- ~£15,000Award
- UCL (London)Host institution
- Taught master’sStudy level
- Low-income backgroundEligibility
- Widening accessMission
- With admissionApplication
At a glance
partial
Funding
€20k
Max amount
May 31, 2027
Deadline
Per UCL's eligibility criteria (commonly UK-domiciled widening-participation students; check the current rules)
Country
University College London
Provider
The UCL Global Master's Scholarship is offered by University College London (UCL), founded in 1826 and one of the top universities in the world, to support students from lower-income backgrounds to undertake a taught master's degree. It is part of UCL's commitment to widening access to postgraduate study. The scholarship provides a contribution of around £15,000 toward tuition and living costs for a 1-year taught master's, helping students who would otherwise find postgraduate study unaffordable. A number of awards — often around 30 — are made each year, and the scholarship is aimed at students who meet UCL's widening-participation/low-income criteria. Applicants apply through UCL's scholarship process after applying for an eligible taught master's programme, by the relevant deadline (commonly in spring). Selection considers financial need and the candidate's background and potential, in line with the scholarship's access mission.
What's covered
- Contribution to costs — Around £15,000 toward tuition and living costs for a one-year taught master's.
- Access-focused — Aimed at students who would otherwise find postgraduate study unaffordable.
- Partial funding — A substantial contribution rather than a full ride; you cover remaining costs.
How to apply
Apply for an eligible UCL taught master's, then apply for the Global Master's Scholarship through UCL's scholarship process by the deadline.
- Choose an eligible master's — Select an eligible UCL taught master's programme and review the scholarship criteria.
- Apply for admission — Submit your UCL master's admission application.
- Prepare scholarship materials — Gather evidence of financial circumstances and any required statements.
- Apply for the scholarship — Submit the Global Master's Scholarship application through UCL by the deadline.
- Selection — UCL assesses financial need and the candidate's background and potential.
- Award — Selected students receive the ~£15,000 contribution toward their master's.
Eligibility
BackgroundFrom a low-income household / meeting UCL's widening-participation criteria.
ProgrammeStarting an eligible taught master's at UCL.
Financial needDemonstrated need that would otherwise make postgraduate study unaffordable.
AdmissionHolding (or applying for) an offer for the eligible master's.
CriteriaMeet the specific scholarship criteria set by UCL for the year.
Eligibility (including residency/domicile and low-income criteria) is set by UCL and can change. Apply through UCL's scholarship process after applying for the eligible master's.
Eligible countries
Per UCL's eligibility criteria (commonly UK-domiciled widening-participation students; check the current rules)
Deadlines
2027 master's entry2027-05-31
Selection
UCL selects Global Master's Scholars on financial need together with the candidate's background and potential, in line with the scholarship's access mission. Because a limited number of awards are made, selection is competitive among eligible applicants.
Verified sources
- UCL Global Master's Scholarshipucl.ac.ukofficial
About the provider
University College London (UCL) is a public research university in London and one of the top universities in the world. Through scholarships such as the Global Master's Scholarship, it works to widen access to postgraduate study for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the UCL Global Master's Scholarship?
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A scholarship from University College London (UCL) that contributes around £15,000 toward a taught master's for students from lower-income backgrounds, as part of UCL's commitment to widening access.
How much is it worth?
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Around £15,000 toward tuition and living costs for a one-year taught master's. It is a substantial contribution rather than a full ride.
Who is eligible?
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Students from low-income households meeting UCL's widening-participation criteria who are starting an eligible taught master's at UCL and demonstrate financial need.
Is it merit- or need-based?
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It is primarily access/need-focused — aimed at students who would otherwise find postgraduate study unaffordable — alongside the candidate's background and potential.
How do I apply?
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Apply for an eligible UCL taught master's, then apply for the Global Master's Scholarship through UCL's scholarship process, providing evidence of your financial circumstances.
When is the deadline?
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Commonly in ~spring, though dates vary by year. Check UCL's scholarships pages for the current deadline.
Who is eligible by residency?
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Eligibility (including domicile/residency and low-income criteria) is set by UCL and can change year to year — confirm the current rules before applying.
Does it cover full costs?
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No — it is a partial contribution of around £15,000. You should budget for remaining tuition and living costs in London.
What level does it cover?
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Taught master's study at UCL. Research/PhD students should look at UCL's separate doctoral funding.
How competitive is it?
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Competitive — a limited number of awards are made each year to eligible lower-income applicants, so a strong, well-evidenced application matters.
Which programmes are eligible?
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Eligible taught master's programmes across UCL's faculties; confirm eligibility for your specific programme on UCL's scholarship pages.
Do I need an offer first?
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You should be applying for or holding an offer for the eligible master's; the scholarship is for students starting the programme.