The University of Bath in the United Kingdom has built a strong reputation for academic excellence, innovation, and employability, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. With a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering, computer science, mathematics, natural sciences, and architecture, Bath attracts students from all over the world. For international students aspiring to pursue degrees in these disciplines, the cost of tuition and living in the UK can be a significant barrier. Fortunately, the University of Bath offers a number of scholarships specifically tailored to support high-achieving international applicants, particularly those entering STEM fields. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the types of scholarships available, eligibility criteria, how to apply, selection processes, and tips to strengthen your application as a STEM-focused international student.
Why Study STEM at the University of Bath?
The University of Bath is consistently ranked among the top UK institutions for STEM education and research. According to the Guardian University Guide, Bath ranks highly in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, chemical engineering, and computer science. The university’s Faculty of Engineering & Design and Faculty of Science offer state-of-the-art research facilities and industry-linked programs that prepare graduates for impactful careers. Bath’s partnerships with global employers like Rolls-Royce, IBM, and Airbus make it a particularly attractive destination for students seeking to combine technical skills with real-world applications.
Overview of International Scholarships for STEM Students
Bath offers a range of funding options for international students in STEM, including merit-based scholarships, country-specific awards, and externally funded programs. Key scholarship opportunities include:
- University of Bath Global Scholarships
- Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence
- Commonwealth Scholarships
- Chevening Scholarships
- Faculty-Specific Scholarships
- External Scholarships (e.g., GREAT Scholarships, British Council funding)
These scholarships are generally aimed at taught postgraduate (master’s) and sometimes undergraduate students. The most prestigious among them offer partial tuition fee waivers, though full scholarships are rare and often competitive.
The Global Leaders Scholarship
One of the most prominent opportunities is the University of Bath Global Leaders Scholarship, which awards £5,000 toward tuition fees for high-achieving international students. This scholarship is available to students applying to master’s programs across the faculties of Engineering & Design, Humanities & Social Sciences, and Science.
Key Features
- Open to international fee-paying students
- Based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and future career aspirations
- £5,000 awarded as a tuition fee discount
- Must hold an offer to study a full-time taught master’s degree
- Application deadline typically falls in May
Eligibility
To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must:
- Be an international student paying overseas tuition fees
- Have accepted an offer for an eligible postgraduate taught program
- Submit a scholarship application via the university’s Application Tracker by the deadline
STEM students applying to programs like MSc Data Science, MSc Engineering Business Management, or MSc Artificial Intelligence would be eligible.
Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence
The Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence offers another opportunity for international students applying to master’s programs in the Faculty of Engineering & Design or Faculty of Science. This scholarship is designed to reward students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievements and professional potential.
Award Amount
- £5,000 fee waiver applied to tuition
- Awarded to approximately 24 students per year across various faculties
Application Process
Applicants must:
- Hold an offer for an eligible taught postgraduate course
- Apply using the University of Bath scholarship application form
- Complete a 500-word personal statement focusing on academic achievements and future goals
Faculty of Engineering & Design Scholarships
The Faculty of Engineering & Design occasionally offers program-specific scholarships for both UK and international students. Examples include funding for MSc programs in Mechanical Engineering, Sustainable Chemical Engineering, and Civil Engineering. These are not always widely advertised, so applicants should regularly check the faculty scholarship page for updates or contact admissions for guidance.
Faculty of Science Scholarships
For students pursuing MSc degrees in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, or Biology, the Faculty of Science may provide additional awards. These are often offered in collaboration with external research councils or industry sponsors and may include funding for tuition, research activities, and dissertation support. Details on current opportunities can be found via the Faculty of Science funding overview.
Commonwealth Scholarships
Students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries can apply for the UK government’s Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships. These are fully funded awards that cover:
- Tuition fees
- Living allowance
- Travel to and from the UK
- Research and thesis grants
Applicants must apply both to the University of Bath and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC). The deadline is typically in December for programs starting the following academic year.
Chevening Scholarships
Chevening Scholarships are prestigious, fully funded UK government scholarships available to students from over 160 countries. Students pursuing a STEM-related master’s at Bath may apply, provided they demonstrate leadership potential and a strong academic background.
- Full tuition, travel, and living expenses covered
- Apply through the Chevening portal and select Bath as one of three university choices
- Applicants must meet both Chevening and Bath’s entry requirements
GREAT Scholarships
In partnership with the British Council and UK universities, the GREAT Scholarships offer £10,000 toward tuition for students from selected countries (e.g., India, China, Nigeria, Indonesia). These awards are available for one-year master’s programs, including STEM fields at Bath. Each year, the university publishes a list of eligible programs and countries, which can be found on their international scholarships page.
External and Country-Specific Scholarships
Bath encourages students to seek support from government and third-party funding bodies in their home countries. Examples include:
- FUNED (Mexico)
- CONACYT (Mexico)
- LPDP (Indonesia)
- Colfuturo (Colombia)
- CSC China Scholarships
Applicants must often apply simultaneously to Bath and to their funding agency. Some of these programs partner with the University of Bath, which may offer co-funded scholarships.
How to Apply for Scholarships
The scholarship application process typically runs alongside the course application. Applicants should:
- Apply for a full-time taught master’s program via University of Bath’s online application portal
- Receive a conditional or unconditional offer
- Complete the scholarship application via the Application Tracker (log-in details provided after submitting the course application)
- Upload any required personal statements or references
Deadlines usually fall between April and June for programs starting in September. Some scholarships, such as Chevening or Commonwealth, have earlier deadlines and independent application portals.
Tips for Strengthening Your Application
Showcase Academic Excellence
Most scholarships are merit-based, so include transcripts, GPA scores, and academic honors. Make sure your personal statement aligns with the values of the scholarship committee and reflects your STEM-related achievements.
Emphasize Leadership and Innovation
Whether applying for the Global Leaders or Chevening Scholarship, you must highlight leadership experiences. These could include STEM competitions, mentoring roles, community-based tech projects, or research initiatives.
Explain Career Goals
Be specific about how the program at Bath aligns with your career aspirations. For example, a computer science student might discuss how they plan to apply AI solutions in healthcare back home.
Seek Strong Recommendations
If the scholarship requires references, ask former professors or research supervisors who can vouch for your technical skills, work ethic, and commitment to STEM innovation.
Research the Program and Faculty
Demonstrate knowledge of the specific course and its modules. Mention faculty whose research aligns with your goals or describe how the program’s structure will help you gain industry-relevant skills.
Cost of Attendance and Budgeting for STEM Students
Before applying for scholarships, international students should understand the full cost of studying at Bath:
- Tuition fees for STEM master’s programs: £23,000–£29,000 per year (subject to change)
- Estimated living costs: £12,000–£15,000 annually (includes accommodation, food, travel, and materials)
- Health surcharge: £470 for the duration of your stay (required for visa purposes)
Scholarships may cover all or part of tuition but rarely include living expenses, so having a realistic financial plan is essential.
Postgraduate Research Funding for STEM PhD Students
Though most scholarships mentioned are for taught master’s degrees, the University of Bath also provides research funding for PhD candidates in STEM. Funded doctoral training programs are available through:
These often cover tuition, research costs, and stipends for up to 3–4 years.
Conclusion
The University of Bath offers a wide range of scholarship opportunities to support international students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. From prestigious institutional awards like the Global Leaders Scholarship to UK government-funded programs such as Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships, there are numerous funding options for academically outstanding and career-driven STEM students. Applying for these scholarships requires strategic planning, strong academic credentials, and a clear vision for your future. By aligning your strengths with the university’s goals and meeting all deadlines, you can significantly improve your chances of securing financial support to study at one of the UK’s top STEM institutions. For ongoing updates, always refer to the University of Bath international funding page.