Guide for International Students Before Moving to the UK

Money is the biggest barrier between students and their dream of studying abroad. Every year, thousands of students want to study in the UK, but the fees, living costs, and travel expenses look too high. That’s why UK scholarships for international students and different support systems like educational loans UK and grants for students UK play such an important role.

Table of Contents

Plan Your Studies and Stay Connected from Day One
Different Types of Scholarships You Can Apply For
Popular Scholarships for International Students in the UK
Study Loans and Grants in the UK
Scholarships for PhD and Research Students
Tips for Applying
Making Student Life Easier with UK eSIM Cards
FAQs

Plan Your Studies and Stay Connected from Day One

The good thing? There are many options if you look carefully. Universities, governments, and private organizations all offer scholarships and loans to make education possible for students coming from all over the world. Let’s break this down in simple words so that you can actually use this information.
And yes, while you prepare for your big journey, don’t forget one important thing: staying connected in the UK. With eSIM Cards, you can get a UK eSIM on EE Network or other top carriers and stay online from the day you land. No shops, no waiting, just scan and activate. Makes the student life in a new country a little easier.

1. Different types of scholarships you can apply for

Not all scholarships are the same. Some pay full tuition, some give small support for books or travel, and some are linked to research. Here are the main types:

• Merit-based scholarships – given to students with strong academic records. If you are excellent in studies, you can try these.
• Need-based scholarships – focused on students who cannot afford fees but still show potential.
• Government scholarships – The UK government runs programs for international students. For example, Chevening Scholarships.
• University scholarships – many universities in the UK have their own schemes for international students.
• Research and Doctoral scholarships UK – if you are planning for higher studies, there are specific PhD scholarships UK and doctoral scholarships UK that cover tuition plus living.

2. Popular scholarships for international students in the UK

Here are some big names you should know:

• Chevening Scholarships – very popular, fully funded, cover tuition and living costs.
• Commonwealth Scholarships – for students from Commonwealth countries.
• GREAT Scholarships – offered by UK universities with government support.
• Rhodes Scholarships – very competitive, offered at the University of Oxford.
• University-specific awards –Many universities, like Manchester or Edinburgh, offer literal funding options like scholarships and other kinds of funding support as well. So, it’s become little easier to get admission.

3. Study loans and grants in the UK

Not everyone gets a scholarship, and that is fine. Many students go for loans. In fact, study loans UK and educational loans UK are designed to help international students cover tuition and living.

Some points to know:

• A study loan for international students in UK usually requires a guarantor (a person or bank who promises repayment if you cannot).
• Interest rates and repayment rules are different for each bank.
• Many loans allow repayment to start only after you finish your studies.

4. Scholarships for PhD and research students

Higher studies in the UK are expensive, but the good thing is that there are many PhD scholarships UK available. These are often linked to research projects or universities.

Examples include:

• Research Councils UK funding.
• University-based doctoral training partnerships.
• Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions (for research mobility).

These doctoral scholarships UK can cover full tuition plus a monthly stipend for living. Many international students studying science, engineering, and social sciences in the UK get these.

5. Tips for applying

• Start early – deadlines are often 8–12 months before the course begins.
• Prepare documents – transcripts, references, essays.
• Keep a backup – apply to multiple scholarships, not just one.
• Look for university-level offers in addition to government schemes.

And while planning, remember: living in the UK comes with extra costs like phone bills. To save, many international students choose eSIM Cards. A UK eSIM on EE Network or other local networks helps them manage money better compared to expensive roaming.

Making Student Life Easier with UK eSIM Cards

Studying in the UK is not easy on the wallet, but with the right mix of scholarships, study loans for international students in the UK, and grants, it becomes possible. Whether you are looking at bachelor’s programs or planning to do research with doctoral scholarships UK, there is always some support available if you search properly and apply on time.

And don’t forget the small details that make your student life easier—like choosing eSIM Cards for your UK connection. With a simple UK eSIM on EE Network, you save time and money while focusing on your education.

FAQs

Q1. What are the different types of scholarships available for international students in the UK?

Ans. There are merit-based, need-based, government scholarships (like Chevening), university awards, and research-based funding.

Q2. Can UK universities provide scholarships to international students?

Ans. Yes, almost all major universities have some funding options. These may be full or partial fee waivers.

Q3. Are there scholarships for PhD students in the UK?

Ans. Yes, there are many PhD scholarships UK and doctoral scholarships UK. These often cover tuition and living costs for research students.

Q4. How can international students fund their education through loans in the UK?

Ans. You can apply for a study loans UK or an educational loan UK through banks and private lenders. You may also explore grants for students UK as another funding option.