Scholarships to the UK
The English-Speaking Union Romania coordinates the HMC Scholarships for Romania, connecting outstanding Romanian students with life-changing educational opportunities at leading schools in the United Kingdom.
These scholarships are part of our mission to foster international understanding through education and cultural exchange.
About HMC
The Headmasters’ Conference (HMC) is a thriving and proactive association of heads from some of the world’s leading independent schools. Founded in 1869, HMC was the world’s first association for headteachers and remains a cornerstone of excellence in independent education.
Today, HMC includes over 300 schools in the British Isles, educating more than 270,000 pupils, along with around 50 member schools internationally. All HMC schools are committed to high standards in teaching, learning, and pastoral care.
The HMC Projects Scholarship Programme
The HMC Projects Scholarship Programme offers exceptional students from Central and Eastern Europe the opportunity to study for two years at leading British independent boarding schools.
These schools are known for their outstanding academic results, extracurricular opportunities, and pathways to top global universities. All participating schools are rigorously inspected to ensure they meet the highest standards.
Programme Aims
The Scholarship Programme seeks to:
- Foster understanding and friendship between young people across Europe.
- Provide students from former communist countries with a life-changing academic and cultural experience.
- Enhance students’ English language skills and broaden their global perspectives.
- Encourage cross-cultural exchange: British pupils also benefit from friendships with students from a wide range of countries and cultures.
Over the years, this initiative has built a strong network of alumni who maintain international connections and contribute to a more informed and connected Europe.
Selection Process
Students are selected in their home countries through a process organised by nationally accredited agencies, including:
- Entrance tests
- School references
- Academic performance
- English proficiency
- Interviews in English, usually held in national capitals by current or former headteachers or senior leaders from HMC schools
Selection criteria also consider the candidate’s readiness to adapt to life in the UK and their potential to contribute actively to their new school community.
Scholarship Details
- Duration: 2 years (Years 12 and 13 of the UK education system)
- Age range: Applicants must be between 16 and 17.5 years old by 1 September of the year their scholarship begins.
- School type: All scholarships are at boarding schools or schools with boarding facilities.
- Coverage: Tuition, accommodation, and meals – total value around £40,000 per year.
- Additional support: HMC Projects offers guidance and support during the two years of study.
Financial Eligibility
- Full Scholarships: Reserved for students whose parents’ combined net annual income is £30,000 or less.
- Reduced Fee Scholarships: Available for families whose combined net annual income exceeds £30,000, but is no higher than £50,000.
Please note that all scholarships are competitive, and a high standard of academic and personal qualities is expected from all applicants.
Costs and Contributions
While the scholarship covers most major costs, families should be aware of some additional expenses:
- Administrative Fee: £750 (for 2025–2026 academic year, for full scholarship recipients)
- Travel: Students are responsible for all flights and travel to/from the UK and their school, including at least three return trips per year.
- Visa and Insurance: Costs must be covered by the student.
- Optional travel: Additional return trips during half-term breaks are optional but at the student’s own expense.
- Guardianship: Schools may insist on the use of an educational guardianship agency.
For more detail, please refer to our Expenses Calculator document available below in the Further Information and Resources section.
In exceptional cases, limited financial assistance may be available upon submission of appropriate documentation.
Further Information and Resources
Before applying, please review the following resources provided by HMC Projects. These documents will help applicants and parents understand the academic options, financial considerations, and practical requirements of the programme:
General Information for Applicants
An overview of the scholarship, the schools involved, and what to expect.
Choosing Subjects to Study in the UK Education System
A detailed guide to subject choices in Years 12–13. Updated for 2025 – essential reading before selecting courses.
Information for Parents of Applicants – Romania
Key details for families on how the programme works, what to prepare, and what support is available.
Expenses Calculator
A practical tool to help families estimate additional costs not covered by the scholarship.
Ready to Apply?
If you’re interested in applying for a life-changing educational experience through the HMC Projects Scholarship Programme, please click here to register and apply or contact us at [email protected] for more details.