With university costs continuing to rise, scholarships and bursaries have never been more valuable. The good news is that there are thousands of funding opportunities available - the challenge is finding the ones you're eligible for.
Our comprehensive scholarship search tool helps you discover funding opportunities from universities, charities, professional bodies, and private organizations across the UK. From small book grants to full tuition coverage, every bit of funding helps reduce your student debt.
Use the search filters below to find scholarships matched to your specific circumstances, and remember - you miss 100% of the scholarships you don't apply for!
UK Scholarship Statistics 2025
Total scholarship funding available
Of students don't apply for available funding
Average scholarship award
Average applications per student
Search for Scholarships
Featured Scholarships - July 2025
The Bright Futures Scholarship
Open Now£5,000 per year
For UK students from households with income under £35,000 studying STEM subjects at any UK university. Covers all undergraduate years.
Deadline: 31 August 2025
Excellence in Engineering Awards
Open Now£3,000 per year + mentoring
For female students pursuing engineering degrees. Includes industry mentorship, paid internships, and networking opportunities with leading engineering firms.
Deadline: 15 September 2025
Care Leavers University Grant
Closing Soon£2,000 per year + £500 setup grant
Supporting care leavers at university with annual funding plus additional support for laptops, books, and accommodation deposits.
Deadline: 30 July 2025
Global Leaders MBA Scholarship
Open Now50% tuition fee reduction
For exceptional candidates applying to MBA programs at top UK business schools. Based on leadership potential, academic excellence, and career achievements.
Deadline: Rolling admissions
Types of Scholarships Available
Academic Excellence
Awarded based on outstanding academic achievement, typically requiring A*AA or equivalent at A-level.
Average award: £2,000-£5,000/year
Subject-Specific
For students pursuing particular subjects, often in areas with skills shortages like STEM, nursing, or teaching.
Average award: £1,000-£3,000/year
Sports Scholarships
For talented athletes who can compete at university level, including funding, coaching, and facilities access.
Average award: £1,500-£5,000/year + benefits
Widening Participation
Supporting underrepresented groups including first-generation students, care leavers, and those from low-income backgrounds.
Average award: £1,000-£3,500/year
International Scholarships
For overseas students studying in the UK, often covering partial tuition fees or living costs.
Average award: £3,000-£15,000/year
Professional/Industry
Funded by companies or professional bodies, often including work placements or job guarantees.
Average award: £2,000-£8,000/year
Scholarship Application Tips
Do's
- ✓ Start searching early - many deadlines are before university applications
- ✓ Apply for multiple scholarships to increase success chances
- ✓ Tailor each application to specific criteria
- ✓ Get references early and brief your referees well
- ✓ Keep copies of all applications and correspondence
- ✓ Follow up if you don't hear back within stated timeframes
Don'ts
- ✗ Don't use the same essay for every application
- ✗ Don't exaggerate achievements or lie on applications
- ✗ Don't miss deadlines - late applications rarely accepted
- ✗ Don't ignore small scholarships - they add up
- ✗ Don't pay for scholarship search services
- ✗ Don't give up after rejections - keep applying
Where to Find Scholarships
University Sources
University Websites
Check individual university scholarship pages for institution-specific awards
Department Awards
Many academic departments offer subject-specific scholarships
Alumni Associations
Former students often fund scholarships for current students
External Sources
Charitable Trusts
Sutton Trust, Leverhulme Trust, and hundreds of smaller charities
Professional Bodies
Industry organizations supporting future professionals
Corporate Sponsors
Major companies offering scholarships, often with job opportunities
Scholarship Application Calendar
September - November
Research scholarships, prepare documents, request references. Many prestigious scholarships open applications.
December - January
Major scholarship deadlines. Submit applications for academic excellence and early-bird awards.
February - March
University-specific scholarship deadlines. Interview period for competitive scholarships.
April - May
Final scholarship deadlines. Results announced for many schemes. Acceptance deadlines.
June - August
Late application opportunities. Clearing scholarships. Prepare for next year's applications.
Scholarship Success Stories
Emma, Sheffield
Engineering Student
"I applied for 15 scholarships and won 3, totaling £7,500 per year. The effort was absolutely worth it - I'll graduate with £20,000 less debt!"
Won: Excellence Award, Women in STEM, Local Trust Grant
James, Manchester
Medicine Student
"As a care leaver, I thought university was impossible. Multiple bursaries and scholarships now cover all my costs plus living expenses."
Won: Care Leaver Bursary, NHS Bursary, University Grant
Priya, London
Business Student
"My scholarship includes mentoring and a guaranteed internship. The connections I've made are just as valuable as the financial support."
Won: Corporate Leadership Scholarship
Alex, Edinburgh
Sports Science Student
"My athletics scholarship covers fees and includes professional coaching. I can pursue my degree while training at an elite level."
Won: Full Sports Scholarship Package
Start Your Scholarship Search Today
Don't let the cost of university hold you back from achieving your dreams. Thousands of scholarships go unclaimed each year simply because students don't apply. Whether you're an academic high-achiever, talented athlete, aspiring engineer, or first-generation student, there are funding opportunities waiting for you.
Remember, even small scholarships add up. A £1,000 award might not seem like much compared to tuition fees, but it could cover your textbooks for the entire degree, or several months of food shopping. Every pound you don't have to borrow is a pound you won't pay interest on.
Use our search tool above to find scholarships matched to your profile, and start applying today. The time you invest now could save you thousands in the long run.
Quick Action Steps
- 1. Use the search tool to find relevant scholarships
- 2. Create a spreadsheet to track deadlines and requirements
- 3. Start gathering documents (transcripts, references)
- 4. Set aside time each week for applications
- 5. Apply for at least 10 scholarships to maximize chances