Scotland is a premier destination for students seeking high-quality education. From around the world, students acquire prestigious scholarships in Scotland to grow professionally in their careers. The country is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and historic universities that provide a dynamic and supportive environment with abundant research opportunities and an enriching educational experience. Scotland’s welcoming culture and its scenic surroundings add charm for the students, offering a serene environment to enrich their student life.
Scholarships in Scotland
Every year, students from all over the world choose international destinations to pursue their higher education. Scotland is a popular choice, attracting approximately 83 thousand students from 180 countries annually. We all know that studying abroad as an international student often involves substantial financial investment. To alleviate this burden, excellent scholarships in Scotland are provided, aimed at supporting international students.
Let’s explore the top 5 scholarships in Scotland for International Students:
Chevening Scholarships
The UK government offers the Chevening scholarship program for its international students offering them prestigious awards for a one-year postgraduate degree at any UK university including Scotland.
What Does it Cover?
- Tuition Fees
- Travel
- Living Allowance
- Additional grants to cover the essential expenditure
What are the eligibility criteria for the Chevening Scholarship?
- It is open to outstanding scholars from Chevening-eligible countries.
- Strong academic background with an undergraduate degree.
- Two years of work experience
- Leadership potential and clear vision for your future.
What Benefit do students gain from it?
- A fully funded scholarship for postgraduate study in Scotland.
- Opportunity to network with a global community of scholars.
- Access to exclusive academic, professional, and cultural experiences.
How can students process the application?
- Eligible candidates can submit their applications online through the Chevening Scholarships website. Deadlines typically fall in late summer to early autumn.
2. Saltire Scholarships
Saltire Scholarship is offered by the Scottish Government which provides partial funding for postgraduate degrees. This prestigious scholarship focuses on specific subject areas critical to Sotland’s economic, social, and cultural development, including:
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
- Creative Industries
- Healthcare and Medical Sciences
- Renewable and Clean Energy
Most students who attain this scholarship belong to Canada, China, India, Pakistan, Japan, and the USA.
What Does it Cover?
The scholarship provides a contribution of £8000 towards the tuition fee for a one-year full-time Master’s program at any Scottish university.
What are the eligibility criteria for the Chevening Scholarship?
- It’s Eligible for students from Canada, China (including Hong Kong), India, Japan, Pakistan and the USA.
- It is for students who are applying for a full-time postgraduate program in an eligible subject area at a participating Scottish university.
- Demonstration of academic excellence
- Strong potential to contribute to Scotland’s development goals.
What Benefit do students gain from it?
- Award value of £8000 per year, used towards tuition fees for a one-year full-time Master’s program.
- Opportunity to study at a world-renowned Scottish university.
- A chance to engage in various professional development activities, networking events, and academic conferences.
- Those who receive the Saltire Scholarship are often expected to act as an ambassador for Scotland, promoting educational links and cultural exchange between their home country and Scotland.
How can students process the application for a scholarship in Scotland?
Eligible candidates can apply for the chosen Master’s program through the university. Ensure to check the scholarship deadlines at both the University and Saltire Scholarship websites.
CSFP is funded by the UK Government Department for International Development (DFID). The scholarship is funded to students from Commonwealth countries to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies in the UK, including Scotland.
What Does it Cover?
- Tuition fees
- Travel expenses
- Living Allowance
What are the eligibility criteria for the Chevening Scholarship?
- Eligible for students pursuing Masters or Ph.D programs in any field.
- Open for students belonging to Commonwealth countries
- Eligibility criteria and specific awards vary by country.
What Benefit do students gain from it?
- Opportunity to study at a prestigious university in Scotland.
- Contribute to the development of both your home country and the Commonwealth.
- A fully funded scholarship that covers your living expenses, travel, and tuition fees.
How can students process the application for a scholarship in Scotland?
Applications are submitted through a designated nominating agency in your home country.
University Funded Scholarships
Several Scottish universities offer scholarships for international students based on merit and need. These scholarships are program-specific and their eligibility criteria and coverage vary from each other depending on the university offering it. The top three universities of Scotland offering scholarship in Scotland are:
- University of Edinburgh: Known as the highly prestigious university for Research and Innovation in the United Kingdom. Some big names are the alumni of this University such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and J.K. Rowling. The University of Edinburgh offers two scholarships, one for undergraduate programs and the other for research students.
- Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships for Ph.D students
- Edinburgh Global Undergraduate Scholarships
- University of Glasgow: University of Glasgow is one of the historic and most prestigious universities in Scotland, known for research and innovation and a strong academic reputation around the globe. It also offers two sorts of scholarships for its students. One is applicable worldwide while the second one is for the African students studying in Scotland.
- International Leadership Scholarships
- University of Glasgow African Excellence Fee Waiver
- University of St. Andrews: University of St.Andrews is the third-oldest university in Scotland and is represented by 145 nationalities. To support international students, it offers two scholarships, one supporting the students from conflict zones and the other for high-achieving international students.
- St. Andrew Sanctuary Scholarship
- International Undergraduate Scholarship
What Does it Cover?
- Tuition Fees
- Living Expenses
- Travel Expenses
- Books and Materials Allowance
What are the eligibility criteria for a university-funded scholarship?
- Strong academic record
- Some programs might require a specific score on standardized tests such as the SAT, AT, GRE, or GMAT
- Some scholarships might be granted to students with financial need
- Proof of English language proficiency might be required by universities for students who are non-native English speakers.
- Eligibility criteria and specific awards vary by country, program, and university.
What Benefit do students gain from it?
- Reduced international tuition fees
- Covers living expenses, to reduce the financial burden on students
- A chance to study in the most prestigious universities of Scotland
- A chance to interact with international communities and enhance networking.
- Enhanced career support that improves the chance of being selected by employers.
How can students process the application for a scholarship in Scotland?
- Applications are submitted through a designated nominating agency in your home country or through the university website after fulfilling all the eligibility criteria.
- Fulbright Awards
Fullbright Awards are Scholarship programs offered to US citizens to pursue their professional studies and careers in Scotland. It’s one of the most renowned international exchange programs, that offers opportunities for the US students to become a part of Scotland’s prestigious universities for their professional growth. There are three types of awards offered to students in this scholarship:
- Study/Research Award – It is for students, postgraduates, and early-career researchers.
- Scholar Awards – This is for scholars and professionals to conduct research at Scottish institutions.
- Specialist Awards – For professionals in specific fields such as arts, media, and public policy to engage in projects relevant to their expertise in Scotland.
What Does it Cover?
- Tuition Fees
- Living Expenses
- Travel Expenses
- Books and Materials Allowance
What are the eligibility criteria for a University Funded Scholarship?
- Strong academic record
- Applicants must be US citizens
- Applicant should hold an undergraduate program degree to be eligible for Study/Research Awards.
- Applicants must hold a Ph.D degree or equivalent to be eligible for the Scholar Award.
- Applicant must have substantial work experience and expertise in the field to apply for Specialist Awards.
What Benefit do students gain from it?
- Strong financial support
- Academic and professional development
- Cultural exchange between the US and Scotland
- Opportunity to work and grow in Scotland
How can students process the application for a scholarship in Scotland?
- Applications are submitted through a designated nominating agency in the USA or through the university website after fulfilling all the eligibility criteria.
