Admittedly, it is not so cheap studying at one of the most prestigious universities in the world as University College London (UCL). Tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, research materials, and traveling cost may easily kill even the most ambitious students. Nevertheless, what happened should I inform you that with UCL Scholarships 2026, that narrative is going to change?
Yes, you read that right. UCL is not only academic excellence, but opportunity. UCL offers fully funded and partial scholarships worth millions of pounds every year to the brightest students worldwide – Africa, Asia, Europe, America, you name it. These scholarships are aimed at enabling you to concentrate on what you want in life rather than spending time thinking of finance.
You are an overachieving undergraduate or an enthusiastic masters student or a trailblazing researcher, there is a scholarship with your name on it. Then, in case the idea of studying in the UK has been in your dream since childhood, this guide will take you through all you should know about UCL scholarships in 2026, the type of scholarships it offers, the best fully funded ones, and how to apply to one.
Types of UCL Scholarships in 2026
1. Fully Funded Scholarships
These are the dream awards! They take care of it all tuition fees, accommodation, travelling and a living allowance. Still others have research grants and health insurance. This is your best bet in case you want to have a degree but do not have to worry about the money.
2. Partial Scholarships
Partial awards do not pay you all the bills, though they give you considerable profit. There are those who can only afford tuition fees and those who assist in living expenses or research grants. They are ideal when you already have some kind of support and you just need that push.
3. Merit-Based Scholarships
They are given to students who have outstanding academic performances, leadership or influence in the community. You will shine in terms of your outstanding grades, impressive extra-curriculum record, and a strong story here.
4. Need-Based Scholarships
These scholarships are intended to be received by students who prove to be in need of money. UCL is of the opinion that financial status does not dictate what a student can achieve, hence, these awards aim at supporting good students with less fortune.
5. Country-Specific Scholarships
UCL collaborates with governments and organizations abroad to assist students of certain countries. Indicatively, UCL Commonwealth Shared Scholarships or UCL Global Undergraduate Awards are aimed at students in developing countries.
6. Faculty/Departmental Scholarships.
Some of the UCL faculties, such as the Engineering, Law, Medical Sciences, or Education, have internal scholarships. They are alumni or research-funded and ideal to students seeking specialist support in the academic field.
Top Fully Funded UCL Scholarships 2026
Now, let’s get into the good stuff, the fully funded UCL scholarships that could completely change your academic life.
1. UCL Global Masters Scholarship
This scholarship is specially designed for international students pursuing a master’s degree at UCL. It covers full tuition and provides a generous living stipend.
Eligibility:
Must be an international student from a low-income background
Must have an offer to study a master’s program at UCL
Benefits:
Full tuition coverage
Living expenses allowance
Why it’s unique:
Unlike many scholarships, this one supports bright minds who have the passion but not the financial means to study abroad.
2. UCL Access Opportunity Scholarship
If you’re a UK-based student who has faced social or financial challenges (like being a refugee or asylum seeker), this scholarship offers a full ride.
Eligibility:
UK resident with refugee or limited leave status
Accepted into a full-time undergraduate degree
Benefits:
Full tuition
Maintenance allowance
3. UCL Denys Holland Scholarship
This scholarship is perfect for students with ambition and leadership qualities who might not have enough financial support.
Eligibility:
Open to all nationalities
Must show both financial need and the drive to contribute to UCL life
Benefits:
£9,000 per year toward tuition and living costs
Why apply:
This award looks beyond grades, it’s about passion, community involvement, and character.
4. UCL Graduate Research Scholarships (GRS)
Aimed at doctoral students, this scholarship funds the brightest researchers globally.
Eligibility:
Must be enrolled or applying for a full-time PhD at UCL
Open to both UK and international applicants
Benefits:
Full tuition fee coverage
Annual stipend for living costs
Additional research support
5. UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship
If you’re an international undergraduate looking for financial aid, this is one of the best options.
Eligibility:
Must come from a low-income country
Must hold an offer to study a UCL undergraduate course
Benefits:
Fully funded or partial coverage, depending on merit
Opportunity to join a global community of scholars
6. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships at UCL
These are government-backed and UCL-supported scholarships for students from Commonwealth countries pursuing postgraduate study.
Benefits:
Full tuition fees
Travel and living stipends
Warm community of scholars
Why it stands out:
It’s more than funding, it’s a leadership pipeline for developing nations.
How to Apply for UCL Scholarships in 2026
Step 1: Secure Admission First
The majority of scholarships at UCL have the requirement that you have already an offer (conditional or unconditional) with UCL before you can apply.
To begin with, you have to select your program and apply to UCL through the UCL portal.
Step 2: Go to the UCL Official UCL Scholarships Page.
Go to the UCL Scholarships and Funding. You can find comprehensive lists of awards on offer, eligibility and deadline. Be sure to apply early; most scholarships are closed before the primary round of admissions.
Step 3: Gather Your Documents
Get ready all you are going to need:
Academic transcripts
Admission letter (where applicable)
Personal statement or essay
Recommendation letters
Evidence of nationality or income (where necessary)
Store them in a single folder. Applicants that are well prepared are loved by scholarship panels.
Step 4: Create an Appealing Personal Statement.
In your personal statement, you are selling your story. Be genuine, tell your story of where you are going, and how UCL can help.
Step 5: make and follow up on your application.
Upon submission, monitor your mail. Certain scholarships might have interview or other document requirements. Be proactive and respectful follow up, politely, in case of a deadline.
Step 6: Organize Interviews (where needed)
You may be invited to an interview in case you are shortlisted. Be ready to discuss:
Why UCL?
What’s your career goal?
What about this scholarship to your community?
Be confident in speaking, they desire to see your personality and not perfection.