For many talented international students, the dream of studying in the UK is often limited by the high cost of tuition and London’s living expenses. The financial demands of a world-class education can make attending a top university feel out of reach. However, the UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship offers a powerful solution for students who have the academic ability but lack the financial means.
The UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship is a prestigious award created to support outstanding students from low-income backgrounds by reducing the financial barriers to higher education. Offered by University College London (UCL), one of the world’s leading universities
This scholarship helps cover tuition fees and living costs, making a UCL degree more accessible. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know about eligibility requirements, benefits, deadlines, and how to submit a strong application for one of the most competitive UK scholarships for international students.
What is the UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship?
The UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship is a highly competitive, need-based award created to support academically outstanding international students who would otherwise be unable to afford a degree at University College London (UCL). Its core mission is to promote social mobility and ensure that financial circumstances do not prevent talented students from accessing a world-class UK education.
See Also: Chancellor’s International Scholarship at the University of Sussex>Each year, UCL offers up to 33 Global Undergraduate Scholarships, divided into two main categories:
Types of UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarships
- Full Awards
Around 10 scholarships are fully funded and cover:- Full undergraduate tuition fees
- A maintenance allowance to help with living costs in London
- A fixed allowance for additional expenses, including visa fees and the UK Immigration Health Surcharge
- Tuition-Fee-Only Awards
The remaining scholarships cover 100% of tuition fees for the full duration of the undergraduate program but do not include a living allowance.
The exact number of awards may vary slightly each year, so applicants should always consult the official UCL website for the most current information. These scholarships are among the most prestigious UK undergraduate scholarships for international students, reflecting UCL’s strong commitment to global access and inclusion.
Am I Eligible? Key Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, it is essential to confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements for the UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship.
1. International (Overseas) Fee Status
You must be classified as an international student and eligible to pay the Overseas tuition fee rate. This status is assessed and confirmed by UCL Admissions after you submit your degree application and is a mandatory requirement.
See Also: ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarships>2. Low-Income Background
Financial need is the primary selection criterion. UCL generally defines a low-income background as a household income below £42,875 per year. However, this figure is used as a guideline rather than a strict cutoff.
UCL considers individual circumstances, including:
- Number of dependents in the household
- Family expenses
- Medical issues or job loss
- Other financial hardships
Students with household incomes above the guideline may still be considered if they can demonstrate genuine financial need.
See Also: Hatfield Lioness Scholarship at Durham University — A Complete 2026 Guide>3. Application to a UCL Undergraduate Program
You must have applied for a full-time undergraduate degree at UCL for the 2025/26 academic year.
- You do not need to have received an offer yet
- Your fee status must be confirmed before you can submit the scholarship application
The scholarship is open to students from all countries outside the UK and is available for all undergraduate programs at UCL.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship
Applying for the scholarship is a separate process from applying for admission. Follow these steps carefully to avoid delays or disqualification.
Step 1: Apply for Admission to UCL
Submit your undergraduate application through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). It is strongly recommended to apply well before the scholarship deadline to allow time for fee status confirmation.
See Also: Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme at UK Universities>Step 2: Access the UCL Student Portal (Portico)
After submitting your UCL application, you will receive login details for Portico, UCL’s online student portal. This is where you will access the scholarship application form.
Step 3: Confirm Your Fee Status
Your fee status (Home or Overseas) must be confirmed by UCL Admissions before the scholarship option appears in Portico. This process usually takes place shortly after your application is submitted.
Step 4: Locate the Scholarship Application
In Portico:
- Click “View” on your active application
- Navigate to the “Funding” section
- Open the “Funds Available” tab
- Select the UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship
Step 5: Complete the Online Scholarship Application
Fill out the form carefully, including:
- Detailed financial information
- A personal statement explaining your circumstances and motivation
Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline
Ensure all sections are completed and submitted before the official deadline. Late or incomplete applications are automatically rejected.
How to Craft a Winning Scholarship Application
Due to the high level of competition, a strong application must clearly demonstrate both financial need and academic potential.
Demonstrating Financial Need
This is the most critical part of your application. Be honest, specific, and thorough.
- Tell a clear financial story: Explain your household situation, income sources, and challenges
- Add context: Describe factors such as unemployment, medical expenses, or multiple dependents
- Be prepared with evidence: Shortlisted candidates must submit official documents, such as:
- Salary slips
- Bank statements
- Tax returns
- Government-issued income certificates
Highlighting Academic and Personal Achievements
Although the scholarship is need-based, UCL also looks for students with strong academic promise.
- Link achievement to adversity: Show how you succeeded academically despite financial limitations
- Demonstrate resilience and motivation: Share examples of perseverance, leadership, or self-directed learning
- Think holistically: Your scholarship statement should complement (not repeat) your UCAS personal statement by focusing more on financial need and long-term goals
Important Dates and Deadlines (2025/26 Entry)
Meeting deadlines is essential. Even a minor delay can result in disqualification.
| Task | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Submit UCL undergraduate application | Before scholarship deadline |
| Submit UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship application | April 28, 2025 (5:00 p.m. BST) |
| Shortlisted candidates notified | Late May 2025 |
| Final decisions announced | Late July 2025 |
Applicants are advised to submit their UCL admission application well in advance, as fee status confirmation can take time.
Beyond the Scholarship: Why Choose UCL?
Winning the UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship means more than financial support—it grants access to one of the world’s most respected universities.
Academic Excellence
UCL consistently ranks among the top universities globally, known for research excellence, innovation, and impact-driven education.
Central London Location
Located in the heart of London, UCL offers access to:
- Global companies and institutions
- Museums, libraries, and cultural landmarks
- Internship and career opportunities
Diverse International Community
With students from over 150 countries, UCL provides a truly global learning environment and lifelong international networks.
Strong Career Support
UCL offers comprehensive career services, including:
- Career coaching and mentoring
- Skills workshops
- Employer networking events
Choosing UCL is not just about earning a degree—it’s about gaining a transformative global experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How competitive is the UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship?
A: Extremely competitive. With limited awards and a high volume of applications worldwide, only the most qualified candidates are selected.
Q: What documents are required?
A: Initially, only the online application form is required. Shortlisted applicants must later provide official financial documentation.
Q: Can the scholarship be deferred?
A: No. The scholarship is valid only for the year of entry. Deferred students must reapply the following year.
Q: Can I hold other scholarships at the same time?
A: Students receiving a full award cannot hold another major UCL scholarship. Tuition-only recipients may be eligible for smaller bursaries, but all additional funding must be declared.
Q: What if I applied to multiple UCL programs?
A: You must submit a separate scholarship application for each program you want considered.
Conclusion
The UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship represents a life-changing opportunity for talented students facing financial barriers. While the application process is demanding, it is designed to identify students with exceptional potential, resilience, and ambition.
With careful preparation, honest storytelling, and a strong academic record, you can position yourself as a competitive candidate. Take the first step today—apply to UCL, prepare your scholarship application, and begin your journey toward a world-class education at University College London.
