The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers the Commonwealth Master's Scholarship to international students from eligible Commonwealth countries, providing full tuition fees and a monthly stipend of £1,084 for the duration of the master's programme at the University of Edinburgh.
Who Qualifies
International students seeking to study at the University of Edinburgh must apply for a UK Tier 4 visa, which is categorized into two types: Tier 4 (General) student visa and Tier 4 (Child) student visa. Students from outside the UK and EU who are 16 or older can apply for a Tier 4 (General) student visa, while students under 16 can apply for a Tier 4 (Child) student visa.
Commonwealth Master's Scholarship
* Amount: Full tuition fees and £1,084 monthly stipend
* Eligibility: International students from eligible Commonwealth countries
* Deadline: Varies by country
* Official URL: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-masters-scholarships/
Chevening Scholarship
* Amount: Full tuition fees and £1,084 monthly stipend
* Eligibility: International students from Chevening-eligible countries
* Deadline: November 1st
* Official URL: https://www.chevening.org/
Gates Cambridge Scholarship
* Amount: Full tuition fees and £17,500 stipend per annum
* Eligibility: International students from any country outside the UK
* Deadline: December 2nd for US citizens and October 13th for international students
* Official URL: https://www.gatescambridge.org/
Edinburgh Global Scholarship
* Amount: £5,000 to £10,000
* Eligibility: International students from any country outside the EU
* Deadline: Varies by programme
* Official URL: https://www.ed.ac.uk/student-funding/postgraduate/international/edinburgh-global
Saltire Scholarship
* Amount: £8,000
* Eligibility: International students from Canada, China, India, Japan, Pakistan, or the USA
* Deadline: May 31st
* Official URL: https://www.scotland.org/study/saltire-scholarships
Application Steps
- Choose a course at the University of Edinburgh and meet the admission requirements.
- Apply for admission to the University of Edinburgh through their website.
- Receive an unconditional offer from the University of Edinburgh.
- Apply for a UK Tier 4 visa through the UK Government website.
- Gather the required documents, including a valid passport and proof of English proficiency.
- Pay the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
- Attend a biometric appointment and provide fingerprints.
- Wait for the visa decision and receive the biometric residence permit (BRP) card.
Documents Checklist
* Valid passport
* Proof of English proficiency (e.g. IELTS or TOEFL certificate)
* Unconditional offer letter from the University of Edinburgh
* Proof of funds (e.g. bank statement)
* Academic transcripts and certificates
* Proof of language proficiency in English (if required)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the cost of a UK Tier 4 visa application? The cost is £348 for a standard application and £454 for a priority application.
- Can I work part-time with a Tier 4 visa? Yes, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term-time and full-time during holidays.
- Do I need to take an English language proficiency test? Yes, if English is not your first language, you need to provide proof of English proficiency.
- Can I apply for a Tier 4 visa from outside the UK? Yes, you can apply from outside the UK, but you must meet the eligibility criteria.
- How long does it take to process a Tier 4 visa application? The standard processing time is 3-8 weeks, but priority applications are processed within 5-7 working days.
- Can I bring my family with me to the UK? Yes, but they must apply for a separate visa as your dependents.
- What is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)? The IHS is a mandatory fee that provides access to the UK's National Health Service (NHS).
- Can I apply for a Tier 4 visa extension? Yes, if you need to extend your stay in the UK, you can apply for a visa extension.
For more information on UK visa requirements, visit the UK Government website. For information on studying in Scotland, visit the Study in Scotland website.
Please visit https://migrantscholar.com/blog for the latest information on scholarship opportunities and visa requirements for international students in the UK.
Related Guides
- UK scholarships for migrants
- Chevening scholarships
- scholarships for refugees
- fully funded scholarships
- scholarship deadlines 2026
- scholarship glossary
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Last Reviewed: 26 July 2026