UK Higher Education Institutions have some of the most internationally diverse student bodies in the world. They value the contribution that international students make to their student communities, and welcome students from the EU and the rest of the world.
Scholarships, grants, bursaries, financial awards, loans… there are many financial support options for international students who wish to study on a UK course. You can search for the right scholarship for you on the Study UK course and scholarships finder.
We also recommend you contact your university of choice for detailed information on the scholarships they provide.
How much does it cost to study in the UK?
Studying in the UK is good value for money and the average costs there are lower than in both the USA and Australia. UK graduates are among the most employable in the world. In fact, seven in ten international students say that they are progressing further, being promoted quicker, and earning more because of their UK education.
Still, investing a considerable sum in your education does require careful consideration. Study UK offer some useful guidance on the type of budget you are going to need to study in the UK.
Undergraduate Funding
While undergraduate scholarships and bursaries for EU and international students studying in the UK are less common than they are for postgraduate studies, they do exist. You just need to know where to look for them.
Funding for EU and international undergraduate students in the UK can generally be split into two categories: those offered by UK universities themselves and those offered by third parties - usually governments or organisations in your home country.
You can visit the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website to find out more about the funding available if you are studying in the UK as an undergraduate student, including whether or not you are eligible to apply for a scholarship. Just scroll down to the relevant section of the webpage.
You can also visit the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service in the UK (UCAS)’s page about scholarships, grants, and bursaries: EU and international students for more detailed information on what to look out for and where.
Wales has launched Taith, its new international learning exchange programme, which is open for undergraduate and postgraduate students coming to study in Wales as well as supporting staff mobility. Find out more about Taith if you're interested in studying in Wales at undergraduate or postgraduate level.
Postgraduate funding
There are many sources of funding for postgraduate students, and these are listed on Postgraduate Studentships.
The UK’s Research Councils provide financial support for studies and research initiatives.
The Prospects postgraduate funding search allows you to search by subject area and level of study.
Taith, Wales' new international learning exchange programme, supports postgraduate students as well as undergraduates and staff mobility if their university has a partnership with one in Wales. Learn more on the Taith website if you are interested in studying in Wales at postgraduate or undergraduate level.
Alternative funding opportunities
Euraxess Funding Database A portal for researchers offering information and advice on how to finance study trips to and job opportunities in the UK for research staff and international researchers.
Financial help for teacher training Website of the Department for Education’s Teaching Agency offering information on financial support for teacher training.
Funding under the Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG) – Auslands-BAföG Students who are enrolled at a German higher education institution and meet the requirements can receive BAföG to study abroad as part of the course for up to one year. From 01.08.2022, courses of study that can be completed regularly within one year (e.g. one-year masters or so-called top-up bachelors) are eligible for funding. Financial support according to the Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG) is possible for German nationals, nationals of other EU member states under certain conditions (e.g. after five years of living in Germany), persons with registered refugee status in Germany etc.
Higher BAföG funding rates apply for a stay abroad, so that students who do not receive BAföG in Germany because their parents’ income is too high may also be eligible. Detailed information can be found on the BAfög website. In Germany, the Ausbildungsamt der Region Hannover is the authority responsible for dealing with requests in relation to the United Kingdom.
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offer financial support for studying, research and teaching abroad find out more on their website. It also has a scholarship database.
IEFA International Education Financial Aid and College Scholarship Search. For US and international students. Offers scholarship searches according to subjects and/or country of origin.
Email us with specific questions or queries
We are here for you if you have a question or query about UK study. Please email us at studyuk.germany@britishcouncil.org