Top 12 Undergraduate & Postgraduate Scholarships by Foundations for UK Universities in 2025
Introduction
Scholarships offered by foundations and organizations are a golden opportunity for students dreaming of higher education but facing financial challenges. These scholarships are designed to empower talented individuals by making quality education accessible. Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a budding scientist, or an artist with a vision, scholarships can help you achieve your goals without the financial strain. But applying for these opportunities can feel overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. With the right strategies and preparation, you can significantly improve your chances of success.
Here are 12 undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships offered by foundations and organizations for the 2025 academic year, along with their application deadlines and official application links:
1. GREAT Scholarships 2025
• Scholarship Brief Description: Jointly funded by the UK government's GREAT Britain Campaign and participating UK higher education institutions, these scholarships support international students from selected countries pursuing undergraduate studies in the UK.
• Level of Study: Undergraduate
• Scholarship Benefits: Typically, a minimum of £10,000 towards tuition fees for one year.
• Eligibility Criteria:
o Applicants must be citizens of eligible countries (specific countries vary by year; refer to the official website for the current list).
o Must have an offer for an undergraduate course at a participating UK university.
• Addressed Nationalities: International students from selected countries.
• Deadline to Apply: Deadlines vary by institution; applicants should check with their chosen university.
• Official Website Link to Apply: GREAT Scholarships 2025
2. Sidney Perry Foundation Grants
• Scholarship Brief Description: The Sidney Perry Foundation is a UK-based charity that provides grants to students in need of financial assistance, including international students studying in the UK.
• Level of Study: Undergraduate and Postgraduate
• Scholarship Benefits: Grants vary depending on individual circumstances and needs.
• Eligibility Criteria:
o Applicants must demonstrate financial need.
o Open to students of any nationality pursuing higher education in the UK.
• Addressed Nationalities: All nationalities.
• Deadline to Apply: Applications are accepted throughout the year; early application is advised.
• Official Website Link to Apply: Sidney Perry Foundation
3. The Inlaks Foundation Scholarships
• Scholarship Brief Description: The Inlaks Foundation provides scholarships for exceptional students from India to pursue full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses at top-rated institutions in the UK, USA, and Europe.
• Level of Study: Undergraduate and Postgraduate
• Scholarship Benefits: The scholarship covers tuition fees, adequate living expenses, and one-way travel allowance.
• Eligibility Criteria:
o Applicants must be Indian citizens, resident in India at the time of application.
o Must have prior admission to the institution and course chosen.
o Candidates should be below 30 years of age.
• Addressed Nationalities: Indian students.
• Deadline to Apply: Typically in April; refer to the official website for specific dates.
• Official Website Link to Apply: Inlaks Foundation Scholarships
4. Charles Wallace Trusts Scholarships
• Scholarship Brief Description: The Charles Wallace Trusts offer grants to students and professionals from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Burma (Myanmar) to enable them to achieve artistic, academic, and professional ambitions in the UK.
• Level of Study: Primarily Postgraduate; some opportunities for mid-career professionals.
• Scholarship Benefits: Funding varies; may include accommodation, living costs, and a contribution towards international fares.
• Eligibility Criteria:
o Applicants must be citizens of Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, or Burma.
o Must be aged between 25 and 38.
o Should have a firm offer (unconditional or conditional) from a UK institution.
• Addressed Nationalities: Citizens of Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Burma.
• Deadline to Apply: Varies by country; consult the respective country trust's website.
• Official Website Link to Apply: Charles Wallace Trusts
5- Bestway Foundation Scholarships
• Scholarship Brief Description: Funds Pakistani students pursuing STEM undergraduate and postgraduate studies in the UK.
• Level of Study: Undergraduate and Postgraduate
• Scholarship Benefits: Covers tuition fees, living costs, and travel.
• Eligibility Criteria:
o Must be a Pakistani national.
o Offer from a UK partner university required.
• Addressed Nationalities: Pakistani students.
• Deadline to Apply: Varies; check the official website.
• Official Website Link to Apply: Bestway Foundation
6- Said Foundation Scholarships
• Scholarship Brief Description: Provides financial assistance to students from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine to study in the UK.
• Level of Study: Undergraduate and Postgraduate
• Scholarship Benefits: Tuition fees, living costs, and travel expenses.
• Eligibility Criteria:
o Applicants must demonstrate leadership potential.
o Firm offer from a UK institution required.
• Addressed Nationalities: Syrian, Jordanian, Lebanese, and Palestinian students.
• Deadline to Apply: November 2025 (exact date TBA on the website for application year 2026-2027).
• Official Website Link to Apply: Said Foundation Scholarships
7- The Unite Foundation Scholarships
• Scholarship Brief Description: Provides free accommodation for undergraduates who are care leavers or estranged from their families.
• Level of Study: Undergraduate.
• Scholarship Benefits: Free accommodation for up to three years at partner universities.
• Eligibility Criteria:
o Must be a care leaver or estranged student.
o Aged 25 or under at the start of the undergraduate course.
o Studying at one of the Unite Foundation's partner universities.
• Addressed Nationalities: UK residents only.
• Deadline to Apply: Applications typically open in early spring (exact dates TBA for 2025).
• Official Website Link to Apply: Unite Foundation
8- Commonwealth Undergraduate Scholarships
• Scholarship Brief Description: Supports talented students from Commonwealth countries to study in the UK.
• Level of Study: Undergraduate/Postgraduate
• Scholarship Benefits: Full tuition fees, living expenses, round-trip airfare, and additional allowances.
• Eligibility Criteria:
o Citizen of a low- or middle-income Commonwealth country.
o Not currently residing or studying in a high-income country.
o Must demonstrate academic merit and financial need.
• Addressed Nationalities: Citizens of Commonwealth countries.
• Deadline to Apply: Varies by country, generally between December and February for 2025 intake.
• Official Website Link to Apply: Commonwealth Scholarships
9- The Humanitarian Scholarships (REUK)
• Scholarship Brief Description: Assists refugees and asylum seekers in the UK to access undergraduate education.
• Level of Study: Undergraduate/Postgraduate
• Scholarship Benefits: Partial to full funding for tuition and living costs.
• Eligibility Criteria:
o Must be a refugee, asylum seeker, or have limited leave to remain in the UK.
o Accepted into a UK university for undergraduate studies.
• Addressed Nationalities: Refugees, asylum seekers, and individuals with leave to remain in the UK.
• Deadline to Apply: Annually, typically in the first quarter (exact dates TBA for 2025).
• Official Website Link to Apply: Refugee Education UK
10. Helena Kennedy Foundation Bursaries
• Scholarship Brief Description: Provides financial support to disadvantaged students progressing to undergraduate studies in the UK.
• Level of Study: Undergraduate.
• Scholarship Benefits: Financial grants, mentoring, and career guidance.
• Eligibility Criteria:
o UK resident with demonstrable financial hardship.
o Progressing from further education to undergraduate study.
o Commitment to overcoming adversity.
• Addressed Nationalities: UK residents only.
• Deadline to Apply: Typically in the spring (exact dates TBA for 2025).
• Official Website Link to Apply: Helena Kennedy Foundation
11. The British Red Cross Refugee Scholarship
• Scholarship Brief Description: Supports refugees and asylum seekers pursuing undergraduate education in the UK.
• Level of Study: Undergraduate.
• Scholarship Benefits: Covers tuition fees and living expenses.
• Eligibility Criteria:
o Refugee or asylum seeker residing in the UK.
o Accepted into a UK undergraduate program.
• Addressed Nationalities: Refugees and asylum seekers in the UK.
• Deadline to Apply: Varies by program, usually between spring and summer.
• Official Website Link to Apply: British Red Cross Scholarships
12. The Schwab & Westheimer Trust Asylum Seekers Scholarship
• Scholarship Brief Description: Assists students seeking asylum in the UK to pursue undergraduate degrees.
• Level of Study: Undergraduate.
• Scholarship Benefits: Covers tuition fees and a stipend for living expenses.
• Eligibility Criteria:
o Must have claimed asylum in the UK.
o Accepted into a UK undergraduate program.
o Demonstrates academic merit and financial need.
• Addressed Nationalities: Asylum seekers in the UK.
• Deadline to Apply: Annually, typically in April (exact dates TBA for 2025).
• Official Website Link to Apply: Westheimer Trust
Pro Tips for Applying to Scholarships from Foundations
1. Do Your Homework
Start by exploring scholarships that match your field of study, nationality, and personal background. Look for trusted platforms, official websites, and scholarship directories to find legitimate opportunities.
2. Check the Eligibility Checklist
Pay close attention to the eligibility criteria for each scholarship. Make sure your academic qualifications, financial status, or other requirements align with what they’re looking for. Applying to scholarships you don’t qualify for can waste precious time.
3. Write a Stand-Out Personal Statement
Your personal statement is your chance to shine. Highlight your achievements, goals, and why you deserve the scholarship. Tailor it to reflect the foundation’s mission and values, making a strong connection with their objectives. \
4. Organize Your Documents
Carefully Gather everything you’ll need: academic transcripts, recommendation letters, financial proof, and identity documents. Double-check that they’re accurate, up-to-date, and formatted as requested.
5. Never Miss a Deadline
Deadlines are non-negotiable. Set reminders and aim to complete your application ahead of time to avoid last-minute hiccups. Late submissions often aren’t even reviewed.
6. Get Quality Recommendation
Letters Choose referees who know you well and can vouch for your skills, dedication, and character. A strong, personalized recommendation can make all the difference in your application.
7. Customize Every Application
Foundations value sincerity and effort. Avoid generic applications. Instead, personalize each one to align with the specific scholarship’s focus and goals.
8. Prepare for the Interview Stage
Some scholarships include an interview. Practice common questions, research the foundation’s mission, and rehearse clear, confident answers. Show enthusiasm and authenticity during your interview.
9. Tap into Support Networks
Use resources like online forums, university career offices, and guidance counselors. Networking with past scholarship recipients can also provide insider tips to strengthen your application.
10. Stay Determined
Scholarships are competitive, and rejection is part of the process. Don’t let it discourage you. Each attempt teaches you something new and brings you closer to success.
Conclusion
Securing a scholarship isn’t just about financial support—it’s about opening doors to opportunities that can shape your future. By researching carefully, creating a compelling application, and staying persistent, you can turn your education dreams into reality. Rejections may happen, but they’re not the end of the road. Stay positive, keep refining your approach, and don’t give up. Remember, every successful applicant once started where you are today—with hope, determination, and a clear plan for success. Scholarships aren’t just about money; they’re about belief in your potential. Make your application count!
