You'll find many sources of funding if you want to come and study in the UK. The British Government and other UK organisations provide a number of scholarships and awards for international students, although the scholarships are usually for postgraduate study.

Who should I approach?

It's probably best to start with your own Ministry or Department of Education. It should be able to give you information about the funding available.

Also, check The British Council. They may have an office in your own country and they'll tell you about the relevant schemes.

If there's no British Council locally, try the British Embassy or High Commission.

How Do I Apply?

The UK is a popular country with international students so there is a lot of competition for scholarships. Many grant-making organisations have strict requirements which you must meet to be considered for an award, so read the conditions carefully.

Remember, you will need to do the following:-

• Apply for your grant at least one year before the start of your course and make sure you know the deadline for applying.
• Fill in the application form clearly and concisely. Use the grant-making body's application form if there is one.

The grant-making bodies usually award only small amounts of money, which won't cover the full cost of tuition fees and living expenses.

So…

• Make sure you have enough money for your fees and living needs. It's nearly impossible to organise financial help once you're here and you may be refused UK entry without proof of sufficient funds.

Some possible sources.

Here's a selection of scholarships available:

British Chevening Scholarships

Funded by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office for very able students who are usually already established in a career. For details contact the British Embassy, British High Commission or British Council office. US students aren't eligible (see the British Marshall Scholarships instead).

Commonwealth Scholarship & Fellowships Plan (CSFP)

Funded by the Department for International Development and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office for citizens of a Commonwealth country (not the Commonwealth of Independent States) or a British dependent territory. The grants are normally for postgraduate or research degrees and cover the cost of travel, tuition fees and living expenses. See www.csfp-online.org

British Marshall Scholarships

Up to 40 new awards per year, funded by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, for US citizens under 26 years of age. You must have graduated from a US university in any subject that will lead to a UK university degree. Grants, which are awarded for the first two years and in certain cases for three, cover fares, tuition fees, living, books and travel costs. For further information visit www.marshallscholarship.org

Fulbright Scholarships

Funded by the Department for Education & Employment and the US government, these awards are for US graduate citizens who want to study, lecture, work on exchange or conduct research in the UK. The grant covers return travel, a living allowance, tuition fees and expenses – and there are no restrictions on subject or age.

There are various types of grant available. If you're a graduate student visit www.iie.org. For scholars awards and fellowships see www.cies.org or for UK enquiries go to www.fulbright.co.uk.

Royal Fellowships

These help key post-doctoral scientists undertake research in the UK. For availability of awards and further details go to http://www.royalsoc.ac.uk/

For country-specific scholarships, please contact your own Ministry of Education or the British Council Office: www.britishcouncil.org

Canon Foundation Research Fellowships to Europe and Japan

The Canon Foundation in Europe offers Research Fellowships to post-graduate European and Japanese researchers. The European Fellowship holders pursue a research period in Japan whereas the Japanese Fellows do their research at host institutions in Europe.

There are also grants for outstanding European and Japanese scholars or leading members of commercial, industrial, governmental and professional organisations. These fund people in teaching or research on overseas placements, in Japan and Europe respectively. Applications for Research Fellowships in all fields of research are welcome.

For further information, please visit www.canonfoundation.org

Alban Scholarships for Latin American Students

These high-level scholarships will support your Masters, doctorate or professional studies in the European Union. The annual European Community contribution to each scholarship is from EUR 18,000 to EUR 30,000. The periods of training and education range from 6 months to 3 years depending on the level and type of programme. For details go to www.programalban.org/

Council for Assisting Refugee Academics

CARA makes small grants to help refugee academics rebuild their lives and careers in the UK. To qualify you'll need to:-

• have held a paid academic post in a university within your country of origin, or another country other than the UK; and
• hold either UK refugee status, Humanitarian Protection, Exceptional Leave, Discretionary Leave or Indefinite Leave. In exceptional circumstances CARA might help asylum seekers.

For details visit www.academic-refugees.org