Top London Scholarships to Make Your Study Abroad Dream Come True 

London has this pull, history, university & everything. But let’s be honest, studying in London is not cheap. Between tuition, train runs, food, & finding decent student accommodation in London, the costs can feel a bit overwhelming. That’s exactly why scholarships here matter.  

A good scholarship doesn’t just cut your tuition. It gives you room to breathe & actually enjoy the London experience instead of stressing over every bill. If you’re planning a UK degree & dreaming of studying in London, here’s a simple, student-friendly breakdown of the best London scholarships, the documents you’ll need, how to apply, & when to start.

What Are the Best Scholarships to Study in London for International Students? 

In London, you will find government-backed awards, high vale universities & independent programs that genuinely help you in reducing financial stress. These are the ones that international students talk the most about: 

Chevening Scholarships 

One of the most prestigious London scholarships in the world. It is honestly the most competitive as well. Chevening is fully funded in the UK, giving a monthly living allowance of around 1,200/- month in London.  

• It also includes flight tickets & visa costs. Its eligibility includes you should be from Chevening-eligible country. Plus, you should have a bachelor’s degree equivalent to a UK 2:1, & at least two years of work experience.

• Leadership experience is a huge plus. Every year, over 60,000 people apply for it, but it is only awarded to 1,800 students.

• If you are planning to manage your student accommodation in the UK, this scholarship practically removes the biggest financial burden.

Commonwealth Scholarships 

This one is a popular pick for students that are pursuing master’s & PhD students from commonwealth countries. It covers full tuition fees & travel expenses, giving thesis grants for research students. Plus, you will receive a monthly living allowance.  

• In order to get this one, you must belong to a commonwealth nation. Every year the Commonwealth Scholarships funds over 800 Commonwealth Scholars, many of whom study in top London universities.

• The living allowance makes a massive difference when dealing with travel fares, textbooks, & student accommodation London rents.

GREAT Scholarships 

It is a government+ university partnership that is designed to encourage talented students to study in the UK. Each award that you receive in this scholarship gives £10,000 toward tuition fees. 

• You must display strong academic performance. And about 200+ GREAT Scholarships are awarded annually across the UK.

• Students that are aiming for one-year master’s courses often use this to balance tuition with rising student accommodation costs in Central London.

University-Specific Scholarships (UCL, King’s, LSE, Imperial) 

Most top universities in London offer generous merit based & need-based scholarships. Here is a brief about some of the university-based scholarships in London: 

• UCL Global Scholarships: up to 100% tuition support

• King’s International Hardship Fund: financial support for students in need

• LSE Master’s Awards: £5,000–£15,000 depending on need

• Imperial Excellence Scholarships: partial or full tuition remission

In this you will require a strong academic record, conditional/unconditional offer, & sometimes you must also show a statement of financial need.

London School of Economics (LSE) Graduate Support Scheme 

It is designed for students who need financial support beyond tuition fees. The award that you will get in this ranges from £5,000- £15,000. Though the amount varies according to the applicant’s financial situation. Its eligibility includes financial need, submitting a detailed financial statement, & have strong academic result. 

Imperial College President’s Scholarship 

This one is strictly for top academic performers that are going to PG research. This includes: 

• Full tuition fee coverage

• A living stipend of around £22,000/- year

• Research cost allowance: £2,000/- year

You will require exceptional academic record, strong research potential & acceptance letter of any PhD course. For this scholarship, only 50–70 students are selected each year, making it highly competitive. 

UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship 

It is perfect for first year bachelor’s students who need financial support. It offers: 

• Full tuition coverage (for top achievers)

• Or partial coverage: £5,000–£15,000

UCL awards up to 30 full scholarships & over 100 partial scholarships yearly. Many students use this as their main funding source while choosing affordable student accommodation in London. 

What Documents Do I Need to Apply for Scholarships in London? 

Scholarship applications in London look very intensely at first glance. But the documents here are pretty standard. Most of the providers here just want a proof that you are serious about your studies & are capable of handling a UK university workload. In order to apply for the scholarships, you will need: 

• Academic transcripts

• Passport or government ID

• English test scores (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE)

• University offer letter

• CV or short profile

• Personal statement or scholarship essay

• Letters of recommendation

There are some students who create one simple folder & reuse documents across multiple London Scholarships. This helps you in saving a lot of time. It is very helpful if you are juggling applications visa prep, & hunting for Student Accommodation in UK at the same time.

How Do I Apply for London Scholarships for the First Time? 

If it’s your first time applying, don’t stress. The process is far simpler than most students expect: 

1. Shortlist scholarships: This will be based on your university, course, & eligibility.

2. Check deadlines early: There are many London scholarships that close months before the intake. So be mindful.

3. Prepare your documents: It is especially your statement of purpose & recommendation letters.

4. Apply online: You can do that through the university or funding portal.

5. Track your application: Decisions can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

Most students apply for at least 2–4 scholarships. You don’t need to wait till your Student Accommodation London is sorted; you can apply way before that. 

When Should I Apply for Scholarships to Study in London? 

Most of the London scholarships close before students even get their final offer letter. Following is the rough idea as to why students should apply for scholarships in London: 

1. For September Intake one should apply anywhere between November-March

2. And for January intake, you can apply between June-September.

3. Government-funded awards (like Chevening) open even earlier

London is competitive. The earlier you apply, the better your chances. Plus, you will have more time to plan your budget, flights, & student accommodation.

Conclusion 

London is one of the world’s biggest student cities. And yes, it can be pricey. But the right scholarship can completely change your experience. You study without drowning in bills, explore the city more freely, & choose student accommodation in London that feels safe & comfortable.  

So, if you plan early apply confidently & stay organized without documents, these London scholarships can turn your study-abroad dream into something real. And when you’re ready to sort out your stay, explore verified Student Accommodation in London on University Living and start your journey the right way.

Frequently Asked Questions