Scholarship in the UK is a smart choice in 2026. The United Kingdom has long been one of the world’s most prestigious destinations for higher education. With centuries-old universities, globally respected degrees, and cutting-edge research facilities, the UK continues to attract students from all over the world. Today, scholarship in the UK plays a crucial role in making this premium education more accessible to international students.
For students from Bangladesh and other developing countries, a scholarship in the UK significantly reduces tuition fees, living costs, and financial pressure while providing access to world-class education, strong employability, and post-study work opportunities. In 2026, the UK remains one of the most strategic scholarship destinations for ambitious international students.
Why Choose the UK for Scholarship-Based Study?
1. World-Renowned Education System
The UK is home to some of the oldest and most respected universities in the world, with degrees recognized globally.
2. Wide Range of Scholarships
From government-funded awards to university-specific merit scholarships, scholarship in the UK are available at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels.
3. Shorter Course Duration
Most UK bachelor’s degrees take 3 years, and master’s degrees only 1 year, reducing overall study and living costs.
4. Strong Graduate Employability
UK graduates are highly valued by employers worldwide due to strong academic rigor and practical learning.
5. Post-Study Work Visa (PSW)
International students can stay and work in the UK after graduation, making the UK attractive for long-term career planning.
Types of Scholarships in the UK (2026)
Understanding scholarship categories is essential when applying for a scholarship in the UK.
| Scholarship Type | Coverage | Study Level |
|---|---|---|
| Government Scholarships | Full tuition and living costs | Master’s, PhD |
| University Merit Scholarships | Partial / full tuition | Bachelor’s & Master’s |
| Research Scholarships | Tuition + stipend | PhD |
| Subject-Specific Scholarships | Fee reduction | Selected programs |
| Country-Based Scholarships | Tuition discount | Selected nationalities |
Major Government Scholarships in the UK
| Scholarship Name | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Chevening Scholarships | Full tuition + living + airfare |
| Commonwealth Scholarships | Tuition + stipend |
| GREAT Scholarships | £10,000 tuition support |
| British Council Scholarships | Partial / full funding |
These programs make scholarship in the UK highly competitive but extremely rewarding.
Best Courses to Study with Scholarship in the UK
The UK focuses on globally in-demand and research-driven disciplines. The following programs offer strong scholarship availability:
| Field of Study | Popular Programs | Career Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Business & Management | MBA, Finance, Accounting | Manager, Consultant |
| Engineering | Civil, Mechanical, Electrical | Engineer, Project Lead |
| Computer Science & IT | AI, Data Science, Cybersecurity | Software Engineer |
| Health Sciences | Public Health, Nursing | Healthcare Professional |
| Law | LLB, LLM | Legal Advisor |
| Education | TESOL, Education Leadership | Educator, Trainer |
Top Universities Offering Scholarships in the UK
UK universities provide generous scholarship in the UK opportunities for international students.
| University | Global Reputation | Location |
|---|---|---|
| University of Oxford | World Top 5 | Oxford |
| University of Cambridge | World Top 5 | Cambridge |
| Imperial College London | Science & engineering | London |
| University College London | Research excellence | London |
| University of Manchester | Employability focus | Manchester |
Cheapest Universities in the UK with Scholarships
Students looking for affordable scholarship in the UK can consider these institutions:
| University | Average Tuition After Scholarship (£/year) |
|---|---|
| University of Bolton | 10,000–13,000 |
| University of Bedfordshire | 11,000 – 14,000 |
| University of Suffolk | 11,500 – 14,500 |
| Leeds Beckett University | 12,000 – 15,000 |
| Teesside University | 12,000 – 15,500 |
Tuition Fees in the UK (2026 Overview)
| Level of Study | Tuition Fees (£/year) |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 11,000 – 20,000 |
| Master’s Degree | 12,000 – 25,000 |
| MBA | 18,000 – 35,000 |
| PhD (with scholarship) | Often fully funded |
A scholarship in the UK can reduce tuition fees by 20%–100%.
Living Cost in the UK for International Students
| Expense | Monthly Cost ( £) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 500–1,000 |
| Food | 200–350 |
| Transport | 80–150 |
| Utilities & Internet | 100–150 |
| Miscellaneous | 120–200 |
| Total Average | 1,000–1,800 |
Job Opportunities While Studying in the UK
Part-Time Work
International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time.
Common student jobs:
-
Retail assistant
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Hospitality staff
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Warehouse operative
-
Library or campus jobs
Average Pay: £10 – £15 per hour
Career Opportunities After Graduation
Graduates with scholarship in the UK backgrounds work in:
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IT & software firms
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Engineering & construction companies
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Healthcare organizations
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Financial & consulting firms
Average Graduate Salary: £28,000–£55,000 per year
The Graduate Route (Post-Study Work)
There is a major “sunset” policy you need to be aware of regarding the 2-year post-study work visa:
-
Current Status (2026): If you apply for a Graduate Visa in 2026, you can still get 2 years (3 years for PhDs).
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The 2027 Cut: The government has confirmed that for applications made on or after January 1, 2027, the Graduate Visa duration will be reduced from 2 years to 18 months for bachelor’s and master’s graduates.
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Switching: Students are now encouraged to switch directly to the Innovator Founder route if they have a viable business idea or the Skilled Worker route if they have a job offer meeting the £41,700 salary threshold.
Higher Studies & Research Opportunities
| Study Level | Funding Availability |
|---|---|
| Master’s by Research | Partial funding |
| PhD | Fully funded scholarships |
| Postdoctoral Research | Competitive fellowships |
Admission & Scholarship Requirements
| Requirement | Bachelor’s | Master’s/PhD |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Result | HSC / A-Level | Bachelor’s/Master’s |
| English Test | IELTS 6.0–6.5 | IELTS 6.5–7.0 |
| SOP / Research Proposal | Required | Mandatory |
| Academic Merit | Medium | High |
Visa Financial Requirements (Maintenance)
The Home Office has increased the “maintenance funds” you must show to prove you can support yourself without public funds.
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Inside London: £1,529 per month (up to 9 months).
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Outside London: £1,171 per month (up to 9 months).
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The 28-Day Rule: Funds must be held in a bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before you apply. The bank statement must be dated within 31 days of your application date.
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IHS Fee: The Immigration Health Surcharge remains at £776 per year for students.
The Move to eVisas
The UK has completed its transition to a fully digital immigration system.
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No more BRPs: Physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) have been phased out.
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UKVI Account: You must create a UKVI account to access your eVisa. You will use a digital “Share Code” to prove your right to study, work, or rent to third parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can international students receive fully funded scholarships in the UK?
Yes, programs like Chevening and Commonwealth offer fully funded scholarships.
Q2: Is scholarship in the UK available for Bangladeshi students?
Yes, Bangladeshi students are eligible for UK government and university scholarships.
Q3: Does scholarship in the UK cover living costs?
Fully funded scholarships cover tuition and living costs; partial ones reduce tuition fees.
Q4: Is IELTS mandatory for UK scholarships?
Most scholarships require IELTS, though some universities accept MOI.
Q5: Which intake is best for scholarships in the UK?
The September intake offers the highest number of scholarship opportunities.
Is a Scholarship in the UK Worth It?
Absolutely. Scholarship in the UK provide access to globally respected universities, shorter degree durations, strong employability, and post-study work opportunities. With generous funding, academic prestige, and global career recognition, the UK remains one of the best scholarship destinations for international students in 2026.
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