GREAT Scholarships 2026

Overview

GREAT Scholarships is a partnership between the UK government's GREAT Britain Campaign and the British Council, delivered with over 60 UK universities. It offers scholarships worth at least GBP 10,000 toward tuition fees for one-year postgraduate taught programmes. For 2026-27, more than 140 individual scholarships are available at universities across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, spanning a wide range of subjects.

The programme targets students from 18 eligible countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Each scholarship is administered by the participating university, so application processes, deadlines, and specific criteria vary by institution. This setup lets you apply directly to universities whose programmes match your goals.

GREAT Scholarships are partial awards that cut the cost of UK postgraduate study. They do not cover full tuition, but the GBP 10,000 minimum is a substantial contribution and can be stacked with other funding sources at most institutions. The programme has supported thousands of international students since it launched and continues to grow.

Key Facts at a Glance

Detail	Information
Funding Body	UK Government GREAT Britain Campaign and British Council, in partnership with participating UK universities
Host Country	United Kingdom
Degree Levels	Master's
Value	Minimum GBP 10,000 toward tuition fees (exact amount varies by university)
Deadline	February–May 2026
Duration	1 year (one-year postgraduate taught programme)
Eligible Nationalities	Citizens of 18 eligible countries: Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Ghana, Greece, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam, and select others depending on institution
Official Website	https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/scholarships-funding/great-scholarships

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

You need a completed undergraduate degree (bachelor's or equivalent) that meets the entry requirements for your chosen postgraduate programme. Strong academic credentials help, though minimum GPA requirements vary by institution.

Nationality Requirements

You must be a citizen and passport holder of one of the 18 eligible countries. The specific country list may vary slightly by university, so verify on the scholarship page of your chosen institution.

Language Requirements

You must meet the English language proficiency requirements of your chosen university, typically IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) or equivalent. Requirements vary by programme and institution.

Work Experience

No formal work experience requirement for most GREAT Scholarships. Some universities may weigh professional experience in their selection, especially for business and management programmes.

Other Requirements

You must be classified as an overseas student for fee purposes. You must not have previously studied in the UK on a government-funded scholarship. Some universities ask scholars to act as ambassadors for the GREAT Scholarships programme and stay in touch with the British Council after completing studies.

Scholarship Benefits

• At least GBP 10,000 off tuition fees for a one-year postgraduate taught programme
• Access to over 60 participating UK universities
• Wide range of eligible subjects across arts, sciences, engineering, business, and social sciences
• Available at universities across all four UK nations
• Membership of the GREAT Scholarships alumni network and British Council community
• Can be combined with other university-specific scholarships and funding at most institutions
• Networking opportunities with fellow GREAT Scholars from 18 countries

How to Apply

1. Verify your eligibility: Confirm you are a citizen of one of the 18 eligible countries and meet the academic entry requirements. Check the British Council GREAT Scholarships page for your country to see which universities offer awards to students from your nation.
2. Choose a university and programme: Browse the list of participating universities. Each one offers scholarships for specific programmes, so review the details on the institution's GREAT Scholarship page before applying.
3. Apply for admission to the university: Submit a standard application for your chosen postgraduate programme through the university's admissions portal. You will usually need to have applied or received an offer before the scholarship can consider you.
4. Submit the GREAT Scholarship application: Follow the instructions on the university's website. Some include the scholarship in the admissions process; others have a separate form. Deadlines vary by institution.
5. Provide supporting documents: Submit academic transcripts, proof of nationality, a personal statement or motivation letter, and evidence of English language proficiency. Requirements vary by university.
6. Await the outcome and accept your offer: The awarding university notifies selected candidates directly. If you win, follow the university's instructions to accept the scholarship and complete enrollment steps, including visa and accommodation.

Required Documents

• Valid passport from an eligible country
• Completed undergraduate degree certificate and transcripts
• Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent as required)
• Personal statement or motivation letter explaining your reasons for choosing the programme and how you will benefit from the scholarship
• Curriculum vitae or resume
• Academic or professional reference letters (number varies by university, typically 1-2)
• University admission application (submitted separately through the university's system)
• Passport-sized photograph (if required by the university)

Important Dates & Deadlines

Milestone	Date
Applications Open	October-November 2025 (varies by university)
Application Deadline	February-May 2026 (varies by university; check individual institution pages)
Results Announced	Varies by university (typically 4-8 weeks after the scholarship deadline)
Course Start	September-October 2026

Tips for a Strong Application

Personal Statement Tips

• Explain why you chose this specific university and programme. Show you have done genuine research.
• Describe how the UK postgraduate qualification will contribute to your career goals and your home country's development.
• Highlight leadership roles, community involvement, or professional achievements that set you apart.
• Show awareness of the GREAT brand values and explain how you would serve as an ambassador for UK education.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying after the university-specific deadline. Each institution sets its own closing date.
• Not checking whether the chosen programme is covered by the GREAT Scholarship at that university.
• Submitting a generic personal statement that does not mention the specific programme or university.
• Not verifying country eligibility for the specific university, since the eligible country list can vary by institution.
• Overlooking the requirement to apply for university admission separately from the scholarship.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the GREAT Scholarship worth?

At least GBP 10,000 toward tuition fees for a one-year postgraduate taught programme. Some universities offer more. It is a partial award and does not cover full tuition, living expenses, or travel.

Which countries are eligible for the GREAT Scholarships?

The 2026-27 programme covers 18 countries including Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Ghana, Greece, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam. The specific list may vary by university.

Can I apply to more than one university for a GREAT Scholarship?

You can apply to multiple participating universities since each manages its own scholarship. You can only accept one offer. Each application must follow that university's requirements and deadlines.

Is the GREAT Scholarship fully funded?

No. It is a partial tuition fee award of at least GBP 10,000. It does not cover full tuition, accommodation, living expenses, travel, or visa costs. You need to fund the rest through savings, other scholarships, or other sources.

Can I combine the GREAT Scholarship with other funding?

At most universities, yes. Many allow GREAT Scholars to hold other scholarships or bursaries alongside the award. Check with your chosen university to confirm.

Do I need a university offer before applying for the scholarship?

It depends on the university. Some require a conditional or unconditional offer first; others consider scholarship applications alongside admissions. Check your university's GREAT Scholarship page.

What level of study does the GREAT Scholarship cover?

One-year postgraduate taught programmes only (MA, MSc, MBA, LLM, etc.). Undergraduate, doctoral, and research-based postgraduate programmes are not covered.

When is the deadline to apply?

There is no single deadline. Each university sets its own, typically between February and May 2026. Check the scholarship page of your chosen university.

How are GREAT Scholars selected?

Criteria vary by university but typically include academic merit, quality of the personal statement, relevance of the programme to career goals, and potential to represent UK education. Some universities also interview candidates.

Do I have to return to my home country after completing my studies?

The programme encourages scholars to maintain British Council connections and promote UK education at home, but there is no formal requirement to return immediately. You are free to pursue further study or employment.

Related Scholarships

• Chevening Scholarship 2026
• Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2026
• Clarendon Scholarship 2026
• Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026
• Edinburgh Global Research Scholarship 2026