I'm thinking about doing my undergrad engineering degree in the UK as an international student. What are the chances of getting a scholarship and where should I focus my research? Would love to know of any universities that offer generous aid.
There are certainly scholarships available for international engineering students in the UK. Scholarships will generally vary by university, and sometimes by specific engineering programs within those universities.
To maximize your chances of securing a scholarship, you should look at universities with strong engineering programs first, as these will often have endowment funds or partnerships that provide the basis for scholarships. Some universities known for their engineering programs include the University of Cambridge, Imperial College of London, University of Oxford, and University College London. However, I'd advise that you don't limit your search to only these schools - many universities across the UK have excellent engineering programs and scholarships for international students.
Scholarships can also come in varying forms. Some are based on academic excellence, while others are based on financial need or are specifically tailored to international students.
You will want to start your research by looking at the scholarship page of the universities you are interested in. For instance, the University of Oxford has the Reach Oxford scholarships for undergraduates from low-income countries. Conversely, the Imperial College of London offers the President’s Undergraduate scholarships for international undergraduates, based on academic excellence.
Furthermore, look out for external scholarships. These are scholarships offered by organizations not affiliated with any institution. For example, the Royal Academy of Engineering in the UK offers scholarships and grants for engineering students.
In conclusion, there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer because getting a scholarship depends on numerous factors such as your merits and the funding available at the time of your application. But don't be discouraged – with proper research and by putting together a strong application, you certainly stand a chance to secure a scholarship for an engineering program in the UK. Best of luck!
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