Nottingham Developing Solutions Masters Scholarship

Overview

The Nottingham Developing Solutions Masters Scholarship helps talented students from Africa, South Asia and selected Commonwealth countries study a one-year master's degree at the University of Nottingham in the UK. It exists to support people who want to go home and help develop their country, so the selection process cares as much about your ideas for change as your grades. Each award covers either 50% or 100% of your tuition fees for the first year of your course.

What makes this scholarship different from a straight academic award is its focus on impact. You're asked to show a clear vision and a tangible plan for solving a real problem back home, whether that's economic, environmental, social, political or structural. The stronger the link between what you'll learn on your course and what you plan to do with it, the stronger your case.

The scholarship is open across four faculties: Engineering, Medicine and Health Sciences, Science, and Social Sciences. If you already have an offer for a full-time master's in one of these areas and you're classed as an overseas student for fee purposes, this is one of the most generous routes into a Nottingham postgraduate degree.

Key Facts at a Glance

Detail	Information
Funding Body	University of Nottingham
Host Country	United Kingdom
Degree Levels	Master's (including MRes)
Value	50% or 100% of full-time master's tuition fees (year one)
Deadline	Annual cycle for September entry; applications typically close in spring
Eligible Nationalities	Students domiciled in Africa, South Asia and selected Commonwealth nations
Official Website	Developing Solutions Masters Scholarship

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

You need a confirmed offer for a full-time master's degree, including an MRes, starting in September in one of the eligible faculties: Engineering, Medicine and Health Sciences, Science, or Social Sciences. You should not already be a current or former University of Nottingham student. As a rule you also shouldn't have completed an undergraduate or postgraduate degree outside your home country, though Nottingham reviews some cases individually where prior study took place in another eligible country.

Nationality Requirements

You must be domiciled in one of the eligible countries across Africa, South Asia and the selected Commonwealth list. The list covers every African nation plus countries such as Bangladesh, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla and others. Check the official page for the full, current list before you apply, since eligibility is tied to where you live, not only your citizenship.

Language Requirements

Because this is a tuition scholarship rather than an admissions route, you meet the English language requirement through your master's offer itself. That usually means an accepted IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent score at the level your specific course demands. Make sure your offer is unconditional on language before the scholarship outcome stage.

Age & Other Requirements

You need to be classified as an overseas student for fee purposes, and you must not currently be studying in the UK. There's no published age limit. The funding applies to one year, so if you hold an offer for a two-year master's you can still apply, but the award only covers the first year.

What the Scholarship Covers

• A 50% or 100% reduction in your full-time master's tuition fees for the first year of study.
• Coverage that applies to taught master's degrees and MRes programmes in the four eligible faculties.
• If you're offered more than one University award, the highest-value scholarship is applied so you get the best outcome.

The award is a tuition fee reduction only. It does not include a living stipend, travel or accommodation, so you'll need to plan for those costs separately, especially if you receive the 50% award.

How to Apply

1. Secure your master's offer first. Apply for and receive an offer for an eligible full-time master's at Nottingham before you start the scholarship application, since you need to provide your applicant or student ID.
2. Read the current scholarship page. Confirm your country is on the eligible list, that your course faculty qualifies, and that you meet the overseas fee status condition.
3. Prepare your development plan. Draft a clear statement describing a specific problem in your home country and your tangible plan to help solve it, linking it to what you'll study.
4. Complete the online scholarship application. Fill in the dedicated Developing Solutions form, attaching your supporting statement and any required details about your course.
5. Submit before the deadline. Send your application well ahead of the spring closing date, then watch your email for the outcome, which Nottingham typically issues by late May.

Required Documents

• Your University of Nottingham applicant or student ID number.
• Evidence of your offer for an eligible full-time master's course.
• A supporting statement setting out your development vision and plan for your home country.
• Proof of your domicile and overseas fee status, if requested.
• Details of your academic background to confirm eligibility.

Key Dates & Deadlines

The scholarship runs on an annual cycle tied to September entry. Applications usually open in the winter and close in the spring, with successful applicants typically notified by the end of May. Exact dates shift each year, so confirm the current deadline on the official page before you plan your application. You'll need an offer in hand before the scholarship deadline, so start your course application early.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Name a specific, real problem in your home country rather than a broad theme.
• Spell out a concrete plan and timeline for how you'll act on it after graduating.
• Tie your plan directly to modules and skills from your chosen course.
• Show what you've already done in your community to make your intent credible.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Writing a generic personal statement that could apply to any scholarship.
• Leaving your course offer until the last minute and missing the scholarship deadline.
• Applying for a course or faculty that isn't on the eligible list.
• Ignoring living-cost planning, especially if you only receive the 50% award.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the Nottingham Developing Solutions Masters Scholarship?

You're eligible if you're domiciled in an eligible African, South Asian or selected Commonwealth country, classed as an overseas student for fees, and hold an offer for an eligible full-time master's at Nottingham in Engineering, Medicine and Health Sciences, Science or Social Sciences.

How much is the Nottingham Developing Solutions Masters Scholarship worth?

Each award covers either 50% or 100% of your full-time master's tuition fees for the first year of study. It doesn't include living costs, travel or accommodation.

What degree levels does the Nottingham Developing Solutions Masters Scholarship cover?

It covers one-year full-time taught master's degrees and MRes programmes. If your master's lasts two years you can still apply, but the funding only covers year one.

Does the Nottingham Developing Solutions Masters Scholarship include living costs?

No. It's a tuition fee reduction only, so you'll need to budget separately for accommodation, living expenses and travel.

Do I need an offer before applying for the Nottingham Developing Solutions Masters Scholarship?

Yes. You need to have applied for an eligible master's and received your applicant or student ID before you submit the scholarship application.

Which subjects qualify for the Nottingham Developing Solutions Masters Scholarship?

Master's courses in four faculties qualify: Engineering, Medicine and Health Sciences, Science, and Social Sciences. Check that your specific course sits within one of these before applying.

Can current University of Nottingham students apply for the Developing Solutions Masters Scholarship?

No. Current and former University of Nottingham students aren't eligible, and you generally must not already be studying in the UK.

How are Nottingham Developing Solutions Masters Scholarship winners chosen?

Selection focuses on your vision and tangible plan to develop a specific solution for a challenge in your home country, and how well that connects to your course's learning outcomes.

When is the Nottingham Developing Solutions Masters Scholarship deadline?

The scholarship runs annually for September entry and usually closes in spring. Confirm the exact current date on the official page, since it changes each year.

Can I combine the Nottingham Developing Solutions Masters Scholarship with other awards?

It can't be combined with other University of Nottingham awards. If you're offered more than one, the highest-value scholarship is the one applied to your fees.

When will I find out the result of my Nottingham Developing Solutions Masters Scholarship application?

Outcomes are typically sent to applicants by the end of May, ahead of September entry. Watch the email account you used to apply.