Partial Scholarships vs Full Scholarships in the UK: Whats the Difference?

06-Jun-2025

Pollstereducation

Study Abroad

Partial Scholarships vs Full Scholarships in the UK: Whats the Difference?

Studying in the UK is a dream for many international students — but the costs can be a major concern. Fortunately, many UK universities and external organizations offer scholarships to help ease the financial burden. But when researching, you’ll often come across two main types: partial scholarships and full scholarships.

So, what’s the difference between them? Which one is right for you? And how do you apply?

In this blog, we’ll break down partial vs full scholarships in the UK, their benefits, eligibility, and how Pollster Education can guide you through the application process.

What is a Full Scholarship?

A full scholarship covers the entire cost of your education in the UK. This typically includes:

Full tuition fees
Living expenses (accommodation, food, travel, etc.)
In some cases, flights, health insurance, and study materials

These scholarships are highly competitive, often awarded based on outstanding academic achievements, leadership qualities, or financial need.

Popular Full Scholarships in the UK:

Chevening Scholarships – For future global leaders from selected countries
Commonwealth Scholarships – For students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries
Rhodes Scholarships – For exceptional postgraduate students at Oxford University
Gates Cambridge Scholarships – For outstanding postgraduate applicants to the University of Cambridge
University-specific full scholarships – e.g., Clarendon Scholarship (Oxford), Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships (various universities)

What is a Partial Scholarship?

A partial scholarship covers part of your education expenses, such as:

A fixed amount toward tuition (e.g., £3,000–£10,000)
A percentage of tuition (e.g., 30%–50%)
Support for accommodation, travel, or living costs — but not all

Partial scholarships are more common than full scholarships and are often easier to get. They help reduce the overall financial burden even if you still have to fund part of your studies.

Examples of Partial Scholarships:

Vice Chancellor’s Scholarships (up to 50% off tuition fees)
Early Payment Discount Scholarships
Merit-based International Scholarships (typically £2,000–£5,000)
Regional or country-specific bursaries

Comparison Table: Full vs Partial Scholarships

Feature	Full Scholarship	Partial Scholarship
Tuition Fees	Fully covered	Partially covered
Living Expenses	Often included	Usually not included
Flight & Travel	Sometimes included	Not included
Eligibility	Highly competitive, strict requirements	More flexible
Application Process	Detailed, multi-stage	Simpler application
Availability	Limited, prestigious	Widely available
Number of Awards	Few	Many
Ideal for	Top academic performers with leadership skills	Students with good profiles needing partial aid

Which Scholarship Should You Apply For?

It depends on your profile, financial situation, and academic goals.

Apply for Full Scholarships if:

You have exceptional academic performance
You demonstrate strong leadership or community involvement
You need complete financial assistance
You are ready to go through a long, competitive process

Apply for Partial Scholarships if:

You can afford to fund part of your education
You want to reduce your tuition burden
You have a decent academic record but not top-tier
You want more chances of securing funding

Most students apply for multiple partial scholarships and combine them with education loans, family funds, or part-time work to finance their UK education.

Where Can You Find Scholarships?

University websites (search under "International Scholarships")
Scholarship portals like Chevening, Commonwealth, and Study UK
Education consultants like Pollster Education
External organisations in your home country (e.g., government grants)

How Pollster Education Can Help

At Pollster Education, we guide international students in:

Identifying suitable full and partial scholarships
Preparing applications — SOPs, recommendation letters, CVs
Meeting deadlines and eligibility requirements
Applying for backup funding like education loans
Combining scholarships with other financial strategies

Our counsellors ensure that your scholarship journey is well-planned, professionally executed, and increases your chances of success — all at no cost to you.

Tips to Improve Your Scholarship Chances

Start early – Many scholarships close 6–12 months before your course starts.
Craft a strong SOP – Show your achievements, goals, and how the scholarship will help.
Maintain good grades – Academic performance matters.
Get strong references – Choose mentors or professors who know you well.
Stay organized – Track deadlines and required documents carefully.

Both partial and full scholarships offer valuable support for your UK study plans. While full scholarships are rare and require a top-notch profile, partial scholarships are more attainable and can still significantly reduce your financial burden.

Whether you're aiming for a fully funded education or looking for help to ease tuition costs, understanding the differences between these scholarships is the first step. And with expert help from Pollster Education, you’ll never walk the journey alone.