Fully Funded Masters Scholarships for Refugee Students in the UK

Fully funded Masters scholarships are available for refugee students in the UK, offering a unique opportunity for those who have been displaced to pursue higher education and rebuild their lives.

Who Qualifies

To be eligible for these scholarships, refugee students must hold a specific visa category, including:

* Refugee visa

* Humanitarian Protection visa

* Discretionary Leave to Remain visa

* Leave to Remain under Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights

* Section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016 visa

* Section 1 of the Refugee Convention 1951 visa

Available Scholarships

The UK Government Chevening Scholarship

The UK Government Chevening Scholarship offers full tuition fees and a monthly stipend of £1,236, eligibility includes having a bachelor's degree and meeting the Chevening English language requirement, deadline is November 2026, and the official website is https://www.chevening.org/.

The University of Oxford Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships

The University of Oxford Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships provide full tuition fees and a monthly stipend of £1,500, eligibility includes having a bachelor's degree and meeting the English language requirement, deadline is January 2027, and the official website is https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/fees-and-funding/graduate-scholarships/university-of-oxford-scholarships/weidenfeld-hoffmann-scholarships.

The University of Cambridge Gates Scholarship

The University of Cambridge Gates Scholarship offers full tuition fees and a monthly stipend of £1,700, eligibility includes having a bachelor's degree and meeting the English language requirement, deadline is October 2026, and the official website is https://www.gatescambridge.org/.

The Imperial College London President's Scholarships

The Imperial College London President's Scholarships provide full tuition fees and a monthly stipend of £1,300, eligibility includes having a bachelor's degree and meeting the English language requirement, deadline is March 2027, and the official website is https://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/pg/fees-and-funding/scholarships/presidents-phd-scholarships/.

The University of Edinburgh Global Scholarship

The University of Edinburgh Global Scholarship offers full tuition fees and a monthly stipend of £1,200, eligibility includes having a bachelor's degree and meeting the English language requirement, deadline is June 2027, and the official website is https://www.ed.ac.uk/student-funding/postgraduate/international/uk-government/chevening.

Application Steps

Check the eligibility criteria for each scholarship to ensure you meet the requirements.

Prepare your application materials, including your CV, personal statement, and academic transcripts.

Submit your application through the official website of the scholarship provider.

Ensure you have a valid passport and visa to study in the UK.

Meet the English language requirement, which may include taking an IELTS or TOEFL test.

Provide proof of financial support, which may include a scholarship award letter or evidence of personal savings.

Apply for a student visa, which may include providing biometric data and attending an interview at a UK visa application centre.

Documents Checklist

* Valid passport

* Visa application decision letter

* Academic transcripts

* Bachelor's degree certificate

* English language proficiency test results

* CV

* Personal statement

* Proof of financial support

* Scholarship award letter

* University admission letter

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline for applying for the UK Government Chevening Scholarship?

The deadline for applying for the UK Government Chevening Scholarship is November 2026, and applicants are advised to submit their applications well in advance to avoid any technical issues. The scholarship is highly competitive, and only a limited number of awards are available each year.

Can I apply for more than one scholarship at the same time?

Yes, you can apply for more than one scholarship at the same time, but you must ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for each scholarship and submit separate applications for each one. Some scholarships may have similar eligibility criteria, but others may have specific requirements, such as a particular field of study or level of English language proficiency.

What is the difference between a refugee visa and a humanitarian protection visa?

A refugee visa and a humanitarian protection visa are both types of visas issued to individuals who are fleeing persecution or violence in their home country. However, a refugee visa is typically issued to individuals who meet the definition of a refugee under the Refugee Convention 1951, while a humanitarian protection visa is issued to individuals who do not meet the definition of a refugee but are still in need of protection.

How do I apply for a student visa to study in the UK?

To apply for a student visa to study in the UK, you must submit an online application and provide biometric data, such as fingerprints. You may also be required to attend an interview at a UK visa application centre. The application process can take several weeks, so it is essential to apply well in advance of your course start date.

Can I work part-time while studying in the UK on a student visa?

Yes, you can work part-time while studying in the UK on a student visa, but you must ensure you do not exceed the maximum number of hours permitted. The maximum number of hours you can work varies depending on the type of course you are studying and the level of study.

What is the cost of living in the UK for international students?

The cost of living in the UK for international students can vary depending on the location and lifestyle. However, on average, a student can expect to pay around £1,200 per month for accommodation, food, and other living expenses.

How do I register with the university and attend orientation events?

To register with the university, you must provide your admission letter and other required documents, such as your passport and visa. You will also be required to attend orientation events, which may include a welcome talk, academic induction, and social activities.

Are there any specific scholarships available for refugee students from specific countries?

Yes, some scholarships are specifically available for refugee students from particular countries. For example, the UK Government Chevening Scholarship has a specific strand for scholars from certain countries, including Syria and Afghanistan.

For more information on scholarships and student visas, please visit the UK Government website and the University of Oxford website.

To learn more about the opportunities available to refugee students, visit the MigrantScholar blog