The United Kingdom is renowned for its prestigious universities and world-class research facilities, making it a top destination for international students pursuing science degrees. However, the requirement of an IELTS score often poses a barrier for many applicants. Fortunately, several fully funded scholarships do not mandate IELTS, opening doors for a broader spectrum of students to excel in their academic pursuits. Here are over 15 such opportunities:
Why Study Science in the UK?
The United Kingdom is globally renowned for its world-class universities and groundbreaking scientific research.
Here are some compelling reasons to consider the UK for your science studies:
- Top-ranked universities: Institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London are among the best in the world.
- Cutting-edge research facilities: Access to state-of-the-art laboratories and research centers.
- Prestigious qualifications: Degrees from UK universities are highly respected worldwide.
- Multicultural environment: A diverse and inclusive academic community.
- Career prospects: Excellent opportunities for post-graduation employment and research.
Fully Funded Science Scholarships in the UK
Here are some of the best fully funded scholarship opportunities for international science students in the UK:
1. Chevening Scholarships
The Chevening Scholarships are the UK government’s prestigious awards scheme aimed at developing global leaders. These scholarships are available for one-year master’s degrees in any subject, including science and technology fields.
Key details:
- Full tuition fees covered
- Monthly living allowance
- Return flights to the UK
- Additional grants and allowances
IELTS requirement:Â Not mandatory if you meet the English language requirements through other means.
Click here to apply for Chevening Scholarships
2. Commonwealth Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarships are for students from developing Commonwealth countries to pursue Master’s and PhD degrees in the UK. These scholarships cover a wide range of science subjects.
Key details:
- Full tuition fees
- Living allowance
- Airfare to and from your home country
- Study travel grant and thesis grant
IELTS requirement:Â Not required if you can demonstrate English proficiency through other qualifications.
Apply now for Commonwealth Scholarships
3. Gates Cambridge Scholarships
The Gates Cambridge Scholarships are one of the most prestigious international scholarships, awarded to outstanding applicants from outside the UK to pursue a postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge.
Key details:
- Full tuition fees
- Maintenance allowance
- Additional funding for academic development
IELTS requirement:Â Not mandatory if you meet Cambridge’s English language requirements.
Click here to apply for Gates Cambridge Scholarships
4. Clarendon Scholarships at University of Oxford
The Clarendon Scholarships are awarded to the most academically-able and highest-achieving postgraduate applicants at the University of Oxford. These scholarships cover all subject areas, including sciences.
Key details:
- Full tuition fees
- Annual grant for living expenses
IELTS requirement:Â Not required if you meet Oxford’s English language requirements.
Apply now for Clarendon Scholarships
5. University of Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships
The University of Edinburgh offers fully funded PhD scholarships for outstanding international students in all fields of study, including sciences.
Key details:
- Full tuition fees
- Annual stipend
- Research costs
IELTS requirement:Â Not mandatory if you can demonstrate English proficiency through other means.
Click here to apply for Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships
6. Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarships
Imperial College London offers the President’s PhD Scholarships to support the most talented and promising PhD students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects.
Key details:
- Full tuition fees
- Annual stipend
- Research support grant
IELTS requirement:Â Not required if you meet Imperial’s English language requirements.
Apply now for Imperial College President’s PhD Scholarships
7. University of Manchester President’s Doctoral Scholar Awards
The University of Manchester offers the President’s Doctoral Scholar Awards to outstanding students across all disciplines, including sciences.
Key details:
- Full tuition fees
- Annual stipend
- Research training support grant
IELTS requirement:Â Not mandatory if you can demonstrate English proficiency through other qualifications.
Click here to apply for Manchester President’s Doctoral Scholar Awards
8. University College London Overseas Research Scholarships
University College London (UCL)Â offers Overseas Research Scholarships to exceptional international students pursuing research degrees in any field, including sciences.
Key details:
- Full tuition fees
- Maintenance stipend
- Additional research costs
IELTS requirement:Â Not required if you meet UCL’s English language requirements.
Apply now for UCL Overseas Research Scholarships
9. University of Warwick Chancellor’s International Scholarships
The University of Warwick offers the Chancellor’s International Scholarships to outstanding overseas students who wish to start a PhD in any discipline, including sciences.
Key details:
- Full tuition fees
- Maintenance stipend
- Research support grant
IELTS requirement:Â Not mandatory if you can demonstrate English proficiency through other means.
Click here to apply for Warwick Chancellor’s International Scholarships
10. University of Sheffield International PhD Scholarship
The University of Sheffield offers a number of International PhD Scholarships to the most outstanding PhD applicants in all subject areas, including sciences.
Key details:
- Full tuition fees
- Annual stipend
- Additional research training support grant
IELTS requirement:Â Not required if you meet Sheffield’s English language requirements.
Apply now for Sheffield International PhD Scholarships
11. University of Bristol International Office Scholarships
The University of Bristol offers scholarships for international students pursuing postgraduate studies in any subject area, including sciences.
Key details:
- Full tuition fees
- Living costs stipend
IELTS requirement:Â Not mandatory if you can demonstrate English proficiency through other qualifications.
Click here to apply for Bristol International Office Scholarships
12. University of Glasgow College of Science and Engineering Scholarships
The University of Glasgow offers scholarships for international students pursuing postgraduate taught programs in the College of Science and Engineering.Key details:
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Living cost stipend
IELTS requirement:Â Not required if you meet Glasgow’s English language requirements.
Apply now for Glasgow Science and Engineering Scholarships
13. University of Southampton Presidential International Scholarships
The University of Southampton offers Presidential International Scholarships to exceptional international students for PhD research in any subject area, including sciences.
Key details:
- Full tuition fees
- Annual stipend
- Research costs
IELTS requirement:Â Not mandatory if you can demonstrate English proficiency through other means.
Click here to apply for Southampton Presidential International Scholarships
14. University of Leeds International Doctoral Scholarships
The University of Leeds offers a number of International Doctoral Scholarships for outstanding international students in any subject area, including sciences.
Key details:
- Full tuition fees
- Maintenance grant
- Research training support grant
IELTS requirement:Â Not required if you meet Leeds’ English language requirements.
Apply now for Leeds International Doctoral Scholarships
15. University of Nottingham Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship for Research Excellence
The University of Nottingham offers the Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship for Research Excellence to outstanding international PhD applicants in any subject area, including sciences.
Key details:
- Full tuition fees
- Annual stipend
- Research training support grant
IELTS requirement:Â Not mandatory if you can demonstrate English proficiency through other qualifications.
Click here to apply for Nottingham Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship
Conclusion
These fully funded science scholarships in the UK offer incredible opportunities for international students to pursue their academic dreams without the burden of IELTS requirements or financial constraints. Remember to carefully review the eligibility criteria and application deadlines for each scholarship. With dedication and a strong application, you could be on your way to studying science at a world-class UK university on a fully funded scholarship!
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