The Truth No One Tells You
When students ask, “Which scholarship is easy to get in the UK?”, what they really mean is — “Which one can I realistically apply for and actually stand a chance of winning?”
It’s an honest question.
Because behind every Google search, there’s a student somewhere comparing tuition fees, wondering how to reduce costs, and trying to understand whether a UK degree is even financially possible.
The truth?
There’s no “easy” scholarship. But there are realistic ones — scholarships and bursaries that are attainable if you understand how the UK system works, match the right criteria, and prepare your application strategically.
Let’s explore those.
Understanding the Three Layers of Scholarships in the UK
Before we talk about which scholarships are “easier,” it’s important to understand how they’re structured.
There are three main types:
1. Government Scholarships
These are highly reputed and fully funded — for example, Chevening, Commonwealth, and GREAT Scholarships. They cover tuition, living expenses, and travel.
However, they’re also the most competitive, often accepting less than 3–5% of applicants.
2. University Scholarships and Bursaries
These are offered directly by universities and usually cover partial tuition fees (10–50%).
They’re awarded based on academic performance, leadership potential, or regional eligibility — and tend to be much easier to secure than government scholarships.
3. Private or Country-Funded Scholarships
Certain governments, like those of the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Egypt, and Indonesia, sponsor students to study abroad and return to contribute to their country’s development.
These are often under-applied for because many students aren’t even aware they exist.
So, if “easy” means “achievable,” university bursaries and partial scholarships are your best option.
The Most Accessible Scholarships and Bursaries in the UK
Here’s a clear look at which ones international students can realistically aim for:
| Scholarship / Bursary | Type | Funding Level | Difficulty | Best For |
| UWS London International Bursary | University | Up to 40% off tuition | ★☆☆ (Easier) | Students applying directly to UWS London through verified channels like Erudmite |
| GREAT Scholarships | Government (British Council) | £10,000 towards tuition | ★★☆ | Students from eligible partner countries (e.g., India, Malaysia, Nigeria, Egypt) |
| Commonwealth Shared Scholarship | Government | Full tuition + living costs | ★★★ | Students from developing Commonwealth countries with high academic performance |
| Chevening Scholarship | Government | Fully funded | ★★★★ | Postgraduate students with at least 2 years’ professional experience and strong leadership record |
| University Merit Awards (e.g. Bristol, Nottingham, UCL) | University | 25–50% tuition | ★★☆ | Students with strong academic results |
| Country-Specific Scholarships (e.g., Oman, UAE, Indonesia) | Government / Public | Partial or full tuition | ★★☆ | Students sponsored by home-country education ministries |
| Private Foundation Grants (e.g., Saïd Foundation, Felix Scholarship) | Private | Varies | ★★★ | Students from the Middle East, South Asia, or Africa |
The common thread?
University bursaries like the one offered by UWS London are usually the most straightforward to secure — because they don’t require lengthy essays, interviews, or years of work experience.
Why University Bursaries Are the Smartest First Step
Take UWS London as an example.
International students applying for the January or May 2026 intake can receive a bursary of up to 40%, reducing tuition from approximately £15,500 to £10,950.
That’s not just a discount — it’s a scholarship designed to help students manage affordability without bureaucracy.
And unlike government schemes, bursaries:
- Don’t require separate applications in most cases.
- Are automatically considered when you apply through verified education partners.
- Can be combined with other smaller awards or country sponsorships.
This is why thousands of students across the UAE, Egypt, India, and Sri Lanka choose bursary-based universities like UWS London — it’s transparent, fast, and realistic.
How “Easy” Depends on You
Even for partial scholarships, your chances increase dramatically if you focus on preparation rather than luck.
Here’s what makes a difference:
1. Your Academic Background
Strong grades from your home country improve eligibility. But even if your GPA isn’t perfect, relevant experience or achievements can help.
2. Your Personal Statement / SOP
Scholarship committees want to see clarity of purpose — not perfection.
Your SOP should answer: Why this course, why the UK, and how will it help you contribute back?
3. Your Country of Origin
Some scholarships prioritise specific countries under development programmes (e.g., Commonwealth for developing nations, GREAT for select partner countries).
4. Your Timing
Applying early — at least 3–6 months before deadlines — increases your chances. Many students miss opportunities simply because they apply too late.
Scholarships That Are Easier Because Fewer Students Apply
While Chevening or Commonwealth are highly popular, these programmes often have country-specific under-represented categories that receive fewer applications.
For example:
- Students from Egypt, Oman, or Indonesia applying for non-STEM subjects like education, policy, or creative fields face less competition.
- Smaller universities’ internal excellence awards often go unclaimed because students assume “only top ranks qualify.”
In other words — sometimes the “easier” scholarship is the one you actually apply for.
How to Identify a Scholarship You Can Win
At Erudmite, we guide students to evaluate scholarships not just by prestige, but by fit.
Here’s the three-step formula we teach:
Step 1: Find Alignment
Match your academic background and goals with the course. A student applying for MSc Cyber Security with relevant IT experience has a higher chance than a random applicant.
Step 2: Check the Eligibility Matrix
If a scholarship requires a specific GPA, nationality, or work experience, confirm you meet it before applying. Many students waste time on ineligible programmes.
Step 3: Prioritise University and Country Funding Over Global Schemes
Statistically, your chances are 10x higher for a university-based bursary than a fully funded government scheme.
How Erudmite Helps Students Win Scholarships
At Erudmite, our philosophy is simple — clarity over chaos.
We help students understand what’s realistic, ethical, and achievable.
Our counsellors assist with:
- Identifying bursary-friendly UK universities (like UWS London).
- Writing a winning SOP or personal statement that reflects genuine motivation.
- Applying for country-specific scholarships (like GREAT, Commonwealth, or Gulf sponsorships).
- Verifying documents to avoid rejection due to incomplete paperwork.
We don’t promise miracles. We promise guidance — because that’s what gets you the result.
Real Example: Turning Affordability into Access
One of our students from Oman wanted to study MSc Information Technology with Cloud Computing but was worried about tuition costs.
Through Erudmite, she applied for UWS London’s 40% bursary and received confirmation within weeks.
Her total tuition dropped from £15,500 to £10,950, making the dream of studying in London a reality — without months of waiting or competitive selection panels.
Today, she’s interning at a UK tech start-up under the Graduate Route visa, gaining work experience that adds long-term value to her career.
This story isn’t rare — it’s what happens when students choose strategy over stress.
How to Strengthen Your Scholarship Application
If you’re applying for competitive schemes like Chevening or Commonwealth, here are tips that genuinely make a difference:
- Tell your story, not just your achievements.
Committees remember authenticity more than fancy language. - Show leadership through impact.
You don’t need to run a company — even organising a community initiative or project counts. - Connect your goals to global relevance.
How will your UK education help your home country? This is key for government-funded scholarships. - Collect recommendations early.
Strong references from employers or professors can make or break an application. - Stay consistent across essays, SOPs, and interviews.
A coherent narrative builds trust.
Scholarships vs. Bursaries: Which Is Right for You?
| Feature | Scholarships | Bursaries |
| Based On | Merit, leadership, or development goals | Financial need or general eligibility |
| Competition | High (thousands of applicants globally) | Moderate (limited to enrolled students) |
| Funding Amount | Full or partial tuition + living cost | Usually partial tuition (up to 40%) |
| Application Process | Separate form + essays/interviews | Usually automatic upon admission |
| Examples | Chevening, GREAT, Commonwealth | UWS London International Bursary |
For most international students, the best strategy is a mix: apply for one national scholarship and one university bursary.
That way, even if you don’t win the full award, you’ve still reduced your costs significantly.
Final Thoughts
So — which scholarship is “easy” to get in the UK?
None are effortless. But the ones that are simpler, faster, and genuinely within reach are usually university bursaries and country-specific funding schemes.
They may not make headlines like Chevening, but they make dreams possible — quietly and effectively.
Because ultimately, the goal isn’t to win a scholarship for the name — it’s to win one that helps you move forward.
At Erudmite, we help students do exactly that: find opportunities that match their reality, not someone else’s highlight reel.
FAQ
1. Which scholarship is easiest to get in the UK?
University bursaries, such as the UWS London International Bursary (up to 40%), are the most accessible. They’re based on eligibility, not intense competition.
2. Are Chevening or Commonwealth scholarships easy?
They’re prestigious and fully funded, but highly competitive — only a small percentage of applicants are selected.
3. Can I apply for multiple scholarships at once?
Yes, as long as the terms don’t conflict. Many students apply for both a university bursary and a national scholarship simultaneously.
4. Do scholarships cover living costs?
Only fully funded ones (e.g. Chevening, Commonwealth). Bursaries generally cover tuition fee reductions.
5. How do I apply for the UWS London bursary?
Applications are automatic when you apply through authorised study partners such as Erudmite.
6. What’s the best strategy to improve my chances?
Apply early, write an authentic SOP, and focus on universities with internal funding options.
7. Does Erudmite charge to help with scholarship applications?
No. Scholarship and bursary guidance is part of our free counselling service for students applying through Erudmite to UWS London and partner universities.
