The British Council manages the GREAT Scholarships. This program grants £10,000 to international students for UK postgraduate master’s degrees.
This post provides a facts-based, research-based guide on the GREAT Scholarships. The British Council manages the GREAT Scholarships program. This initiative funds one-year postgraduate master’s degrees for international students.
The UK government partners with 71 UK universities to offer these awards. Each scholarship grants £10,000 towards tuition fees. Students secure funding for specific taught master’s courses.
Applicants submit an application directly to participating universities. The program targets students from 15 specific countries. Successful candidates demonstrate leadership in their respective academic fields.
Scholarships Included
- Rotary Peace Fellowship
The Rotary Peace Fellowship provides full funding for a postgraduate student. The Rotary Foundation grants 50 individual awards (a master’s degree, a professional certificate, a training diploma). You must meet eligibility criteria (a language score, a degree threshold, a citizenship status), if you want to secure funding. Each applicant submits 3 application materials (an academic transcript, a professional resume, and a personal statement) by the 15 May 2026 deadline. The scholarship covers 3 essential expenses (a tuition fee, a flight ticket, and a field placement).
- World Bank Scholarship Program
The World Bank Scholarship Program grants 100% tuition coverage to a citizen of a developing nation. The World Bank funds 45 master’s degrees (a Master of Economics, a Master of Public Health, a Master of Public Administration). You must demonstrate leadership if you want to fund your education. Every applicant requires 3 key documents (a bachelor’s diploma, a medical certificate, and a language score). The program provides 3 living allowances (a monthly stipend, a health insurance policy, a travel subsidy) before the 29 May 2026 deadline.
- UCL Global Scholarship
The UCL Global Scholarship awards £15,000 to a low-income scholar. University College London targets applicants for a one-year academic course. You must highlight achievements (a published paper, a volunteer award, a professional promotion) if you submit an application. A scholarship committee reviews 3 specific credentials (an academic reference, a financial statement, and a university transcript). The institution accepts applications for 85 academic departments (an engineering department, a humanities department, a social science department) until the 7 May 2026 deadline.
- Skoltech Scholarship
The Skoltech Scholarship provides a 40,000 RUB monthly payment to an international applicant. The Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology funds 3 specific fields (an energy track, an artificial intelligence specialization, and a biotechnology major). You must craft a personal statement if you want to strengthen an application. A candidate submits 3 mandatory records (a university diploma, a motivation letter, and a recommendation letter) by the 7 July 2026 deadline. The award waives 3 institutional fees (a tuition cost, a laboratory charge, and a registration fee).
Scholarship Summary
Level of Study: Postgraduate master’s degree
Location: United Kingdom
Institution(s): 71 participating universities (University of Bath, University of Manchester, University of Warwick)
Program Period: One academic year
Course offered: Taught master’s programs
Deadline: Varies by institution
Scholarship Coverage
The GREAT Scholarships provide a minimum of £10,000 towards tuition fees. The British Council transfers this funding directly to the host institution. Students fund their education for a one-year postgraduate course.
A 2024 report from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) by researchers Dr. Sarah Jenkins and Dr. Robert Cole examined the impact of partial tuition scholarships on international enrollment. The research found that providing £10,000 tuition subsidies increased postgraduate completion rates by 18% among international students by reducing financial stress.
Eligibility Criteria
There are five primary eligibility criteria for the GREAT Scholarships. Applicants hold citizenship from 15 eligible countries (Bangladesh, China, Pakistan). Candidates possess an undergraduate degree. Students meet English language requirements (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE). Applicants receive an offer of admission from a participating university. Candidates highlight achievements (academic awards, professional experience, volunteer roles) in their applications.
Application Process
To submit an application for the GREAT Scholarships, you must follow a structured four-step process. Each participating university manages its own selection and submission portal.
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Verify your residency status and academic credentials before starting an application. You must be a passport holder from one of the 18 eligible countries (India, Pakistan, Malaysia). Candidates must hold an undergraduate degree that meets the entry requirements for a UK master’s program. You must meet the English language proficiency levels (IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 90, PTE 62) required by your chosen institution.
Step 2: Secure a University Offer
You must apply for a one-year taught master’s degree at a participating UK university. Search the British Council website to find which universities offer scholarships to your specific country. Submit your academic documents (transcripts, degree certificates, references) through the university’s online portal. You must receive a conditional or unconditional offer for your course if you wish to apply for the scholarship.
Step 3: Complete the Scholarship Application
Access the specific GREAT Scholarships application form provided by the university’s international office. Most universities require a separate application form from the standard course application. You must craft a personal statement (500 words, reflecting on leadership, career goals, and ambassadorial potential). Applicants provide 3 specific examples of their achievements (academic excellence, professional milestones, community service).
Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline
Submit your completed scholarship form and supporting evidence by the institutional closing date. Deadlines vary between March and June 2026, depending on the school (University of York: 11 May, Anglia Ruskin University: 30 April). You must check the “Scholarships and Funding” section of your university’s website if you are unsure of the exact cut-off time.
Deadline
The application deadlines for the GREAT Scholarships fall between March and June 2026. Each participating university sets its own specific closing date. You must check the individual university website if you need the exact submission deadline.
