UCL Global Master's Scholarship

Overview

The UCL Global Master's Scholarship is a need-based award from University College London, one of the largest universities in the United Kingdom. It gives international students who pay the overseas fee rate a flat contribution toward the cost of a full-time master's degree in London. The award is aimed at talented students from lower-income backgrounds who would find it hard to fund postgraduate study without help.

What sets this scheme apart is that it is decided on financial need rather than pure academic merit. You still need to hold a place to study at UCL, but the deciding factor is your household and personal financial circumstances. UCL offers a limited number of these awards each year, with a handful ring-fenced for specific countries, so it is competitive and the financial-need evidence stage matters.

For students worrying about whether London is affordable, the £15,000 contribution can take real pressure off tuition and living costs for a one-year master's. It does not cover everything, so you should treat it as a meaningful top-up rather than a full ride.

Key Facts at a Glance

Detail	Information
Funding Body	University College London (UCL)
Host Country	United Kingdom
Degree Levels	Master's (full-time, taught, on-campus)
Value	£15,000 toward costs for one year (split across two years for two-year programmes)
Deadline	Usually early May (5pm BST, 7 May 2026 for 2026/27 entry)
Eligible Nationalities	International students charged the overseas fee rate (limited country exceptions apply)
Official Website	UCL Global Master's Scholarship

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

You need to have submitted a complete application for admission to a full-time master's degree at UCL for the relevant entry year. You do not need to hold an offer when you apply for the scholarship, but you do need a genuine, in-progress admissions application. Distance-learning and part-time programmes are not eligible; the master's must be studied in person on campus.

Nationality Requirements

You must be classified as an overseas (international) fee payer. Applicants can come from most countries outside the UK. A small number of nationalities are excluded in a given year where UK study visas are not being issued, so check the current official call for the exact list before you apply.

Financial Requirements

The award is decided on demonstrated financial need. You should come from a lower-income background, and shortlisted candidates are asked to provide evidence of household income. UCL publishes its household-income definitions on its scholarship information pages, so review those thresholds to judge whether you are likely to qualify.

Other Requirements

You can apply for a programme in any subject area offered as a taught master's at UCL. The scholarship is held alongside your studies and is not transferable to another institution.

What the Scholarship Covers

• A £15,000 contribution toward the cost of one year of study.
• For two-year master's programmes, the £15,000 is split across the two years (50% each year).
• Funds are applied to your tuition fees first.
• Any remaining balance is paid to you, typically in three equal instalments across the academic year to help with living costs.

How to Apply

1. Apply to UCL first. Submit a complete application for admission to an eligible full-time on-campus master's programme for the relevant entry year.
2. Open the scholarship application. Go to UCL's International Master's Awards / scholarship page and start the dedicated scholarship application form.
3. Set out your financial need. Complete the questions on your background and financial circumstances honestly and in full.
4. Submit before the deadline. The form closes at 5pm BST on the published May date, so do not leave it to the last hour.
5. Respond to the evidence request. If you are shortlisted, you will be contacted (typically mid-May) and asked to upload documents proving your household income.
6. Wait for the decision. Successful applicants are usually notified by late June.

Required Documents

• A complete UCL admissions application (transcripts, degree certificates, references, and personal statement as required by your programme).
• Proof of household or family income, requested if you are shortlisted.
• Supporting financial documents such as payslips, tax records, or official income statements where applicable.
• Identification and proof of fee status as requested.

Key Dates & Deadlines

Stage	Timing
Scholarship application closes	Early May (5pm BST, 7 May 2026 for 2026/27 entry)
Financial-need evidence requested	Mid-May for shortlisted applicants
Final decisions	Usually by late June

Dates shift slightly each year, so confirm the exact closing time on the official page for your entry cycle.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Submit your UCL admissions application early so it is complete before the scholarship deadline.
• Be specific and honest about your financial circumstances; this is a need-based award.
• Gather income evidence in advance so you can respond quickly if shortlisted.
• Read UCL's household-income definitions to check you fall within the intended range.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Assuming strong grades alone will win it; the decision turns on financial need.
• Applying for a distance-learning or part-time programme, which is not eligible.
• Missing the 5pm BST cut-off on the deadline day.
• Failing to respond to the evidence request in time, which can cost you the award.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline for the UCL Global Master's Scholarship?

It usually closes in early May. For 2026/27 entry the deadline is 5pm BST on 7 May 2026. Confirm the exact date for your year on the official page.

How much is the UCL Global Master's Scholarship worth?

It is worth £15,000 toward your costs for one year. For two-year master's programmes the amount is split across the two years.

Does the UCL Global Master's Scholarship cover full tuition?

No. It is a £15,000 contribution applied to tuition first, with any remainder paid toward living costs. It is a partial award, not a full scholarship.

Who is eligible for the UCL Global Master's Scholarship?

International students who pay the overseas fee rate, come from a lower-income background, and have a complete application for a full-time on-campus master's at UCL.

Is the UCL Global Master's Scholarship based on merit or need?

It is awarded on financial need. You still need to be admissible to UCL, but the deciding factor is your demonstrated financial circumstances.

Do I need an offer before applying for the UCL Global Master's Scholarship?

You need a complete admissions application in progress. You do not have to be holding a confirmed offer at the point you apply for the scholarship.

Can distance-learning students get the UCL Global Master's Scholarship?

No. The award is for full-time, in-person, on-campus master's study only.

How many UCL Global Master's Scholarships are awarded each year?

UCL offers a limited number each year, with a few ring-fenced for specific countries. Check the current official call for the exact figure for your cycle.

How will I know if I have won the UCL Global Master's Scholarship?

Shortlisted applicants are contacted in mid-May for income evidence, and final decisions are usually sent by late June.

What documents do I need for the UCL Global Master's Scholarship?

Your full admissions documents, plus proof of household income (payslips, tax records, or official income statements) if you are shortlisted.

Can any nationality apply for the UCL Global Master's Scholarship?

Most non-UK nationalities can apply, but a small number of countries may be excluded in a given year where UK study visas are not being issued. Check the official list for your cycle.

Where do I apply for the UCL Global Master's Scholarship?

Through UCL's scholarship page and the International Master's Awards application form, after starting your admissions application.