Scholarships For EU Students In UK: Chevening, GREAT

Why do two EU applicants with similar grades get different funding offers from the same UK course? Scholarships for EU students in UK are usually decided by fee status, UK university scholarship panels, admissions teams, and the evidence in the application file. This introduction sets the scope around what EU students can check early and what selectors tend to reward.

This matters now because eligibility can shift by intake year, residence history, and the way each institution applies its own rules. If you are searching for UK scholarships for EU students or asking “how to get scholarships in the UK as an EU student”, this article will walk through clear eligibility checks, tuition fees and funding categories, and the timing behind application deadlines. A common pitfall is applying for awards that do not match the fee category, so the steps later will lean on official university requirements and documented criteria rather than guesswork.

Types of Scholarships Available

There are several types of scholarships available for EU students in the UK. The list below will clarify the various types of scholarships suitable for you.

Academic Scholarships

Merit-Based Scholarships

Merit-based scholarships are for students who have shown remarkable abilities in specific fields. This includes arts, sports, or leadership. These scholarships require a strong overall profile of academic performance or other skills.

Excellence Scholarships

Excellence scholarships are awarded to students who have excelled in their academic pursuits. You have to show extraordinary performance in your field of study to get this scholarship.

Subject-Specific Scholarships

This type of financial assistance is awarded to students for studying a particular subject. If you are passionate and talented in specific areas of study, it will be your first choice.

Performance-Based Scholarships

Performance-based scholarships are designed to recognise and reward students with remarkable achievements and talents. These scholarships are awarded based on your ability in a particular field. It requires significant performance in sports, arts, or other fundamentals.

Equal Access or Sanctuary Scholarships

Equal Access or Sanctuary scholarships are offered to students having higher education problems due to their immigration status. Particularly, refugees and asylum seekers face these challenges a lot.

Disability Scholarships

These scholarships provide financial aid and support to individuals with disabilities or long-term health conditions. It reduces the barriers that prevent them from following their academic and professional ambitions.

Notable Scholarships for European Students in UK

Here are details of carefully chosen notable scholarships for European students in the UK.

Chevening Scholarships

Chevening scholarships for EU students are one of the most prestigious awards for students. It allows you to study for a fully funded master's degree in the UK. If you’re still mapping out timelines and documents, start by planning your UK studies before you apply.

Eligibility Criteria 

Visit the official Chevening website to start the application process. The application typically opens in August each year, with specific deadlines for submission. You need to submit a variety of documents. It includes academic transcripts, references, and a compelling personal statement.

Commonwealth Scholarships

Commonwealth scholarships for EU nationals are awarded to qualified and talented individuals from Commonwealth countries. It covers tuition fees and offers living allowances. Sometimes, it also supports travel costs.

Eligibility Criteria

• Nationality: Applicants must be permanent residents of a Commonwealth country.
• Academic Qualifications: Applicants must have an undergraduate degree and meet specific score requirements.

Application Process

Applicants need to apply through specific channels, such as National Nominating Agencies, universities, or Non-Governmental Organizations. You need to provide documents, including a passport, academic transcripts, references, and an admission letter.

GREAT Scholarships

The British Council offers the GREAT Scholarships UK program. It provides financial support to the students of selected countries. The scholarship covers the costs of one year of postgraduate courses taught.

Nationality: GREAT scholarships are available to students from these particular countries:

English Language Proficiency: Must achieve the minimum score for English proficiency tests required for the interested UK university. Check English test requirements for UK universities early so you don’t miss a score deadline.

Participating Universities

The GREAT Scholarships are currently offered by 71 universities across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Such notable universities are the University of Edinburgh, the University of Kent, the University of Glasgow, Cardiff University, and many others.

University-Specific Scholarships

The University of Glasgow offers scholarships to students who show outstanding academic potential and leadership qualities. The University of Edinburgh also provides scholarship opportunities for students to engage in impactful research.

Eligibility Criteria and Application Process

To get a scholarship in the UK, you must establish a strong academic performance. UK scholarships for European students are limited to students from particular regions. Some scholarships may consider the financial situation of students and their families to determine eligibility.

Here are some general application processes for EU students for each type of scholarship available in the UK.

Academic, Merit, and Excellence Scholarships

Eligibility Check: First, check the eligibility criteria of the scholarship you're interested in. Make sure you fulfil the minimum academic requirements set by the program.

Application: You can apply for the scholarship via a particular channel. Find out the official website where you can apply.

Prepare Documents: Gather all the required documents that you are asked for. If your scholarship needs a written statement, follow a clear motivation letter structure and tailor it to the award criteria. Generally, Academic, Merit, and Excellence Scholarships ask for these documents:

• Academic transcripts.
• Personal statement.
• Letters of recommendation.
• Additional documents like GRE, GMAT, test scores, portfolios, etc.

Subject-Specific Scholarships

Subject-Specific Requirements: Before applying, find out the subject-specific requirements for the program. If you have the minimum required marks in the subjects, then proceed to the application process.

Application: Apply through the university or the specific faculty’s website.

Meet Deadlines: Application deadlines are strict. Ensure you submit all documents well before the closing date. It also helps to decide how many UK university choices you can submit so your scholarship plan matches your course applications.

Performance-Based Scholarships

Research Scholarships: Start by identifying universities and programs offering performance-based scholarships relevant to your field.

Check Eligibility Criteria: Each scholarship will have its own eligibility requirements. Make sure that you exhibit the required performance.

Submit Application and Documents: Performance-based scholarships are often linked to the university application process. Apply through their official website and submit all the necessary documents.

Equal Access or Sanctuary Scholarships

Eligibility: These scholarships are for non-EU international students with asylum seeker status or refugees. You need to show documentation proving this.

Application: Most universities require filling out an online scholarship application form.

Prepare Supporting Documents: You must submit documents like your Biometric Residence Permit to prove your asylum status.

Disability Scholarships

Eligibility Check: Make sure you meet the conditions regarding disability type, academic level, and nationality.

Submit Application and Documents: Fill out the online application form and submit the necessary documents.

Submit Proof of Disability: You must submit a medical certificate or a letter from a relevant professional, which is required.

Personal Statement: In your SOP, mention how your disability impacts your studies and how the scholarship will help you.

Tips For Preparing A Strong Application

• Research universities and organisations offering scholarships that align with your field of study.
• Write a compelling personal statement that tells the scholarship committee about you.
• Showcase your extracurricular activities, awards, or work experience.
• Choose recommenders who can write about your relevant achievements to the scholarship.
• Make sure your application is free of typos and grammatical mistakes.
• Submit your application in advance to avoid disqualification.

Comparative Analysis of Scholarships

The table below compares the Key Scholarships for European Students in the UK.

Scholarship name	Coverage	Eligibility	Application deadlines	Website links
Chevening Scholarships	Tuition fees, monthly living allowance, travel costs, visa costs (as set by the scheme).	Upper second-class honours degree, 2 years (2,800 hours) work experience, citizen of a Chevening-eligible country/territory (country pages set eligibility by nationality).	Opens: 5 Aug 2025 (12:00 UTC). Closes: 7 Oct 2025 (12:00 UTC). Unconditional offer deadline: 9 Jul 2026 (17:00 BST).	Chevening application timeline / Apply pages.
Commonwealth Scholarships (CSC)	Most awards cover tuition fees, airfare, and a living allowance (scheme rules differ by award type).	Citizen or permanent resident of a Commonwealth country; normally a 2:1 undergraduate honours degree; unable to fund UK study without support (award-type rules differ).	For study in 2026–27, applications open/close 16:00 (UK time) on Tuesday 14 Oct 2025.	British Council overview + CSC site links from that page.
GREAT Scholarships	At least £10,000 towards tuition fees for one-year taught postgraduate courses (offer set by each university).	Open to students from listed target countries for the year (includes EU countries such as France, Greece, Italy, Spain in 2026–27).	Deadlines differ by university and country page; 2026–27 applications are shown as open on the Study UK page.	Study UK GREAT Scholarships page (then pick the country page).
University-specific scholarships	Common options: tuition fee discounts, bursaries, living-cost awards; coverage differs by university and award.	Each university sets its own rules (often linked to course, fee status, academic profile, or need).	Deadlines differ by university, and can sit before or after the course application.	Use the scholarship funding pages of the chosen university (official site).

Additional Financial Support

Several additional financial support offers are made by UK universities, governments, or organisations for EU students. These funds help to cover the costs of your studying and living in the UK. For example,

Bursaries and Grants

Differences Between Scholarships, Bursaries, and Grants

• Scholarships: Scholarships are typically awarded based on merit or specific criteria. Bursaries and grants are forms of financial aid that do not need to be repaid and are usually based on financial need or specific circumstances.
• Bursaries: These are financial awards designed to help students in financial need. They are often provided by universities, colleges, or private organisations. Unlike scholarships, bursaries are usually not based on academic merit but rather on the student's financial situation.
• Grants: Similar to bursaries, grants are also non-repayable forms of financial aid. They can come from various sources, including government bodies, charities, and educational institutions. Grants may be given for specific purposes, such as research, travel, or living expenses.

How to Apply for Additional Financial Support

Applying for bursaries and grants typically involves demonstrating financial need and meeting certain eligibility criteria. Here are the general steps:

1. Research: Identify bursaries and grants for which you may be eligible. University financial aid offices, websites, and student support services can be valuable resources.
2. Prepare Documentation: Gather necessary documents, such as proof of financial need, academic records, and personal statements. Some bursaries may require letters of recommendation.
3. Application Process: Follow the specific application instructions for each bursary or grant. This might include filling out forms, writing essays, or attending interviews.
4. Submit Applications: Ensure all applications are submitted before the deadlines. Keep copies of all documents and confirmations of submission.

Loan Options for EU Students

A loan option is a paid-up financing agreement between students and a financial institution. It allows you to cover your educational costs. For an overview of lenders and common eligibility patterns, check student loan routes in the UK. You have to return the money on a particular policy. Here is an overview of the available loan options:

Government-Backed Student Loans

• Undergraduate Loans: EU students starting an undergraduate course in the UK may be eligible for tuition fee loans from the UK government. These loans cover the full cost of tuition and are paid directly to the university.
• Postgraduate Loans: For those pursuing postgraduate studies, the UK government offers loans to help with tuition and living costs. These loans are available for master's degrees and certain other postgraduate courses.

Private Student Loans

• Alternative Loan Options: In addition to government-backed loans, private financial institutions offer student loans. These loans may have different terms and interest rates, so it's important to compare options and read the fine print.
• Co-Signer Requirements: Some private loans may require a co-signer, especially for international students. A co-signer is someone who agrees to repay the loan if the borrower defaults.

Application Process for Loans

1. Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the loan, which may include residency requirements and enrollment in an eligible course.
2. Gather Documentation: Prepare necessary documents, such as proof of enrollment, identification, and financial information.
3. Complete Application: Fill out the loan application form accurately. This can usually be done online.
4. Submit and Await Approval: Submit the application and wait for approval. If approved, the funds will be disbursed according to the loan agreement.

Conclusion

Fee status, UK university scholarship panels, admissions teams, and application deadlines shape most funding outcomes for EU applicants. This article focused on the practical work that leads to better decisions: matching the right award type to the right fee category, then backing the claim with the right evidence. When EU students treat funding as a process, not a one-off form, the options become clearer.

You can now check eligibility criteria early, align tuition fees and funding categories with the course offer, and avoid applying for awards that never fit your fee category. Timing matters as much as merit, so a late submission can undo a strong application even when the academic record is solid. Which requirement in the university guidance is easiest to verify today?

Take one next step: review the scholarship pages for the chosen course, confirm the fee category with the university team if needed, and prepare a clean set of supporting documents before you apply for scholarships for EU students in UK.