Understanding international scholarships
International scholarships can help support the cost of studying at university in the UK. These awards are available to eligible international students and may contribute towards tuition fees, living expenses or other study-related costs. A scholarship is not a loan and does not have a repayment plan.
This year marks 75 years since the University of Southampton was granted its Royal Charter. To celebrate we're offering a new group of scholarships called the 75th Anniversary Excellence Scholarships. There are a number of these awards available depending on your subject and country of permanent residence.
You can find our awards through our scholarships search tool.
Types of international scholarships
Some of our scholarships are linked to specific courses or subjects, while others are more general. You should always read the details of the scholarship you’re interested in as the eligibility criteria and application processes vary.
Scholarships may be funded solely by the University of Southampton or in partnership with government schemes, charities or external organisations.
We separate our scholarships into 3 categories: Awarded automatically, Needs application, and External scholarships.
These awards may be given based on academic achievement or your country of permanent residence. Additional eligibility criteria for these scholarships vary so you must read the details of your chosen scholarship carefully.
If you meet the criteria for one of these scholarships when you apply to your chosen course, we'll let you know by email.
These scholarships are awarded on a first come first served basis.
These are sometimes referred to as competitive scholarships. If a scholarship requires an application it will be clearly marked on it's page.
To apply you'll need to have an existing offer for your chosen course and meet additional eligibility criteria. Your application may ask for evidence of academic achievement, a portfolio or other evidence appropriate to the eligibility criteria.
Because this is a competitive process, not all applications will be successful. If your application is successful, you’ll get an email and an award letter explaining how you’ll receive it. The decision of the scholarship panel is final.
These scholarships are awarded in partnership between the University of Southampton and external organisations and may require an application through a separate website.
You may also be eligible for funding in your home country to help cover the costs of studying at a UK university. These are not listed in our search tool and we have no responsibility for their allocation.
Bursaries
While scholarships are awarded for academic achievement or other similar criteria, and essentially give you a discount on your tuition fees, a bursary is usually means-tested and intended to support living costs for those experiencing financial difficulty.
You may see some in our scholarship search tool results. Like scholarships, they do not need to be repaid, but they will come with different terms and conditions. You cannot receive both a scholarship and a bursary at the same time.
How to apply for an international scholarship
Before you apply for a scholarship you must check the individual eligibility requirements and application process, but as a general rule you will need to:
- have already applied to study your chosen course
- be paying an overseas tuition fee
- be funding your studies yourself, rather than being sponsored by an external organisation
There may be some exceptions, so read the specific scholarship information carefully.
Application deadlines
If your scholarship requires an application, make sure to note the deadline and submit your application in time.
Grade equivalencies
To get a scholarship you must meet the requirements of your chosen course. This will include qualifications equivalent to specific grades at A-level. You can check your grade equivalencies. What your grades equate to will depend on where you were awarded your qualification.
Check your country's grade equivalencies
Terms and conditions
All of the scholarships we fund are subject to terms and conditions in addition to their individual requirements. External scholarships may be subject to their own at the discretion of the provider.