Here’s an overview of the main royal-patronised, fully-funded UK scholarships—several of which His Majesty King Charles III has personally approved or champions—and the visa arrangements you can expect when you secure one of these awards.
1. The King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme (KCFP) Association of Commonwealth Universities
What it is:
An ambitious three-strand initiative, launched by King Charles III in April 2025 at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa, to build capacity in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). It comprises:
Mid-career fellowships for public-service professionals (short residencies in-country)
Undergraduate scholarships (full tuition + living costs)
In-country PhD scholarships (joint supervision with partner universities)
Key benefits:
Undergraduates: full tuition + living stipend + encouragement to “stay and serve” their home communities (applications open mid-2026) Global South Opportunities
PhD fellows: GBP 30 000 research support over up to 6 years, plus tuition-fee waivers and a GBP 12 000 research grant; joint supervision; salary contribution to home institution Association of Commonwealth Universities
Eligibility: Citizens or refugees of Commonwealth SIDS (e.g. Mauritius, Maldives, Seychelles).
2. Chevening Scholarships Study UK Homepage | Study UK
What it is:
The UK government’s global, fully-funded master’s scholarship scheme, set up by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and backed by royal patronage.
Key benefits:
Full tuition fees at any UK university
Monthly stipend for living costs
Return economy-class flights
Visa application costs, arrival and departure allowances
Funds for one TB test and health surcharge LinkedIn
Duration & visa:
Course: 1 year (master’s)
Student visa: course length (12 months) + 2 months post-study leave studentsupport.manchester.ac.uk
Eligibility:
Citizens of Chevening-eligible countries
Minimum 2 years’ work experience
Bachelor’s (2:1) or equivalent
Deadline: usually in early November each year.
3. Commonwealth Scholarships British Council
What it is:
Funded by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), these awards support outstanding citizens of Commonwealth countries who could not otherwise afford UK postgraduate study.
Key strands:
Master’s Scholarships: cover full fees, living allowance, flights
PhD Scholarships: typically 3 years of funding (course fees + stipend)
Split-site PhD Scholarships: part at home, part in UK (up to 12 months in UK)
Duration & visa:
Master’s: 1–2 years; Student visa = course length + 2 months studentsupport.manchester.ac.uk
PhD: up to 3 years; Student visa = course length (e.g. 36 months) + 4 months studentsupport.manchester.ac.uk
Eligibility:
Citizen or permanent resident of a Commonwealth country
Undergraduate degree (2:1) for master’s; master’s for PhD
4. GREAT Scholarships Study UK Homepage | Study UK
What it is:
A partnership between the British Council and UK universities, offering one-year taught masters scholarships in strategic subjects (e.g. STEM, business, climate).
Key benefits:
£10 000 toward tuition fees
Some universities top up to full funding
Duration & visa:
Course: 1 year
Student visa = 1 year + 2 months post-study studentsupport.manchester.ac.uk
Eligibility:
Citizens of the 14 eligible countries (e.g. Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico)
Varies by subject and university
5. Visa arrangements for UK study GOV.UKstudentsupport.manchester.ac.uk
All of the above scholarships require you to hold a Student (formerly Tier 4) visa. For degree-level courses (master’s or PhD), you’ll typically be granted:
| Course length | Student visa duration |
|---|---|
| 6–12 months | course length + 2 months post-study leave |
| 12 months or longer (e.g. 3 year PhD) | course length + 4 months post-study leave |
| Maximum at degree level | 5 years total (under UKVI’s cap for degree-level study) |
How to apply
Check eligibility on each scholarship’s official site.
Prepare documents: transcripts, references, proof of work experience (for Chevening), proposal (for PhD awards).
Apply online by the stated deadline (Chevening Nov; Commonwealth Oct–Nov; KCFP PhD 4 June 2025).
Secure your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from your chosen UK university.
Apply for your Student visa up to 6 months before your course start date.
Good luck with your applications—these prestigious, royal-backed awards can cover all your tuition, living costs, flights, and visa fees, and give you the right to live in the UK for the full duration of your studies (plus the post-study leave). If you have any further questions about a specific scheme or visa process, let me know!