For a UK master's starting in September 2027, the two biggest fully funded rounds have already closed: Chevening closed on 6 October 2026, and HEC's deadline for Commonwealth Master's nominations was 20 October 2026. Funding for 2027 is still possible, though. Focus now on university scholarships (deadlines usually January to May) and partial scholarships such as GREAT (April to July in the last cycle), and start preparing today if you are aiming for Chevening or Commonwealth in 2028.
This article is the written companion to our video on how to find funding to study in the UK in 2027. It covers the three types of UK funding, the funding calendar, four steps to find university funding, and a free fillable calendar.
The short answer
Three layers of funding: government-supported (Chevening, Commonwealth), partial (GREAT, Saltire) and universities' own scholarships and fee discounts.
Starting in 2027: focus on university and partial scholarships now.
Starting in 2028: start preparing for Chevening and Commonwealth today.
The rule: for funded opportunities, plan at least one and a half years ahead.
What types of scholarships are there for a UK master's?
UK funding exists in three layers, and each layer has its own deadlines, requirements and level of competition.
Government-supported scholarships. Chevening is the UK government's flagship award for a one-year master's, covering tuition, a living allowance and flights. Commonwealth Master's Scholarships are for Commonwealth countries such as Pakistan; from Pakistan you are nominated through HEC, which requires the HAT test and a strong score. These two are the most competitive because they cover everything.
Partial scholarships. GREAT Scholarships are awarded by the UK government and universities together: for Pakistani students, at least £10,000 toward tuition at selected universities and courses. Scotland's Saltire Scholarships contribute £8,000 toward tuition, and Pakistani students are eligible. With partial aid you pay the remaining fee yourself, and you may have to show proof of funds to the UK Home Office.
Universities' own scholarships and fee discounts. Some are applied automatically with your offer. Others are buried in university and department pages, and you have to find them and apply separately. There is often no single list: each university, and often each department, has its own.
When do UK scholarships open and close?
The biggest mistake students make is not considering scholarships at all, and assuming they will pay everything themselves. The second is applying too late: we have had students come to us just a few months before their course start date.
August 2026: Chevening 2027/28 opened.
6 October 2026: Chevening 2027/28 closed, about a year before courses start.
20 October 2026: HEC deadline for Commonwealth Master's nominations.
January to May 2027: most university scholarship deadlines for September 2027 entry.
April to July 2027: GREAT Scholarships deadlines, based on the last cycle.
August to early October 2027 (expected): Chevening 2028/29 round, following the usual pattern.
Every scholarship publishes its own dates each year, so confirm them on the official page.
How do you prepare for Chevening or Commonwealth in 2028?
Count your work hours. Chevening requires at least 2,800 hours of work experience, roughly two years. Build valuable experience in your field that you can show in the application.
Book the HAT early. For Commonwealth, book your HAT test date in advance and prepare well: HEC nominates the top scorers.
Keep a backup. University and partial scholarships remain your backup plan.
How do you find a UK university's own scholarships?
Visit each shortlisted university's scholarships and funding page. Note what is available for international students and the deadlines. Check the department's page too, because some departmental awards are listed only there.
Check whether you need an offer first. Many university scholarships are given only once you hold an offer, and some are first come, first served. Send your admission application early, so you have an offer by the scholarship deadline.
Check what the award really covers. A tuition waiver means living costs are your responsibility, and for the visa those funds must be in your bank account for 28 consecutive days. A partial scholarship only works if you can afford the rest.
Email the admissions office. Ask directly: “Are there any scholarships for Pakistani or South Asian applicants on this course?” They often mention awards that are not clearly listed on the website.
A note on the Graduate Route from 2027
From 1 January 2027, the Graduate Route (post-study work visa) for bachelor's and master's graduates is 18 months instead of two years. If you plan to work and earn after your degree, factor this into your plan.
Your next steps
Download the free UK Scholarship Calendar 2027–28 (fillable PDF), with the month-by-month calendar, a 2027 and a 2028 checklist, a university funding tracker, a proof-of-funds worksheet and an email template for admissions offices.
Pick your track: 2027 (university and partial scholarships now) or 2028 (Chevening and Commonwealth preparation today).
For the full scholarship process as a roadmap, get our free Scholarship Guideline and toolkits.
If you want our team to review your application or find the best funding options for you, book a free consultation.
FAQ
Can I still get a scholarship for a UK master's in September 2027?
Yes. Chevening and the HEC round for Commonwealth have closed, but most university scholarships close between January and May 2027, and GREAT Scholarships deadlines ran from April to July in the last cycle.
When does Chevening open and close?
Chevening usually opens in August and closes in early October, about a year before courses start. The 2027/28 round closed on 6 October 2026.
How do Pakistani students apply for the Commonwealth Master's Scholarship?
Through an HEC nomination, which requires the HAT test. HEC nominates the top scorers. The HEC deadline for the 2027 round was 20 October 2026.
How much is the GREAT Scholarship for Pakistani students?
At least £10,000 toward tuition at selected UK universities and courses. You pay the remaining fee and your living costs yourself.
Are Pakistani students eligible for the Saltire Scholarship?
Yes. Saltire Scholarships contribute £8,000 toward tuition at participating Scottish universities.
Do I need an offer before applying for a UK university scholarship?
Often, yes. Many university scholarships are given only to applicants who hold an offer, and some are first come, first served, so apply for admission early.
Do I need proof of funds for a UK Student visa if I have a partial scholarship?
Usually, yes. You must show the remaining tuition and the required living costs, held in your bank account for 28 consecutive days. Check the current amounts on gov.uk.
How long is the UK Graduate Route from 2027?
For applications from 1 January 2027, the Graduate Route is 18 months for bachelor's and master's graduates, instead of two years.
Is there a free UK scholarship calendar?
Yes. Aptitude Consultants offers the free, fillable UK Scholarship Calendar 2027–28 at aptcon.co/resources.html.
Sources
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission: Commonwealth Master's Scholarships.
HEC Pakistan (Commonwealth nominations).
Aptitude Consultants video: how to find funding to study in the UK in 2027.
Last updated October 2026. Deadlines, amounts and visa rules change every year: the dates above were checked on the official pages in October 2026, dates marked “expected” follow previous cycles, and you should confirm everything on the official websites before you apply. This article is general guidance, not legal, financial or immigration advice. Aptitude Consultants is an independent consultancy and is not affiliated with Chevening, the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, HEC, the British Council or any university named.