Studying at a top UK university is a major investment, and the University of Reading offers a range of scholarships to help talented international students. This updated guide covers the main funding opportunities available for the 2026/27 academic year.
The University of Reading is a research-intensive public university in Reading, Berkshire, England, founded in 1892. It is known for high-quality teaching, strong research impact, and a beautiful campus set in parkland, just 25 minutes by train from London. The university consistently ranks among the top institutions in the UK and globally.
Key University Facts
- Location: Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom
- Founded: 1892
- Campuses: Whiteknights (main), London Road, and Greenlands (Henley Business School)
- International undergraduate tuition fees (2026/27): Approximately £25,850 per year (non-laboratory courses) and £30,650 per year (laboratory/workshop-based courses). Foundation year fees are lower.
- International postgraduate taught fees (2026/27): Approximately £26,450 (Band 1 / non-lab) and £31,650 (Band 2 / lab-based). Some programmes (especially at Henley Business School) have higher fees.
Main Scholarships for International Students
1. University of Reading Excellence Scholarships (Master’s – Automatic Consideration)
Available to international fee-paying students starting a master’s degree in 2026/27.
- Value: Tuition fee reduction ranging from £2,000 to £7,000, depending on previous academic performance (minimum UK 2:2 / Lower Second Class or equivalent).
- How it works: Automatically considered if you hold an offer. No separate application in many cases for the basic awards.
- Stronger academic records receive higher amounts.
2. GREAT Scholarships
In partnership with the British Council.
- Value: £10,000 tuition fee reduction.
- Available for: Students from India (any master’s) and Nigeria (any master’s).
- Must hold an offer for a full-time master’s starting in September 2026.
- Competitive and based primarily on academic achievement.
3. Reading Excellence Scholarship – Undergraduate
- Value: £5,000 per year tuition fee reduction (for the duration of the course, subject to conditions).
- Number: Around 80 awards available.
- Eligibility: International fee-status students with an offer for undergraduate study (including integrated master’s) starting in 2026/27.
- Deadlines: Round 1 – 2 March 2026; Round 2 – 1 May 2026.
- Application is made via the me@Reading applicant portal after receiving an offer.
4. Global Sustainability Leaders Scholarship (Undergraduate)
- Value: £6,000 per year (for up to four years) towards living costs/maintenance.
- Number: Up to 400 awards per year for high-achieving UK and international students.
- Focuses on creating future sustainability leaders. High academic entry requirements apply (typically AAA or equivalent).
5. Other Notable Opportunities
- Climate Stripes Scholarship: £10,000 (£5,000 fee reduction + £5,000 living grant) for selected climate-related master’s programmes. Deadline around late May 2026.
- Felix Scholarships: Full tuition + living stipend for high-achieving students from India and certain developing countries (master’s or PhD). Highly competitive.
- International PhD Studentships: Full international tuition fees + stipend (for Reading-based students) + training allowance for October 2026 entry. Deadline early January 2026.
- Sanctuary Scholarships: For eligible asylum seekers, refugees, and those with humanitarian protection (various fee waivers and bursaries).
- Department-specific awards (e.g., Built Environment, GIIDAE Empowering Change, Clyde Higgs, etc.).
Eligibility Overview
Most scholarships require:
- Classification as an international fee-paying student.
- A formal offer of admission to an eligible programme.
- Strong academic performance.
- Meeting English language requirements.
British/Home fee students have separate awards (e.g., UK Academic Achievement Scholarship).
How to Apply
- Apply for and receive an offer of admission to a University of Reading programme via the official website.
- Once you have an offer, log into the me@Reading applicant portal to access relevant scholarship application forms (where a separate form is required).
- Some awards (especially Excellence Scholarships for master’s) are considered automatically based on your academic record.
- Prepare strong supporting documents and meet all stated deadlines — late applications are not accepted.
Important Notes
- Scholarships are competitive and partial in most cases (they reduce tuition but do not usually cover full living costs).
- You cannot usually combine certain awards (check individual terms and conditions).
- Always verify the latest details, exact deadlines, and terms on the official University of Reading website: www.reading.ac.uk (Fees and Funding / Scholarships sections).
- Information is correct as of mid-2026 but can change. Check the university’s scholarship pages regularly for updates.
The University of Reading continues to invest in attracting talented international students through a mix of automatic excellence awards, targeted country scholarships (such as GREAT for Nigeria and India), and specialised schemes. Start your course application early to maximise your chances of scholarship consideration.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the official University of Reading scholarships pages.