How to get state funding to study and live in the UK

How to get government funding for studying and living in the UK - legal aid

Education in England is considered prestigious and promising, because graduates of British universities often receive offers from leading companies around the world. Even a diploma from a school in Great Britain opens up many opportunities for further education. However, there is a stereotype that studying in England is expensive. Therefore, applicants from Ukraine are interested in free education in Great Britain.

Educational system in England

The educational system of Great Britain is significantly different from the Ukrainian one. Here, secondary education lasts 12 years, which is a year longer than in Ukraine. School education is divided into several stages:

• initial
• medium
• senior

Education lasts up to 18 years. After finishing school, students choose a specialty and enter a university. For Ukrainian applicants, there are special programs that allow you to add the required year of study.

Free education in Great Britain

It should be noted that free education in Great Britain is unlikely in practice. The education system of the country is built in such a way that education is mostly paid for all. Citizens of Great Britain have limited opportunities to get a free education, while it is much more difficult for foreigners to get a free education.

Higher education in Great Britain

Getting a free higher education in England is impossible, regardless of citizenship. Both Englishmen and foreigners are forced to pay tuition fees, as all universities operate on a commercial basis.

The term "free higher education in England" often refers to a system of discounts or scholarships that can significantly reduce the cost of education. However, to receive such discounts, the student must demonstrate outstanding ability, such as significant achievements in sports or research.

In addition, those already engaged in research can receive more opportunities, including funding for interesting projects and social assistance for accommodation.

What is important to know about scholarships in the UK?

Scholarships in the UK can be government, university and private. The most well-known government program, Chevening, fully covers accommodation, meals and a year of master's studies. Other large state grants (GREAT Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships) are not available to citizens of Russia and CIS countries. The average amount of university scholarships is 10-30% of the cost of education. Universities award scholarships based on academic achievement, financial status and personal circumstances. There are also sports and creative scholarships, but usually their size does not exceed 1,315-2,630 USD.

University Scholarships in UK

UK universities usually provide scholarships in the form of a tuition discount. For bachelors, the common size of the discount is 10-30%, and for masters and doctoral students - up to 50%.

In order to receive a scholarship, you must first enter the university. The main selection criterion is the GPA of the diploma or the results of the A-Level/IB examinations. Funding is usually provided for one year with the possibility of extension.

Universities publish information about scholarships in the "Funding and Scholarships" sections, but these data are often incomplete. Therefore, it is better to contact the university directly to clarify the details. Contact information is available on the same pages.

The Commission selects candidates based on academic performance, academic achievements, public activity and leadership qualities. It is theoretically possible to get a scholarship even with average grades, but it will probably be a less prestigious university that seeks to attract students. The amount of such a scholarship is insignificant - a maximum of 1,500-2,000 pounds, which will not significantly affect your financial situation.

Getting government funding for studying and living in Great Britain

You can get government funding for studying and living in Great Britain through various scholarship programs and grants.

Here are the basic steps to do it:

• Choose a study program: First of all, you need to decide on the university and the study program you want to enroll in. This will help you find suitable scholarship opportunities.
• Explore government programs: The most famous government funding programs include: Chevening Scholarship - a scholarship that fully covers tuition and accommodation for a master's program in Great Britain. GREAT Scholarships - offers funding for students from different countries on master's programs. Commonwealth Scholarships — funding for citizens of Commonwealth countries for master's and doctoral programs.
• Requirements for candidates: State programs usually require candidates to have a high level of academic performance, leadership qualities and social activity. It is also important to have a clear plan for further use of the acquired knowledge.
• Prepare the necessary documents: To participate in state scholarship programs, you need to prepare a package of documents, which usually includes: Academic certificates and diplomas; Letter of motivation; Letters of recommendation; Confirmation of knowledge of the English language (IELTS, TOEFL)
• Application: Each scholarship program has its own application deadlines. It is necessary to follow the deadlines and apply on time.
• Interview: If your application is approved, you may be invited to an interview where you can discuss your plans and motivation to study in the UK.

Legal audit of the situation

Getting government funding to study and live in the UK involves meeting certain legal requirements, such as meeting academic standards, being competitively selected and having a study visa. It is important to analyze the terms and conditions of scholarship programs, including Chevening and GREAT Scholarships, as well as possible tax obligations and visa extension requirements. In addition, concluding contracts with universities and scholarship funds requires a legal assessment to avoid legal risks and obligations to return funds in case of non-fulfillment of study conditions.