellence Scholarships
Value: £7,500
Eligibility: International postgraduate students
Coventry University
Postgraduate Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship
Value: £3,000
Eligibility: International students
Direct Applicant Country Scholarship
Value: £2,000
Eligibility: International students
Sports Scholarship
Value: £3,000
Eligibility: Exceptional ability in selected sports
University of Lincoln
The Global Leaders Scholarship 2024/25
Value: 50% waiver
Eligibility: International students with strong profiles
South Asia Scholarship
Value: £3,000
Eligibility: Students from selected countries
Global Postgraduate Scholarship
Value: £1,000
Eligibility: Students with a Bachelor’s degree meeting grade requirements
University of Westminster
International Postgraduate Part Fee Scholarship
Value: £3,000
Eligibility: Students with UK equivalent Honors Degree
Subject Specific Scholarships
Unlike undergraduate degrees, master’s programs in the UK tend to offer more subject-specific scholarships. Faculties or departments within a university often offer specialized scholarships for postgraduate applicants to their program. Below are a few examples of your options:
University of Bradford
Scholarship: Scholarship for Engineering Management MSc
Value: £7,500
Eligibility: Students from selected countries
University of Sheffield
Scholarship: International LLM scholarship
Value: £4320
Eligibility: International students with strong profiles
University of Southampton
Scholarship: Southampton Medicine Postgraduate International Scholarship
Value: £3,000
Eligibility: Specific qualifications in undergraduate studies
University of Birmingham
Scholarship: AI and Data Science Masters Scholarships
Value: £10,000
Eligibility: Students from under-represented groups, priority to women
External Scholarships
Alongside universities, the UK government and other institutions offer scholarships to international students as well. External scholarships are available to outstanding students and are generally of high value. And with several of the major award opportunities open to postgraduate students, you may well find yourself a scholarship to study in the UK for your Master’s among them!
Chevening Scholarships
Value: Full-waiver
Eligibility: Students from Chevening-eligible countries
GREAT Scholarships
Value: £10,000
Eligibility: Students from one of 15 selected countries
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
Value: Full-waiver
Eligibility: Students from commonwealth countries
Rounding Up
Although at a glance the cost of studying abroad can seem daunting, a scholarship to study in the UK for your master’s program can make it more accessible. General and subject-specific scholarships are available in some of the top universities in the UK. External scholarships from the UK government and government institutions are also on the table for your consideration. Be sure to check out all of your scholarship options to grab onto the transformative opportunity of completing a Master’s degree in the UK!
