UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarships

For many talented students around the world, the dream of a world-class UK education is often overshadowed by the harsh reality of its cost. The financial burden of international tuition fees and London’s high living expenses can seem like an insurmountable obstacle. But what if there was an opportunity that could transform that dream into a reality? The UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship is precisely that.

This prestigious scholarship is a life-changing award designed to remove financial barriers for academically gifted students from low-income backgrounds. It’s more than just a scholarship; it’s a gateway to an unparalleled education at one of the world’s top universities, University College London (UCL). This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, from understanding the eligibility criteria to crafting a winning application. Let’s begin your journey toward securing a fully funded scholarship UK and a future at UCL.

What is the UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship?

The UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship is a highly sought-after award aimed at enabling academically exceptional international students who would otherwise be unable to afford a UCL education. The scholarship’s purpose is to promote social mobility and ensure that a student’s financial circumstances do not limit their access to a top-tier institution.

The scholarship provides up to 33 awards each year, broken down into two main types:

Am I Eligible? The Key Criteria

To be considered for the UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship, you must meet a specific set of criteria. It is crucial to verify your eligibility before you begin your application.

International Student Status: You must be an international student, meaning you are eligible to pay the “Overseas” fee rate. This status is determined by UCL Admissions after you submit your application and is a non-negotiable requirement.
Low-Income Background: This is the primary selection criterion. UCL defines a “low-income background” as a household income of less than £42,875 per year, though this is used as a guideline. UCL states that they will still consider applications from students whose household income is above this amount. The committee takes into account your specific circumstances, including the number of dependents in your household, family expenses, and any extenuating financial hardships.
UCL Admission Application: You must have submitted an application for a full-time undergraduate degree program at UCL for the 2025/26 academic year. You do not need to have received a formal offer of admission yet, but your fee status must be confirmed.

The scholarship is open to students from any country outside the UK and is available for all undergraduate programs at UCL.

A Step-by-Step Application Guide

Applying for the scholarship is a separate process from applying for admission. Following these steps will help you navigate the system efficiently.

Submit Your UCL Admission Application: The very first step is to apply to UCL for your chosen undergraduate program. You can do this via the UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) platform. It’s highly recommended to submit this application well in advance of the scholarship deadline to allow UCL to confirm your fee status.
Access the UCL Student Portal (Portico): Once your UCL admission application is submitted, you will receive login details for the Portico online portal. This portal is your gateway to managing your application and, crucially, to the scholarship application form.
Confirm Your Fee Status: You must have your fee status (Home or Overseas) confirmed by UCL Admissions to access the scholarship application. This usually happens shortly after you submit your application.
Find the Scholarship Application Form: Log in to Portico, click on “View” for your active application, and navigate to the “Funding” section. From there, you will find the “Funds Available” tab, which will show you the scholarships you are eligible for, including the UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship.
Complete the Scholarship Application: Click on the scholarship name and fill out the online form. This is where you will provide details about your financial situation and write your personal statement.
Submit Before the Deadline: Ensure all parts of your application are complete and submitted before the specified deadline.

Crafting a Winning Application

With the immense competition for these scholarships, your application needs to be more than just a list of facts. It needs to tell a compelling story.

Demonstrating Financial Need

This is the most important component of your scholarship application. Be clear, honest, and specific. Don’t just state that you need financial aid; provide a detailed picture of your financial circumstances.

Provide a Clear Narrative: Explain the financial challenges your family faces. Are there many dependents in your household? Has your family experienced job loss or illness? Use your personal statement to add context to the numbers.
Prepare for Evidence: If you are shortlisted, UCL will require you to provide official documentation of your household income. This may include salary slips, bank statements, tax returns, or official household income certificates.

Highlighting Academic and Personal Achievements

While the scholarship is need-based, you must also demonstrate your potential for academic success at UCL. Use your personal statement to connect your academic achievements to your personal circumstances.

Connect the Dots: Show how your passion for your chosen field has developed despite financial constraints. For instance, perhaps you had to work a part-time job but still managed to excel academically, or you used free online resources to pursue your academic interests.
Show Resilience and Drive: UCL wants to see students who are not only intelligent but also resilient and determined. Share examples of how you have overcome challenges to achieve your goals. This shows the selection committee that you have the character to succeed in a demanding academic environment.
Think Holistically: The committee will look at your entire application, including the personal statement you submitted for your UCL admission. Make sure your scholarship personal statement complements your UCAS application, offering new insights and specific details about your financial situation and your aspirations.

Important Dates and Deadlines

Submitting your application on time is crucial. Missing the deadline, even by a minute, will disqualify your application.

Task	Deadline
Submit UCL admission application	Before the scholarship deadline
Submit UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship application	April 28, 2025 (5:00 p.m. BST)
Shortlisted candidates notified	Late May 2025
Final outcome notification	Late July 2025

Export to Sheets

It is essential to have your UCL admission application submitted well in advance of the scholarship deadline. While you don’t need an offer of admission to apply for the scholarship, you do need your fee status confirmed, which can take time.

Beyond the Scholarship: Why UCL?

Securing the UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship opens the door to an education at a world-class institution. But what makes UCL so special?

Academic Excellence: UCL is consistently ranked among the top universities globally. It is a research powerhouse with a reputation for bold thinking and a commitment to solving the world’s most pressing problems.
Prime London Location: Studying at UCL places you in the heart of London, a global hub for business, finance, arts, and culture. You will have unparalleled access to museums, libraries, and career opportunities.
Diverse Community: UCL is a truly international university with students from over 150 countries. This diverse environment provides a rich learning experience, fostering global perspectives and a strong network.
Career Support: UCL offers excellent career services, including mentorship, workshops, and networking events, to help you transition from student life to a successful career.

Choosing UCL means you are not just choosing a degree; you are choosing a transformative life experience.

FAQ Section

Q: How competitive is the scholarship? A: The UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship is extremely competitive. With a limited number of awards and a large number of applications from around the world, only the most deserving candidates are selected.

Q: What documents are needed? A: Initially, you only need to complete the online application form. However, if you are shortlisted, you will be required to provide official financial evidence to support your claim of a low-income background.

Q: Can I defer the scholarship? A: No, the scholarship is tied to your year of entry. If you are awarded the scholarship but defer your admission to UCL, you will have to reapply for the scholarship in the following year.

Q: Can I receive other scholarships in addition to this one? A: If you are awarded a full scholarship (full tuition and maintenance), you are not permitted to hold any other major UCL scholarship. However, the tuition-only award may allow for additional bursaries or small scholarships. You must inform the UCL Student Funding Office of any other funding you receive.

Q: What if I have applied for multiple programs at UCL? A: You need to submit a separate scholarship application form for each program for which you wish to be considered for funding.

Conclusion

The journey to securing a UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship is challenging, but it is one of the most rewarding endeavors you can undertake. This scholarship is designed for students just like you—ambitious, resilient, and determined to make a difference. It offers a clear path forward, a chance to overcome financial barriers, and an opportunity to join a community of global leaders.

Don’t let the odds deter you. Focus on preparing a compelling application that tells your unique story of academic excellence and personal perseverance. Your future at UCL awaits. Take the first step today and begin the process of applying for this life-changing scholarship.