Studying in the UK is a dream for many international students—but the costs of tuition, accommodation, and visa processing can be overwhelming. Thankfully, several UK universities and government-funded programs now offer fully funded scholarships worth up to $35,000 or more. These scholarships not only cover your tuition but also living expenses and visa-related fees, making them some of the most sought-after opportunities for foreign applicants in 2025.
In this guide, you’ll discover the best scholarships offering up to $35,000 in total coverage, who can apply, and how to secure your chance at a life-changing UK education.
Why Choose the UK for Higher Education?
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Home to top-ranked universities like Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, and more.
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Diverse international student body and global networking opportunities.
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2-3 year postgraduate work visa available after studies.
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Culturally rich and historically significant cities.
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World-class research, faculty, and career opportunities.
What Does a $35,000 UK Scholarship Typically Cover?
Most scholarships of this value provide:
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Full Tuition Fees: Worth up to £18,000 to £25,000 per year.
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Monthly Stipends: £1,000–£1,500/month for living expenses.
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Visa Fees & Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): Often included or reimbursed.
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Travel Allowance: Sometimes a one-time roundtrip flight reimbursement.
Top $35,000 Scholarships in the UK with Visa Sponsorship
Here are the top scholarships offering up to or around $35,000 in total value and including visa assistance:
1. Chevening Scholarships – UK Government Funded
Value: Approx. $35,000+
Covers: Tuition, monthly stipend, visa, airfare, and IHS
Eligibility: Undergraduate degree, 2 years’ work experience, from Chevening-eligible country
Deadline: Annually in November
Website: www.chevening.org
This flagship UK government program supports future global leaders from over 160 countries to pursue a fully funded master’s degree at any UK university.
2. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
Value: Around $32,000–$35,000
Covers: Tuition, living allowance, visa fees, and return airfare
Eligibility: Must be a citizen of a Commonwealth developing country
Deadline: Typically January–March
Website: cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk
Designed for students from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries to study one-year taught master’s programs in the UK.
3. University of Oxford Reach Oxford Scholarships
Value: Up to $35,000 per year
Covers: Tuition, living expenses, return airfare, visa fees
Eligibility: Outstanding academic record, financial need, from low-income countries
Level: Undergraduate
Deadline: February annually
Website: www.ox.ac.uk
4. Gates Cambridge Scholarships (For UK Master’s or PhD)
Value: Full scholarship + up to $35,000 in additional costs
Covers: Tuition, stipend, visa, IHS, travel
Eligibility: Non-UK citizen, outstanding academic merit
Website: www.gatescambridge.org
Although it is a Cambridge-only program, it is among the most generous and prestigious scholarships globally.
5. University of Edinburgh Global Scholarships
Value: Up to £28,000 (~$35,000)
Covers: Tuition and partial living expenses
Eligibility: International postgraduate applicants
Visa Support: Yes
Website: www.ed.ac.uk
6. Clarendon Fund Scholarships (University of Oxford)
Value: Full tuition + £17,668 stipend (~$35,000 total)
Level: Master’s or DPhil (PhD)
Eligibility: Exceptional academic performance
Visa & Health Surcharge: Covered
Website: www.ox.ac.uk/clarendon
Eligibility Requirements
While each scholarship has its own criteria, general requirements include:
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A valid passport
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Excellent academic background
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Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
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Admission offer or application in progress at a UK university
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Relevant work experience (Chevening, Commonwealth)
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Commitment to return to your home country (in some cases)
How to Apply for UK Scholarships That Cover Visa Costs
Step 1: Search and Shortlist Scholarships
Start with Chevening, Commonwealth, and university websites. Look for scholarships that explicitly mention visa sponsorship or reimbursement.
Step 2: Prepare Key Documents
Common documents required include:
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Academic transcripts and certificates
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CV or resume
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Personal statement or essay
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Letters of recommendation
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Admission letter (if already offered)
Step 3: Apply Early
Many UK scholarships close applications 6–12 months before the academic session starts. Always check the deadlines.
Step 4: Secure Admission
For most scholarships, you must first apply for admission to a UK university, then submit a separate scholarship application.
Step 5: Submit Visa Application
If awarded, the scholarship team or university often guides and sponsors your Tier 4 (Student) visa application.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning
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Write a compelling personal statement tailored to the scholarship’s goals
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Get strong reference letters from academic or professional mentors
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Demonstrate leadership and community involvement
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Apply to multiple scholarships to improve chances
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Ensure you meet minimum English language requirements
Visa Sponsorship Explained
UK student visa costs can exceed $600, including the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Many $35,000-level scholarships cover:
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The visa application fee (~£490)
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The IHS surcharge (~£624 per year)
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Help with visa paperwork and documentation
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Letters or codes that act as visa support to show UKVI
Success Story: How Amaka Got a $35,000 Scholarship to Study in the UK
Amaka, a Nigerian law graduate, applied to the Chevening Scholarship with a passion for international development. Her strong essays, high academic grades, and community work helped her win a full scholarship to the University of Leeds. She now earns a postgraduate law degree, with tuition, housing, flights, and visa fees fully paid.
Conclusion
Getting a $35,000 scholarship to study in the UK is not only possible—it’s happening every year for thousands of international students. These scholarships remove the financial barriers to world-class education and help deserving individuals achieve their academic and career dreams. If you have the qualifications and motivation, your UK study journey can begin fully funded—covering tuition, living costs, and visa expenses.