A life-changing opportunity to study at a world-top university in London is now open! University College London (UCL) has launched the UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship for the 2026-2027 intake, designed specifically to support outstanding international students from low-income backgrounds. This prestigious scholarship offers full tuition fee coverage and living support, making a UCL education accessible to talented students worldwide. If you dream of earning your bachelor’s degree at one of the UK’s most elite institutions, this is your gateway. The application deadline is April 27, 2026.
UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 – Key Details
Here’s a quick overview of this needs-based scholarship:
- University: University College London (UCL)
- Scholarship Name: UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship
- Study Level: Undergraduate (Bachelor’s)
- Host Country: United Kingdom (London)
- Number of Awards: Up to 33 scholarships
- Financial Coverage: Full Tuition & Living Support
- Target Group: International Students from Low-Income Backgrounds
- Application Deadline: April 27, 2026 (5 PM BST)
About the UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship
The UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship is a cornerstone of UCL’s commitment to global inclusivity and educational equity. It recognizes that academic talent is distributed worldwide, but financial opportunity is not. This program is designed to remove the primary financial barrier—tuition fees—for high-achieving students who would otherwise be unable to afford a UCL education.
This is a transformative award based primarily on financial need. It allows recipients to fully immerse themselves in the academic, cultural, and professional opportunities at a globally ranked university in the heart of London, without the burden of debt or financial stress, fostering the next generation of global leaders.
Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
This scholarship has clear, focused eligibility requirements. You are eligible to apply if you:
- Are classified as an overseas (international) fee-paying student (not a UK home student).
- Come from a low-income household background. UCL uses a guideline of a household income of £42,875 or less, though applications from those slightly above this threshold may be considered based on individual circumstances.
- Have submitted an application for a full-time undergraduate degree at UCL for the 2026/27 academic year.
- Note: There is a dedicated stream of full tuition scholarships specifically reserved for Indian students.
Comprehensive Scholarship Benefits & Coverage
The scholarship provides substantial support, with two main award levels:
- Full Tuition Fee Coverage: All tuition fees for the standard duration of your undergraduate program (typically 3-4 years) are covered.
- Maintenance Allowance: The top tier of awards also includes an annual living stipend to help cover accommodation, food, books, and other living expenses in London.
- Additional Support: Fixed allowances to assist with essential costs like UK visa fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
- Duration: Funding is guaranteed for the full standard length of your chosen undergraduate degree, provided you maintain satisfactory academic progress.
How to Apply for the UCL Scholarship (Step-by-Step)
The application is integrated with your UCL admissions process. Follow these steps:
- Apply to UCL: You must first submit an application for a full-time undergraduate degree program at UCL for the 2026/27 intake via UCAS.
- Receive Your UCL Student Number: Once UCL processes your application, you will receive a student number and access to Portico, UCL’s student portal.
- Access the Scholarship Form: Log in to Portico and navigate to the funding section to find the “UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship” application.
- Complete the Financial Need Assessment: The application will ask you to detail your financial circumstances and household income to demonstrate need.
- Submit by the Deadline: Ensure your complete scholarship application is submitted through Portico by April 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM British Summer Time (BST).
🔥 Pro Tip: Since this is a needs-based scholarship, your application must clearly and honestly demonstrate your financial need. Prepare any supporting documentation about family income early. Your personal statement within the scholarship form should also articulate your academic ambitions and how this scholarship would be transformative for you.
Application Deadline
The deadline is strict and final:
📅 Monday, April 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM BST (British Summer Time).
Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Official Website & Application Portal
All applications must be submitted via UCL’s Portico system. For full details, terms, and conditions, visit the official scholarship page.
👉 CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE OFFICIAL UCL GLOBAL UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP PAGE
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is this scholarship based on grades or financial need?
A: It is primarily based on financial need. While you must have an offer to study at UCL (which requires meeting academic entry standards), the scholarship itself is awarded to those who demonstrate significant financial hardship.
Q2: What is the household income guideline?
A: UCL uses a guideline of £42,875 or less gross annual household income. This is not an absolute cap, and students with slightly higher incomes but exceptional need may still be considered, but the focus is on supporting those from the lowest-income backgrounds.
Q3: Are there specific scholarships for Indian students?
A: Yes. A number of the full tuition fee scholarships within this program are specifically reserved for Indian nationals. Indian applicants should ensure they select the correct option when applying.
Q4: Do I need a confirmed offer from UCL before applying for the scholarship?
A: You need to have submitted an application to UCL and received your student number to access Portico. You can often apply for the scholarship while your course application is still under consideration, but you must eventually secure an offer to receive the award.
Q5: What happens if my financial circumstances change after I get the scholarship?
A: The scholarship is assessed at the point of entry and is generally fixed for the duration of your degree, based on the information provided in your initial application. It is intended to provide stable support throughout your studies.
