The UCL Global Master’s Scholarships 2026 are competitive and valuable funding awards offered by University College London (UCL) to help international students with financial need pursue full-time Master’s degree programmes in London, UK. These scholarships aim to make world-class education at UCL more accessible to talented students from lower-income backgrounds, removing financial barriers to postgraduate study.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about what the scholarship covers, who is eligible, how to apply, and key dates — including the approximate deadline in May 2026.
What Is the UCL Global Master’s Scholarship?
The UCL Global Master’s Scholarship is a bursary designed to support international students who are eligible for Overseas tuition fee status and who demonstrate financial need. It provides a substantial contribution toward both tuition and maintenance during the academic year.
Each year, UCL awards multiple Global Master’s Scholarships — typically up to 85 awards — to students who have submitted complete admissions applications for UCL postgraduate taught programmes.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The UCL Global Master’s Scholarship offers a £15,000 award that is applied first toward tuition fees and then toward living costs for the academic year.
Tuition Support
The scholarship amount is first applied to your UCL tuition fees, reducing the financial burden of studying at a top university in London.
Maintenance Support
If there are remaining funds after tuition has been covered, the remainder is paid to students in three equal instalments across the academic year to help with living expenses such as accommodation, food, transport, and supplies.
Duration
The scholarship is generally tenable for one year — the typical duration of a full-time Master’s programme at UCL. For programmes that are two years long, the award may be split across both years.
This combination of tuition and maintenance support makes it one of the most helpful awards available to international Master’s applicants at UCL.
Who Is Eligible?
To be considered for the UCL Global Master’s Scholarship, applicants typically must:
- Be international students (eligible for Overseas fee status).
- Come from a lower-income background as assessed by UCL’s Student Funding Office.
- Have submitted a complete application for admission to a full-time taught Master’s degree at UCL for the 2026/27 academic year.
- Be willing and able to study in person in London — distance learning options are not eligible.
There are no nationality restrictions — students from any country outside the UK can apply.
Selection is based primarily on financial need, as assessed by the university’s funding office, and related documentation may be requested for shortlisted candidates.
How to Apply
UCL Global Master’s Scholarship applications are made through UCL’s International Master’s Awards process. Applicants should follow these steps:
- Apply for admission to a full-time Master’s programme at UCL — make sure your application is complete with references and required documents.
- Complete the International Masters Awards application via the UCL funding portal, available once you have submitted your UCL admission application.
- Submit financial evidence if shortlisted — this may include household income documentation.
- Ensure your scholarship application is submitted by the scholarship deadline.
UCL offers guidance on completing the application form, including how to report financial information accurately, on its International Masters Awards application guidance page.
Deadline and Timeline
The UCL Global Master’s Scholarship 2026 deadline is expected to be 5:00 pm BST on Thursday, 7 May 2026.
After applications close:
- Shortlisted applicants may be contacted in mid-June 2026 to provide evidence of financial need.
- Successful applicants are typically informed by late June or early July 2026.
It’s essential to submit both the UCL admission application and the scholarship application before the scholarship deadline, as an incomplete or late submission may not be considered.
Why This Scholarship Matters
Studying in London can be expensive due to high tuition fees and living costs. The UCL Global Master’s Scholarship’s £15,000 award can make a significant difference for students who would otherwise struggle to afford a Master’s degree.
By reducing financial barriers, the scholarship allows talented students from diverse global backgrounds to benefit from UCL’s world-leading academics, research facilities, and professional networks. Being awarded this scholarship can also boost confidence and enhance your profile, both academically and professionally.
Final Thoughts
The UCL Global Master’s Scholarships 2026 represent a valuable chance for aspiring international Master’s students to secure meaningful financial support for study in London. With coverage that blends tuition reduction and maintenance support, the scholarship helps talented students focus on learning and personal growth without excessive financial stress.
To be competitive, start early, prepare your UCL application carefully, and ensure your financial information and documents reflect your situation accurately. Submit everything by 7 May 2026 to be considered for this award.
