What UK scholarships are specifically for students from developing countries?

Several prestigious UK scholarship programmes specifically target students from developing or low-and-middle-income countries:

1. Commonwealth Scholarships:
For citizens of eligible Commonwealth developing countries. Fully funded Master's and PhD positions. Apply through your home country's Commonwealth Scholarship agency (typically a ministry of education). Very competitive.

2. Chevening Scholarships:
UK Government scholarship for future leaders from around 160 countries. Fully funded one-year Master's. Prioritises students from developing countries with leadership potential. Apply online at chevening.org — applications open annually in August.

3. GREAT Scholarships:
In partnership with the British Council and UK universities, GREAT scholarships offer £10,000 toward a one-year postgraduate programme. Available in many countries including India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Ghana, Mexico, and others. Deadlines vary by country.

4. Charles Wallace Trust:
For nationals of India, Pakistan, Burma/Myanmar, and Bangladesh. Grants for arts, heritage, and cultural professionals to visit or study in the UK.

5. British Council Scholarships:
Various programmes administered through the British Council in specific countries. Check your local British Council website for country-specific opportunities.

6. Gates Cambridge:
For students applying to the University of Cambridge. Open globally — full funding for any postgraduate degree at Cambridge. Extremely competitive (0.5% acceptance rate).

7. Wellcome Trust, Leverhulme Trust:
Research-focused funding for specific disciplines.

Key tips:
- Apply 12–18 months before your intended start date
- Most require demonstrated leadership and community impact, not just academic excellence
- Contact your local British Council office for up-to-date country-specific information
- The British Council's SchoolSearch tool helps identify compatible scholarship-institution combinations