The UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship is a flagship funding initiative designed to support talented international students from low-income backgrounds who aspire to pursue full-time undergraduate studies at University College London (UCL). The scholarship reflects UCL’s commitment to widening global access to higher education and ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent outstanding students from achieving their academic potential.
Scholarship Overview
The scholarship is open to prospective international undergraduate students applying for the 2026/27 academic year. It is awarded primarily on the basis of financial need and applies to all undergraduate degree programmes offered by UCL.
Key details include:
- Number of awards: Up to 33 scholarships
- Eligible students: Overseas fee-paying applicants
- Study mode: Full-time undergraduate programmes
- Application deadline: 5pm BST, Monday 27 April 2026
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements to be considered:
- Be classified as an overseas fee-paying student
- Be from a low-income household
- Have submitted an application for a full-time undergraduate degree at UCL for entry in 2026/27
While UCL generally defines low income as a household income of £42,875 or less, this figure is intended as a guide. Applicants with household incomes above this threshold are still encouraged to apply, as each case is assessed individually.
Eligibility is not restricted by nationality, provided the applicant resides outside the UK and meets the above criteria.
Value, Benefits, and Duration
For the 2026/27 academic year, the scholarship offers a range of funding packages aimed at addressing both tuition and living costs.
Scholarships available include:
- 10 awards covering:
- Full tuition fees
- A maintenance allowance
- A fixed allowance for additional costs (such as visa fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge)
- 20 awards covering full tuition fees only
- 3 awards covering full tuition fees specifically for students from India
The scholarship is valid for the standard duration of the undergraduate programme, provided the student continues to meet the conditions of the award.
Important Conditions and Responsibilities
Scholarship recipients are expected to comply with several key requirements:
- Any programme change, including after the scholarship has been awarded, must be approved in advance by the Student Funding Office (SFO)
- Recipients must declare any additional funding received for their undergraduate studies, whether before or after the scholarship is awarded
Failure to notify the SFO of such changes may result in the scholarship being withdrawn.
Selection Process
The scholarship is awarded solely on the basis of financial need. Academic merit is assessed separately through the admissions process.
Selection process highlights:
- Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide financial evidence, usually around mid-May 2026
- Applications are reviewed and assessed by the UCL Student Funding Office
- The assessment process typically takes approximately one month
How to Apply
Applications for the UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship will open later in the year. Students must first apply for admission to UCL before they can access the scholarship application.
Key application requirements:
- An offer of admission is not required at the time of applying
- UCL must have confirmed the applicant’s fee status
- Applications are submitted via Portico, UCL’s student portal
Steps to apply via Portico:
- Log in to Portico using standard credentials
- Select the relevant active application
- Navigate to the Funding section
- Use “Check and apply” under Funds Available
- Select the UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship and complete the form
Applicants applying to more than one programme must submit separate scholarship applications for each programme.
If eligible applicants cannot access the form two weeks before the deadline, they are advised to contact the SFO immediately to request an alternative application method.
Deadlines and Results
- Scholarship application deadline: 5pm BST, Monday 27 April 2026
- Notification of results: By 3 June 2026
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered under any circumstances, even if the applicant receives a UCL admission offer after the scholarship deadline.
Commitment to Equity and Global Access
Through the UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship, UCL continues to reinforce its mission to promote educational equity, global inclusion, and social mobility. By removing financial obstacles, the scholarship empowers students from diverse backgrounds to access one of the world’s leading research-intensive universities.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
