Support Programs for International Students in the UK: From Scholarships to Mental Health Services

Studying in another country brings a lot more than just lectures and exams. There’s the language barrier, visa issues, cultural shock... British universities and schools know this—and they’ve got your back. They offer a wide range of support programs to help international students not just survive, but thrive: from financial aid to mental health services.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the key areas of support.

Contents:

• Scholarships and grants
• Language support
• Adaptation and mental health help
• Visa advice
• Final Thoughts

Scholarships and Grants

The UK government and its universities offer tons of scholarships for international students. Some of the most well-known are Chevening, Commonwealth, and GREAT Scholarships—which can cover everything from tuition to flights and accommodation. 

On top of that, many universities have their own scholarship programs based on academic performance or financial need. Here are some highlights.

Top Government Programs:

• Chevening Scholarships: The UK government’s flagship scholarship program for Master’s students. It covers tuition, living expenses, and flights—and it’s open to applicants from over 160 countries.
• Commonwealth Scholarships: Funded by the UK government for students from Commonwealth countries. These awards are aimed at high-achieving students who want to make a difference in their home countries after graduation.
• GREAT Scholarships: A joint initiative between the British Council and UK universities. It offers up to £10,000 for Master’s study to students from select countries like India, China, Turkey, and Kazakhstan.

University-Specific Scholarships:

Many universities also create their own scholarships, which may be based on:

• Academic performance (merit-based)
• Financial need (need-based)
• Athletic or creative talent
• Student background (nationality, region, etc.)

Here are a few examples:

• University of Bristol: Offers international scholarships worth up to £26,000 per year.
• University of Edinburgh: Runs the Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships for PhD students.
• UCL (University College London): Provides financial aid through its UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarships.

A few things to keep in mind:

• You usually need to apply for scholarships separately—and early. Ideally, 6–12 months before your course starts.
• Some grants don’t just cover tuition, but also living costs, meals, and transport. You’ll find full details on the official websites.
• Competition is tough, so a strong personal statement and well-prepared application documents are key.

Language Support

For most international students, the language barrier is one of the biggest challenges when starting their studies in the UK. That’s why nearly all universities and schools offer comprehensive language support programs—not just to build academic English skills, but also to help students feel confident and integrated in both academic and social settings.

1. Pre-sessional English courses

These are intensive English programs that students take before starting their main degree course. They usually run for 4 to 12 weeks and are designed to:

• Build academic skills like essay writing, giving presentations, and seminar participation.
• Expand vocabulary related to the student’s field of study.
• Help students get used to the British teaching style.

Examples:

• The University of Manchester offers pre-sessional courses that can last up to 20 weeks
• King’s College London runs 6–11-week programs with a smooth transition into degree courses

2. In-sessional support

Many universities continue to offer English support during the academic year. This can include:

• Free English language workshops
• One-on-one tutoring
• Academic Writing Centres
• Online resources like video tutorials and glossaries

For example, the University of Edinburgh runs a dedicated English Language Education program that supports students year-round — from the first semester all the way to their final dissertation.

3. Specialized support for school students

In independent schools, language support is often built right into the everyday learning process. Students can take EAL (English as an Additional Language) classes, and teachers are trained to work with international pupils.

One big advantage? Small class sizes and personalized support. That makes it easier for students from non-English-speaking countries to settle in and feel more confident in class.

Adaptation and Mental Health Support

Moving to another country is stressful — especially for students studying abroad for the first time. That’s why UK universities and schools place a strong focus on adaptation support during the first months of student life.

1. Welcome Week and orientation events

Most universities run a Welcome Week — a special intro week where new students can:

• Tour the campus and city
• Meet teachers and academic advisors
• Attend info sessions on grading systems, libraries, and student services
• Join international dinners and cultural events to make new friends

For example, both University of Leeds and UCL (University College London) host dedicated info sessions for international students. They cover practical stuff like opening a bank account, local transport, how the NHS (National Health Service) works, and more.

2. Buddy programs and student mentoring

Lots of universities run a buddy system, where a more experienced student (often from the same department or country) is matched with a newcomer. Buddies help with both academic and day-to-day questions, and they’re great for easing the transition into student life.

3. Cultural societies and interest-based clubs

British universities actively encourage international students to join cultural societies—Chinese, Indian, Arabic, Russian-speaking, and more. These communities help students stay connected to their roots while also giving them space to make new friends. At the same time, students are encouraged to take part in local student clubs and events to get comfortable in their new environment.

4. Mental health and wellbeing services

Most universities offer free mental health support. International students can access:

• Individual counseling
• Group therapy sessions
• Stress and anxiety management workshops

At the University of Exeter, for example, there’s a dedicated Wellbeing Services center that supports international students with a culturally sensitive approach and an understanding of language needs.

Visa Support

Applying for a student visa can feel confusing, complicated, and seriously stressful—especially if you’re dealing with the UK immigration system for the first time. That’s why universities and schools in the UK offer thorough visa support, helping students at every stage: from the initial application to extensions or switching visa types later on.

1. Pre-arrival consultations

Many universities offer guidance before students even arrive in the UK—via online webinars, email, or Zoom. Visa advisors explain what documents are required, walk students through the visa requirements, and help make sure everything is in order to avoid the risk of rejection.

2. On-arrival support

Once students arrive in the UK, they can reach out to their university’s International Student Office for help with:

• Registering with UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration)
• Understanding visa conditions and student responsibilities
• Finding out about work restrictions (usually up to 20 hours per week during term time)
• Getting support with visa extensions if studies last longer than expected
• Applying for dependant visas, if bringing family members

3. Help during emergencies

If a student runs into visa-related issues — like lost documents, changes to their course, or errors on the visa — university legal advisors or visa specialists are often available to contact UKVI quickly and help resolve things with minimal stress.

Final Thoughts

Moving to another country is never easy — especially for a young student navigating it all for the first time. That’s why UK schools and universities work hard to create a welcoming environment for international students, offering support that goes way beyond the classroom.

Hopefully, this guide has helped you get a clearer picture of what kind of assistance is available to make your time in the UK smoother, easier, and a lot less overwhelming.