The GREAT Scholarships programme offers international students the opportunity to study in the United Kingdom with £10,000 in tuition fee support for selected one-year postgraduate taught courses. For the 2026–27 academic year, more than 140 scholarships are available across over 60 UK universities, covering institutions in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
The scheme is designed to make UK higher education more accessible while strengthening academic and cultural ties between the UK and partner countries.
What are GREAT Scholarships?
GREAT Scholarships are jointly funded by the GREAT Britain Campaign and the British Council, in partnership with participating UK universities.
Each scholarship provides:
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£10,000 toward tuition fees
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Coverage for one-year taught postgraduate programmes
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Access to exclusive networking and academic engagement events
All selected scholars are invited to:
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A welcome event during the first semester
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A networking event in the second semester
These activities are designed to help students build professional connections and integrate into the UK academic community.
Also Read: Eligible countries for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
Who can apply?
The GREAT Scholarships are open to students who are citizens of one of the following countries:
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Bangladesh
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China
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Egypt
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France
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Ghana
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Greece
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India
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Indonesia
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Italy
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Kenya
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Malaysia
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Mexico
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Nigeria
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Pakistan
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Spain
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Thailand
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Turkey
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Vietnam
Each country has a dedicated page listing eligible universities, available courses, and application instructions specific to that nationality.
Eligibility criteria
To be considered for a GREAT Scholarship, applicants must generally:
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Hold a passport from an eligible country
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Have an offer of admission for a participating UK university and course
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Meet the academic entry requirements of the chosen programme
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Be willing to act as a GREAT ambassador, engaging in alumni and promotional activities
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Be available to attend mandatory scholar networking events
Additional requirements may vary by university and course.
What courses are covered?
GREAT Scholarships apply only to specific postgraduate taught programmes selected by participating universities. These typically include fields such as:
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Business and management
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Engineering and technology
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Computer science and data-related disciplines
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Social sciences and public policy
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Creative industries
Course availability varies by university and country, so applicants are advised to consult their country-specific scholarship listings.
How to apply: step-by-step
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Choose your course and university
Apply directly to a UK university offering GREAT Scholarships for your country. -
Secure an offer of admission
You must receive either a conditional or unconditional offer. -
Apply for the GREAT Scholarship
Submit a separate scholarship application through the university’s scholarship page. -
Meet university deadlines
Each institution sets its own deadline and selection process. -
Accept the scholarship offer
Successful candidates must formally accept within the given timeframe.
Deadlines to remember
There is no single universal deadline for GREAT Scholarships.
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Application deadlines vary by university
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Most deadlines typically fall between April and May 2026
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Early course application is strongly recommended
Applicants should regularly check official university websites for updated timelines.
Why GREAT Scholarships matter
GREAT Scholarships offer more than financial assistance. They provide:
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Direct access to world-class UK education
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Professional and academic networking opportunities
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A pathway to long-term global career growth
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Membership in an international alumni network
For students from developing and emerging economies, the programme serves as a strategic bridge between academic excellence and global employability.
Final note for applicants
Students are advised to:
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Apply early to their chosen universities
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Carefully review country-specific eligibility details
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Prepare academic and supporting documents in advance
The GREAT Scholarships 2026–27 remain one of the most accessible and competitive funding opportunities for international postgraduate students aiming to study in the UK.
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