Step-by-Step Guide: How to Find Scholarships to Study in England 2026 (for International Students)
Planning to study in England in 2026 as an international student can feel exciting but also financially challenging. Scholarships can significantly reduce costs, yet many students miss out because they do not know where to start or how to organise their search. This guide breaks the process into clear steps so you can approach scholarship hunting with structure and confidence.
Studying in England in 2026 is a goal for many international students, but tuition fees, living expenses, and travel can quickly add up. Scholarships and other funding opportunities can ease this pressure if you know how to search, shortlist, and apply strategically. A step-by-step approach helps you stay organised and increases your chances of success.
Step 1: Identify your desired program and level of study
Before you look at any scholarship list, clarify exactly what and at which level you want to study. Decide whether you are aiming for an undergraduate bachelor degree or a postgraduate master program, and define your main field of interest, such as engineering, business, education, or health sciences.
Many scholarships are limited to specific levels of study or subject areas. Some awards target research-based master programs, while others focus on professional degrees or particular disciplines. Organisations such as the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) emphasise that understanding your academic path makes it easier to filter out irrelevant options and focus on funding that truly matches your goals. Having a clear study plan also helps you write stronger, more focused scholarship essays.
Step 2: Research scholarships in England for international students
Once you know your intended course and level, start exploring scholarships designed for international students in England. The most reliable sources are official university websites. Almost every English university has a dedicated funding or scholarships page listing awards for international applicants, often grouped by region, subject, or level of study.
In addition to university pages, use trusted platforms that specialise in scholarship listings. ScholarshipPortal, for example, is a widely known website that allows you to search scholarships by country, subject, degree level, and nationality. You can filter results to show only awards available for study in England in 2026, then refine further by field or type of funding. Such platforms save time because they compile opportunities from many providers into one searchable database.
Government and embassy websites can also highlight national or bilateral schemes that support students from specific countries. Whenever you find a scholarship on an external platform, always click through to the official provider page and verify the details, deadlines, and eligibility rules there.
Step 3: Explore England university scholarship programs
England has a mix of university-based and national scholarship schemes. Some are funded directly by institutions, while others are delivered in partnership with the UK government or international organisations.
A well known example is Chevening Scholarships, funded by the UK government. These fully funded awards support outstanding international students to undertake a one year master degree in the United Kingdom, including at universities in England. Chevening focuses on academic excellence and leadership potential, with an emphasis on applicants who can demonstrate a clear vision for contributing to their home country after graduation.
Beyond national programs, each university may offer its own scholarships. You will find merit based awards for high grades, region based awards for students from particular parts of the world, and subject specific scholarships for disciplines such as law, computer science, or arts. For instance, many English universities provide international excellence scholarships that reduce tuition fees for strong applicants. Because these awards differ widely by institution, always check the scholarship pages of the specific universities you are considering.
Step 4: Look for masters degree funding in England
If you are planning a master degree in England in 2026, focus on scholarships specifically aimed at postgraduate students. These may come from the UK government, universities, charitable foundations, or professional bodies connected to your field.
The British Council offers a comprehensive overview of scholarships for study in the UK, including England, through its Study UK resources. There you can find information on schemes supported by the UK government, regional partnerships, and joint programs between universities and external sponsors. If that website is not accessible where you live, look for equivalent guidance on official UK government pages about studying in the UK and on individual university scholarship portals. Trusts, foundations, and professional associations in areas such as engineering, law, or development studies may also provide funding for postgraduate degrees, particularly when your research or career plans align with their mission.
To compare some major scholarship related organisations and resources you are likely to encounter during your search, the overview below can help you understand their role.
| Provider Name | Services Offered | Key Features/Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Chevening Scholarships | Fully funded master scholarships | Focus on leadership, global networking, and public service |
| British Council Study UK | Information on UK scholarships and funding | Central hub for official scholarship and study guidance |
| ScholarshipPortal | Online database of scholarships worldwide | Search and filter scholarships by country, subject, and level |
| UKCISA | Advice for international students in the UK | Guidance on fees, funding, and study regulations |
| Individual English universities | Institution specific scholarships and bursaries | Awards tailored to subjects, regions, and academic merit |
Beyond identifying providers, pay attention to how each scholarship defines eligibility. Requirements may include nationality, academic grades, English language proficiency, years of work experience, or leadership and community involvement. Carefully checking these conditions early will prevent you from spending time on awards you do not qualify for.
Organising your search is also essential. Create a simple spreadsheet or document where you list each scholarship, its provider, its deadline, the documents required, and any special conditions. This helps you plan your application schedule for the 2026 intake and avoid missing key dates.
Your application materials usually include academic transcripts, proof of English language ability, a curriculum vitae, references, and a personal statement or scholarship essay. Use your personal statement to link your chosen program in England with your past achievements and future goals. Scholarship committees want to see how funding you now could lead to positive impact later, whether in your home community, professional field, or wider society.
Finally, allow enough time for each step. For scholarships linked to study in 2026, you may need to begin researching as early as 2024 or 2025, depending on deadlines. Some high profile schemes close many months before the academic year starts. Starting early gives you time to refine your course choice, gather documents, improve your English test scores if needed, and request strong references.
A structured, step by step approach makes the scholarship search for studying in England less overwhelming. By clarifying your study plans, using reliable information sources, exploring national and university programs, and focusing on postgraduate funding where relevant, you can build a realistic and well targeted funding strategy for 2026.
