The £15,000 UCL Global Master’s Scholarship 2026 is a highly competitive postgraduate funding opportunity designed to support talented international students who wish to pursue a master’s degree at University College London. The scholarship is aimed at students from low-income and middle-income backgrounds who demonstrate strong academic merit but face financial barriers to studying in the United Kingdom.
As one of the top-ranked universities globally, UCL attracts thousands of international postgraduate applicants each year. This scholarship significantly reduces the cost of studying in London and makes a UK master’s degree more accessible for qualified international students.
This guide explains the scholarship in a clear, step-by-step format suitable for international applicants with little or no prior knowledge of UK scholarships.
What the £15,000 UCL Global Master’s Scholarship Covers
The UCL Global Master’s Scholarship is a partial tuition-fee scholarship applied directly to the cost of a one-year or two-year taught master’s program.
Financial Benefits Included
Tuition Fee Support
Successful applicants receive £15,000 applied toward their tuition fees for the academic year.
Duration of Funding
The scholarship is valid for one academic year. For two-year programs, funding is usually provided for the first year only, subject to UCL terms.
Total Scholarship Value
The maximum funding value is £15,000 per student.
Expenses Not Covered
Non-Covered Costs
- Living expenses such as accommodation, food, and transportation
- UK student visa application fees
- Immigration Health Surcharge
- Travel and flight costs
- Personal and study-related expenses
Applicants must demonstrate the ability to cover remaining costs when accepting the scholarship.
Tuition Fees and Cost of Studying at UCL Without the Scholarship
Understanding the full cost of studying in London highlights the value of this high-CPC UK master’s scholarship.
Average UCL Master’s Tuition Fees for International Students
- Arts and social sciences: £25,000 to £32,000 per year
- Science, engineering, and technology: £30,000 to £40,000 per year
Estimated Living Costs in London
- Accommodation: £800 to £1,200 per month
- Food and utilities: £300 to £450 per month
- Transport and personal expenses: £150 to £250 per month
With the £15,000 UCL Global Master’s Scholarship applied, students can reduce their tuition burden significantly and plan their finances more effectively.
Who Can Apply for the UCL Global Master’s Scholarship 2026
The scholarship is open exclusively to international students who meet UCL’s admission and financial criteria.
General Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following conditions:
Academic Requirements
- Hold an offer of admission for a full-time master’s degree at UCL
- Meet the academic entry requirements for the chosen program
- Demonstrate strong academic performance in previous studies
Nationality and Fee Status
- Be classified as an overseas fee-paying student
- Be domiciled in a low-income or middle-income country
Financial Need Requirement
Applicants must demonstrate financial need through supporting documentation as required by UCL.
Eligible Master’s Programs at UCL
Program Coverage
The UCL Global Master’s Scholarship applies to most full-time taught master’s programs across UCL faculties, including:
Common Fields of Study
- Business and management
- Engineering and computer science
- Public health and life sciences
- Law, politics, and international relations
- Education, arts, and social sciences
Research degrees and part-time programs are generally not eligible.
Step-by-Step Application Process for UCL Global Master’s Scholarship
Step 1 – Apply for Admission to UCL
Applicants must first apply and receive an offer for an eligible master’s program at UCL through the official postgraduate admissions portal.
Step 2 – Secure an Offer Letter
Only applicants with a confirmed offer of admission are eligible to apply for the scholarship.
Step 3 – Submit the Scholarship Application
Applicants must complete the UCL Global Master’s Scholarship application form before the stated deadline.
Required Supporting Information
- Personal and academic details
- Evidence of financial need
- Statement of motivation
Step 4 – Selection and Review
Applications are assessed based on academic merit and financial need.
Step 5 – Scholarship Award Notification
Successful applicants are notified by email and must formally accept the award within the given timeframe.
Application Timeline and Deadlines for 2026
Typical Application Timeline
- Master’s program application: October 2025 to March 2026
- Scholarship application deadline: March to May 2026
- Selection and notification: May to June 2026
- Program start date: September 2026
Deadlines may vary slightly each year, so early application is strongly recommended.
UK Student Visa Fees and Additional Costs
International students studying at UCL must apply for a UK Student visa.
Estimated Mandatory Visa Costs
- UK student visa application fee: approximately £490
- Immigration Health Surcharge: approximately £1,035 per year
These costs are not covered by the scholarship and must be paid separately.
Why the UCL Global Master’s Scholarship Is High-Value
The UCL Global Master’s Scholarship is one of the most attractive UK postgraduate funding options for international students.
Key Advantages
- £15,000 direct reduction in tuition fees
- Study at a globally ranked UK university
- Strong employability and academic reputation
- Ideal for students seeking UK scholarships with high return on investment
Graduates from UCL benefit from strong global recognition and access to UK post-study work opportunities under the Graduate Route visa.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying
Frequent Errors
- Applying without securing a UCL offer
- Missing the scholarship deadline
- Failing to demonstrate financial need clearly
- Underestimating total living and visa-related costs
Final Guidance for International Applicants
The £15,000 UCL Global Master’s Scholarship 2026 offers a powerful opportunity for international students to study in the UK at a reduced cost while earning a master’s degree from one of the world’s leading universities. For applicants seeking high-value UK master’s scholarships with strong academic and career outcomes, this funding option is highly recommended.
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