The University College London (UCL) has announced the launch of its Global Undergraduate Scholarship for the 2025/26 academic year. International students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who aspire to pursue full-time undergraduate studies at UCL will receive financial support through this initiative.
Scholarship Objectives and Scope
UCL aims to enhance accessibility to higher education by offering comprehensive financial assistance to outstanding students from outside the United Kingdom. The scholarship covers full tuition fees and, in some cases, additional allowances to help with living expenses and other associated costs. This initiative underscores UCL’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity within its student body by supporting academically talented individuals who might otherwise face financial barriers to higher education.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship, applicants must meet several key requirements:
- International Status: Candidates must originate from a country outside the United Kingdom and qualify to pay tuition under the Overseas fee rate.
- Financial Background: Applicants must come from low-income households, as defined by UCL’s guidelines on household income.
- Admission Requirements: Candidates should have applied for a full-time undergraduate program at UCL for the 2025/26 academic year.
It is important to note that an offer of admission is not required at the time of applying for the scholarship; applicants must have their fee status confirmed by UCL Admissions. UCL Admissions may confirm this shortly after submitting an admission application or before extending an offer of admission.
Application Accessibility
If eligible students cannot access the scholarship application form, UCL may not have confirmed their admission status yet. If this issue persists two weeks before the deadline, they are advised to contact the Student Funding Office (SFO) for assistance. It is crucial to adhere to deadlines, as incomplete or late applications will not be considered under any circumstances.
Scholarship Coverage and Benefits
For the 2025/26 academic year, UCL will award up to 33 scholarships, categorized as follows:
- Full-Funding Scholarships: Ten scholarships will cover full tuition fees, a maintenance allowance, and a fixed amount for additional expenses, including the Immigration Health Surcharge and visa fees. Specific amounts for these allowances will be announced in due course.
- Tuition Fee Scholarships: Twenty-three scholarships will solely cover full tuition fees.
- • India-Specific Scholarships: Three scholarships, which cover full tuition fees, are only available to students from India.
These financial awards provide significant relief to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder their academic aspirations.
Application Process
Prospective applicants must first submit an admission application to UCL. Following this step, they can access the scholarship application through UCL’s online portal, Portico. The application process involves the following steps:
- Log into Portico using personal credentials.
- Navigate to the ‘Active Application’ section and select the program for which funding is sought.
- Click on the ‘Funding’ tab at the top of the page.
- Under ‘Funds Available,’ select ‘Check and apply’ to view eligible scholarships.
- Choose the UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship and complete the application form.
Candidates must submit a separate application for each program for which they seek funding. It is recommended that applicants review the detailed instructions on UCL’s official website to ensure they complete all necessary steps accurately.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submitting applications for the UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship for the 2025/26 academic year is April 28, 2025. Students interested in this opportunity should ensure they meet all eligibility requirements and submit their applications well in advance to avoid last-minute issues.
The UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship represents an exceptional opportunity for international students from low-income backgrounds to access world-class education at one of the leading universities globally. By covering tuition fees and, in some cases, living expenses, UCL aims to eliminate financial barriers and empower talented students to achieve their academic and professional goals. Interested applicants should carefully review the eligibility criteria, follow the application process diligently, and submit their applications before the deadline to maximize their chances of receiving this prestigious scholarship. Visit the official UCL website for more information, including the application form.
