Pursuing a law degree at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB), often referred to as “Queen Law University” by aspiring legal scholars, is a dream for many international students. With its prestigious School of Law, ranked among the UK’s top 25, and a vibrant campus in the heart of Belfast, QUB offers world-class education steeped in history and innovation. But let’s face it—studying abroad, especially in a field as competitive as law, can come with a hefty price tag. That’s where the Queen Law University scholarship grants come in, designed to make your legal education affordable and accessible.
In 2025, Queen’s University Belfast is rolling out a robust lineup of scholarships and awards tailored for international students, offering up to 50% off tuition fees, travel grants, and even stipends for living expenses. From the Queen’s Loyalty Scholarship to the Vice-Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship, these opportunities can transform your academic journey. This article dives deep into QUB scholarships for international students, the straightforward application process, associated fees, and how they stack up against other Northern Ireland scholarships, like those at Ulster University. Written with clarity and warmth, like a conversation with a mentor over coffee, this guide will help you navigate the funding landscape for 2025-26 with ease.
Why Queen’s University Belfast is a Top Choice for Law Students
Queen’s University Belfast, founded in 1845, is a Russell Group gem with a global reputation. Its School of Law is a standout, offering programs like the LLB (Hons), LLM in International Human Rights Law, and MSc in Criminology that blend rigorous academics with real-world practice. Graduates often secure roles at top-tier firms like Clifford Chance or international bodies like the UN. With over 6,000 international students from 120 countries, QUB fosters a diverse, inclusive community. Belfast, a UNESCO City of Literature, adds charm with its affordable living costs—£800-£1,200 monthly, including rent—compared to pricier hubs like London.
For international law students, QUB’s scholarship grants are a lifeline, with over £1.5 million allocated annually. Whether you’re eyeing an undergraduate LLB or a postgraduate LLM, these awards make Queen’s a financially viable path to a legal career. Let’s explore the top scholarships for 2025.
Queen Law University Scholarship Grants for International Students in 2025
QUB’s scholarship portfolio for 2025-26 is packed with options, from merit-based awards to country-specific grants. Most don’t require separate applications, and many are tailored for law students. Here’s a breakdown of the key offerings.
International Undergraduate Scholarship: Kickstarting Your Law Journey
The International Undergraduate Scholarship is a fantastic entry point for first-year international students pursuing an LLB at QUB. Worth up to £4,000 off your first year’s tuition, it’s automatically awarded to students with strong academic records—think AAB at A-levels, IB 32+, or equivalent (e.g., 85%+ in Indian CBSE). No extra forms are needed; simply apply for your LLB through UCAS by January 31, 2025, and QUB assesses your eligibility based on your offer.
This scholarship is a game-changer for students like Ahmed from Malaysia, who used it to fund his LLB: “It gave me breathing room to focus on mooting and internships, not bills.” With law undergrad fees around £20,800, this £4,000 cut is a solid start.
Vice-Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship: For Legal Eagles
For high achievers, the Vice-Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship is the gold standard. Offering 50% off tuition fees—up to £7,500 for undergrads and £10,000 for postgrads like LLM students—it’s perfect for those with top grades (AAA or 3.7+ GPA). In 2025, 100 awards are available across all faculties, with law students often topping the list due to their academic rigor.
Applications open January 2025 via the QUB online portal. You’ll need transcripts, a 500-word personal statement on how the scholarship will advance your legal career, and two references. The deadline is March 31, 2025, with decisions by May. One 2024 recipient, Priya from India, shared: “This scholarship let me pursue my LLM in Human Rights without drowning in debt. I’m now interning at a Belfast NGO.”
Queen’s Loyalty Scholarship: Rewarding Returning Students
If you’ve studied at QUB before—say, an undergrad LLB or even a semester abroad—the Queen’s Loyalty Scholarship welcomes you back with a 20% tuition fee reduction for your first year of a new program. For 2025-26, this translates to £4,000-£5,000 off, depending on your course (e.g., LLM or PhD). Eligible alumni must be non-UK/EU/ROI residents and have graduated within the last five years.
No application is required; accept your offer by June 2025, and the discount is applied automatically. It’s non-stackable with other major awards but ideal for students like James, a QUB LLB alum who returned for an MSc in Criminology: “The loyalty discount made my master’s feel like a natural next step.”
GREAT Scholarships: A Global Boost for Master’s Students
The GREAT Scholarships, backed by the British Council and UK government, offer £10,000 toward one-year taught master’s programs, including law-related ones like the LLM in International Commercial and Business Law. Available to students from 18 countries (e.g., China, India, Nigeria, Mexico), these awards prioritize leadership and academic excellence.
Apply through the British Council website by May 2025 after securing a QUB offer. Two spots are available for 2025-26, and winners gain more than cash—access to UK networking events is a bonus. A past GREAT scholar noted: “It funded my LLM and opened doors to London law firms.”
Niche Awards: Travel Grants and PhD Funding
Beyond the big names, QUB offers specialized grants. The QUB Travel Scholarships provide up to £1,000 for law students attending international moot courts or research trips between January and September 2025. Apply via the Academic Affairs portal by October 31, 2025.
For PhD hopefuls, QUB’s £7.7 million research fund covers full fees (£20,000-£24,000) plus an £18,000 stipend for law-related projects, like constitutional law or legal tech. Check the Funding & Scholarship Finder on qub.ac.uk for deadlines, typically February 2025.
The Early Confirmation Award sweetens the deal: Pay your deposit (£2,000-£3,500) by March 2025, and get a £1,500 fee reduction. These smaller grants add up, especially for budget-conscious law students.
Queen’s University Belfast Fees for International Students in 2025-26
To plan your finances, let’s look at QUB’s international fees. For 2025-26, undergraduate law (LLB) fees are £20,800 annually, while postgraduate taught programs like the LLM range from £21,500 to £23,000. PhD fees sit at £20,000-£24,000. Add £500-£1,000 for books and £4,000-£6,000 for on-campus housing yearly. The UK’s International Student Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,265) is mandatory for visa holders.
Compared to UK peers like UCL (£31,000+), QUB is affordable, especially with scholarships. EU students pay international rates post-Brexit, but some bilateral agreements (e.g., Ireland) offer relief—check qub.ac.uk for details. Deposits secure your spot and are refundable (minus £250 admin) if you defer by July 2025.
How to Apply for Queen Law University Scholarship Grants
Applying for QUB scholarships is user-friendly, especially for law students. Here’s the step-by-step for 2025:
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Get Your Offer: Apply via UCAS (undergrad LLB) by January 31, 2025, or direct postgrad applications for LLM/PhD by December 2024. Submit transcripts, IELTS (6.5+), and a personal statement tying your legal aspirations to QUB’s global impact.
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Auto-Awards: International Undergraduate and Loyalty Scholarships require no extra steps—just accept your offer.
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Competitive Applications: For Vice-Chancellor’s or GREAT, log into the QUB portal post-offer. Upload docs (transcripts, 500-word statement, references) by March 31, 2025. Email scholarships@qub.ac.uk for queries.
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Track and Confirm: Expect decisions in 4-6 weeks. Shortlisted? A Zoom interview may follow. Confirm your spot by paying the deposit.
Pro tip: In your statement, highlight QUB’s law strengths—think mooting, human rights clinics, or Belfast’s legal hub status. Contact international@qub.ac.uk for support.
Northern Ireland Scholarships: Beyond QUB
Northern Ireland’s scholarship ecosystem extends beyond QUB, with €10 million+ in regional awards. The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships (GOI-IES) offer €10,000 plus full fee waivers for master’s or PhD students at QUB or other NI unis. Apply by March 2025 via hea.ie—law students from Brazil and Indonesia have scored these.
The All Ireland Scholarships provide £5,500 yearly for low-income undergrads, with 25 spots across NI and ROI. Apply via nidirect.gov.uk by April 2025. Fulbright Awards for U.S. citizens cover full postgrad fees, while the John J. Sweeney Scholarship at Ulster supports labor law studies with £5,000.
Ulster University Scholarships: A Comparison
Ulster University, QUB’s friendly rival, offers competitive scholarships for 2025. Its International Undergraduate Scholarship matches QUB’s £4,000 for first-year fees, auto-awarded for LLB entrants with strong grades. GREAT Scholarships (£10,000) target master’s students from countries like Pakistan and Kenya, with apps due May 2025.
Ulster’s Dean’s Scholarship (£3,000-£5,000) rewards high achievers (GPA 3.5+), while the Salam Scholarships fund five women in law/STEM with full fees plus £2,000 living costs—apply by February 2025. PhD stipends reach £20,000. Ulster’s fees are slightly lower (£15,840-£17,000), but QUB’s prestige and Belfast’s centrality give it an edge for law.
|
Scholarship |
QUB Value |
Ulster Value |
Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
|
International Undergrad |
£4,000 | £4,000 |
New students, auto-awarded |
|
GREAT Master’s |
£10,000 | £10,000 |
Select countries, postgrad |
|
Loyalty/Dean’s |
20% fees |
£3,000-£5,000 |
Alumni/high achievers |
|
PhD Funding |
£18,000 + fees |
£20,000 |
Research proposals |
Your Next Steps to a Queen’s Law Degree
The Queen Law University scholarship grants for 2025-26 make a QUB law degree more attainable than ever. From £4,000 undergrad awards to £10,000 GREAT Scholarships, these funds cut costs while you study in a city that’s as welcoming as it is dynamic. Apply early—January for UCAS, March for competitive awards—and use qub.ac.uk’s Funding Finder to explore more.
Belfast awaits with open arms, ready to launch your legal career. So, grab your laptop, start that application, and picture yourself mooting in QUB’s historic halls. What’s stopping you?