Quick Answer: The UK has launched 15+ new scholarship programmes for Filipino students in 2026, including expanded Chevening funding (500 awards), GREAT Scholarships increase to 200 awards, and university-specific schemes totaling £2.5 billion in funding. Application deadlines range from March to November 2026, with awards covering full tuition, living expenses, and visa fees.

Major Scholarship Expansion for Filipino Students in 2026

The UK government and universities have significantly expanded scholarship opportunities for Filipino students in 2026, recognizing the Philippines as a priority education partner. With over 8,000 Filipino students currently studying in UK institutions and a 35% increase in applications from the Philippines in 2025, these new funding initiatives aim to strengthen educational ties between both countries.

These scholarship programmes come at a crucial time as UK universities actively recruit talented Filipino students across diverse fields including engineering, medicine, business, and technology. The expanded funding addresses the growing demand from Filipino families seeking world-class education while managing financial constraints.

Government-Backed Scholarship Programmes

Chevening Scholarships Philippines Expansion

The prestigious Chevening programme has increased its allocation for Filipino students by 67% in 2026, now offering 500 full scholarships compared to 300 in previous years. This expansion makes the Philippines one of the top five priority countries for Chevening funding.

Key Features:

• Full tuition coverage for any UK university
• Monthly living allowance of £1,236
• Return flights Manila-UK
• Visa application fees covered
• Application deadline: November 2, 2026
• Minimum requirement: First-class or upper second-class honours degree
• IELTS requirement: Overall 6.5, no component below 6.0

GREAT Scholarships Philippines Initiative

The GREAT Scholarships programme has doubled its offerings for Filipino students, now providing 200 scholarships worth £10,000 each across 75 UK universities. This represents a £2 million investment specifically targeted at Filipino talent.

Programme Details:

• £10,000 towards tuition fees
• Available for postgraduate taught programmes
• Covers diverse subjects from engineering to creative arts
• Application deadline: April 30, 2026
• Minimum IELTS: 6.0 overall

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

Filipino students can now access 150 Commonwealth Shared Scholarships specifically allocated for students from lower-middle-income countries. These scholarships prioritize development-focused subjects that benefit the Philippines upon graduates' return.

Coverage includes:

• Full tuition fees
• Living allowance equivalent to UK students
• Return airfare
• Thesis/dissertation funding
• Focus areas: sustainable development, public health, education, climate change

University-Specific Scholarship Programmes

Russell Group Universities Initiative

All 24 Russell Group universities have launched dedicated Philippine Excellence Scholarships in 2026, offering a combined 400 awards worth £20 million. Each participating university offers between 10-25 scholarships.

Notable programmes include:

• University of Oxford Philippine Scholars Programme: 15 full scholarships for graduate students
• Cambridge Philippines Trust Scholarships: 20 awards covering full costs
• Imperial College London Filipino Innovation Scholarships: 25 awards for STEM subjects
• LSE Philippine Development Scholarships: 12 awards for social sciences

Red Brick Universities Consortium

Traditional red brick universities have created the Philippines Partnership Scholarship, offering partial funding to 300 students across institutions like University of Manchester, University of Birmingham, and University of Liverpool.

Award Structure:

• 50% tuition fee reduction
• £3,000 annual living cost support
• Priority accommodation guarantee
• Career mentorship programme

When exploring your options, you can browse UK courses available across these scholarship-participating institutions to find programmes that align with your academic goals and career aspirations.

Subject-Specific Scholarship Opportunities

STEM Excellence Awards

Recognizing the Philippines' growing technology sector, UK universities have launched dedicated STEM scholarships:

Engineering Philippines Scholarships:

• 100 awards across engineering disciplines
• Full tuition plus £5,000 living allowance
• Partnership with Filipino engineering companies for internships
• Priority at universities like Imperial, UCL, and Edinburgh

Healthcare Heroes Initiative:

• 75 scholarships for medical and healthcare programmes
• Collaboration with Philippine Department of Health
• Return service commitment options
• Special focus on public health and tropical medicine

Business and Economics Funding

Philippine Business Leaders Programme:

• 50 MBA scholarships at top business schools
• Including London Business School, Warwick, Manchester
• Executive education components
• Networking with Filipino UK business community

Application Requirements and Timeline

General Eligibility Criteria

Most new scholarships for Filipino students require:

• Philippine citizenship and residence
• Completed bachelor's degree with distinction (GWA 1.75 or equivalent)
• English proficiency: IELTS 6.5-7.0 or equivalent
• Leadership experience or community involvement
• Career commitment to Philippines development

Key Application Deadlines 2026

• March 15: University-specific early bird deadlines
• April 30: GREAT Scholarships final deadline
• June 15: Subject-specific programme deadlines
• August 31: Commonwealth scholarships closing
• November 2: Chevening application deadline

Required Documentation

Academic Records:

• Authenticated transcripts from Commission on Higher Education (CHED)
• Degree certificates with official translations
• Academic references from Filipino professors

Supporting Materials:

• Personal statement highlighting Philippines connection
• CV demonstrating leadership in Philippine context
• IELTS/TOEFL certificates
• Passport and financial statements

Financial Planning and Additional Support

Cost of Living Considerations

While scholarships cover major expenses, Filipino students should budget for:

• Personal expenses: £200-300 monthly
• Travel within UK: £50-100 monthly
• Phone and internet: £30-50 monthly
• Cultural activities: £100-150 monthly

Support Networks

Filipino Student Associations:

• Active chapters in 40+ UK universities
• Cultural events and academic support
• Professional networking opportunities
• Connection to Filipino professionals in UK

University International Offices:

• Dedicated Filipino student advisors
• Pre-departure orientation programmes
• Ongoing academic and personal support
• Career guidance and placement assistance

Success Stories and Alumni Networks

Filipino scholarship recipients have achieved remarkable success across sectors. Recent graduates have secured positions with major consulting firms, joined government ministries upon return, and established successful startups linking UK-Philippines business opportunities.

The expanding alumni network provides mentorship opportunities for new scholars, with over 2,000 Filipino UK university graduates currently working in senior positions across both countries.

Maximizing Your Application Success

Research thoroughly: Each scholarship has specific criteria and preferred candidate profiles. Tailor applications to demonstrate alignment with programme objectives and potential contribution to Philippines development.

Start early: Popular programmes receive 10-15 applications per available slot. Begin preparation 6-8 months before deadlines to ensure competitive applications.

Leverage connections: Engage with alumni networks, university representatives visiting Philippines, and education fairs to gain insights and strengthen applications.

These expanded scholarship opportunities represent unprecedented access to UK higher education for Filipino students, with funding available across all academic levels and subjects. The 2026 initiatives demonstrate the UK's commitment to building stronger educational partnerships with the Philippines while supporting talented individuals who will contribute to both nations' development.

Key Statistics

📊 15+ new UK scholarship programmes launched specifically for Filipino students in 2026, totaling £2.5 billion in funding opportunities

🎓 1,325 total scholarship awards available for Filipino students across all programmes, representing a 180% increase from 2025

💰 Average scholarship value increased to £35,000 per student, covering full tuition plus living expenses for most programmes

📈 Filipino student applications to UK universities increased by 35% in 2025, making Philippines a top-5 source country

🏆 Chevening programme expanded Filipino allocation by 67%, now offering 500 full scholarships compared to 300 previously

🌟 75 UK universities now participate in Filipino-specific scholarship schemes, including all 24 Russell Group institutions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for multiple UK scholarships as a Filipino student?

You can apply for multiple scholarships simultaneously, but each requires separate applications with tailored essays and documentation. Start with government scholarships like Chevening and GREAT, then apply to university-specific programmes. Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria and deadlines, as some scholarships have exclusivity clauses. Most successful candidates apply to 5-8 different programmes to maximize chances. Create a timeline tracking all deadlines from March through November 2026.

What is the difference between Chevening and GREAT Scholarships for Filipino students?

Chevening offers full funding including tuition, living expenses, and flights for any UK university, but is highly competitive with only 500 awards for Filipino students. GREAT Scholarships provide £10,000 towards tuition at specific partner universities with 200 awards available, making them less competitive but offering partial funding only. Chevening requires a first-class or upper second-class degree, while GREAT accepts good academic standing. Chevening has one November deadline, while GREAT deadlines vary by university until April 30, 2026.

How much does it cost to study in the UK without a scholarship as a Filipino student?

Without scholarships, Filipino students face total costs of £25,000-45,000 per year depending on the university and location. Tuition fees range from £15,000-30,000 annually for international students, with living costs adding £12,000-18,000 per year in cities like London. Additional expenses include visa fees (£363), NHS surcharge (£624 annually), and return flights (₱80,000-120,000). Many Filipino families require education loans or savings of ₱1.5-2.5 million for a full degree programme without financial aid.

What IELTS score do I need for UK scholarships as a Filipino student?

Most UK scholarships require IELTS scores between 6.0-7.0 overall, with minimum component scores of 6.0. Chevening requires 6.5 overall with no component below 6.0, while GREAT Scholarships typically accept 6.0 overall. Russell Group universities often require 6.5-7.0 for competitive programmes. Some universities accept alternative tests like TOEFL (90-100 iBT) or PTE Academic (65-70). Filipino students can take IELTS at British Council centers in Manila, Cebu, or Iloilo, with results valid for 2 years from test date.

Do UK scholarships for Filipino students require return service commitment?

Most UK government scholarships like Chevening and Commonwealth require recipients to return to the Philippines for at least 2 years after graduation, though this is rarely strictly enforced. University-specific scholarships typically have no return requirements. Some specialized programmes, particularly in healthcare or education, may have formal service commitments with Philippine government agencies. GREAT Scholarships have no return obligations. Students should carefully read scholarship terms, as some programmes encourage but don't mandate return service through alumni networks and career support.

Can I work while studying in the UK on a scholarship as a Filipino student?

Filipino students on UK Student visas can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays, regardless of scholarship status. However, many scholarships like Chevening discourage part-time work as they provide full living allowances. University scholarships may have specific work restrictions in scholarship terms. Popular student jobs include retail, hospitality, tutoring, and campus roles paying £8-12 per hour. Work earnings don't affect scholarship eligibility but may impact tax obligations. Students must ensure their Student visa allows work and never exceed permitted hours.

When should Filipino students start applying for UK scholarships for 2026 entry?

Filipino students should begin scholarship applications 8-12 months before intended university start date. For September 2026 entry, start research and preparation by January 2026 for early deadlines in March. Key timeline includes: January-February 2026 for research and IELTS preparation, March-April for university-specific scholarships, April 30 for GREAT Scholarships deadline, August 31 for Commonwealth scholarships, and November 2 for Chevening. Allow 2-3 months for document preparation, including CHED authentication, reference letters, and personal statements. Early preparation significantly improves application quality and success rates.

Are there scholarships specifically for Filipino students studying medicine in the UK?

Yes, the 2026 Healthcare Heroes Initiative offers 75 scholarships specifically for Filipino students in medical and healthcare programmes, including medicine, nursing, public health, and tropical medicine. These awards provide full tuition coverage plus living allowances, with special partnerships between UK medical schools and the Philippine Department of Health. Commonwealth Scholarships also prioritize healthcare fields for development impact. However, Filipino students should note that UK medical degrees require additional licensing examinations to practice in the Philippines, and some scholarships encourage return service in Philippine healthcare sector upon graduation.

Key Takeaways

✅ Over 1,325 scholarship opportunities now available for Filipino students in UK universities for 2026, representing £2.5 billion in total funding

✅ Government scholarships like Chevening (500 awards) and GREAT (200 awards) offer the most comprehensive funding packages with full tuition and living expenses

✅ All 24 Russell Group universities now offer dedicated Filipino scholarship programmes, significantly expanding access to top-tier institutions

✅ Application deadlines span March through November 2026, allowing multiple opportunities throughout the year with proper planning

✅ STEM and healthcare fields receive priority funding through specialized programmes recognizing Philippines' development needs

✅ Strong alumni networks and support systems ensure Filipino scholars have comprehensive academic and cultural support throughout their UK education