Thinking about studying in the UK? It is essential to plan ahead financially, from tuition fees to scholarships and bursaries. There are several ways you can get help to make your dream more affordable. We will discuss about fee, funding and scholarship:
Here’s a simple, student-friendly breakdown of everything you need to know:
UK University Tuition Fees
Tuition fees vary depending on your nationality and the course you choose:
Discover the things you need to know about university tuition fees in the UK for 2025.
Undergraduate Courses
Most undergraduate courses are three-year programs may extend to 4 years with a placement year or foundation year. Undergraduate students generally range from £11,000 to £25,000 per year, depending on the course and university you choose.
It also depends on the place where the student is going to start the course in the UK, like England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. Because in England, the tuition fees for the courses are higher. For example,
| University Campus | UWS | Scotland | Ireland | England |
| Course and Tuition Fee | Accounting and Finance | 7500 GBP | 11750 GBP | 15250 GBP |
Postgraduate Courses
For international students, including Pakistani applicants, postgraduate tuition fee generally falls between £10,000 and £30,000 per year, with some specialized programs like MBA or clinical medicine. As mentioned above tuition fee range also depends on the countries in the UK.
Scholarships in the UK
UK has a wide range of scholarships that can help ease the financial burden of tuition and living costs for Pakistani Students.
There are two types of scholarships in the UK:
- Partial Scholarship
- Fully Funded Scholarship
Partial Scholarships: A partial scholarship covers only part of your study cost. It can be 1000 GBP to 10000 GBP, depending on the courses and universities. Students may still need to fund the remaining amount themselves. Institutions typically award scholarships according to merit, need, or specific eligibility criteria.
Institution-specific scholarships
Many UK higher education institutions offer their own scholarship program
Academic, Merit, and Excellence Scholarships – Institutions award these to students with a strong academic record, often demonstrated through high grades in school examinations.
Performance-Based Scholarships – Organizations grant these to students who demonstrate exceptional talent in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, drama, or dance.
Subject-Specific Scholarships – Individual departments offer these to students pursuing a particular course or subject area.
Equal Access or Sanctuary Scholarships – Universities provide these in the form of tuition fee reductions, waivers, or maintenance awards to refugees and asylum seekers who have fled persecution in their home countries.
Fully-Funded Scholarships: Getting a master’s degree can be a life-changing experience, but the cost of tuition often stands as a major barrier for many aspiring students. However, there are scholarships available that can fully fund your master’s program, allowing you to pursue your academic dreams without the burden of student debt.
In this article, we will explore the top 5 scholarships for fully funded master’s programs, providing you with valuable information on how to secure financial support for your education.
- Commonwealth Scholarship
- Chavening Scholarship
- Great scholarship
Commonwealth Scholarship
These scholarships support talented individuals who demonstrate the potential to make a positive impact on the global stage. In the UK, the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) manages and administers the program.
As part of the UK’s ongoing commitment to the Commonwealth, each year, around 700 students are given the chance to undertake postgraduate degrees with UK universities.
Commonwealth Scholarships are aimed at students from across the Commonwealth who would not otherwise be able to afford to study in the UK. By funding postgraduate studies in a range of different study formats, the scheme helps to support future innovators and leaders.
This historic award is the UK’s primary scholarship scheme focused on contributing to the UK’s international development aims. It is designed to attract outstanding talent to UK universities while supporting sustainable development overseas.
Who can apply?
To apply for a Commonwealth Scholarship, you must be a citizen or permanent resident of a Commonwealth country. You will still be eligible if you have an undergraduate degree of at least upper second class.
Chevening Scholarship
Chevening Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for international students. This scholarship is only available for master’s studies in any subject. Chevening scholarships are awarded to individuals with demonstrable leadership potential and strong academic backgrounds.
The scholarships offer full financial support to study for any eligible master’s degree at any UK university. Additionally, Chevening scholars gain access to a wide range of exclusive academic, professional, and cultural experiences.
Since the program was created in 1983, nearly 60,000 outstanding professionals have had the opportunity to develop in the UK through Chevening. There are more than 1,000 scholarships on offer each year, demonstrating the UK’s ongoing commitment to developing the leaders of tomorrow.
Who is it for?
Chevening scholars have ambition, leadership potential, and a clear plan of how they will make a positive impact in their communities.
Designed to support Britain’s public diplomacy overseas, Chevening provides scholars with the knowledge, confidence, and connections they need to make a positive global impact.
If you’re an ambitious leader in the making and are looking for a postgraduate experience that will give you the very best preparation for success, then a Chevening Scholarship could be for you.
How to apply
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for a Chevening Scholarship by selecting your country from the drop-down list at chevening.org/apply. Your application will then be assessed by an independent reading committee, which will create a long list of applicants.
If you are long-listed, you will be invited to submit references and attend an interview with the British embassy or high commission in your country. These face-to-face interviews are conducted in English by a panel.
Who will ask you questions about your personal and professional goals, and how a Chevening Scholarship would help you achieve them. Your choice of courses will also be taken into consideration. The panel will then score your interview against the global Chevening criteria.
A fully-funded scholarship covers all major study costs, including tuition, living expenses, travel, and sometimes even health insurance. It allows students to study without a financial burden. The fully funded scholarships are:
GREAT Scholarship – A Big Opportunity for Pakistani Students
If you’re from Pakistan and planning to pursue a postgraduate degree in the UK, the GREAT Scholarship is a fantastic opportunity worth £10,000 toward your tuition.
Terms and conditions apply
• Scholarships will be open only to target country passport holders and residents, and in respect of China, mainland passport holders and residents only.
• The scholarship can only be used towards tuition fees.
• UK HEI should award the scholarships by 30 June 2025. Application deadlines may vary for individual institutions.
• The Study UK team must be informed of any other scholarships awarded to a GREAT scholar in the same academic year.
• The profile of a GREAT scholar below outlines the requirements of the scholarship and should be used for reference.
If you’re a student from Pakistan looking to do a postgraduate degree in the UK for the 2025–26 academic year, there’s great news:
Several UK universities are offering scholarships just for you through the GREAT Scholarships program. Each scholarship is typically worth £10,000 and goes toward the tuition fee for a one-year master’s degree.
Where Can You Study?
The following UK universities are offering these scholarships to students from Pakistan:
Lady Margaret Hall, University of Oxford
University of the West of England
How to Apply
Each university has its own list of eligible courses and its own application process. Here’s what you generally need to do:
Choose a university and course you’re interested in.
Check if the course is covered by the GREAT Scholarship at that university.
Apply for the course and receive an offer (conditional or unconditional).
Then, apply separately for the scholarship through the university’s website.
Most deadlines fall between March and May 2025, but it’s best to check each university’s page directly.
Want an Example?
Here’s how it works at Anglia Ruskin University:
The £10,000 scholarship is available for most full-time master’s degrees.
You need to hold a Pakistani passport, apply for a master’s starting in September 2025, and get your application in by 25 May 2025.
You’ll need to submit a short statement explaining why you’re a strong candidate,
Scholarship vs Bursary
Scholarship: A scholarship is a financial award given to students based on academic merit, talent, or achievements. Some scholarships also consider leadership potential, extracurricular activities, or community involvement. They are often highly competitive and may cover tuition fees, living costs, or both.
A bursary provides financial support to students primarily on the basis of financial need rather than academic achievement. Institutions typically award bursaries in smaller amounts than scholarships, aiming to help students from lower-income backgrounds cover expenses such as accommodation, books, or travel.
How They Help International Students in the UK
For international students in the UK, including those from Pakistan, both scholarships and bursaries can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying abroad. Here’s how:
Lower Tuition Costs: Scholarships may cover partial or full tuition fees, helping students afford high quality UK education.
Support for Living Expenses: Some awards also include a monthly stipend, accommodation allowance, or travel costs.
Increased Access to Education: Bursaries make UK education more accessible for students who may not have the financial means to study overseas.
Career Opportunities: Earning a scholarship from a prestigious UK university can also enhance a student’s resume and future job prospects.
