For the 2026-2027 academic session, up to 200 scholarships are offered by 49 universities across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. British Council Funded GREAT Scholarships offer students from 14 countries the opportunity to receive £10,000 towards their tuition fees for a wide range of one-year taught postgraduate courses.
Each scholarship is jointly funded by the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign and the British Council with participating UK higher education institutions.
Scholarship Sponsor(s): British Council
Scholarship Type: Partial Funding
Host Institution(s): Institutions in UK
Scholarship Worth: £10,000
Number of Awards: Several
Study Level: Postgraduate (Masters)
Nationality: International Students
About British Council Funded GREAT Scholarship 2026
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the British Council Funded GREAT Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a citizen of an eligible country
- Have an undergraduate degree, be motivated, and have an interest in the proposed subject area
- Meet the English language requirement of the UK HEI
- Establish an engagement with the UK as a scholar, through personal and academic fulfilment
- Be willing to attend a networking event of all UK-based GREAT scholars, to discuss experiences and capture perceptions of studying in the UK
- Be willing to maintain contact with the British Council and their HEI and act as an ambassador for the GREAT Scholarships
- As an alumnus of the GREAT Scholarships, be willing occasionally to speak to potential candidates about my own experience of studying in the UK.
- GREAT Scholarships are available to students from the following countries: Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam.
Application Procedures
How-to-Apply: Interested applicants for the British Council Funded GREAT Scholarships 2026/2027 are to visit the participating university’s page to find out more information and then follow the link through to the university’s website.
Applicants are then to proceed to apply for individual scholarships following the instructions given on each university’s scholarship webpages.
Application Deadline: Deadline varies according to each institution
Visit the Official Website for Further Details
FAQs
1. What is the GREAT Scholarship and who is eligible to apply?
The GREAT Scholarship is a funding initiative supported by the British Council in collaboration with UK universities to help international students pursue postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom. Eligible applicants are typically high-achieving students from selected countries who meet the academic and English language requirements of their chosen UK institution. Most scholarships target students in fields such as business, engineering, science, and technology, but eligibility can vary by university.
2. How do I apply for the GREAT Scholarship?
Applicants must first secure an offer of admission from a participating UK university. Once you have an unconditional or conditional offer, you can apply for the scholarship through the university’s scholarship portal or the British Council website. The application generally requires:
Academic transcripts and certificates
Personal statement or essay explaining your motivation and career goals
References or recommendation letters
Proof of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL)
Applications must be submitted before the scholarship deadline, which varies by university.
3. What does the GREAT Scholarship cover?
The scholarship typically provides partial or full tuition fee coverage, depending on the program and university. Some scholarships may also include allowances for living expenses, travel, or study materials, but this varies per institution. Applicants should carefully check the specific terms offered by the university they are applying to.
4. When are the application deadlines and how long does the selection process take?
Application deadlines for GREAT Scholarships usually fall between October and March, depending on the university and program. After submission, universities review applications and may conduct interviews or request additional documents. Successful candidates are usually notified within 4 to 8 weeks after the application deadline. It is recommended to apply as early as possible to maximize your chances.