Studying at University College London (UCL) is a goal for many international students, but the high cost of postgraduate education in the United Kingdom can make it difficult for students from lower-income backgrounds. To address this challenge, UCL offers the UCL Global Masters Scholarship, a funding program specifically created to support talented international students who wish to pursue a full-time master’s degree at the university. The scholarship focuses on improving access to education by providing financial assistance to students who demonstrate academic potential but may not otherwise be able to afford postgraduate study in the UK.

The UCL Global Masters Scholarship is particularly attractive because it targets overseas fee-paying students and provides £15,000 in financial support toward their postgraduate studies. Each year, multiple awards are offered to help students enroll in a wide range of taught master’s programs at UCL. Beyond financial support, recipients gain the opportunity to study at one of the world’s leading research universities, interact with a diverse international community, and benefit from the academic environment of University College London, which is consistently ranked among the top universities globally.

UCL Global Masters Scholarship Program Summary

Overview of the Scholarship

The UCL Global Masters Scholarship supports international students enrolling in postgraduate taught programs at UCL. It aims to encourage talented students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue higher education in the UK.

Eligibility for the UCL Global Masters Scholarship

Before applying, students must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria set by the university.

General Eligibility Criteria

• Must be eligible to pay the overseas tuition fee rate
• Must be from a lower-income background based on UCL’s financial assessment criteria
• Must have submitted a complete admission application for a full-time master’s program at UCL
• Must plan to study in person in the UK (distance learning programs are not eligible)

Age and Academic Requirements

The official scholarship page does not specify a strict age limit. However:

• Applicants must meet the academic entry requirements of their chosen master’s program.
• Students typically need a relevant undergraduate degree to qualify for admission.

Benefits of the UCL Global Masters Scholarship

The scholarship provides financial support that helps international students manage the cost of studying in the UK.

Financial Benefits

• £15,000 financial support toward study expenses
• The scholarship is normally awarded for one year
• If a program lasts two years, the funding may be divided across both years
• The scholarship amount is first applied to tuition fees
• Any remaining funds may be paid to the student in three installments for maintenance costs

Academic and Personal Benefits

• Opportunity to study at a globally recognized university
• Access to advanced research facilities
• Exposure to a diverse international student community
• Networking opportunities with global academics and professionals
• Enhanced career prospects after completing a master’s degree

Documents Required for the UCL Global Masters Scholarship

Applicants must prepare a complete set of documents before submitting their application.

• Valid passport or national identity document.
• Official academic transcripts from your previous institution(s).
• Degree certificates or proof of expected graduation.
• Academic references
• Personal statement or statement of purpose explaining your motivations and academic goals.
• English language proficiency proof (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent), if required by your programme.

How to Apply for the UCL Global Master’s Scholarship

The application process for the UCL Global Master’s Scholarship is completed online through UCL’s student portal, Portico. The scholarship is part of the International Masters Awards (IMA), which allows you to apply to multiple funding schemes with one application. Here is a clear, step-by-step guide to the process.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Apply for admission to UCL. Before you can apply for the scholarship, you must first submit a complete admission application to a full-time Master’s programme at UCL.
2. Wait for your fee status to be confirmed. UCL Admissions must confirm your Overseas fee status before you can access the scholarship application. This may happen shortly after you apply, or closer to when an offer is made.
3. Log in to Portico. Visit UCL’s Portico student portal and log in with your UCL credentials.
4. Navigate to your active application. Click the ‘View’ button for the ‘Active Application’ relating to the Master’s programme you wish to apply for funding for.
5. Access the Funding section. In the application screen, click on ‘Funding’ in the top menu.
6. Check available funds. Click ‘Check and Apply’ under ‘Funds Available’ to see which funding schemes you are eligible for.
7. Select the UCL Global Master’s Scholarship. Click on the scholarship name to begin the application form.
8. Complete the application form. Fill in all required details, including information about your financial circumstances and household income.
9. Submit a separate form for each programme. If you are applying to more than one Master’s programme and wish to apply for funding for each, you must submit a separate scholarship application form for each.
10. Submit before the deadline. Ensure your application is submitted before the deadine.

Application Tips

• Apply early to avoid last-minute issues with documents or references
• Write a clear and honest motivation letter explaining your academic goals
• Ensure your chosen program matches your academic background
• Prepare financial documents in advance in case they are requested
• Double-check that all documents are uploaded correctly

Deadline for the UCL Global Masters Scholarship

The scholarship follows a specific application timeline each year. Applicants should regularly check the official UCL scholarship page for updates or changes to the timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)