Studying in England is a dream for many students worldwide. With its world-class universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London, England offers top-tier education, a rich cultural experience, and incredible career opportunities. However, the cost of studying abroad can be daunting. The good news? You can study in England for free or nearly free—if you know where to look and how to plan smartly.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical steps, scholarships, and strategies to make your UK education affordable—or even cost-free.
Table of Contents
- Can You Really Study in England for Free? If Yes, Then How?
- Understanding the Costs of Studying in England
- Tuition-Free or Low-Cost Programs
- Scholarships and Grants
- Work-Study Opportunities
- Exchange Programs & Home Country Funding
- Online or Distance Learning Options
- Tips to Increase Your Chances
- Common Myths About Studying for Free
- FAQs
Can You Really Study in England for Free? If Yes, Then How?
Yes, you can study in England for free! But it requires planning, effort, and the right strategy. While most universities in the UK charge international students between GBP 10,000 to GBP 38,000 per year in tuition alone, there are legitimate ways to cover these costs through fully funded scholarships, work-study options, research programs, and online alternatives. Here’s how you can make it happen:
1. Apply for Fully-Funded Scholarships
The UK government and many universities offer scholarships that cover full tuition, living expenses, travel costs, and even visa fees. Scholarships like Chevening, Commonwealth, and Gates Cambridge are designed to support talented students from around the world.
2. Target Research-Based and Funded PhD Programs
If you’re aiming for postgraduate studies, consider applying for fully funded PhD studentships or Master’s by Research (MRes) programs. These often come with tuition waivers and monthly stipends to cover your living costs.
3. Look Into Degree Apprenticeships
Some UK companies partner with universities to offer degree apprenticeships, where your tuition is paid for, and you receive a salary while studying. These are more accessible to UK and EU students, but certain international-friendly organisations may offer opportunities under work visas.
4. Study Online Through UK Universities
Online degrees from universities like the University of London or the Open University often cost less and may include scholarships. The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship even fully funds select online Master’s degrees.
5. Work Part-Time While Studying
While not completely free, working part-time (up to 20 hours/week during term) can help cover daily expenses. On-campus jobs or internships also offer flexibility and relevant experience.
6. Combine Smaller Scholarships and Grants
Sometimes, you may not get one big scholarship, but a mix of partial scholarships, travel grants, and research assistant roles can together make studying in England highly affordable or even cost-neutral.
Understanding the Costs of Studying in England
Before diving into ways to study for free, it’s important to know the general costs involved:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (per year) |
| Tuition Fees | GBP 10,000 – GBP 38,000+ |
| Accommodation | GBP 4,000 – GBP 8,000 |
| Food & Daily Expenses | GBP 2,500 – GBP 4,000 |
| Transportation | GBP 500 – GBP 1,200 |
| Total Annual Estimate | GBP 17,000 – GBP 50,000 |
So yes—it’s expensive. But now, let’s talk about how to bring these numbers down to zero.
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Tuition-Free or Low-Cost Programs
Studying in England doesn’t always mean sky-high tuition fees. Several alternative pathways, like degree apprenticeships, research-based programs, and funded PhDs, can help you earn a prestigious UK qualification with little to no out-of-pocket cost.
Degree Apprenticeships
Degree apprenticeships are an excellent alternative for students looking to earn a qualification without paying tuition. These programs combine work and study, where students are employed by a company and study part-time at a university.
Tuition fees are paid by the employer or the UK government, and students earn a salary while gaining real-world experience. Though primarily for UK/EU students, some international students may access these through work sponsorships or post-study opportunities.
Research-Based Programs (PhD & MRes)
Many UK universities offer fully-funded PhD or research-based master’s programs through scholarships or research grants. These positions often come with a full tuition waiver and a monthly stipend for living expenses. Look for “funded studentships” or “Graduate Teaching Assistantships” on university websites or portals like FindAPhD.
| Program Type | Description | Tuition Fee | Income/Support |
| Degree Apprenticeship | Work-study program with a company & university | Paid by employer/government | Monthly salary |
| Funded PhD Program | Research-focused doctoral study | Fully funded | Monthly stipend + travel allowance |
| MRes with Studentship | Research-based master’s with grant | Often fully or partially funded | Stipend or salary included |
Scholarships and Grants
One of the most powerful ways to study in England for free is by securing scholarships and grants that cover tuition, living expenses, and more. These can come from UK universities, governments, or international organizations—each with unique eligibility and benefits.
1. Chevening Scholarships (UK Government)
The Chevening Scholarship is one of the UK government’s most prestigious and fully-funded programs, designed for future leaders and changemakers from over 160 eligible countries and territories. It covers all major expenses, including tuition fees, a generous monthly stipend, travel costs, visa fees, and even a travel grant for arrival.
Available only for Master’s-level programs, Chevening is highly competitive but accessible to candidates with strong academic backgrounds, leadership potential, and a commitment to return to their home country after graduation. Applications typically open in August and close in November each year.
| Criteria | Details |
| Who It’s For | Students from Chevening-eligible countries (160+ countries globally) |
| Level of Study | Master’s only |
| Coverage | Full tuition, monthly living stipend, airfare, visa fees, arrival allowance, and more |
| Duration | 1-year full-time Master’s program |
| Deadline | Usually November (varies slightly each year) |
2. Commonwealth Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarship program is funded by the UK government to support talented students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford studying in the UK. These scholarships are available for both Master’s and PhD programs, and they cover all essential expenses, including full tuition, round-trip airfare, a monthly living stipend, and additional allowances for thesis work, clothing, and travel.
The program seeks individuals who show academic excellence and a commitment to making a positive impact in their home countries. The application window typically opens in the fall and closes around December each year.
| Criteria | Details |
| Who It’s For | Citizens of low and middle-income Commonwealth countries |
| Level of Study | Master’s and PhD |
| Coverage | Full tuition, return airfare, monthly stipend, thesis grant, warm clothing allowance, and more |
| Duration | 1-year Master’s or up to 3–4 years for PhD programs |
| Deadline | Usually in December (check annually for updates) |
3. University-Specific Scholarships
Many UK universities offer their own scholarships exclusively for international students, and these are often overlooked compared to national awards like Chevening or Commonwealth. These university-specific scholarships can be merit-based, need-based, or program-specific, and some even offer full funding, including tuition, accommodation, and living costs.
Prestigious universities like Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Edinburgh, and Warwick have competitive awards such as the Rhodes Scholarship, Clarendon Fund, or Edinburgh Global Scholarship.
Others offer partial tuition waivers or automatic discounts based on academic excellence. Always check the official university website under their “Funding” or “International Scholarships” section—these hidden gems could be your ticket to a free education in England.
| University | Scholarship Name | Coverage |
| Oxford University | Clarendon Scholarship | Full tuition + stipend |
| Cambridge University | Gates Cambridge Scholarship | Full cost + travel & visa |
| UCL | UCL Global Scholarships | Full/partial tuition |
| University of Westminster | Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship | Full tuition + living expenses |
4. Private/NGO Scholarships
Apart from UK government and university-funded awards, several international organizations offer scholarships that allow students to study in England either fully or partially free. These programs often focus on specific fields, regions, or partnerships. The Rotary Foundation Scholarships support global peace and development studies. Fulbright Awards enable U.S. citizens to pursue graduate study or research in the UK.
The British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM aim to empower women from specific countries to study science-related master’s degrees. Meanwhile, Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees allow students from the EU and partner countries to study at multiple European institutions—including UK universities in some cases—with full funding. These scholarships are competitive, but they offer outstanding exposure and support for qualified applicants.
| Scholarship | Who It’s For | Covers | Level |
| Rotary Foundation Scholarships | Global applicants (esp. peace, development fields) | Tuition, living expenses, travel, and supplies | Master’s |
| Fulbright Awards (UK) | U.S. citizens | Full tuition, stipend, visa, travel, health coverage | Master’s & Research |
| British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM | Women from eligible countries in Asia, Africa, America | Full tuition, stipend, airfare, visa, health coverage | Master’s (STEM) |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD) | Students from the EU and partner countries | Full tuition, travel, insurance, monthly stipend | Joint Master’s |
Work-Study Opportunities
Working part-time while studying is a common and effective way to support yourself financially in the UK. International students on a Student Visa are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays.
Many universities also provide on-campus jobs that fit conveniently with class schedules. Off-campus opportunities include retail, hospitality, and freelance work like tutoring. Although work alone might not fully cover tuition, it can significantly ease daily living costs.
| Job Type | Location | Average Pay (per hour) | Eligibility |
| Library Assistant | On-campus | GBP 10 – GBP 12 | Open to all student visa holders |
| Student Ambassador | On-campus/Events | GBP 10 – GBP 15 | Based on university programs |
| Retail Staff | Off-campus | GBP 9 – GBP 11 | Right to work on a Student Visa |
| Tutor (Online/Offline) | On/Off-campus | GBP 15 – GBP 30+ | Subject-specific expertise |
| Intern (Paid) | Companies/NGOs | GBP 15 – GBP 20+ (or stipend) | Usually through university links |
Exchange Programs & Home Country Funding
Studying in England for free is also possible through university exchange agreements or government-sponsored funding from your home country. These programs often cover tuition, travel, and living expenses, allowing you to experience UK education without bearing the full financial burden yourself.
1. Turing Scheme (UK’s replacement for Erasmus+)
The Turing Scheme is the UK government’s post-Brexit replacement for Erasmus+, designed to support international students from partner institutions around the world. If your university has a partnership agreement with a UK institution participating in the Turing Scheme, you may be eligible to study or work in England with funding support.
The scheme provides financial assistance for travel, living costs, and other essential expenses, making it easier for students to gain international experience in the UK—whether through exchange semesters, internships, or short-term placements.
| Criteria | Details |
| Who It’s For | Students enrolled at universities with Turing Scheme partner agreements |
| Level of Study | Undergraduate and postgraduate students |
| What It Covers | Living costs, travel grants, and additional support for disadvantaged students |
| Opportunities | Study abroad, internships, research placements |
| Duration | Short-term (4 weeks) to long-term (up to 12 months) placements |
| Application | Through your university’s international or mobility office |
2. Home Government Scholarships
Many governments around the world offer overseas education scholarships to support their citizens in pursuing degrees abroad, especially in top study destinations like the UK. These home-country-funded programs are often fully funded or heavily subsidised, covering tuition fees, living expenses, airfare, and other costs.
If you’re from a country with such opportunities, you can apply to study at UK universities without paying out of pocket, provided you meet the eligibility criteria and agree to any return service obligations. These scholarships are typically awarded on the basis of academic merit, financial need, or national development goals.
| Country | Scholarship Name | What It Covers |
| India | National Overseas Scholarship | Tuition, living expenses, airfare, contingency allowance |
| Pakistan | HEC Overseas Scholarship | Full tuition, living stipend, travel, health insurance |
| Nigeria | PTDF, NDDC, TETFund Scholarships | Tuition, accommodation, travel, stipends |
| Indonesia | LPDP Scholarship | Full tuition, living expenses, settlement & return airfare |
| Mexico | CONACYT | Tuition, living allowance, health insurance, travel support |
Online or Distance Learning Options
Studying online through a UK university can be a cost-effective and flexible alternative to in-person study. Online and distance learning degrees often cost less, and some programs are even fully funded through scholarships, especially for students from developing countries.
This allows you to earn a British degree from anywhere in the world, without the added cost of living in the UK. Universities like the University of London, the Open University, and the University of Edinburgh offer a wide range of such programs.
| University | Program Type | Scholarship/Funding |
| University of London | Bachelor’s & Master’s | Partial/Full scholarships via Commonwealth |
| Open University | Flexible Online Degrees | Needs-based support, employer-funded options |
| University of Edinburgh | Online Master’s | Scholarships for international students |
| University of Leeds | MOOCs & Online Master’s | Discounted tuition, scholarships available |
| Commonwealth Distance Learning | Various UK unis | Fully funded scholarships for online courses |
Tips to Increase Your Chances
Winning a scholarship or finding a tuition-free program is highly competitive, but not impossible. To stand out, maintain strong academic performance, gain relevant extracurricular or volunteer experience, and craft a compelling personal statement that reflects your goals and values. Start early, apply to multiple opportunities, and don’t be afraid to reach out to university departments or past recipients for tips. Remember, persistence pays off!
| Strategy | Why It Matters | Suggested Tools/Resources |
| Build a strong academic record | Many scholarships are merit-based | GPA trackers, Study apps |
| Create a powerful SOP | Shows clarity, motivation, and vision | Grammarly, SOP writing guides |
| Get solid recommendations | Adds credibility from trusted mentors/teachers | Academic/professional contacts |
| Apply early & track deadlines | Boosts chances; shows preparation | Google Calendar, Notion, Trello |
| Network with past scholars | Gain inside knowledge on what works | LinkedIn, Reddit, scholarship forums |
Common Myths About Studying for Free
Many students believe studying in England for free is impossible or only for a lucky few—but that’s far from the truth. Let’s bust some of the most common myths that hold students back from exploring real opportunities.
| Myth | Reality |
| Only straight-A students get scholarships | Many scholarships value leadership and community work |
| You must be from a poor background | Not always—merit-based awards exist too |
| It’s impossible to get a full scholarship | Thousands of students get them every year |
| You need to pay agents to get in | You can apply directly to most programs for free |
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Studying in England for free is 100% possible with the right information and a proactive approach. With government scholarships, university funding, and work-study options, your dream of a UK degree doesn’t have to break the bank. Embark on your study abroad journey with comfort and convenience. Reach out to Fly Homes now at 1800572118 to secure the finest student accommodation abroad.
FAQs
Yes, it’s possible! With the right combination of fully-funded scholarships, research-based programs, and work-study opportunities, many international students study in England without paying tuition or by covering their costs through funding.
Some of the top scholarships include:
– Chevening Scholarships
– Commonwealth Scholarships
– Clarendon Scholarships (Oxford)
– Gates Cambridge Scholarships
– University-specific and private grants
Scholarships for Master’s and PhDs are generally more common and generous compared to undergraduate programs. However, some undergraduate scholarships are available, especially from specific universities or private organisations.
Yes. International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays, as per the UK Student Visa rules.
There are no completely tuition-free public universities in England for international students. However, degree apprenticeships and fully-funded research programs can allow you to study without paying tuition.
Living costs vary by city but typically range from GBP 10,000 to GBP 15,000 per year, including accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses.
Yes, most universities and scholarship programs require proof of English proficiency, usually through IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent tests. Some may waive this if you’ve previously studied in English.
Start at least 8–12 months in advance. Many scholarship applications close 6–9 months before the course start date.
Some scholarships, like Chevening or Commonwealth, do not fund dependents, but others may allow it. You’ll need to prove financial support for them independently when applying for your visa.
Yes. You can look into:
– Online programs
– Part-time study options
– University fee waivers
– Private sponsorships or employer support
– Or take a gap year to improve your profile and reapply!
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