Scholarships and bursaries at British international schools
How scholarships and means-tested bursaries work at British schools abroad, who can apply, typical values, and how to prepare a strong application.
International school fees are a major commitment, and few families are on fully funded expatriate packages. Scholarships and bursaries can help, but they work differently from school to school.
Scholarships
Scholarships recognise talent or achievement. Common types:
- Academic: based on entrance tests, CAT4 results, interviews and school reports.
- Music: auditions on one or more instruments, sometimes with a theory test.
- Art, drama and design: a portfolio or performance.
- Sport: performance at club, regional or national level, plus trials.
- All-rounder: a combination of academic, leadership and co-curricular strengths.
Scholarships usually come with expectations, such as maintaining grades, taking part in ensembles or teams, and representing the school. Awards may be reviewed every year.
Bursaries
Bursaries are means-tested. Families disclose income, assets and expenses, and the school decides how much help to give, sometimes up to a large share of the fees. They are most common at long-established non-profit schools with foundations or endowments. Some schools prioritise local families or particular groups. Others offer bursaries to students already at the school whose circumstances change.
Typical structure
| Scholarship | Bursary | |
|---|---|---|
| Based on | Talent / achievement | Financial need |
| Typical value | A modest percentage of tuition | Varies, up to substantial support |
| Reviewed | Annually, against expectations | Annually, against finances |
| Can be combined? | Often, with a bursary top-up | Yes |
Applying successfully
- Ask early. Find out which awards exist, at which year groups and by what deadline.
- Read the criteria. Tailor the application to what the school is actually looking for.
- Prepare evidence: reports, certificates, portfolios, recordings, references from coaches or teachers.
- Be honest on bursary forms. Schools verify information, and inconsistencies can lead to refusal.
- Have a plan B. Apply to more than one school if fees will be a stretch without an award.
Other ways to reduce costs
- Sibling discounts and early payment discounts.
- Employer education allowances. Negotiate them before you accept a job.
- Lower-fee schools with good inspection reports. Expensive doesn’t always mean better.
See also: international school fees: what you actually pay.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a scholarship and a bursary?
A scholarship rewards talent or achievement (academic, music, art, sport) and is usually a fixed percentage of fees regardless of family income. A bursary is means-tested financial help based on family income and assets.
Do international schools offer full scholarships?
Occasionally, but rarely. Most scholarships cover a modest percentage of tuition. Larger awards usually combine a scholarship with a means-tested bursary.
When should we apply?
Usually at the same time as the main admissions round, often several months before the start of the school year. Scholarships are commonly offered at key entry points such as Year 7 and Year 12.