For most O and A Level students, the dream is clear: studying abroad. But the moment you start checking tuition fees, rent, health insurance, and flights, the cost feels crushing. Scholarships are the only real way to make it possible. Some cover everything — tuition, living, flights — while others just cut down tuition enough to make it manageable—both matter.
The problem is, most students don’t even know which scholarships are open to them right after O and A Levels. Some of the big global names like Rhodes, Chevening, or Fulbright only start later (for postgrad), but there are plenty you can apply for as soon as you finish school. Let’s break them down — UK, Canada, US, and Australia — and see what’s actually out there.
UK Scholarships
Reach Oxford Scholarship (University of Oxford)
This is one of the toughest, most competitive undergraduate scholarships you can aim for. It’s open to students from developing countries (yes, Pakistan is included). It covers everything: tuition, living expenses, and even flights. To stand a real chance, you’ll need star-level grades, solid extracurricular activities, and a personal statement that makes Oxford believe in you. Very hard to get, but life-changing if you do.
Cambridge College Scholarships
Cambridge doesn’t usually give out one considerable central scholarship at the undergraduate level. Instead, different colleges like Trinity or St John’s have their own awards. Most of these are partial scholarships — reductions on tuition fees. The main requirement? Predicted A/A* grades at A Levels, plus powerful academic references.
Queen’s University Belfast – Pakistan Academic Excellence Award
If you’re Pakistani, this one is designed for you. It offers up to £7,500 off tuition fees. It’s not a whole ride, but it makes studying at Queen’s much more affordable. All you need is strong A Level grades and a good academic record.
University of Sheffield International Undergraduate Merit Scholarships
Sheffield’s scholarships are smaller, usually between £2,000 and £2,500, but they’re worth it because they directly reduce your tuition bill. Many students are considered automatically when applying, though in some cases, you need to submit a short extra form.
University of Lincoln – Global Leaders Scholarship
Lincoln offers a 50% cut on tuition for international students who’ve done really well academically and shown leadership in extracurricular activities. Not as impossible as Oxford or Cambridge, but you still need excellent A Level results to qualify.
UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship
If you’ve got an offer from UCL and come from a low-income background, this scholarship is huge. It can cover either full tuition plus living costs or partial support, depending on your situation. Strong grades and proof of financial need are required.
Canadian Scholarships
UBC International Scholars Program
One of Canada’s most significant undergraduate scholarships. At its best, it covers full tuition and living expenses. To be in the running, you’ll need excellent O and A Level grades, strong references, and essays that really stand out.
Lester B. Pearson Scholarship (University of Toronto)
This one is massive — tuition, books, incidental fees, and even residence for four whole years. The only catch? You can’t apply directly. Your school has to nominate you. If Toronto is on your list, make sure you talk to your teachers early so they can put your name forward.
US Scholarships
Fulbright Program
For postgrad students, Fulbright is legendary. It pays for everything: tuition, living, travel, and health. The name itself opens doors anywhere in the world. You can’t apply for it right after A Levels, but it’s worth knowing and planning toward if you want to study in the US later.
Harvard College Financial Aid
This is the most straightforward undergraduate pathway into the Ivy League. Harvard promises to meet 100% of demonstrated need. For families under a specific income bracket, the final cost often comes down to zero. You’ll still need perfect O/A Level results and competitive test scores, but the aid makes it possible.
Other US Options
Yale: Similar to Harvard, Yale covers 100% of demonstrated need.
Stanford: Need-based financial aid is available for international undergraduates.
In the US, aid from universities themselves is often more realistic than trying for outside scholarships.
Australian Scholarships
Australia Awards Scholarships
Run by the Australian government, these are some of the most generous scholarships available. They cover tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and even your flights. They’re open to students from developing countries, including Pakistan, for both undergrad and postgrad.
University of Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarships
These range from partial tuition support to full coverage, depending on your grades. Highly competitive, but Melbourne is one of Australia’s top universities.
University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships
These can cover up to AUD 40,000 toward your tuition. Available for both undergraduates and postgraduates.
Monash International Merit Scholarship
This scholarship, worth up to AUD 50,000 across your degree, is open to high-achieving international students. It doesn’t pay for everything, but it cuts costs significantly.
ANU Global Diversity Scholarship
Australian National University offers up to AUD 25,000 a year to students from underrepresented countries, including South Asia. Makes ANU a much more affordable option.
How to Prepare
Grades first: Your O and A Level results are the main ticket in. Without strong marks, most doors close.
Extracurriculars include MUNs, debate, volunteering, and leadership roles. Scholarships want more than just academics.
Start your essays early: Personal statements can’t be rushed. You’ll need drafts, feedback, and revisions.
Deadlines matter: Many scholarships open a year in advance. Missing even one deadline can cost you the chance completely.
Apply to more than one: Don’t put all your hopes on a single considerable scholarship. Smaller awards add up and reduce the overall load.
Benchmarks: What to Aim For
What to Aim For | Why It Matters |
Predicted A Levels with A or A* grades | Most entrance scholarships expect this level of academic excellence. |
Strong O Level results | They build your academic base and support your A Level predictions. |
Leadership, clubs, volunteering | Programs like Pearson and UBC want to see you’re more than academics. |
Personal essays that are genuine and specific | Essays can make or break your application — they show who you are. |
School nominations | For scholarships like Pearson, if your school doesn’t nominate, you’re out. |
Final Word
Getting a scholarship isn’t about luck — it’s about being ready. Big names like Oxford or Pearson are hard to crack, but smaller ones from Sheffield, Queen’s, or Lincoln can still cut costs in a big way. Don’t wait around; push your grades, get involved in something outside class, and keep track of deadlines.
Not every application will work out, and that’s normal. What matters is applying widely and staying consistent. Plenty of O and A Level students manage it each year — with the right effort, you could be one of them.