Are there UK scholarships with a work permit?

"Yes, there are several fully funded scholarships for international students in the UK, and in some cases, these scholarships may also offer opportunities for students to gain work experience or a work permit after their studies. However, it's important to understand that while the scholarships themselves are fully funded, the work permit aspect depends on the specific post-graduation work opportunities available after completing your degree.

Below is an overview of fully funded scholarships available for international students in the UK, as well as how the work permit system can play a role:

Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students in the UK

1. Chevening Scholarships

o Overview: The Chevening Scholarship is the UK government's global scholarship program, which offers fully funded scholarships for master's degrees at any UK university.

o Coverage: The scholarship covers:

 Full tuition fees

 A monthly living allowance

 Travel costs to and from the UK

 Visa fees

o Eligibility: Applicants must have a degree equivalent to a UK second-class honors degree, relevant work experience (usually 2 years), and a strong academic background.

o Work Permit: The Chevening scholarship does not provide a work permit during the studies. However, after completing your master's degree, you may be eligible for a Graduate Visa (formerly known as the Post-Study Work Visa), which allows you to stay in the UK for up to 2 years to work or look for work after your studies.

2. Commonwealth Scholarships

o Overview: The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers fully funded scholarships to students from Commonwealth countries (including many African, Caribbean, Asian, and Pacific nations) to study in the UK.

o Coverage: These scholarships provide:

 Full tuition fees

 A stipend for living expenses

 Airfare (for flights to and from the UK)

 Arrangements for visa applications

o Eligibility: Applicants must be citizens of a Commonwealth country and have an excellent academic record.

o Work Permit: Like the Chevening Scholarship, the Commonwealth Scholarship does not automatically grant a work permit. However, after graduation, students may be eligible for a Graduate Visa to stay and work in the UK for up to 2 years.

3. Gates Cambridge Scholarships

o Overview: The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a highly competitive scholarship for international students who want to pursue a master’s or PhD degree at the University of Cambridge.

o Coverage: This is a fully funded scholarship that covers:

 Full tuition fees

 A maintenance allowance

 Travel expenses

 Additional allowances for academic development

o Eligibility: Applicants must demonstrate excellent academic performance, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving the lives of others.

o Work Permit: The scholarship does not provide a work permit, but like other UK scholarships, you can apply for a Graduate Visa to work in the UK after graduation.

4. Rhodes Scholarships

o Overview: The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world, available for exceptional international students to study at Oxford University. While the scholarship is generally for postgraduate studies (master's or PhD), some undergraduate applicants are also considered.

o Coverage: The scholarship covers:

 Full tuition fees

 Stipend for living expenses

 Travel expenses

o Eligibility: Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to making a positive impact.

o Work Permit: Rhodes Scholars can apply for the Graduate Visa after graduation, allowing them to stay in the UK for up to 2 years to gain work experience.

5. University-Specific Scholarships Many UK universities offer their own fully funded scholarships for international students. Some notable ones include:

o University of Oxford: Offers various funding options for international students, such as the Oxford Graduate Scholarship and Clarendon Fund.

o University of Cambridge: The Cambridge International Scholarships fund a number of postgraduate students.

o Imperial College London: The Imperial College PhD Scholarship and other funding options provide financial support for international students.

o London School of Economics (LSE): Offers scholarships like the LSE Undergraduate and Graduate Support Scheme for international students.

Coverage: These university scholarships may vary in terms of what they cover, but they often offer full tuition coverage and living stipends.

Work Permit After Graduation in the UK

After completing your studies under a fully funded scholarship, you can apply for a work visa to stay and work in the UK. The specific visa options include:

1. Graduate Visa (Post-Study Work Visa):

o This visa allows international students who have completed a degree in the UK (whether bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD) to stay and work in the UK for up to 2 years (or 3 years for PhD graduates).

o Eligibility: You must have successfully completed a degree at an eligible UK institution and apply for the visa before your student visa expires.

o Work Options: The Graduate Visa allows you to work in any job, including junior developer roles, at any skill level.

2. Skilled Worker Visa:

o Once you have completed your degree and have secured a job that meets the necessary requirements, you can apply for a Skilled Worker Visa.

o Eligibility: You must have a job offer from a UK employer that is a licensed sponsor. The role must meet the required skill level (usually RQF Level 3 or above) and meet the salary threshold (usually around £26,200 per year for most jobs).

o This visa is typically for more specialized roles, such as those in tech, engineering, healthcare, etc.

3. Start-up and Innovator Visas:

o If you are entrepreneurial and wish to start your own business in the UK, you may be eligible for a Start-up or Innovator Visa, which allows you to stay in the UK and launch your business.

Conclusion

Yes, there are fully funded scholarships available for international students in the UK, such as the Chevening, Commonwealth, Gates Cambridge, and Rhodes Scholarships, which cover tuition fees, living expenses, and more. However, these scholarships do not directly provide a work permit.

After completing your degree, you can apply for a Graduate Visa (Post-Study Work Visa) to stay and work in the UK for up to 2 years (or 3 years for PhD graduates), or you can secure a Skilled Worker Visa if you find a job in your field.

If you are specifically looking to combine your studies with work experience, the Graduate Visa is an excellent option for recent graduates.