UCL Global Masters Scholarship 2026: Complete Guide for International Students

Looking to pursue a masters degree at one of the world’s top universities without breaking the bank? The UCL Global Masters Scholarship 2026 is designed specifically for international students from lower-income backgrounds who want to study at University College London. With up to 85 scholarships worth £15,000 each, this prestigious award could be your ticket to studying at a globally ranked institution in the heart of London. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about eligibility, benefits, application process, and important deadlines.

About the UCL Global Masters Scholarship

The UCL Global Masters Scholarship is University College London’s flagship funding initiative aimed at enabling international students from lower-income backgrounds to pursue full-time masters degree studies at one of the world’s leading universities. Established to promote diversity and widen access to higher education, this need-based scholarship demonstrates UCL’s commitment to ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent talented students from achieving their academic goals.

University College London, commonly known as UCL, consistently ranks among the top 10 universities globally according to QS World University Rankings. Located in the heart of London, UCL is renowned for its progressive approach to teaching and research, with a legacy of breaking barriers since its founding in 1826 as the first university in England to admit students regardless of their religion, and the first to admit women on equal terms with men.

The UCL Global Masters Scholarship is awarded purely on the basis of financial need, making it accessible to deserving students from any country outside the United Kingdom. Unlike merit-based scholarships, this award focuses on supporting those who demonstrate genuine financial constraints but possess the academic potential to succeed at UCL.

For the 2026/27 academic year, UCL has made available up to 85 scholarships, including five scholarships specifically ring-fenced for students from India and one scholarship for a student from Japan through the Musubi Global Masters Scholarship scheme.

UCL Global Masters Scholarship Summary

Benefits of the UCL Global Masters Scholarship

The UCL Global Masters Scholarship provides substantial financial support that can significantly reduce the cost of pursuing a masters degree in London. Here is a detailed breakdown of the scholarship benefits:

Scholarship Value

• £15,000 award for one academic year
• For two-year masters programs (such as MSc Social Work or MA Law), the scholarship is split 50% in each year

How the Scholarship is Applied

The scholarship funds are distributed strategically to maximize benefit for recipients:

1. Tuition Fee Coverage: The scholarship is first applied to the recipient’s tuition fees
2. Maintenance Support: Any remaining amount after tuition fees is payable to the recipient in three equal installments throughout the academic year to help cover living costs

Additional Benefits

• Combinable with Other Funding: The UCL Global Masters Scholarship may be held alongside other scholarships, studentships, awards, or bursaries, depending on the total value of other funds received
• Access to World-Class Education: Study at a top 10 globally ranked university
• London Experience: Live and study in one of the world’s most vibrant and diverse cities
• Career Opportunities: Access to UCL’s extensive alumni network and career services
• Research Excellence: Benefit from UCL’s cutting-edge research facilities and expert faculty

Important Funding Note

Recipients are required to inform the UCL Student Funding Office immediately of any other funding they receive toward their UCL masters degree studies, whether awarded before or after receiving the UCL Global Masters Scholarship. This ensures proper coordination of all financial support.

Eligibility Criteria for the UCL Global Masters Scholarship

The eligibility requirements for the UCL Global Masters Scholarship are straightforward but must be met in full. Candidates can be from any country outside the UK but must fulfill all of the following criteria:

Essential Requirements

1. Overseas Fee Status: You must be eligible to pay the overseas (international) fee rate at UCL
2. Lower-Income Background: You must come from a lower-income household background
3. Complete Admission Application: You must have submitted a complete admission application (including the submission of references) for a full-time masters degree at UCL for 2026/27

Income Guidelines

UCL defines income backgrounds as follows (these are guides only, as other factors are considered during selection):

• Low-Income: Household annual income of £25,000 or less (or overseas equivalent)
• Lower-Income: Household annual income of £42,875 or less (or overseas equivalent)

Even if your household income exceeds these amounts, UCL will still consider your application as other circumstances are taken into account.

Important Eligibility Notes

• Distance Learning Exclusion: Distance-learning programs are NOT eligible for this scholarship. Students must be coming to the UK to attend UCL in person
• No Offer Required: You do not need to have received an offer of admission to be eligible, but you must have your fee status confirmed by UCL Admissions
• Fee Status Confirmation: For some students, fee status is confirmed shortly after application; for others, it may not happen until just before an offer is made

Academic Requirements

While the scholarship itself is awarded based on financial need, you must meet UCL’s standard admission requirements for your chosen masters program:

• A minimum of a 2:1 (upper second-class) honors degree or international equivalent
• Specific program requirements vary by course
• Strong academic background demonstrating potential for success

English Language Requirements

UCL has five levels of English proficiency requirements. Check your specific program page for the required level:

IELTS Academic is UCL’s preferred English language qualification. UCL does not accept IELTS One Skill Retake tests.

Required Documents for UCL Global Masters Scholarship Application

To successfully apply for the UCL Global Masters Scholarship, you will need to prepare and submit the following:

For Your UCL Admission Application (Required First)

• Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts from all previous higher education institutions
• Degree Certificate: Copy of your bachelor’s degree certificate (or expected graduation confirmation)
• References: Academic or professional references as required by your program (must be submitted before scholarship application)
• Personal Statement: Statement outlining your motivation, goals, and suitability for the program
• English Language Test Results: IELTS, TOEFL, or other accepted English proficiency evidence
• CV/Resume: Updated curriculum vitae highlighting your academic and professional background
• Portfolio: Required for certain creative programs only

For the Scholarship Application

• UCL Application ID: Your unique application identifier received after submitting your admission application
• Financial Information: Details about your household income and financial circumstances
• Funding Sources: Information about any other scholarships, loans, or funding you have applied for or secured
• Personal Statement on Financial Need: An honest appraisal of your financial situation

Evidence Required if Shortlisted

If you are shortlisted for the scholarship, you will be contacted in mid-May to provide evidence of financial need, which may include:

• Bank statements
• Tax returns
• Universal credit entitlement letters
• P60 forms (or equivalent documentation from your country)
• Proof of household income

Application Timeline for UCL Global Masters Scholarship

Understanding the key dates is crucial for a successful application. Here is the complete timeline for the 2026/27 academic year:

Important Notes on Timing

• Applications submitted after the deadline will NOT be considered under any circumstances
• No exceptions are made, even if you receive your UCL admission offer after the scholarship deadline
• It can take up to 24 hours for a reference to show on your application after it has been submitted
• You must submit your admission application well before the scholarship deadline to allow time for fee status confirmation

How to Apply for the UCL Global Masters Scholarship

Follow this comprehensive step-by-step guide to submit your scholarship application successfully:

Step 1: Apply for Admission to UCL

Before you can apply for the scholarship, you must first submit a complete admission application:

• Visit the UCL Graduate Admissions page
• Search for your desired masters program
• Complete the online application form
• Submit all required documents including academic transcripts and references
• Pay the application fee (typically £75 to £160 depending on the program)

Step 2: Wait for Fee Status Confirmation

• UCL Admissions will review your application
• Your fee status (Home or Overseas) must be confirmed before you can access the scholarship application
• This may happen shortly after you apply or just before an admission offer is made
• If you cannot access the scholarship form two weeks before the deadline, contact the Student Funding Office

Step 3: Access the Scholarship Application Through Portico

Once your fee status is confirmed:

1. Log in to Portico with your UCL credentials
2. Click on the ‘View’ button for the ‘Active Application’ you wish to apply for funding for
3. In the application screen, click on ‘Funding’ in the menu at the top of the page
4. Under ‘Funds Available’, click ‘Check and apply’
5. Click on the UCL Global Masters Scholarship to access the application form

Step 4: Complete the Scholarship Application Form

The application collects information on:

• Personal Details: Automatically pulled from your admission application
• Financial Information: Household income, available funding sources
• Funding Sources: Details of any other scholarships, loans, family contributions, or savings
• Personal Statement: An honest explanation of your financial circumstances and why you need support

Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline

• Review all information carefully
• Submit by 5:00 PM BST, Thursday, 7 May 2026
• You will receive confirmation of your submission
• Incomplete applications will not be considered

Tips for a Successful Application

1. Apply for Admission Early: Give yourself plenty of time for fee status confirmation
2. Be Honest About Finances: Provide accurate information about your household income and circumstances
3. Provide Complete Information: Ensure all references are submitted with your admission application
4. Prepare Evidence: Have financial documents ready in case you are shortlisted
5. Check Eligibility: Confirm your program is eligible (no distance learning)
6. Contact Support if Needed: Email studentfunding@ucl.ac.uk if you have questions or cannot access the form

FAQs about the UCL Global Masters Scholarship

Who is eligible for the UCL Global Masters Scholarship?

International students from any country outside the UK who are classified as overseas fee payers and come from lower-income backgrounds are eligible. You must have submitted a complete admission application for a full-time taught masters program at UCL.

Is IELTS required for the UCL Global Masters Scholarship?

The scholarship does not have separate English language requirements. However, you must meet UCL’s English proficiency requirements for your chosen program, which typically range from IELTS 6.5 to 8.0 depending on the course.

Do I need an admission offer to apply for the scholarship?

No, you do not need to have received an offer of admission to apply for the scholarship. However, you must have submitted your admission application and have your fee status confirmed by UCL Admissions before you can access the scholarship application form.

What is considered a “lower-income background” by UCL?

UCL generally classifies ‘low-income’ as a household annual income of £25,000 or less and ‘lower-income’ as £42,875 or less (or overseas equivalent). However, these are guides only, and applications from households with higher incomes may still be considered based on individual circumstances.

Can I hold the UCL Global Masters Scholarship alongside other funding?

Yes, the scholarship may be held alongside other scholarships, studentships, awards, or bursaries depending on the total value of other funds received. You must inform the UCL Student Funding Office of any other funding you receive.

When will I find out if I have been awarded the scholarship?

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted in mid-May 2026 to provide evidence of financial need. Successful candidates will typically be notified by late June 2026.

Final Thoughts on the UCL Global Masters Scholarship

The UCL Global Masters Scholarship 2026 represents an outstanding opportunity for international students who face financial barriers but aspire to study at one of the world’s most prestigious universities. With up to 85 scholarships worth £15,000 each available for the 2026/27 academic year, this need-based award can make a significant difference in funding your masters degree in London.

The scholarship covers all full-time taught masters programs at UCL, giving you flexibility to pursue your academic interests across a wide range of disciplines. The straightforward application process through Portico and the fact that you can apply before receiving an admission offer makes it accessible to a broad range of applicants.

Remember, the scholarship is awarded based on financial need rather than academic merit alone, so focus on providing accurate and complete information about your financial circumstances. The deadline of 5:00 PM BST, Thursday, 7 May 2026 is firm, with no exceptions made for late applications.

Apply Now

Submit your application before the deadline closes. Do not miss this opportunity to study in the United Kingdom at University College London.

Official Link: UCL Global Masters Scholarship

Need Help With Your Application?

Applying for international scholarships can be complex and competitive. ScholyHub Consultancy offers expert support to help you succeed with:

• Application strategy development
• Statement of purpose writing
• Document preparation and review
• Interview preparation
• Financial documentation guidance

Visit ScholyHub Consultants to request professional consultancy services and maximize your chances of success.