If you’re an international student from a lower-income background planning to pursue a full-time Master’s degree in the UK, the UCL Global Master’s Scholarship offers valuable financial support. Offered by University College London (UCL) — consistently ranked among the world’s top universities — this award helps talented applicants overcome funding barriers and access high-quality postgraduate education in London.

This guide explains the key details for the 2026/27 academic year, including benefits, who can apply, the step-by-step application process, and important dates.

Each award is worth £15,000 for a one-year program. For Master’s degrees lasting two years full-time, the total amount is divided equally (50% per year).

The funds are typically allocated first toward your tuition fees. Any remaining balance is paid out in three equal installments during the academic year to help with living costs, accommodation, or other expenses in London.

Who Is Eligible? Key Requirements

To qualify, you must meet all of these conditions:

• Be classified as an overseas (international) fee payer — not UK/Home fees.
• Come from a lower-income household (UCL assesses this based on your declared household income and circumstances).
• Have submitted a complete application for admission to a full-time Master’s program at UCL for the 2026/27 entry. This includes having your references submitted and verified by UCL Admissions.
• Plan to enroll in any full-time postgraduate taught program (nearly all subjects are eligible, from sciences and engineering to humanities, social sciences, and more).

There are no restrictions based on nationality (except the ring-fenced spots mentioned earlier), but you must be from outside the UK.

Note: You do not need to hold a formal offer of admission when applying for the scholarship, but your fee status must be confirmed, and your admissions application must be fully submitted.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process

Applying is done through UCL’s centralized International Master’s Awards system. Follow these steps carefully:

1. Apply for Admission First Submit your full application for your chosen Master’s program via UCL’s online portal. Make sure references are uploaded and verified — this step is required before the scholarship form becomes available.
2. Access the Scholarship Application. Once your admissions application is submitted, log in to the relevant funding portal to complete the dedicated form for the UCL Global Master’s Scholarship.
3. Fill Out the Form Accurately
   • Provide academic details (your highest qualification, grades, institution — use UK equivalents like 2:1 if needed; include predicted grades if you’re finishing your degree).
   • Declare your expected financial support from all sources (family, savings, loans, other scholarships) in GBP.
   • Report your household’s gross annual income from the previous year, including all earners and sources.
   • Answer questions about household size, dependents, employment status, disabilities, single-parent status, state benefits, and whether you’re a first-generation university student.
   • Use the optional text boxes (up to 500 characters) to explain any unusual financial circumstances, such as high medical costs, recent job loss, or other hardships that affect your need.
4. Submit and Confirm Review everything, agree to the declarations, and submit. You’ll receive a confirmation email. You can Apply Here Now

Shortlisted applicants are usually contacted in mid-May 2026 and asked to provide supporting financial documents (e.g., bank statements, tax records, or income proof). Be prepared to submit these quickly if requested.

Important Dates and Timeline

Application Deadline: 5:00 PM BST on Thursday, 7 May 2026. Shortlisting notifications: Mid-May 2026. Final results: Typically by late June 2026.