Start your research early. Though there are a number of scholarships and/or grants for graduate study, many have early deadlines or specific qualifications. There will be more than an adequate number of competitors, so the earlier one begins the process, the better. Research the site studyabroadfunding.org/United_Kingdom/. There are a number of listings for graduate assistance for study in the U.K. Some are grants, scholarships or full fellowships. Again, begin your research early and allow yourself time to submit a quality application.
Fill out the Free Application for Financial Aid or FAFSA. This is the standard form used for American colleges, but is also acceptable at a large number of foreign institutions. If hoping to study abroad in the United Kingdom, which includes England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, filling out a FAFSA should be one of the first steps. If grants are not available, loans are generally available.
Fill out the form as you would normally, but remember to send the results to the schools in which you are interested. You can do this later, but the process will go quicker if the schools receive your results immediately. Processing times may vary at overseas institutions, and some school terms differ from those in the U.S. Contact the institution's financial aid department for additional information.
Word-of-mouth is always a method of discovering leads for a number of circumstances. If attending you want to attend a program as an extension of a program in which you are enrolled, contact your current admissions office. Many schools have literature or experience in working with schools abroad. The United Kingdom is particularly popular, since there is an immediate familiarity with the culture, and many schools in the U.K. offer specific grant opportunities for students from the United States.
Speak to others who have studied in the United Kingdom, if possible. Contact your current institution or your past one, and attempt to gain hints from someone who's been through the process. If that fails, research study abroad services in the United States. Some also have offerings on YouTube, allowing one to hear about various experiences from students who've returned or are currently abroad. Remember, however, that this should only be a guide, as everyone's experiences varies, and should not necessarily be a deterrent to studying abroad.