Thinking about studying in the UK? You are not alone. Every year, more than 600,000 international students choose the UK, drawn by its strong universities and global career opportunities, according to the UK Council for International Student Affairs. This sounds exciting and it is. But there is one detail that quickly turns that excitement into hesitation. It is the cost. International tuition fees typically range from £15,000 to £38,000 per year, while living expenses add another £12,000 to £18,000 annually, based on estimates from the British Council and UCAS. By the time you graduate, the total can quietly rise beyond £100,000. That is the reality most students have to face. And this is the exact reason why the International Citizens of Change Scholarship at the University of Leicester was created. With up to £10,000 per year in tuition support, it gives you something rare in the UK system. Breathing space so that you can manage your studies without too much financial pressure.
What the International Citizens of Change Scholarship Offers
This scholarship is often overlooked because it is not a fully funded scholarship but it offers hundreds of students an opportunity to get a world class education each year. The scholarship provides £10,000 per year for up to three years. That is up to £30,000 total in tuition reduction.
It does not cover everything. But it significantly lowers your financial burden. And in the UK system, that matters more than you think. Many universities rely heavily on international student fees. In fact, a large share of university income comes from overseas tuition.
So, when a university offers a scholarship like this, it is not random. They are investing in students they believe will represent them well.
Who Can Apply
This is not just about academic performance. The International Citizens of Change Scholarship is built around one idea. Impact.
You are expected to show:
- A clear career direction
- A real-world problem you care about
- A plan to contribute to society
- The ability to communicate your ideas
Only a small number of students are selected each year. That makes your positioning more important than your grades alone.
Eligibility
You qualify if you:
- Are an international student paying overseas fees
- Have an offer from the University of Leicester
- Choose Leicester as your firm choice
- Meet all academic conditions before enrollment
Some courses are excluded, so always confirm your program.
The Video Submission
This is where most people fail. Instead of a long essay, you submit a 2-minute video answering three questions:
- What do you want to achieve after university?
- How will your degree help you get there?
- How will you contribute to the university?
Now here is what makes this powerful. Most applicants try to sound perfect. The winners sound real. You are being judged on:
- Realism
- Creativity
- Impact
Not camera quality. Not editing skills. If your message is clear and grounded in real experience, you already stand out.
Application Timeline
Do not miss this part.
- Deadline: 30 June 2026
- Selection: July to mid-August
- Results: By 20 August
Make sure your university offer and decision align with this timeline.
Why the UK Still Attracts International Students
You might be wondering, if the UK is this expensive, why do so many international students still choose it? The answer is simple: value.
The UK remains one of the most attractive study destinations in the world because it offers shorter undergraduate degrees (typically 3 years), globally recognized qualifications, strong graduate employability, and access to international networks that can shape your career long after graduation.
So even with high costs, many students still see it as a long-term investment rather than an expense. But here is the part that often gets overlooked. That investment only works if you reduce your financial risk early. This is where scholarships like the International Citizens of Change Scholarship become important.
And if you want to be competitive when applying, you need to think differently. Start by connecting your personal story to your purpose. Ask yourself: what have I experienced? What problem have I seen firsthand? What change do I genuinely want to contribute to?
Then connect that directly to your degree. Avoid vague statements like “I want to help people.” Instead, be specific and grounded. For example, saying you want to improve access to healthcare in rural areas because you have seen how distance and cost prevent treatment is far more powerful and memorable.
At the same time, do not ignore the hidden costs. Even with scholarship support, you still need to plan for visa fees and health surcharges, transport and daily commuting, seasonal expenses like winter heating, and basic lifestyle costs. These are often underestimated, yet they are what create real financial pressure for many students.
In the end, preparation is just as important as winning the scholarship itself.
Final Thoughts
The International Citizens of Change Scholarship is not about luck. It is about clarity, positioning, and storytelling. The cost of studying in the UK is rising. That is a fact.
But opportunities like this exist for students who are prepared. So, take it seriously. Build your story. And apply with intention.
If you are looking for fully funded opportunities to study your undergraduate degree abroad there are a number of opportunities open that you can consider. To get you started in this direction read this post: 15 Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students in 2026.
