Study Overseas

Every year hundreds of international students rely on Scholarships awarded by the British Government to help them study in the UK. Whilst competition is fierce for certain scholarships, as long as students are eligible - subject to the set criteria - the British Council encourages them to apply.

Are there any scholarships for international students?

This article explains the ways that you might be able to get a scholarship to study in Britain. Your local British Council office will be able to give you more information about applying for scholarships and bursaries.

You should not travel to the UK or begin a course of study without making sure that you have enough money to pay your academic fees and living expenses. The immigration authorities will not normally allow you into the UK if you cannot provide evidence that you can cover the costs of your proposed study.

Can I apply for a grant?

The competition for funding to study in the UK is very strong. Most organisations that issue scholarships and bursaries will insist that you meet some very strict requirements. If you do not meet all the requirements for a scholarship, then you will not be considered. When you apply for a scholarship, remember:

• You must apply for your scholarship at least one year before your course starts. Deadlines vary, so you must check that you know what the deadline is before applying.
• Your application should be clear and concise.
• You should use the grant-making body's application form, if it has one.
• Many of the grant-making bodies will only give small amounts of money, which would not cover the full cost of a course.

Where do I start?

Most scholarships for study in the UK are funded by the British Government and are paid to another government for its students, either directly or through an organisation such as the British Council.

The first thing you should do, therefore, is to contact your own Ministry of Education or Education Department, which will have details of most schemes and will also be able to advise you on your own government's conditions for studying abroad.

You should also contact the nearest British Council office in your own country, which should have details of scholarship schemes and will also be able to give you information on educational courses and on living in Britain. If there is no British Council office, then contact the nearest British Embassy or High Commission.

For many scholarship schemes, it is necessary to apply well in advance of the start of the course, often at least one year, and generally you must apply in your own country.

What Scholarships are available?

• Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP)
• British Chevening Scholarships
• Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme
• Overseas Research Students Awards Scheme (ORSAS)
• Royal Society Fellowships (for North American and Asian Students)
• Marshall Scholarships (for US students)
• Fulbright Scholarships

Is there anything else I should know?

Remember to ensure that any funding or sponsorship is enough to cover all of your educational and living costs, not just your tuition. It is very important to have all of your funding arranged before you come to the UK, as it is extremely difficult to find more sponsorship once you are here.

In addition, if you need to make a visa or entry clearance application to come to the UK, you will need to show that you have enough money for your tuition fees, living expenses, accommodation and other costs.

For further information, see the UKCOSA Guidance note "I am coming to the UK to start my studies. What do I need to do about immigration?" at www.ukcosa.org.uk/pages/guidenote.htm.

Working in the UK

At present, those in the UK on a student visa are allowed to work part-time (up to a maximum of 20 hours a week) during term-time, and full-time during vacation periods (that is, when free of academic obligations).

However, when making immigration applications, students must be able to show that they have enough money to cover all their costs without working.

For full details see the leaflets:

"International students working in the UK" at www.dfes.gov.uk/international-students/workleaflet.pdf

"I want more time in the UK as a student. What do I do about immigration?" at www.ukcosa.org.uk/pages/guidenote.htm.

Useful Addresses

These contacts do not award scholarships but can advise on your status.

Association of Commonwealth
Universities (ACU)
Woburn House
20-24 Tavistock Square
London
WC1H 9HF

Department for Education and Skills (DfES) HE Branch
International Students Team
Sanctuary Buildings
Great Smith Street
London SW1P 3BT, UK

Telephone +44 (0)20 7925 5324
Fax +44 (0)20 7925 6965

Student Support Helpline Student Support Division
(Room 2F, Area C)
Mowden Hall
Staindrop Road
Darlington DL3 9BG, UK

Telephone +44 (0)845 6020583

Student Awards Agency for Scotland
Gyleview House
3 Redheaughs Rigg
South Gyle
Edinburgh EH12 9HH, UK

Telephone +44 (0)845 111 1711
Fax +44 (0)131 244 5887
www.student-support-saas.gov.uk

Universities UK
Woburn House
20 Tavistock Square
London WC1H 9HQ, UK

Telephone +44 (0)20 7419 4111
Fax +44 (0)20 7388 8649
www.universitiesuk.ac.uk