Looking for UK scholarships for international students that make a high-quality British degree affordable? This guide breaks down the University of Kent International Undergraduate Scholarships—what they’re worth, who’s eligible, how to apply, key deadlines, and practical tips to boost your chances.
Snapshot: Kent’s flagship international undergraduate award is worth up to £18,000 (paid as £6,000 per year for up to three years) for high-achieving overseas fee-payers. Separate merit awards and named scholarships can stack additional support.
Why Choose the University of Kent?
Founded in 1965 with campuses in Canterbury and Medway, the University of Kent is known for strong teaching, student support, and an international outlook. You’ll find a broad spread of subjects—from business and law to computing, engineering, arts, social sciences, biosciences, and environmental fields—plus dedicated advice for international applicants and a central scholarship search hub.
Why Kent works for international undergraduates:
- Generous scholarship mix: A central International Scholarships for Undergraduate Students scheme, plus other merit awards and named scholarships.
- Clear, searchable funding info: Kent’s scholarship listings help you filter by level, subject, and nationality.
- Student-first experience: Dedicated international pages, admissions guidance, and funding advice.
What Scholarships Are Available?
1) International Scholarships for Undergraduate Students (Flagship Award)
- Value: Up to £18,000 total (£6,000 per year for up to three years of study).
- Who it’s for: Overseas fee-paying students starting an eligible full-time undergraduate degree.
- Status: The September 2025 application window has closed; details for 2026 entry will be posted by the University. Plan early if you’re targeting 2026.
What it can cover: This award reduces tuition fees; it doesn’t usually pay for living costs directly. Still, over three years the reduction is substantial, making Kent a competitive option among UK fully funded scholarships 2025 alternatives for students assembling a combined funding package.
2) Kent International Award for Academic Excellence
- Value: £3,000 tuition fee discount in year 1, plus £1,000 in year 2 and £1,000 in year 3 (subject to maintaining at least 60% / 2:1 average).
- Who it’s for: Overseas fee-paying entrants to undergraduate programmes, typically for September entry cycles.
- Deadline example: For the 2025 cycle, applicants needed to meet criteria by 31 August 2025. Expect updated dates for 2026.
This is a strong merit-based add-on, especially if you consistently perform at a 2:1 level or higher.
3) Named Undergraduate Scholarships (Examples)
- The First 500 Scholarship
- Value: £2,000 per year for the duration of the degree (pro-rata for part-time).
- 2025 deadline: 29 September 2025, 23:59 BST.
- Notes: Competitive; check eligibility and any portfolio/statement requirements.
- The Richard Tagart Scholarship
- Value: £5,000 per year, typically renewable for 3–4 years subject to progress.
- Status: The current cycle is closed; updates for 2026/27 will follow on Kent’s portal.
Tip: Because named scholarships open/close at different times and may target specific subjects or backgrounds, monitor Kent’s scholarship pages throughout the year.
Who Is Eligible?
While each award has its own criteria, the common threads for University of Kent International Undergraduate Scholarships are:
- Fee status: Classified as overseas (international) fee-payer.
- Offer requirement: Usually you must hold an offer for an eligible full-time undergraduate course at Kent.
- Merit: Scholarships are competitive; strong academic performance (and sometimes a short statement) is crucial.
- Progression conditions: Some awards (e.g., Academic Excellence) require maintaining a minimum average to keep receiving the discount in years 2–3.
What Do They Cover?
- Tuition fee reductions: The flagship international undergraduate award provides up to £6,000 per year, while other schemes add £1,000–£2,000 per year (or more in named scholarships).
- Duration: Typically 3 years (standard UK Bachelor’s length). Some named awards are renewable into year 4 (if applicable) with satisfactory progress.
- Stacking: You usually cannot combine multiple University-funded awards unless explicitly stated. When in doubt, ask the Scholarships team which award takes precedence.
Reality check: These are partial funding awards. To “study in the UK fully funded,” many students combine scholarships with personal funds, sponsorship, or low-intensity part-time work (within visa limits). Kent’s generous tuition discounts, however, significantly reduce overall costs.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Pick your course
Shortlist degrees that match your interests and career goals. Confirm entry requirements and any subject-specific criteria on Kent’s site. - Apply for admission
Submit your UCAS application (or relevant route) and secure an offer from Kent. Many scholarships require an offer before you can be considered. - Search and choose scholarships
Identify awards you’re eligible for and build a deadline tracker for each. - Prepare documents
- Academic transcripts and predicted grades
- Personal statement (scholarship-specific if requested)
- Reference (teacher/counsellor) if required
- Passport photo page (occasionally requested)
- Evidence of fee status if needed
- Submit scholarship applications
Follow each award’s instructions carefully. Some require a short statement; others auto-assess after you firm Kent. Don’t miss date/time cut-offs (they’re strict). - Confirm your place & funding
If successful, follow the acceptance steps in your scholarship email/portal. Clarify whether awards are automatically applied to tuition or require additional confirmation. - Budget the remainder
Factor in living costs, visa fees, and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Scholarships reduce tuition, but you’ll need proof of remaining funds for your visa. (Check UKVI for up-to-date figures.)
Deadlines & Timeline Planning
- International Undergraduate Scholarship (UG): For September 2025, the deadline has passed; 2026 details will appear on the same page. Mark your calendar to check from late autumn onward.
- Kent International Award for Academic Excellence: 2025 criteria had to be met by 31 August 2025; look for the 2026 cycle update in the spring/summer preceding your entry.
- First 500 Scholarship: For 2025, applications close 29 September 2025—a useful late window if you’re still finalizing your application.
- Named/subject awards: Dates vary; check regularly as some open earlier and close quickly.
Pro tip: Build a two-track plan—(A) admissions milestones, and (B) scholarship milestones. Aim to have your course offer in hand before main scholarship rounds close.
Tips to Strengthen Your Scholarship Application
- Aim for top grades: Merit awards prioritize strong academics. Include predicted grades and recent achievements.
- Tell a clear story: In any required statement, connect your background, course choice, and future goals. Show impact—how your Kent degree helps you contribute locally or globally.
- Be specific about Kent: Reference modules, labs, and opportunities that excite you (internships, societies, placements). It shows fit and motivation.
- Meet every instruction: Word counts, formats, and deadlines matter. Late or incomplete applications are usually not considered.
- Keep a compliance checklist: If an award requires you to maintain a 60% average to receive year-2/3 discounts, plan your study schedule and support (tutoring, study skills) early.
Life at Kent: What to Expect
- Campuses & community: A classic campus feel in Canterbury plus a city-style experience in Medway—with strong students’ unions, clubs, and cultural life.
- International support: Guidance on visas, arrival, banking, and healthcare; induction and welcome events geared to international students.
- Careers & employability: Placement options, fairs, and career coaching to help you build skills and networks during your degree.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) Are these scholarships fully funded?
No—Kent’s international undergraduate scholarships are partial tuition awards (e.g., up to £18,000 across three years). You’ll need to budget for remaining tuition and living costs.
2) Can I combine scholarships?
Policies vary. In many cases you cannot combine multiple University-funded awards; one will take precedence. Always read the terms on each scholarship’s page or ask the Scholarships team.
3) What grades do I need to keep a renewable award?
For the Kent International Award for Academic Excellence, you must usually maintain 60% / 2:1 to receive the £1,000 in years 2 and 3.
4) I missed the 2025 deadline—what now?
Keep checking the International Scholarships (UG) page for 2026 entry. Use the time to strengthen academics, draft a standout statement, and line up references.
5) Where can I see all available scholarships?
Use Kent’s searchable scholarship directory—it’s updated with live and upcoming awards across levels and subjects.
Action Plan (Save This)
- Choose your Kent course and confirm entry requirements.
- Apply for admission early and secure an offer.
- Track deadlines: flagship UG scholarship (check for 2026), Academic Excellence (watch late-summer cutoff), and named awards like First 500.
- Prepare documents: transcripts, predicted grades, personal statement, and reference.
- Submit scholarship applications before the stated date/time; keep proofs of submission.
- Budget the remainder: plan for living costs and visa funds—scholarships reduce tuition but won’t usually cover maintenance.
- Accept and confirm: follow instructions in your award email/portal and keep an eye on your Kent applicant account.
Final Word
For ambitious international students, the University of Kent International Undergraduate Scholarships offer a tangible path to a UK degree with meaningfully reduced tuition. Start early, keep your grades strong, and tailor your statement to Kent’s strengths. With a sharp plan and timely applications, you can make the most of what Kent offers—and turn your UK study goals into reality.
