Ucl Global Undergraduate Scholarship 2027 | Study in United Kingdom — University College London
Getting into UCL as an international undergraduate is only half the challenge, since tuition fees at a leading London university can be well beyond what many admitted students can realistically afford.
About the Scholarship
The UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship is designed for exactly that gap, supporting international students from low and middle income countries who have secured an undergraduate place at UCL but face genuine financial barriers to accepting it. The scholarship weighs both academic achievement and documented financial need, reflecting UCL’s broader effort to widen access to its undergraduate programmes beyond students who can self-fund. A limited number of awards are made each year across a range of eligible undergraduate courses.
Because places at UCL are highly competitive in their own right, this scholarship effectively adds a second layer of selection focused specifically on applicants who would otherwise be unable to take up their hard-earned offer.
Scholarship Benefits
- A tuition fee contribution toward an eligible undergraduate degree at UCL
- Consideration based on both academic merit and genuine financial need
- Access to UCL’s wide range of undergraduate departments and courses
- Inclusion in UCL’s scholars and alumni community throughout your studies
- No repayment requirement after completing your degree
- Potential to combine the award with other smaller funding sources
Eligibility Criteria
- Be a citizen of a country classified as low or middle income under current UCL and World Bank definitions
- Hold an offer of admission to an eligible undergraduate course at UCL
- Demonstrate genuine financial need that would prevent you from taking up your place without support
- Meet UCL’s standard academic and English language entry requirements
- Submit a complete scholarship application alongside required financial documentation
- Not already hold another scholarship fully covering your tuition costs
Fields of Study Covered
The scholarship is available across a broad range of UCL undergraduate programmes, spanning engineering, the sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities, and built environment courses, subject to the specific list published each year.
Required Documents
- UCL offer of admission to an eligible undergraduate course
- A separate UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship application form
- Evidence of financial circumstances
- School transcripts and examination results
- A personal statement outlining financial need and academic motivation
- Proof of citizenship in an eligible low or middle income country
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Apply through UCAS and secure an offer of admission to an eligible UCL undergraduate course
- Confirm your country appears on the current list of eligible low and middle income countries
- Complete the UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship application separately from your course application
- Submit detailed evidence of your financial circumstances
- Provide transcripts and a personal statement explaining your situation and goals
- Wait for the scholarship committee’s decision, usually communicated after the general admissions period
Selection Process
UCL first confirms that applicants hold a genuine offer of admission before reviewing scholarship applications for financial need and academic merit together. A scholarship committee weighs both factors, prioritizing applicants for whom the award would make a clear, concrete difference to whether they can attend.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Apply through UCAS as early as possible, since a confirmed offer is required before the scholarship can be considered
- Be thorough and transparent when documenting your family’s financial circumstances
- Explain clearly in your personal statement how a UCL degree connects to your long-term goals
- Ask school teachers for references that highlight both ability and personal circumstances where relevant
- Compare this award with the UCL Global Masters Scholarship if you are also considering postgraduate study at UCL later
- Apply for other funding sources in parallel, since this scholarship may not cover the full cost of study
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship?
International students from low and middle income countries who hold an offer of admission and can demonstrate financial need.
Does this scholarship cover full tuition fees?
Not always, it provides a meaningful tuition contribution, and some students may need additional funding depending on the course.
Do I need a UCAS offer before applying?
Yes, you must hold an offer of admission to an eligible UCL undergraduate course before applying for this scholarship.
Is financial need assessed strictly?
Yes, financial circumstances form a core part of the evaluation alongside academic record.
Does the scholarship cover postgraduate study?
No, it is specifically designed for undergraduate bachelor’s degree study at UCL.
Can I apply if my family can partially fund my studies?
Yes, partial funding does not disqualify you, though your application should reflect your genuine remaining need.
How many scholarships are awarded each year?
The number varies annually depending on available funding and the strength of that year’s applicant pool.
Is an interview part of the selection process?
Selection is generally based on the written application and financial documentation rather than a formal interview.