10 Tips to apply for a Scholarship to Study in the UK

Last updated on May 22nd, 2023

Studying abroad is a big dream, but not everyone can meet financial conditions. That is where international scholarships come into play. If you plan to study in the UK on a budget, you have the opportunity to apply for scholarships to augment your finances. As the most popular destination for Nigerian students, the UK offers numerous scholarships to students from diverse backgrounds.

In addition, as there is a high increase in the number of international students, the competition rate on the available scholarships considerably increases. Hence, you will not sit somewhere and let the scholarships fall into your lap. That also means you must be outstanding to apply for a scholarship to study in the UK.

We have compiled some tips to help you apply for a scholarship to study in the UK and other relevant information to become successful in your studies. Here are the most vital points to note:

Types of UK Scholarships

Here are some kinds of scholarships you can apply for as a Nigerian student who wants to study in the UK:

• Course or program-based scholarships
• Location-based scholarships
• Government-funded scholarships
• Research-based scholarships
• University-funded scholarships
• Sports-related scholarships
• Organization-funded scholarships

How to apply for a Scholarship to Study in the UK

Having identified the options available for you in terms of UK scholarships, you need to take the following steps to pursue any of the scholarships above and, hopefully, achieve them.

#1. Consider Starting your application as Early as Possible

If you plan to study in the UK, you must start the application process as far back as two years. The essence is to enable you to go through the process on your own time and still meet up with deadlines.

In the same way, to apply for a scholarship to study in the UK, you must start early. Find out the scholarship requirements and what you need to do to scale through. The basic requirements often include excellent academic performance, community service involvement, and leadership skills in areas of your ability. The type of scholarship you are applying for determines the requirements. In a nutshell, know the criteria for the scholarship, meet them, and have great chances of qualifying.

#2. Consider Your Options

Although there are numerous options to apply for a scholarship to study in the UK, you must be intentional about what you want. Hence, you must explore your options and discover the ones designed to meet your needs. That means you must meet the criteria for the scholarship to increase your chances.

For instance, some scholarships emphasize that recipients must meet a certain threshold, like being disabled, having some cut-off score, being a foster child, possessing some level of smartness, etc. Therefore, you must go through your options and select the ones that are most suitable for you.

#3. Consider the Eligibility Criteria

Knowing the eligibility criteria for a scholarship is as important as the scholarship itself. There is no need to apply for a scholarship for you do not qualify. For example, there are scholarships for nationals of some specific countries, while some are for undergraduate or postgraduate studies. In the same way, some of the scholarships are course-specific, and some are university-specific. So, focus on the eligibility criteria in your search for a scholarship.

#4. Consider the Application Deadline

Another critical factor to look out for while applying for a scholarship to study in the UK is the deadline. Therefore, it would be best if you found out the deadlines of each of the scholarships you qualify for. Then, ensure to submit your application on or before the submission date.

Aside from meeting the deadlines, you must be careful in filling out the application forms. The reason is that any mistake on the form may render your efforts void. You may also have to submit it online or by mail. Find out what avenue to take and ensure your application gets to the destination before the deadline.

#5. Consider the Requirements

There are different scholarships to apply for, but their requirements are also diverse. You should go through the requirements and make sure to provide all. Then, ensure to submit the documents in the format they are needed. If you need to certify them, make sure to do that. These things increase your chances of being selected for the scholarship. You can also ask some questions regarding the process to enable you to follow instructions correctly.

#6. Start your Admission Process

Some scholarships to study in the UK mandate applicants to start their admission process and probably gain admission before applying for the scholarship. Thus, you must fulfill this requirement to stand a great chance of qualifying.

#7. Supply Letters of Reference

Some scholarship applications require you to make available your reference letter. Remember, every bit of information is a big deal. Therefore, you must ensure to request the letter from the right source. For one, the person must know you well to be able to draw attention to your skills and other personal information. You may also give them hints on what to write and let them know when you need to collect it. That said, supply your letter of reference as part of the requirements.

#8. Contact previous scholarship winners

You might want to contact past scholarship winners and ask them fundamental questions. Then, you can glean some information from them to enable you to succeed.

#9. Crosscheck the Application

There is no harm in going through your application repeatedly. The essence is to make sure you follow the guidelines word for word and eliminate all forms of errors. Check for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure your application is professional enough to stand a better chance for the scholarship. Besides, you can request someone to help you through it so you can be sure not to make a mistake.

See Also: UK Student Visa Requirements for Nigerian students

#10. Submit Your Application

This is the final procedure to apply for a scholarship in the UK as a Nigerian. However, while you have put everything in place and applied for the scholarship, you should know that the response will not come at once. Hence, it would be best if you waited, and while doing so, you can keep yourself busy with other relevant things regarding your admission.

Some Scholarships in the UK you can apply for

Applying for a scholarship to study in the UK and being selected as a beneficiary gives a different feeling. It is something you would wish to come to pass because the joy is on a different frequency. Having known how to go about the application, you need to know the options available to you in the UK. Here are some of them:

Chevening Scholarship UK (Fully Funded)

This is a fully funded scholarship for international students in the UK. It is only available for students going for master’s programs. Besides, it is available across all courses. Chevening Scholarship covers nearly your tuition and living costs as a fully funded scholarship. They include tuition fees, monthly living allowances, economy class airfare to the UK, further grants, and stipends for extra expenses.

Gates Cambridge Scholarship

This is another fully funded scholarship for international students in the UK. Master’s and doctoral students can apply for this scholarship. Moreover, it is valued at £17,500 per year. It also covers health insurance, academic development support (£2,000), and family support (£10,120). Most importantly, only those applying to study at the University of Cambridge can access the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.

Simmons University Kotzen Scholarships

This fully funded scholarship is provided for undergraduate studies. Simmons University Kotzen Scholarships cover full tuition, mandatory fees, and accommodation. Also, you can only access it if you are studying at Simmons University.

Imperial College London Ph.D. Scholarship

The scholarship is provided by Imperial College, London, for doctoral students. It is awarded each year with up to 10 slots for successful applicants. Besides, it covers tuition fees and an annual tax-free contribution to maintenance costs up to £16,553.

Clarendon Fund Scholarships at the University of Oxford

The Clarendon Fund Scholarship is available for graduate students of the University of Oxford. It is awarded based on academic excellence and potential across all courses. In addition, the scholarship is valued at £15,609 for the full study period. Part-time students will only receive a study support grant with non-fee costs.

Reach Oxford Scholarships for Developing Country Students

Formerly Oxford Student Scholarship, the scholarship is offered to students from developing countries who wish to study in the UK. Reach Oxford Scholarships for Developing Country Students is available for undergraduate programs across all subjects, except medicine. It covers tuition fees, college fees, a grant for living expenses, and one return airfare yearly.

GEMS International Undergraduate Scholarship

The scholarship program is open for undergraduate studies at the University of Stirling. GEMS International Undergraduate Scholarship covers a £2,000 fee reduction yearly for four years.

Conclusion

Knowing how to apply for a scholarship to study in the UK is as important as scaling through the process. You must get the process right, ensure an error-free application, and apply before the deadline. Then, when you have played your part, you can focus on other aspects of your life. Besides, there are numerous scholarships available for international students in the UK. Hence, you should apply for as many as possible and meet their requirements. This increases your chances of becoming a beneficiary. With the scholarship, the majority, if not all, of your financial needs will be taken care of.

You can also read: Study in the UK: an ultimate guide for Nigerian students.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following are answers to frequently asked questions about UK study scholarships:

How can I get a scholarship to study in the UK?

In general, there are a few options for obtaining scholarships to study in the United Kingdom. One option is to apply directly to the school or organization that you want to attend. Another option is to look for scholarships online. Many websites feature scholarships for UK students, so you should be able to discover anything that meets your requirements. Finally, you can visit the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website to learn about the financing options available if you are an undergraduate student studying in the UK.

How can I increase my chances of getting a full scholarship?

In order to maximize your chances of receiving a full scholarship. First, look into the available scholarships and make sure you satisfy the eligibility conditions. Then, create a compelling essay demonstrating why you deserve the scholarship. Finally, make sure you submit your application materials on time. By following these procedures, you will increase your chances of receiving a full scholarship. Remember to check out the other useful tips above!

Which University in the UK offers a full scholarship?

Some universities in the United Kingdom provide full scholarships. Some of the most prominent colleges, such as Oxford and Cambridge, provide full scholarships to low-income students.

Clarendon Scholarships at the University of Oxford, for example, are sponsored by Oxford University Press and offer UK scholarships to full- and part-time graduate students at the University of Oxford.

Is it hard to get a scholarship in the UK?

Yes, obtaining a scholarship in the UK is challenging, but not impossible to get. In fact, there are many scholarships available for students who want to study in the UK. All you have to do is search for them and apply.