Fully Funded King’s College London International Scholarship 2025

About the King’s College London International Scholarship

King’s College London, one of the United Kingdom’s most prestigious academic institutions, is offering a fully funded scholarship opportunity for the 2025–2026 academic year. This initiative is aimed specifically at internationally qualified sonographers and is funded by the NHS England (NHSE). The program provides financial support for successful candidates to pursue a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Clinical Ultrasound, a course accredited by the Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE).

The scholarship is part of a strategic effort to integrate more skilled sonographers into the National Health Service (NHS) workforce in England. Through this scholarship, King’s College London is addressing the growing need for advanced ultrasound professionals in the UK while also offering international candidates a unique opportunity to gain hands-on clinical experience in a world-class healthcare system.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Ultrasound is structured to UK Level 7 postgraduate academic standards. It combines theoretical learning with practical clinical placements, ensuring students not only gain a deep academic understanding of ultrasound imaging but also develop the real-world skills required to perform in a professional NHS setting. This course is ideal for sonographers who are already practicing in their home countries and are now looking to transition into the UK healthcare environment or for international sonographers who are already employed within the NHS but require academic upskilling.

A total of up to 20 scholarships are available for the 2025–2026 intake, and an additional cohort is expected to be funded for the 2026–2027 academic year. Candidates who are interested in this opportunity must act quickly, as the application deadline is approaching.

This scholarship represents more than just financial aid—it is an opportunity to build a rewarding professional career in the United Kingdom while studying at one of the top-ranked universities in the world.

Eligible Fields

The scholarship is offered in a specific and highly specialized area within the broader field of biomedical and life sciences. Only applicants interested in the following discipline will be considered:

Clinical Ultrasound

The PGCert in Clinical Ultrasound is tailored for individuals who already have a background in sonography and who want to advance their professional qualifications within a structured and accredited UK educational framework. The course is designed to enhance diagnostic and clinical imaging expertise while preparing students for safe and effective practice within the NHS. This program does not include obstetric sonography; instead, it focuses on non-obstetric ultrasound imaging areas such as abdominal, musculoskeletal, vascular, and small parts ultrasound.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the King’s College London International Scholarship for sonographers, candidates must meet all the following criteria. These requirements ensure that applicants are not only academically qualified but also professionally aligned with the goals of the scholarship:

Applicants must be internationally qualified sonographers. This includes professionals who have obtained their initial sonography education and practice credentials outside of the UK.

The scholarship is open to international sonographers who have already been recruited by NHS England (NHSE), as well as those who are currently working within the NHS but do not hold formal UK-accredited ultrasound qualifications.
Candidates must have secured a formal clinical placement within the NHS that guarantees a minimum of 14 hours per week of supervised ultrasound scanning. This placement must begin in September 2025 and be active throughout the duration of the course.
The applicant must be available to study part-time while fulfilling their clinical obligations within the NHS. The academic and placement components must run concurrently.

Applicants should possess a level of English proficiency that meets King’s College London’s postgraduate entry requirements, especially since the course involves both academic writing and clinical communication.
All applicants must pay a non-refundable application fee of £85 when submitting their application through the King’s Apply Portal.

This scholarship is not open to beginners in the field of sonography or to individuals without NHS placements. It is specifically targeted toward experienced professionals seeking UK accreditation.

Selection Criteria

The selection process for the King’s College London International Scholarship is competitive and thorough. Candidates will be assessed using a combination of academic review, professional evaluation, and personal engagement. The key elements of the selection process include:

Review of Application Materials: All submitted documents, including academic transcripts, references, personal statements, and proof of NHS placement, will be carefully reviewed to assess the candidate’s suitability for the course and the scholarship.
Short Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview via Microsoft Teams. This interview will allow the selection panel to evaluate the applicant’s motivation, communication skills, clinical experience, and readiness to succeed in the UK healthcare environment.

Workshop and Prior Learning Assessment: In some cases, applicants may be required to attend a practical workshop or take an entrance exam to evaluate prior learning. This ensures that candidates meet the clinical and theoretical prerequisites of the PGCert Clinical Ultrasound program.
Professional Alignment: Applicants whose career goals align closely with the objectives of the NHS and the training program will be given priority. This includes those who intend to remain and work within the UK’s public healthcare sector after completion of their studies.

Candidates are encouraged to present a well-prepared portfolio and ensure that their application reflects both their technical qualifications and their long-term commitment to working in healthcare.

Eligible Countries

This scholarship opportunity is open to applicants from all countries, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria stated above. Whether you are a sonographer practicing in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, or Oceania, you are welcome to apply—provided you have a secured NHS clinical placement and meet the academic and professional requirements.

King’s College London and the NHS England funding initiative are particularly focused on attracting skilled international healthcare professionals who can contribute to the UK’s health workforce shortage, especially in diagnostic imaging services.

Benefits of the King’s College London International Scholarship

The King’s College London International Scholarship offers a fully funded academic opportunity that removes financial barriers for successful applicants. The scholarship includes:

Full Coverage of Tuition Fees:
- £5,650 for students classified under Home fees (UK residents already in the NHS system)£11,933 for international students
This means that recipients will not need to pay for their academic coursework, which covers all modules within the PGCert in Clinical Ultrasound.
Academic Prestige and Accreditation: The PGCert is CASE-accredited and aligned with UK Level 7 academic standards, ensuring international recognition and career advancement opportunities.

NHS Clinical Integration: Scholarship recipients gain real-world clinical experience by working alongside NHS professionals. This hands-on training enhances employability and helps bridge the transition into full-time NHS employment.
Professional Development: Through academic mentorship, guided clinical supervision, and exposure to NHS protocols, students receive a holistic training experience that strengthens both their technical and interpersonal skills.
Pathway to Further Study or Employment: Graduates of the program will be well-positioned to apply for advanced roles within the NHS, pursue further academic qualifications (such as a Postgraduate Diploma or Master’s degree), or return to their home countries with globally respected credentials.

This scholarship ensures that financial concerns do not hinder deserving professionals from accessing quality education and integrating into the UK’s dynamic healthcare system.

How to apply

If you meet all the eligibility requirements and are ready to begin your journey with King’s College London, follow the steps below to submit your application for the International Sonographer Scholarship:

Apply through the King’s Apply Portal
Visit the King’s Apply application portal and create an account if you don’t already have one.

Select the Correct Course
Search for and select the Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Clinical Ultrasound as your intended program of study.
Enter the Funding Code
Use the designated funding code US2025 when prompted during the application process. This is essential for your application to be considered for the scholarship.
Prepare and Submit Required Documents
Ensure you have the following documents ready for upload:
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Professional portfolio of ultrasound work and experience
- At least two references (academic or professional)
- Letter of placement confirmation from an NHS facility (14 hours/week minimum)
- Proof of English language proficiency (if required)
- Statement of purpose explaining your motivation and goals

Pay the Application Fee
Submit a non-refundable application fee of £85. Applications without proof of payment will not be processed.
Submit Before the Deadline
The final deadline for applications is 25 July 2025. Early submission is strongly advised as processing times may vary and interviews may be scheduled shortly after the deadline.
Follow Up for Interviews
If shortlisted, you will be contacted via email to schedule an interview via Microsoft Teams. Be sure to check your inbox regularly and prepare accordingly.