University College London (UCL) - a top-class United Kingdom university - offers both undergraduate and graduate scholarship for potential overseas students. This, of course, would thus include prospective Malaysian and Singaporean students. For this post, I will be writing specifically about their undergraduate scholarships.

These undergraduate scholarships are all merit-based (where applicants are judged primarily on academic results, rather than financial need). But, to be considered for the scholarships in the first place, you will have to gain admission into UCL. If I’m not wrong, this will normally require around 3As for A-Level holders. In any case, most of the relevant scholarships are valued at £3,000 per annum - which should be more than a quarter of the full tuition fees. Just for your information, the scholarships I am talking about are different from the British Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships. I’ll write about those some other time as those two deserve special attention.

Now, I’d say that these scholarships are worthwhile for those who already intend to study in London, or more specifically, University College London. UCL is a world-class university that consistently ranks within the Top 10 of UK universities every year. In fact, both The Times Good University Guide (.pdf file) and The Sunday Times Good University Guide rank UCL within the Top 3 for economics. But if you can’t afford studying in London or have no specific intention of doing so, these scholarships are almost useless given that they are far too small in value.

So, for those who believe they require (and are eligible) for these scholarships, visit UCL’s scholarship page. But I doubt you’ll have to worry about it until you receive your unconditional offer letter from UCL.