Fully Funded UK Scholarships for STEM Students – Apply Now for 2025/2026
Primary Keywords: UK STEM scholarships 2025, fully funded scholarships UK, STEM scholarships for international students UK
Introduction
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields are driving innovation across the globe, and the United Kingdom is at the forefront of this transformation. With world-class institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, and the University of Edinburgh, the UK continues to attract brilliant minds from every continent.
However, studying in the UK—especially in technical disciplines—can be financially overwhelming. Tuition fees for international students range from £20,000 to £40,000 per year, excluding living costs in cities like London or Edinburgh. The solution? A range of fully funded scholarships specifically aimed at international STEM students. These scholarships not only cover tuition and living expenses, but many also include travel, research, and professional development allowances.
This article presents a complete 2025/2026 guide to the most prestigious and fully funded UK STEM scholarships. It includes details on eligibility, benefits, application procedures, and insider tips for increasing your chances.
Why Study STEM in the UK?
- Globally Ranked Universities: The UK is home to 4 of the world’s top 10 STEM universities (QS World Rankings 2025).
- Research Excellence Framework (REF): UK STEM departments receive high-impact research funding from the UKRI.
- Post-Study Work Rights: Graduates can stay and work in the UK for up to 2 years (or 3 years for Ph.D. holders) via the Graduate Route.
- STEM Skills Shortage List: Many STEM fields qualify for fast-tracked Skilled Worker Visas.
- Interdisciplinary Innovation: Emphasis on emerging fields like AI, sustainability, quantum computing, and space tech.
Top Fully Funded STEM Scholarships in the UK (2025/2026)
1. Chevening Scholarships – STEM Track
- Level: Master’s (1-year programs)
- Eligible Fields: Engineering, Computer Science, Data Analytics, Renewable Energy, Biotechnology, etc.
- Coverage:
- Full tuition at any UK university
- Monthly stipend (£1,133–£1,369)
- Airfare to/from UK
- Visa and arrival allowance
- Eligibility:
- From a Chevening-eligible country
- 2 years of work experience
- Commitment to return to home country
- Deadline: November 5, 2024
- Website: https://www.chevening.org
Tip: Emphasize your leadership potential and how your STEM degree will contribute to your country’s development.
2. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships – STEM Focus
- Level: Master’s
- Eligible Fields: Climate change, health tech, data science, disaster risk, sustainable engineering
- Coverage:
- Full tuition
- Monthly stipend
- Airfare, thesis grant, warm clothing allowance
- Eligibility:
- Must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country
- Not studied or worked in a high-income country before
- Demonstrated financial need
- Deadline: December 2024 (varies by university)
- Website: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk
Tip: Apply through the university directly; only certain programs and institutions participate.
3. GREAT Scholarships for STEM
- Level: Master’s
- Eligible Fields: Varies by university; often includes cyber security, AI, robotics, chemical engineering
- Coverage:
- Minimum of £10,000 toward tuition
- Some universities offer full coverage
- Eligibility:
- Must be from an eligible country (India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Ghana, etc.)
- Academic excellence
- Deadline: April–June 2025 (varies by institution)
- Website: https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/scholarships
Tip: Apply to multiple universities offering the GREAT scholarship to improve your chances.
4. University of Oxford Clarendon Fund – STEM Pathways
- Level: Master’s (Research), Ph.D.
- Eligible Fields: Physics, Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, Biomedical Sciences
- Coverage:
- Full tuition
- Annual stipend (£18,622 for 2025)
- Research and conference funding
- Eligibility:
- Academic excellence (top 5–10%)
- Admission to a graduate program at Oxford
- Deadline: January 19, 2025
- Website: https://www.ox.ac.uk/clarendon
Tip: No separate application needed—simply apply for a graduate program by the deadline.
5. Imperial College London President’s Ph.D. Scholarships
- Level: Ph.D.
- Eligible Fields: All STEM departments
- Coverage:
- Full tuition
- Stipend: £25,150/year
- Consumables and research funding: £2,000/year
- Eligibility:
- First-class Master’s degree or equivalent
- Research proposal approved by a supervisor
- Deadline: March 4, 2025 (final round)
- Website: https://www.imperial.ac.uk
Tip: Directly contact a faculty member to support your application before applying.
6. University of Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships
- Level: Ph.D.
- Eligible Fields: Informatics, Engineering, Mathematical Sciences
- Coverage:
- Full international tuition
- Research costs
- Partial stipend support (external co-funding encouraged)
- Deadline: February 1, 2025
- Website: https://www.ed.ac.uk
Tip: Secure external co-funding (e.g., home government or employer sponsorship) for competitive edge.
At-a-Glance Comparison Table
| Scholarship | Degree | Tuition | Stipend | Extras | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevening | Master’s | Full | £1,133+ | Travel, visa | Nov 5, 2024 |
| Commonwealth | Master’s | Full | Yes | Travel, thesis, clothing | Dec 2024 |
| GREAT | Master’s | £10,000+ | Varies | University-dependent | Apr–Jun 2025 |
| Clarendon | Master’s/Ph.D. | Full | £18,622 | Research funds | Jan 19, 2025 |
| Imperial President’s | Ph.D. | Full | £25,150 | Research & consumables | Mar 4, 2025 |
| Edinburgh Global | Ph.D. | Full | Partial | Co-funding encouraged | Feb 1, 2025 |
Application Tips for STEM Scholarships in the UK
- Start Early: Many scholarships require both university admission and scholarship applications.
- Research-Driven SOPs: Highlight your research interests and how they align with UK academic strengths.
- Supervisor Connection: For Ph.D. programs, securing supervisor support is crucial.
- Include Innovation and Impact: Emphasize how your STEM work will solve global challenges.
- Meet Language Requirements: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90+ is standard. Higher scores increase competitiveness.
- Use University Portals Wisely: Many funding schemes are embedded within admission systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I apply for more than one STEM scholarship?
Yes, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria. Some scholarships, like Chevening, require exclusive commitment if awarded.
Q2: Are these scholarships open to undergraduate students?
Most listed scholarships are for Master’s and Ph.D. levels. Some undergraduate options exist but are limited.
Q3: Do I need to have work experience?
For scholarships like Chevening, 2 years of work experience is required. Others do not.
Q4: What if I don’t have research publications?
While beneficial, strong academic references, GPA, and a clear proposal can compensate.
Q5: Can I stay in the UK after my degree?
Yes. The Graduate Route allows 2–3 years of post-study work depending on your qualification.
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Conclusion
STEM education in the UK not only enhances your academic profile but also sets the stage for impactful global contributions. With these fully funded scholarships for 2025/2026, your path to innovation doesn’t need to be restricted by financial constraints.
Whether you’re designing AI algorithms, researching climate-resilient agriculture, or innovating in biomedical engineering, the UK has a place—and a scholarship—for you.
Start your journey now: shortlist programs, secure recommendations, craft your personal statement, and apply before deadlines. These scholarships don’t just change careers—they change lives.
Disclaimer: Information is accurate as of June 2025. Please consult individual scholarship websites for the latest updates.
