Overview / About the Scholarship
The International Alumni Scholarship is a specialised financial award offered by many UK universities to recognise and reward the loyalty of their former international graduates. For the 2026-27 academic year, these scholarships act as a loyalty discount for students returning to their original institution to pursue further postgraduate studies.
This scholarship is an institutional initiative designed to support the academic progression of international alumni. It fosters a long-term relationship between the university and its global graduate community by making continued higher education more accessible. Unlike competitive merit-based awards, this scholarship often serves as a guaranteed benefit for returning graduates who meet basic eligibility criteria.
Scholarship Value / Benefits
Tuition Discounts: Many institutions offer fixed reductions, such as a £2,000 discount on tuition fees.
Percentage-Based Reductions: Some universities, such as Coventry University, offer a 25% discount on postgraduate course fees for returning alumni.
Combinable Awards: Students may sometimes stack this discount with other early payment incentives, potentially saving an additional £1,000 to £1,500.
Guaranteed Support: At several universities, the award is non-competitive and automatically granted to all eligible graduates.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the 2026-27 intake, international applicants typically must:
Previous Graduation: Have successfully completed a full undergraduate or postgraduate degree at the same UK university.
Fee Status: Be classified as an international/overseas fee-paying student.
Time Limit: Some universities require progression within a certain period after graduation
Course Offer: Hold a valid offer for an eligible postgraduate taught or research program commencing in 2026 or early 2027.
Level & Field of Study
Level: Primarily available for Postgraduate Taught (Master's) and Postgraduate Research (PhD/MPhil) programs.
Field: Generally open to all academic disciplines, although 100% online courses are often excluded.
Host University / Provider Info
While nearly all UK universities with an international presence offer alumni support, prominent providers for 2026 include:
University of Lincoln: Offers an automatic £2,000 discount.
Coventry University: Provides a significant 25% discount for its alumni.
University of Birmingham: Offers a £2,000 tuition reduction for returning undergraduate alumni.
University of Manchester: Provides progression awards of up to £500 for returning alumni.
Total Reach: Currently, over 160 UK higher education institutions accept international students, with a large majority offering some form of alumni or progression discount.
Required Documents
Previous Degree Certificate: Proof of graduation from the host university.
Academic Transcripts: Complete records of previous studies showing grades or GPA.
Valid Passport: A biometric copy of your international passport.
New Offer Letter/CAS: Proof of admission for the 2026/27 course.
Statement of Purpose (SOP): A written document addressing your goals and motivation for further study.
