Guide
Scholarships for UK & Canada Master's Programmes
Last updated: September 2026
A few large, well-known scholarships (Chevening, the Marshall Scholarship) fund UK master's study for specific eligible groups, but most funding for international master's students actually comes from individual universities' own scholarships, not national programmes — and some famous names, like Vanier in Canada, don't apply to master's students at all.
Chevening (UK)
Chevening is the UK government's flagship global scholarship, funding a one-year master's degree for future leaders and influencers from eligible countries. It's highly competitive, has a defined annual application cycle, and requires you to return to your home country for a period afterward. Check the official Chevening website for current eligibility and deadlines — these details are set by the UK government and can change year to year.
Marshall Scholarship (UK, US citizens only)
The Marshall Scholarship funds graduate study in the UK, but specifically for US citizens — it's a different programme from Chevening with its own separate eligibility and application process. If you're not a US citizen, this one doesn't apply to you; check Chevening or a university-specific option instead.
Vanier (Canada) — doctoral only, not master's
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships are one of the most well-known Canadian funding programmes, but they fund PhD study specifically — not master's degrees. If you're applying for a master's in Canada, this isn't an option for you; look at the university-specific scholarships below instead.
University-specific scholarships (both countries)
The largest source of master's funding for most international students isn't a national programme — it's scholarships and entrance awards each university runs for its own incoming students. These vary significantly by institution, department, and year, and are usually listed on that university's own funding or financial aid page. When you shortlist a university, checking its scholarship page directly is worth doing alongside checking its entry requirements.
A strong Statement of Purpose matters for scholarship applications too — many use the same or a similar essay to assess candidates for merit-based funding.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Chevening Scholarship?
Chevening is the UK government's global scholarship programme for future leaders, funding a one-year master's degree in the UK. It's highly competitive and has its own eligibility criteria and application cycle — check the official Chevening website for current deadlines and requirements rather than a third-party date.
What is the Marshall Scholarship?
The Marshall Scholarship funds graduate study in the UK specifically for United States citizens. It's separate from Chevening and has its own eligibility rules (US citizenship being the key one) and application process.
Can I use a Vanier scholarship for a master's in Canada?
No — the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships fund doctoral (PhD) study only, not master's degrees. If you're applying for a master's in Canada, look at university-specific graduate scholarships and entrance awards instead, which vary by institution.
Where else should I look for master's funding?
Most universities publish their own scholarships and entrance awards for incoming master's students, separate from the large national programmes — check the specific university's funding or financial aid page directly, since these vary significantly and change each cycle.
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