Organizations Funding the Graduate Education of International Students in the United Kingdom

The generosity of organizations towards higher education makes it possible for thousands of students afford a quality education. This post highlights 5 of such organizations investing millions of pounds into the graduate education of international students in the UK.

1. Gates Cambridge Trust

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship programme was established in October 2000 by a donation of US$210m from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to the University of Cambridge; this is the largest ever single donation to a UK university. Each year Gates Cambridge offers c.80 full-cost scholarships to outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree in any subject available at the University of Cambridge. Approximately two-thirds of these awards will be offered to PhD students, with approximately 25 awards available in the US round and 55 available in the International round.

2. Mastercard Foundation

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at The University of Edinburgh ,provides full scholarships and transformative leadership training to educate and support bright, young African students with a deep, personal commitment to changing the world around them. In partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, the University of Edinburgh will provide 200 full postgraduate and undergraduate scholarships to students from Africa with great academic and leadership potential, but few educational opportunities. On top of the scholarship, the Scholars Program facilitates transformative leadership programming to inspire and support Scholars in making change in their communities and countries on their return home.

3. Mo Ibrahim Foundation

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation (MIF) is an African foundation, established in 2006 with one focus: the critical importance of governance and leadership in Africa. The Ibrahim Scholarships support aspiring African leaders at a number of distinguished academic institutions. The scholarships develop the talent of outstanding young Africans in selected disciplines. The London Business School, the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), and the University of Birmingham are the 3 institutions the MIF supports selected African students with full tuition scholarship.

4. Saïd Foundation

The Saïd Foundation has offered educational scholarships and training opportunities since 1984. The programme aims to empower people through educational opportunities and to encourage the development of the Middle East. It is targeted towards outstanding individuals with leadership potential who will be drivers of positive change within our target countries of Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine.

5. The Rhodes Trust

The Rhodes Trust, based at the University of Oxford, brings together and develops exceptional people from all over the world, and in all fields of study, who are impatient with the way things are and have the courage to act. Following selection for the Scholarship, the Rhodes Trust will cover the fee required to apply to study at the University of Oxford. The Trust will cover the fee for a Tier 4 study visa and the associated International Health Surcharge (IHS), which enables international students to access the UK's National Health Service. The Rhodes Trust will cover two economy class flights - to and from the UK - for the beginning and end of studies in Oxford. The Rhodes Scholarship supports exceptional young people for postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford, and actively fosters lifelong learning and fellowship.

It is important for you to be aware that, if you are planning to pursue your graduate education, especially on scholarship, you must prepare in advance as scholarship applications tend to open and close months before the start of your intended start year.