Students planning to begin an undergraduate degree in the United Kingdom now have a valuable funding opportunity as applications open for the Visa Scholarship Programme UK 2026. Created through a partnership between Visa and The Windsor Fellowship, the programme supports students from underrepresented and socially disadvantaged backgrounds by providing financial assistance and career development opportunities throughout their university studies.

Successful applicants can receive up to £9,535 annually toward tuition fees for up to three years, alongside mentoring, professional development, work experience opportunities and access to Visa’s network of industry professionals.

Applications close on August 2, 2026.

What Is the Visa Scholarship Programme UK 2026?

The Visa Scholarship Programme is designed to improve access to higher education for talented students who face financial or social barriers.

The scholarship is available to eligible students enrolling full-time in accredited UK universities for the 2026/2027 academic session. Beyond financial support, the initiative aims to help scholars develop leadership, technical and professional skills while preparing them for careers in technology, finance, business and related industries.

The programme reflects Visa’s commitment to promoting equal educational opportunities and supporting future leaders from diverse backgrounds.

Scholarship Benefits: More Than Financial Support

Recipients of the Visa UK Scholarship receive a comprehensive support package throughout their undergraduate studies.

Key benefits include:

• Up to £9,535 per year toward tuition fees for up to three years
• Ongoing mentoring and coaching through The Windsor Fellowship
• Leadership and professional skills development
• Career guidance and networking opportunities
• Exposure to Visa’s business environment
• Opportunities to apply for paid summer internships
• Access to work experience programmes and career development activities

The scholarship combines financial assistance with practical career preparation, giving students opportunities to build valuable industry experience before graduation.

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Who Can Apply?

The scholarship targets students from underrepresented backgrounds pursuing undergraduate education in the UK.

Applicants must:

• Apply or intend to enrol as a full-time undergraduate student at an accredited UK university.
• Study a STEM-related discipline such as Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Engineering, Mathematics or Information Science, or a Business-related course including Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, Sales or International Business.
• Submit a UCAS application for the 2026/2027 academic year.
• Qualify for Home Fee status and have the legal right to work and study in the UK.
• Demonstrate financial need with a combined household income below £50,000 annually.
• Have received or been eligible for support schemes such as free school meals, pupil premium, education maintenance allowance or 16–19 bursaries.
• Be applying for their first undergraduate degree.

Unlike many international scholarship programmes, IELTS is not required according to the published scholarship information.

Career Development Opportunities

A distinguishing feature of the Visa Scholarship Programme is its emphasis on employability.

Scholars gain access to mentorship from experienced Visa professionals, helping them navigate university life and prepare for graduate careers. Throughout the programme, participants can develop technical, leadership and communication skills through structured training.

Students may also apply for paid internship opportunities with Visa during the summer, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in one of the world’s leading digital payments companies.

How to Apply for the Visa Scholarship Programme

Interested candidates should complete the online application before the deadline.

The application process includes:

• Completing the online scholarship application form.
• Submitting the required financial information.
• Taking Visa’s online assessment test.
• Participating in a virtual assessment centre organised by The Windsor Fellowship, including a presentation and interview.
• Attending a final virtual interview with the Visa team if shortlisted.

Applicants are encouraged to review the programme’s official FAQ document before beginning the application process.

Applications remain open until August 2, 2026, and incomplete or ineligible applications will not be considered.

FAQ

What is the Visa Scholarship Programme UK 2026?

The Visa Scholarship Programme UK 2026 is an undergraduate scholarship created through a partnership between Visa and The Windsor Fellowship. It supports students from underrepresented and socially disadvantaged backgrounds studying at accredited universities in the UK.

How much is the Visa Scholarship worth?

Successful applicants can receive up to £9,535 per year toward tuition fees for a maximum of three years.

Is the Visa Scholarship fully funded?

The programme is a tuition support scholarship rather than a full-cost scholarship. It provides up to £9,535 annually along with mentoring, career development and internship opportunities.

Who can apply for the Visa Scholarship Programme?

Applicants must be enrolling in a full-time undergraduate programme in the UK, meet the Home Fee status requirement, demonstrate financial need and satisfy the programme’s academic and eligibility criteria.

Which courses are eligible?

Eligible fields include STEM disciplines such as Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Engineering, Mathematics and Information Science, as well as Business-related programmes including Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, Sales and International Business.

Does the Visa Scholarship require IELTS?

According to the published scholarship information, IELTS is not required.

Can international students apply?

The scholarship is open to applicants who qualify for Home Fee status and have the legal right to study and work in the UK. Prospective applicants should carefully review the official eligibility requirements to confirm whether they qualify.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on August 2, 2026.

What documents or assessments are required?

Applicants must complete the online application, provide financial information, take Visa’s online assessment test and participate in interviews if shortlisted.

Is there an interview?

Yes. Shortlisted candidates will attend a virtual assessment centre hosted by The Windsor Fellowship, followed by a final interview with the Visa team.

Does the scholarship include internships?

Yes. Scholars may have opportunities to apply for paid summer internships and gain practical work experience with Visa.

What additional support do scholars receive?

Recipients benefit from mentoring, leadership development, professional skills training, networking opportunities and career guidance throughout their studies.

Why is the Visa Scholarship competitive?

The programme combines financial assistance with career development, mentoring and access to one of the world’s leading digital payments companies, making it highly attractive to undergraduate applicants.

What careers can the Visa Scholarship help prepare students for?

The programme supports careers in software engineering, cybersecurity, fintech, artificial intelligence, business management, finance, marketing, product development, digital payments, consulting and other technology-driven industries.