TOP 7 EASIEST WAYS TO GET A POSTGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP IN UK

Are you an aspirant looking for the easiest ways to get a postgraduate scholarship in the UK? Then this comprehensive article is for you. Pursuing higher education is an expensive affair. Getting a postgraduate scholarship can help reduce the financial burden of studying in the UK. In this post, we will explore the seven easiest ways for international students to get a postgraduate scholarship in the UK.

The top 7 easiest ways to get a postgraduate scholarship in UK include:

1: Apply for Government Funded Scholarships

The UK government offers several scholarship programs for international students to pursue postgraduate studies. Three of the major government-funded scholarship programs are:

• Chevening Scholarships: This is one of the UK’s most prestigious international awards offered by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Full financial support is provided for 1 year of study including tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and more. Applicants must have outstanding leadership qualities and a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience to be eligible. Getting selected is highly competitive with only around 25% of applicants successful each year.
• Commonwealth Scholarships: This is funded by the UK government, which provides scholarships to citizens of Commonwealth countries for master’s and PhD programmes in any subject. Funding covers tuition fees, monthly stipends for living expenses, and travel allowance. Selection is based on academic excellence and the relevance of the proposed study to the development needs of the home country.
• Marshall Scholarships: Open for citizens of the US, this provides postgraduate study in any discipline at any approved UK university. Complete financial support is offered for 2 academic years including tuition fees, living expenses, books, etc. Scholarship holders are expected to actively engage in the exchange of ideas between the UK and the US.

2: Consider Scholarships Offered by Universities

Many UK universities offer scholarships for postgraduate students at the university and departmental level. These do not necessarily require an outstanding academic background and are comparatively easier to obtain:

Universities like the University of Edinburgh, King’s College London, and the University of Manchester award generous postgraduate scholarships every year based on factors like subject, prior academic performance, research proposals, and the inclusiveness of the student’s background. The application criteria and deadlines are set by individual universities.

Alternatively, some subject departments within universities also offer their scholarships. For example, Computer Science or Economics departments may sponsor a few international students every year for merit or need-based funding. Keep checking university websites for ongoing or upcoming scholarships in intended subject areas.

In addition to direct scholarship awards, some universities provide tuition fee waivers or bursaries for self-funding internationals. For instance, the University of Surrey, Nottingham, and Glasgow waive complete or partial tuition fees for students achieving certain academic benchmarks or admitting students from specific developing countries.

3: Apply to Charitable/Professional Trusts

Students can also apply for funding offered by various charitable trusts like NGO and professional bodies in the UK:

The British Academy provides postgraduate funding for research degree programs in humanities and social sciences. Though highly competitive, the selection criteria include a good research proposal and academic writing sample.

Subject-focused charitable trusts offering funding include The Anthropic Trust for AI Safety Research and The Paul Hamlyn Foundation for arts, education, and social change projects.

Professional bodies like The Royal Society, Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), and Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) award bursaries for postgraduate studies linked to their respective fields of work like science, construction, and technology.

Eligibility requirements may vary but previous work experience, strong motivation letter, and research alignment with the trust’s goals enhance the chances of selection. Carefully research different options aligning with the intended subject early.

 4: Apply for Scholarships from Other Countries

While this discusses UK scholarships, looking globally yields more opportunities. Students may find funding support from their home country or other foreign governments:

Many countries have scholarship programs sponsored by their education ministries or cultural departments to sponsor selected students overseas. For e.g. Indian government offers approximately 3000 scholarships annually under schemes like Global Excellence Scholarships.

Similarly, certain countries offer bilateral exchange scholarships with the UK. For example, the Korean Foundation provides complete financial sponsorship to Korean students for 1-year master’s programs in the UK.

Private organizations in some countries may also fund international students. As an illustration, ANUIES in Mexico supports Mexican citizens for postgraduate studies abroad including the UK. Comprehensively researching all potentials aids resource optimization.

Systematically tracking foreign scholarships requires time investment early in the application cycle. The eligibility criteria and deadlines vary, so plan application submission well in advance.

5: Check Industry Sponsored Scholarships

Postgraduate study featuring work exposure attracts funding from industry stakeholders. Key opportunities include:

Professional doctorate programmes have industry partners sponsoring a certain number of scholarships each year. For e.g. ESRC recognised Doctoral Training Partnerships subsidise placements at reputed organizations.

Certain taught masters programmes focus on developing professional skills valued by specific sectors. Programs in bioengineering, data science, etc. involve course fees sponsorship in turn of guaranteed internships by involved companies.

Individual companies directly fund a limited number of scholarships for courses aiding their talent needs through competitive application rounds. Keep track of opportunities on university portals and dedicated scholarship databases.

Consider contacting prospective employers in desired career sector early to explore any existing or upcoming scholarships leveraging relevant academic background and interest in their work culture. Well focused goals strengthen prospects.

 6: Apply for Scholarships from Charitable Foundations

Charitable foundations independent of academic institutions provide funding for diverse postgraduate programs:

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is highly coveted fully financing prestigious masters and PhD degrees at University of Cambridge. Selection emphasizes academic excellence, leadership skills and commitment to improving lives worldwide.

Some charitable organizations support students from disadvantaged backgrounds. For e.g. The Diana Award supports accredited programmes for candidates doing noteworthy community work.

Foundations valuing themes like sustainability, humanitarian action, equality also offer merit scholarships applicable for postgraduate study in any discipline aligned with their aims.

Thoroughly researching different foundations on comprehensive databases and charities commission websites lists all ongoing opportunities. Back dedicated goals and skills with strong personal statements.

 7: Use Crowdfunding and Scholarship Search Platforms

Crowdfunding personal education costs through online campaigns works too:

Scholarship platforms crowd funding selected student proposals through small online pledges from global supporters. Candidates requiring partial as much as full funding build compelling stories to raise sums. Though success varies, creative pitches attract substantial backing.

Databases compiling all known global scholarships aid thorough exploring. Major free sources are ScholarshipOwl, GradSchools, GrantFinderPlus which allow advanced searches filtering by location, subject, eligibility criteria. These platforms notify of new launches too.

Conclusion:

choosing the easiest scholarship application is relative but deliberately planning early and comprehensively scanning multiple sources increases your chances. With dedication and perseverance, international students determined to fund UK postgraduate education will find the most feasible option matching their profile and ambitions. Holistic strategy and well written customised applications for each opportunity are keys to success.