- Loughborough offers automatic and application-based scholarships for UG and PG students, recognizing academic excellence, sports, arts, STEM, gender diversity, and financial hardship.
- Awards range from 20–90% tuition waivers to cash grants up to £5,000/year.
- Annual tuition is approximately £24,000–27,000, and living expenses £9,000–11,000.
Loughborough University, renowned for its academic excellence and vibrant campus life, offers a range of scholarships specifically designed to support international students in their academic journey.
These scholarships not only alleviate financial burdens but also recognize and reward outstanding academic achievements and potential. In this blog post, we will explore the various scholarship opportunities available at Loughborough University for international students.
Loughborough University Scholarships for International Students
Loughborough University offers a diverse portfolio of scholarships and bursaries for international undergraduate and postgraduate students. Awards recognise academic excellence, sporting talent, artistic potential, and financial need, with both automatic and application-based processes.
| Scholarships | Amount | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| International Scholarship (UG) | 25% tuition fee (Year 1) | Rolling deadlines |
| Sport Scholarships | Up to £5,000/year | Rolling deadlines |
| Arts and Music Scholarship | £200 cash + up to £500 add-on | 1 November 2024 (TBC) |
| Women in Science Bursary | £1,000/year (cash) | 4 June 2025 |
| Excellence Scholarships (PG) | 20% tuition fee | Rolling deadlines |
| Global Excellence Scholarship (London PG) | 90% tuition fee | 31 July 2025 |
| Hardship Support Fund (PG) | Up to £2,500 (cash grant) | Rolling deadlines |
International Scholarship (UG)
This automatic scholarship is awarded to self-funded international undergraduate students based on academic merit. The award is a partial tuition fee reduction for the first year of study only.
- Scholarship Amount: 25% tuition fee waiver (Year 1 only)
- Deadline: Rolling deadlines
- Application Process: Automatically considered
- Eligibility: Self-funded international students
Courses Excluded
- Foundation programmes
Sport Scholarships
These awards support student athletes with both financial aid and extensive performance support services, including access to training facilities, coaching, sports science, and academic flexibility.
- Scholarship Amount: Up to £5,000/year + training, facilities, and other benefits
- Deadline: Rolling deadlines
- Application Process: Apply via the university sports scholarship portal
- Eligibility:High-performing athletes competing in Loughborough’s supported, SportSelection based on athletic performance and development potential
Arts and Music Scholarship
This scholarship supports talented students in creative fields outside their academic curriculum. It includes a cash prize and additional funds for artistic development, such as mentoring and tuition.
- Scholarship Amount: £200 (cash prize) + up to £500 additional funding
- Deadline: 1 November 2024 (TBC)
- Application Process: Apply via the LU Arts application portal with a statement and evidence of talent
- Eligibility: Selection based on talent, passion, and development potential
Women in Science Bursary
This cash bursary supports women entering undergraduate programmes in science-related fields. The aim is to promote gender diversity and professional growth in STEM.
- Scholarship Amount: £1,000/year (cash)
- Deadline: 4 June 2025
- Application Process: Apply via the School of Science with a personal statement (500 words)
- Eligibility: Female applicants for UG programmes in Computer Science, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, or Natural Sciences
Excellence Scholarships (PG)
This tuition fee discount is offered to students entering eligible postgraduate taught programmes at either the Loughborough or London campuses.
- Scholarship Amount: 20% tuition fee waiver
- Deadline: Rolling deadlines
- Application Process: Automatically considered
- Eligibility: First-class undergraduate degree (or equivalent) and self-funding
Courses Excluded
- Creative Arts
- Design
- Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences
- MArch Architecture
- MBA
Global Excellence Scholarship (London PG)
This highly competitive award supports postgraduate students at Loughborough University London who demonstrate innovative thinking aligned with themes of climate change, inclusive communities, or sport and wellbeing.
- Scholarship Amount: 90% tuition fee waiver
- Deadline: 31 July 2025
- Application Process: Apply via the Loughborough London scholarship portal
- Eligibility: Offer holder for full-time master’s at Loughborough London
Hardship Support Fund (PG)
This grant-based fund supports postgraduate students experiencing unforeseen financial difficulty. It is discretionary and non-repayable in most cases.
- Scholarship Amount: Up to £2,500 (cash grant)
- Deadline: Rolling deadlines
- Application Process: Apply via Student Advice and Support Services with required documentation
- Eligibility: Current PG students facing unanticipated financial hardship
Loughborough University External Scholarships for Indian Students
Several external scholarships are available for Indian students interested in studying at Loughborough University. We’ve provided a summary of each, including award amounts, eligibility, application details, and deadlines.
| Scholarships | Amount | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| National Overseas Scholarship Scheme | Tuition fees | May-June 2025 |
| Education Future International Scholarship | INR 2-10 Lakhs | Rolling deadlines |
| Chevening Scholarship | Up to 100% tuition fees | TBA for 2026-27 |
| GREAT Scholarship | GBP 10,000 | TBA for 2026-27 |
| Commonwealth Scholarship | 100% tuition fees | TBA for 2026-27 |
National Overseas Scholarship Scheme
The National Overseas Scholarship Scheme, sponsored by the Government of India, provides financial assistance to eligible Indian students from Scheduled Castes and underprivileged backgrounds to pursue higher education in any discipline at UK universities, including Loughborough University.
- Scholarship Amount: GBP 15,400 (annual maintenance) and GBP 1,500 (annual contingency and equipment allowance)
- Deadline: May-June 2025
- Application Process: Apply through the official portal
- Eligibility: Applicable only to SC, ST, Denotified & Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Laborers, Traditional Artisans, etc. Applicants should possess an excellent academic record, with at least 60%, and should be no more than 35 years of age.
Education Future International Scholarship
The Education Future International Scholarship is a distinctive fund established by past scholarship recipients from around the world. These like-minded individuals have come together to support future students by contributing what they can.
- Scholarship Amount: INR 2-10 Lakhs
- Deadline: Rolling deadlines
- Application Process: Apply through the official portal
- Eligibility: Minimum score of 60% in 10th and 12th, and at least 50% of funding through an education loan
Chevening Scholarship
The UK government offers Chevening Scholarships to Indian students who aim to become future leaders, influencers, and prominent decision-makers in their respective fields.
- Scholarship Amount: Up to 100% tuition fee waiver
- Deadline: TBA for 2026-27
- Application Process: Apply through the Chevening Portal on their official website.
- Eligibility: Students must return to India for at least 2 years after course completion. Students must also have an unconditional offer letter and have work experience of at least 2,800 hours.
GREAT Scholarships
The GREAT Scholarship is a UK government-funded initiative that offers financial support to Indian students enrolling in one-year postgraduate programs across a range of subjects. It is available at several UK institutions, including Loughborough University.
- Scholarship Amount: GBP 10,000 (tuition fees)
- Deadline: TBA for 2026-27
- Application Process: Apply through the British Council Portal
- Eligibility: Applicants need to have an undergraduate degree
Commonwealth Scholarship
The Commonwealth Scholarship, offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), provides full financial support to Indian students to pursue their higher education at Loughborough University.
- Scholarship Amount: Up to 100% tuition fee waiver
- Deadline: TBA for 2026-27
- Application Process: Apply through the Commonwealth Portal
- Eligibility: Applicants need to have an undergraduate honours degree of at least upper second class (2:1)
Cost of Study at Loughborough University
For international students, the cost of studying at Loughborough University is relatively affordable compared to many other UK institutions. Undergraduate tuition fees generally range from GBP 14,000 to GBP 15,500 per year, depending on the course.
For postgraduate taught programs, the fees typically fall between GBP 14,000 and GBP 17,000 per year, with certain specialist courses. In addition to tuition, students should budget for living expenses, which are estimated at around GBP 9,000 to GBP 11,000 per year.
| Tuition Fee (Per Year) | GBP 14,000-15,500 (undergraduate) GBP 14,000-17,000 (postgraduate) |
| Living Expenses in Loughborough (Per Year) | GBP 9,000-11,000 |
Key Takeaways by AdmitX
Loughborough University stands out not only for its world-class education and research but also for its commitment to supporting international students through various scholarships. Whether you’re applying for undergraduate or postgraduate programs, exploring these funding options can ease financial stress and help you focus on achieving academic success in the UK.
FAQs
What types of scholarships are available for international students at Loughborough University?
Loughborough offers a wide array of scholarships, including merit-based awards for high academic performance, sports scholarships for elite athletes, and region- or course-specific scholarships. These are available at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels to support students from diverse backgrounds.
Is a separate application required for scholarships?
For some scholarships, a separate application along with supporting documents like a personal statement may be required. However, many scholarships, especially those based on academic merit, are automatically considered when you apply for your course.
It’s important to check the specific requirements of each scholarship on the official website.
How much financial support do these scholarships usually provide?
The financial support varies depending on the scholarship. Most commonly, international students receive a 20–25% reduction in tuition fees. Some postgraduate scholarships may offer higher contributions, such as £3,000 to £5,000 toward tuition fees. While full scholarships are rare, partial awards are still highly valuable.
Are there any scholarships specifically for postgraduate students?
Yes, several scholarships are designed specifically for postgraduate international students. These include the Loughborough University Alumni Bursary, Dean’s Award for Enterprise, and other faculty-specific scholarships that support master’s and research students.
When is the best time to apply for scholarships?
The best time to apply is as early as possible — ideally when submitting your university application or shortly after. Many scholarships have deadlines that are in line with course application timelines, so early preparation gives you the best chance of securing funding.
