The British Council, in collaboration with top UK universities and government scholarship boards, is offering a wide range of fully funded scholarships for international students for the 2025–2026 academic session. These opportunities are open to students from all around the world, including those from developing nations, and cover tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, visa costs, and more.
What makes these scholarships even more attractive is the removal of the traditional IELTS requirement. Many UK institutions now accept alternative English language qualifications or proof of English proficiency through previous academic experience. This opens the door for more students to apply without the barrier of standardized English testing.
This post outlines all the critical details applicants need to know—including available scholarships, eligibility criteria, application timelines, and the universities participating in these offers.
Major Fully Funded Scholarships Under British Council and UK Government
1. Chevening Scholarships 2025–2026
Chevening is the UK government’s international awards programme aimed at developing global leaders. It is one of the most prestigious scholarships available for students interested in studying in the UK for a one-year master’s degree.
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Coverage: Full tuition fees, monthly stipend, travel costs, visa fees, and additional allowances.
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Eligible Countries: Over 160 Chevening-eligible countries and territories.
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IELTS Requirement: Not mandatory. Applicants can use alternative English proficiency tests such as TOEFL, Duolingo, PTE, or provide a letter from a prior institution confirming English was the medium of instruction.
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Application Period: Opens in August 2025 and closes in November 2025.
2. Commonwealth Scholarships
Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Commonwealth Scholarships are intended for students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries who would not otherwise be able to study in the UK.
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Scholarship Types: Master’s, PhD, Shared Scholarships, Split-site PhD, Distance Learning, and Medical Fellowships.
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Coverage: Tuition, flights, living allowance, thesis grant, and other essentials.
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IELTS Requirement: Many host universities waive IELTS if students can provide proof of English-taught education.
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Deadline: Varies by award type but usually opens around September/October and closes by December.
3. GREAT Scholarships (British Council & UK Universities)
The GREAT Scholarships are jointly funded by the UK government and participating UK universities and managed by the British Council.
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Level: Master’s programmes only.
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Coverage: Each scholarship offers a minimum of £10,000 towards tuition fees.
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Participating Universities: Over 70 institutions across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
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IELTS Waiver: Many universities under this scheme accept alternative tests or academic English proof.
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Deadline: Most university-specific deadlines fall around June 30, 2025.
4. Rhodes Scholarships (University of Oxford)
One of the oldest and most prestigious international scholarships, the Rhodes Scholarship offers full financial support for outstanding students to study at the University of Oxford.
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Level: Postgraduate degrees (Master’s and PhD).
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Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend, airfare, and more.
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IELTS Requirement: Not necessary if you can prove English proficiency through past academic qualifications.
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Deadline: August to October 2025 depending on country.
5. Gates Cambridge Scholarships (University of Cambridge)
This scholarship is awarded to exceptional applicants from outside the UK to pursue full-time postgraduate degrees at the University of Cambridge.
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Coverage: Tuition fees, maintenance allowance, airfare, and visa expenses.
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IELTS Requirement: Can be waived for eligible applicants who demonstrate sufficient English-language skills.
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Application Opens: September 2025
UK Universities Offering Scholarships Without IELTS
Many UK universities now offer direct admission and scholarships without requiring IELTS, provided you submit:
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An English Proficiency Letter from your previous university.
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Academic transcripts showing English-medium education.
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Results from other accepted English tests (TOEFL, Duolingo, PTE, Cambridge Test, etc.).
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Completion of a university’s pre-sessional English language course.
Here are some of the universities offering scholarships that don’t require IELTS:
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University of Bristol (Think Big Scholarships)
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University of Glasgow
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Sheffield Hallam University
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University of Birmingham
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University of Plymouth
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London South Bank University
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University of Stirling
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University of West London
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Bangor University
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University of York
Key Benefits of Applying Without IELTS
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Cost Savings: Avoid paying for IELTS or other expensive English proficiency tests.
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Faster Processing: Submit a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter and other documentation to meet language requirements.
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Wider Access: More students can qualify and apply, especially from countries with limited IELTS centers.
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Increased Flexibility: Many universities provide internal English tests or allow applicants to take pre-sessional English courses online or on-campus.
Application Tips and Reminders
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Start Early: Prepare and gather all necessary documents ahead of the application window.
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Choose Your Scholarships Wisely: Match the scholarships with your academic level, country, and field of interest.
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Check Each University’s Language Policy: Requirements may differ even within the same scholarship category.
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Prepare Supporting Documents:
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Valid passport
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Academic transcripts and certificates
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Personal statement
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Reference letters
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Medium of Instruction letter (if you want to skip IELTS)
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Monitor Deadlines: Most applications open from August 2025 and close by November 2025 for 2026 intake.
Final Thoughts
The British Council’s commitment to educational access continues to open doors for students through its fully funded scholarships. With IELTS no longer a strict barrier, students from diverse academic backgrounds have greater chances of securing world-class education in the United Kingdom. Whether it’s Chevening, Commonwealth, GREAT, Rhodes, or Gates Cambridge, the 2025–26 session offers more flexibility and funding than ever before.
Take advantage of this opportunity. Review your eligibility, prepare your documents, and apply early to secure a scholarship that could transform your future.