GREAT Scholarships UK stand as one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarship opportunities available to international students seeking to further their education in the United Kingdom. Unlike many scholarship programs that offer partial support, the GREAT Scholarships jointly funded by the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign and the British Council along with participating UK higher education institutions provide a significant financial award of at least £10,000 specifically toward tuition fees. As a result, the GREAT Scholarships UK have become a symbol of academic excellence and international partnership, offering talented students from 15 to 18 eligible countries access to world-class education at over 60 renowned universities across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
GREAT Scholarships UK are not merely a funding opportunity; they represent a life-changing experience that shapes global leaders, fosters international understanding, and builds bridges between the UK and the international community. With the GREAT Scholarships UK, students can immerse themselves in the UK’s vibrant academic culture while receiving exceptional education and substantial financial support for a one-year taught postgraduate course. The program plays a crucial role in promoting mutual understanding and academic exchange, attracting the brightest minds to contribute to the UK’s diverse research and professional environment. check: nus-scholarships
Beyond financial assistance, this scholarship opens doors to an extraordinary educational and cultural journey. It welcomes academically outstanding and highly motivated students to become part of a prestigious international network, engage with diverse perspectives, and study at some of the world’s most respected institutions. Moreover, the GREAT Scholarships UK support studies across virtually all academic disciplines including specialized strands for Justice and Law and Science and Technology. Through these opportunities, the program prepares students to become global ambassadors who contribute meaningfully to their home countries and the international community while building lasting connections with the United Kingdom. Check KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship 2026
Scholarship Summary
| Category | Details |
| Institution(s) | Over 60 participating UK Universities |
| Study in | United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) |
| Courses Offered | One-year taught Postgraduate (Master’s) degrees |
| Program Period | 1 Year |
| Scholarship Coverage | Minimum £10,000 toward tuition fees |
| Application Deadlines | Varies by university (typically April – June 2026) |
Types of GREAT Scholarships Awards
What financial benefits do the GREAT Scholarships UK offer to international students? The program is designed to ease the financial burden of high-quality education through direct fee reductions:
- Tuition Fee Subsidy: The core benefit is a minimum of £10,000 applied directly to the student’s tuition fees. Some universities, like Imperial College London, may offer higher values (up to £15,000).
- Subject-Specific Awards:
- Justice and Law Scholarships: In partnership with the Ministry of Justice, these specifically target students in fields like Human Rights, Criminal Justice, and Commercial Law.
- Science and Technology Scholarships: Dedicated awards for STEM subjects to promote innovation and research.
- Ambassadorial Role: Scholars are invited to exclusive welcome and networking events, providing a platform to discuss experiences and build a professional profile.
- Post-Study Networking: As alumni, scholars remain part of the British Council’s global network, gaining occasional opportunities to speak to future candidates and maintain engagement with the UK.
- Combined Funding: While most GREAT awards cannot be combined with other university-specific scholarships, they provide a high-value baseline that significantly lowers the cost of a prestigious UK degree.
Eligibility Criteria
What are the criteria for the GREAT Scholarships UK? Applicants must fulfill the following requirements:
- Citizenship: Must be a passport holder and resident of one of the eligible countries (e.g., Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Ghana, Greece, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam).
- Educational Background: Must hold an undergraduate degree that enables entry into a postgraduate program at a UK university (typically a 2:1 or higher).
- Admission Status: Applicants must have applied for and received an offer (conditional or unconditional) for an eligible one-year taught Master’s program at a participating UK university.
- Language Proficiency: Must meet the English language requirements of the specific UK university (e.g., IELTS 6.5 or 7.0).
- Scholar Profile: Candidates should be motivated, academically able, and willing to act as an ambassador for UK higher education.
- Work Experience: For certain subjects, being active in the field with relevant work experience or a proven interest is highly valued.
- Financial Status: Must be able to pay the remainder of the tuition fees and cover all living expenses during the one-year stay in the UK.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents as part of their application package (usually via the chosen university’s portal):
- Official University Offer Letter
- Academic Transcripts
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Scholarship Personal Statement
- Passport Copy
- English Proficiency Certificate
- References
Deadline
Application Window: Deadlines for the GREAT Scholarships UK are set individually by each participating university. Most application windows open in late 2025 and close between April and June 2026 for the September 2026 intake.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Step 1: Visit the official Study UK website to find which universities are offering scholarships for your specific country. here
- Step 2: Search for and apply to an eligible one-year taught Master’s program at a participating university.
- Step 3: Receive an offer of admission (either conditional or unconditional). Note that some universities require you to accept the offer before applying for the scholarship.
- Step 4: Navigate to the university’s specific scholarship webpage and complete the GREAT Scholarship application form.
- Step 5: Write a compelling personal statement that demonstrates your potential to contribute to your home country upon graduation.
- Step 6: Upload all required supporting documents, including your passport and transcripts.
- Step 7: Submit the scholarship application before the university-specific deadline.
- Step 8: Monitor your email for notification of the outcome (usually between June and July).
- Step 9: If successful, formally accept the award, pay any required deposits, and begin your UK student visa application.
