UAL International Postgraduate Scholarships 2026/2027

The UAL International Postgraduate £10,000 Scholarships offer a generous £10,000 tuition fee waiver to support talented international students pursuing a taught master’s degree at the University of the Arts London (UAL). This award makes world-class creative education in one of the UK’s leading arts universities more accessible, helping reduce the financial barriers that many talented individuals face when studying abroad. With up to 288 scholarships available for the 2026/27 academic year, it’s a fantastic opportunity to focus on your passion without the full burden of international fees.

This scholarship is designed for students from outside the UK who qualify for Overseas tuition fee status. It’s open to those who have secured an offer for an eligible postgraduate course at one of UAL’s Colleges or Institutes, and who meet strong academic standards. Whether you’re from Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, or beyond, if you qualify as an international fee payer and have the drive to excel in creative fields, this could be the boost you need.

In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need: eligibility details, benefits, required documents, step-by-step application guide, key dates, selection tips, and practical advice to strengthen your chances. Let’s get you prepared to apply with confidence!

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ELIGIBILITY

Here are the key requirements you must meet:

• Citizenship / Fee Status: You must qualify for the Overseas category of tuition fee status (international student fees). UK nationals or those eligible for Home fees are not eligible. [Check Postgraduate Tuition Fees for details on fee status determination.]
• Academic Qualifications: You must have achieved (or be predicted to achieve) an upper second-class honours degree (2:1) or above at undergraduate level, or a recognised equivalent qualification. Provide transcripts as proof; if results are pending, submit predicted grade evidence and update later with final results.
• Course Offer: You must hold a conditional or unconditional offer to study a full-time or part-time taught master’s course starting in 2026/27 at one of UAL’s Colleges or Institutes. Eligible qualifications include Grad Dip, M ARCH, MA, MFA, MBA, MRes, or MSc. UAL Online courses are not eligible.
• Previous Study Restriction: You are not eligible if you already hold a UK postgraduate taught qualification (or equivalent level) from studies undertaken in the UK.
• Language Requirements:  – UAL generally requires proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS or equivalent) for international applicants unless exempt; check your course page for specific requirements.
• Other Requirements: Submit a personal statement (max 350 words per question) addressing three specific prompts (detailed below). Applications must be complete and submitted by the deadline—no late or incomplete entries accepted.

ELIGIBLE COUNTRIES

This scholarship is open to students who qualify for Overseas tuition fee status, meaning it is generally available to international students from countries outside the UK. There is no specific list of excluded countries provided in the scholarship details (unlike some UAL awards that target low-income or developing countries). It appears broadly open to most international applicants classified as Overseas fee payers.

• Africa: [All countries qualifying for Overseas fees – e.g., Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, etc.]
• Asia: [All countries qualifying for Overseas fees – e.g., India, Pakistan, China, Japan, Indonesia, etc.]
• Americas: [All countries qualifying for Overseas fees – e.g., USA, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, etc.]
• Europe: [Non-UK European countries qualifying for Overseas fees – note: post-Brexit rules may apply]
• Middle East: [All countries qualifying for Overseas fees – e.g., UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iran, etc.]
• Other: [Australia, New Zealand, and any other non-UK countries qualifying for Overseas fees]

Can’t find your country? Check the official list or contact UAL to confirm your fee status. Fee status depends on residency, nationality, and other factors—always verify via the official Postgraduate Tuition Fees page.

ELIGIBLE FIELDS OF STUDY

This scholarship supports a wide range of creative and arts-related disciplines offered at UAL. Eligible courses lead to Grad Dip, M ARCH, MA, MFA, MBA, MRes, or MSc qualifications at UAL’s Colleges and Institutes (e.g., Central Saint Martins, London College of Fashion, Chelsea College of Arts, etc.).

There are no strict restrictions listed to specific fields—all eligible taught postgraduate courses in arts, design, fashion, communication, performing arts, and related areas qualify, as long as they meet the qualification type and are not UAL Online programs. Priority is given to creative excellence across disciplines.

BENEFITS / WHAT’S COVERED

• Tuition fees: £10,000 waiver applied directly to your fees account in the first year.
• Living allowance/stipend: Not covered.
• Travel costs: Not covered.
• Health insurance: Not covered.
• Visa fees: Not covered.
• Other benefits: For part-time or extended courses, any surplus beyond Year 1 fees can contribute to Year 2 fees. The award applies to the accepted course if you hold multiple offers.

This is a partial scholarship focused on tuition relief—plan for additional living and other costs in London.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

1. Valid passport or ID (for fee status verification).
2. Official undergraduate transcripts (showing achieved or predicted grades).
3. Proof of predicted grades (if final results pending; update with final certificate later).
4. Offer letter from UAL for an eligible postgraduate course.
5. Personal statement responding to the three questions (max 350 words each):
   • How your achievements and experience (inside/outside school/university) demonstrate suitability for this award.
   • How you intend to use the qualification to support your future plans.
   • What contribution you intend to make to university life; how being part of UAL will help achieve career aspirations.
6. CV/resume (recommended to support your personal statement).
7. English language test scores (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL) if required by your course.
8. Two recommendation letters (not explicitly required but may strengthen application—check portal).
9. Any additional evidence of qualifications or achievements referenced in your statement.

HOW TO APPLY

Step 1: Research and select an eligible full-time or part-time taught master’s course at UAL (check qualification type and exclude UAL Online).

Step 2: Apply for admission to your chosen course(s) via the UAL applicant portal—aim for Round 1 to get an earlier offer.

Step 3: Receive a conditional or unconditional offer for your course (you cannot apply for the scholarship without an offer).

Step 4: Once you have your offer, log into your UAL applicant portal from December 2025 onwards.

Step 5: Navigate to the ‘my funding’ page in your portal—it will display scholarship application forms you may be eligible for.

Step 6: Complete the scholarship application form, including uploading required documents and writing your personal statement (answer all three questions, max 350 words each).

Step 7: Submit your application before the relevant round deadline (align with your course application round—e.g., Round 1 if applying early).

Step 8: Await decision email (sent by dates listed in timeline); if successful, accept the award via your UAL Portal.

Step 9: If awarded, the £10,000 will be applied to your fees account—monitor your portal for updates.

Step 10: If you have multiple UAL awards, choose only one (you can hold just one at a time).

Note: Use your authentic voice in the personal statement—avoid over-reliance on AI tools, as authenticity matters.

KEY DATES / TIMELINE

APPLICATION DEADLINE

The deadlines are round-specific and strict:

• Round 1: Friday 27 March 2026 at 11:59pm (UK time)
• Round 2: Friday 26 June 2026 at 11:59pm (UK time)
• Round 3 (Jan start): Friday 30 October 2026 at 11:59pm (UK time)

Applications submitted after this time will NOT be accepted. Apply early in the matching round for your course start date.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Beyond basic eligibility, the UAL selection panel evaluates:

• Academic excellence – Strong undergraduate performance (2:1 or equivalent) and evidence of potential.
• Suitability demonstrated through achievements – Clear examples from academic, professional, or extracurricular experience showing why you’re a great fit.
• Future plans and impact – How the master’s will advance your career goals and contribute meaningfully.
• Contribution to UAL community – Ideas for enriching university life and how the UAL environment supports your aspirations.

Authenticity and personal voice – Genuine, reflective responses in your personal statement (AI-generated content may weaken authenticity). The panel makes holistic decisions based on the evidence provided—no interviews are typically involved.

IMPORTANT TIPS

1. Apply for your course in Round 1 to secure an early offer and align with the March scholarship deadline—don’t wait!
2. Tailor your personal statement to the exact three questions; stay under 350 words per answer and use specific examples.
3. Showcase unique achievements—highlight creative projects, leadership, or community work that sets you apart.
4. Be authentic—write in your own voice; the panel values genuine passion over polished AI text.
5. Double-check your fee status early—confirm you’re Overseas via UAL’s fees page to avoid disqualification.
6. Prepare predicted grade evidence now if finals are pending, and be ready to upload final results promptly.
7. Submit early in the round—portal traffic may increase near deadlines, and incomplete apps are rejected.
8. If unsuccessful in Round 1, you can’t reapply in Round 2—make your first submission your strongest.
9. Research UAL’s values (creativity, innovation, inclusion) and weave them into your contribution answer.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Do I need an offer before applying for the scholarship?

A: Yes— you must hold an offer (conditional or unconditional) for an eligible course before the scholarship form appears in your portal.

Q: Is this scholarship open to all international students?

A: Yes, as long as you qualify for Overseas fee status and meet other criteria—no specific country restrictions apply here.

Q: What if my undergraduate results are pending?

A: Submit predicted grade evidence now; you’ll need to provide final proof later to receive the award.

Q: Can I apply if I have multiple course offers?

A: Yes—the award applies to the course you accept; you can only hold one UAL scholarship at a time.

Q: Are part-time courses eligible?

A: Yes—full-time and part-time taught master’s qualify, with surplus funds applied to later years if needed.

Q: What happens if my scholarship application is late?

A: Late or incomplete applications are not accepted—stick strictly to the round deadlines.

Q: Is English language proof required?

A: [NEEDS VERIFICATION] It depends on your course; most international applicants need it unless exempt—check your offer conditions.

Q: Can I reapply if unsuccessful in Round 1?

A: No—if unsuccessful in Round 1, you cannot be considered in Round 2.

OFFICIAL LINK

Official application and full details: https://www.arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/fees-and-funding/scholarships-search/ual-international-postgraduate-10,000-scholarships

This is an exciting chance to study at one of the world’s top creative universities—believe in your talent, prepare thoughtfully, and go for it. Your creative future could start here. Good luck!