Nottingham Global Scholarships

Overview

The Nottingham Global Scholarships are merit-based entrance awards from the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) for high-achieving international undergraduate applicants. UNNC was the first Sino-foreign university approved in China. It teaches a British-style curriculum entirely in English and awards University of Nottingham degrees that are recognised worldwide.

These awards reward your results at the point of entry. They come in three tiers — Full, Half and Quarter — each tied to how strong your qualifying results are, and each cutting the cost of your first year.

This guide walks through how the scheme works, who qualifies, what each tier is worth and how to apply. Figures and deadlines can shift between cycles, so values are given approximately where that's the case. Confirm them on the official UNNC fees and scholarships page before you rely on them.

Key Facts at a Glance

• University: University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC)
• Location: Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China
• Award name: Nottingham Global Scholarships
• Type: Merit-based entrance (entry) scholarship
• Level: International undergraduate applicants
• Language of instruction: English
• Full tier: 100% of first-year tuition (approximately RMB 110,000)
• Half tier: 50% of first-year tuition (approximately RMB 55,000)
• Quarter tier: 25% of first-year tuition (approximately RMB 27,500)
• Coverage period: First year of study only
• Full tier requirement: A separate scholarship application form must be submitted
• Deferral: Awards are generally not deferred to a later academic year
• Typical deadline: Around late May each year
• Official page: nottingham.edu.cn (Fees and Scholarships, International)

Eligibility Criteria

The scholarships are for full-time international undergraduate applicants who have submitted an application to UNNC and meet the academic bar for one of the three tiers. Because the award is merit-based, the tier you're offered comes down to the strength of your qualifying exam results.

• Applicant status: You need to be a full-time overseas undergraduate applicant with a submitted UNNC application.
• Academic merit: Each tier is linked to a minimum standard in recognised qualifications such as A-levels, the IB or iGCSE. The Full tier asks for the highest results; the Quarter tier has the most accessible threshold.
• Tier mapping: Better grades move you to a more generous tier. The exact grade combinations are published officially, so check them for your route and intake.
• Entry route: Thresholds can differ depending on whether you're entering the preliminary year, qualifying year or a later stage. Confirm the one that matches your route.

Grade requirements can be revised between cycles, so treat the tier descriptions here as guidance and check the current thresholds on the official UNNC page before you apply.

Scholarship Benefits

The benefit is a cut in first-year tuition, scaled across three tiers. If you've already paid first-year tuition, the relevant portion is usually refunded.

• Full Scholarship: 100% of first-year tuition, approximately RMB 110,000.
• Half Scholarship: 50% of first-year tuition, approximately RMB 55,000.
• Quarter Scholarship: 25% of first-year tuition, approximately RMB 27,500.

Two things to keep in mind. The award covers the first year only and doesn't roll on automatically into later years. And it generally isn't deferred, so if you push your entry to a later academic year the award typically won't carry over. The RMB figures track the first-year international tuition fee, which moves year to year, so confirm the current numbers on the official page.

How to Apply

The scholarship is tied to your undergraduate application to UNNC. You apply for admission first, then make sure you've met the requirements for the tier you're aiming at.

• Step 1 — Apply for admission: Submit a full-time undergraduate application through UNNC's Application Hub.
• Step 2 — Check the tier thresholds: Measure your qualifications against the published grade requirements for the Full, Half and Quarter tiers.
• Step 3 — Submit the scholarship form (Full tier): The Full tier needs a separate form. Download it from the official page, fill it in, and submit it through the Application Hub before the deadline.
• Step 4 — Meet the deadline: Get all your materials in by the annual deadline, usually around late May.
• Step 5 — Await assessment: UNNC assesses eligibility from your application and results, and confirms any award as part of your offer.

If you're going for the Full tier, don't forget the separate form. Miss it and you can miss the top award even with strong grades.

Required Documents

UNNC admissions sets the exact requirements, but international applicants should generally be ready with the following. Confirm the definitive list on the official page and in the Application Hub.

• A completed UNNC undergraduate application
• The separate Nottingham Global Scholarship application form (for the Full tier)
• Official transcripts and predicted or achieved results (A-level, IB, iGCSE or equivalent)
• Evidence of English language proficiency as required for entry
• A copy of the photo page of your passport
• A personal or supporting statement, where requested
• Any extra documents specified for your entry route

Important Dates & Deadlines

The scholarship runs on an annual cycle that lines up with undergraduate admissions. The date to watch is the scholarship deadline, which usually lands around late May.

• Scholarship deadline: Around late May each year (often near the end of May). Confirm the exact date for your intake.
• Application window: Undergraduate applications generally open well ahead of the deadline. Apply early so you have time for the scholarship form.
• Offers and awards: Scholarship outcomes are usually confirmed as part of the admissions process after assessment.

Since the award isn't normally deferred, plan to start in the year you intend.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Push your qualifying grades. Tiers come down to results, so stronger grades move you to a more valuable award.
• Don't skip the Full-tier form. The top award needs a separate form. Submit it even if the rest of your application is done.
• Confirm the threshold for your route. Requirements differ between preliminary, qualifying and later-year entry, so check the figures that apply to you.
• Apply early. Getting in ahead of the late-May deadline leaves buffer for document and portal problems.
• Keep your evidence consistent. Make sure the results on your form match your transcripts and predicted grades.
• Plan your start year. The award generally isn't deferred, so only apply for an intake you mean to begin.
• Ask admissions when unsure. Clear up any doubt about tiers, routes or documents before the deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the Nottingham Global Scholarship cover?

It cuts your first-year tuition. The Full tier covers 100% (around RMB 110,000), the Half tier 50% (around RMB 55,000) and the Quarter tier 25% (around RMB 27,500).

Q: Does it continue beyond the first year?

No. It applies to the first year only and doesn't carry on automatically into later years.

Q: How are the tiers decided?

By merit, based on your qualifying results in recognised qualifications like A-levels, IB or iGCSE. Higher grades qualify you for a more generous tier.

Q: Do I need a separate form?

For the Full tier, yes — a separate form submitted through the Application Hub. Check the official page for the exact requirements at each tier.

Q: Can I defer the scholarship to next year?

Generally no. It's typically not deferred, so plan to begin in your intended intake.

Q: When is the deadline?

Usually around late May each year. Confirm the precise date for your intake on the official UNNC page.

Related Scholarships

If you're applying to UNNC, it's worth looking at other funding alongside this scheme:

• UNNC subject or faculty awards: Some schools and faculties offer their own scholarships or bursaries for strong applicants.
• Country- or region-specific awards: Targeted scholarships are sometimes available for applicants from particular countries or regions.
• Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC): A national scheme supporting international students at participating universities in China.
• Provincial and municipal scholarships: Awards from provincial or city governments for international students in their region.

Eligibility, value and deadlines vary by scheme, so check each one carefully.