The GREAT Scholarship 2026-27 offers international postgraduate students GBP 10,000(approximately INR 12.43L) towards tuition fees for one-year taught Master’s degrees at over 60 UK universities. It is jointly funded by the UK Government’s GREAT Britain Campaign and the British Council to support global academic talent.
Designed to attract students from selected countries, the programme promotes academic excellence, cultural exchange, and long-term engagement with the UK. While the funding remains consistent, eligibility criteria, application processes, and deadlines may vary across participating universities offering the scholarship.
Who is Eligible for the GREAT Scholarship 2026?
If you are planning to pursue a postgraduate degree in the UK, the first step is to check whether you meet the eligibility requirements for the GREAT Scholarship.
The scholarship is intended for academically strong international students who wish to study at participating UK universities and demonstrate the potential to contribute positively to their chosen field.
Along with this, there are a few important criteria you need to meet, which are listed below:
A. Academic Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must generally meet the following conditions:
You must hold an undergraduate degree
You should demonstrate academic excellence and motivation in your chosen field of study
You must apply for an eligible postgraduate taught program at a participating UK university
You must meet the admission requirements of the chosen institution
You must satisfy the English language requirements set by the university
B. Country Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the GREAT Scholarship:
You must be a citizen and resident of a country participating in the GREAT Scholarships program
You must apply through a university offering the scholarship for your country
You should meet any country-specific requirements set by the university or British Council
Who cannot apply for the GREAT Scholarship?
You may not be eligible for the scholarship in the following cases:
You are not from a participating country
You are not applying to a participating UK university
You do not meet the admission requirements of the chosen university
You fail to meet the English language requirements
You are not applying for an eligible postgraduate taught course
Benefits of the GREAT Scholarship
This scholarship offers valuable financial support to international students by providing at least GBP 10,000(approximately INR 12.43L) towards tuition fees for one-year postgraduate courses. It helps make UK education more accessible while enhancing academic and global career opportunities for deserving candidates.
The scholarship provides the following benefits:
Scholarship Benefit
Coverage in the GREAT Scholarship
Tuition Fee Support
Minimum GBP 10,000 (approximately INR 12.43L)
Study Level
Postgraduate Taught (Master's)
Duration
One-year postgraduate course
Funding Source
UK Government's GREAT Britain Campaign and participating UK universities
Study Destination
United Kingdom
The scholarship amount is awarded through participating universities and is applied towards tuition fees.
Apart from financial support, scholars gain access to international academic opportunities and become part of a growing community of GREAT Scholarship recipients.
Applying for this scholarship is a straightforward process carried out through participating UK universities. Since there is no central application system, candidates must apply alongside their chosen course at the university.
Each university sets its own application process, requirements, and deadlines. Applicants are automatically considered or may need to submit a separate scholarship application, depending on the university.
Here is the step-by-step procedure for applying to the GREAT Scholarship 2026:
Step 1: Choose a Participating University
Visit the official GREAT Scholarships website and identify universities offering scholarships for your country.
Step 2: Select an Eligible Course
Choose an eligible one-year postgraduate taught program offered by the university.
Step 3: Apply for Admission
Apply for admission through the university's official application portal.
Step 4: Apply for the Scholarship
Follow the scholarship application instructions provided on the university's scholarship webpage.
Step 5: Submit Required Documents
Upload all supporting documents and complete the application before the university's deadline.
Once everything looks correct, click on “Submit” to complete your application.
Applicants need to submit a set of key documents to support their scholarship application. These documents help universities evaluate academic background, eligibility, and overall suitability for the scholarship.
Applicants are generally required to submit the following documents:
Valid passport
Academic transcripts and certificates
Undergraduate degree certificate
Updated CV or resume
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
English language proficiency test scores (if required)
Letters of recommendation (if required)
Scholarship essay or personal statement (if required by the university)
Note: Make sure all documents are clear, valid, and match the details you enter in the application form.
This scholarship does not follow a single application deadline for all applicants. Instead, timelines vary based on the university offering the scholarship and the course you choose.
Below is how the application timeline works:
Scholarship applications usually open after university admission cycles begin.
Deadlines vary across universities depending on their academic calendar and course intake.
Applicants must follow the specific timeline set by their chosen university.
Selected candidates are informed directly by the respective university.
Scholarship funding is typically confirmed after successful enrolment at the university.
Due to this university-specific approach, applicants should regularly check the official scholarship page of their chosen institution to stay updated on deadlines and requirements.
GREAT Scholarship Selection Process
The selection process is conducted by participating UK universities, each following its own evaluation criteria. Applicants are assessed based on academic merit, motivation, and overall application quality, with final selection decisions made independently by the respective university.
Here is the detailed description of the process involved in the selection of scholars:
Academic Assessment: Candidates are evaluated based on academic performance and suitability for the chosen program.
Scholarship Evaluation: Applications are assessed for motivation, future goals, and potential contribution to the scholarship program.
Candidate Selection: Universities identify the most competitive applicants based on their scholarship criteria.
Scholarship Award: Selected candidates receive official scholarship offers from their university.
Scholarship funding is issued by the university after registration and enrolment.
How to Check GREAT Scholarship Status?
Applicants can check their scholarship status through the university’s application system, where they submitted their admission form. It allows them to stay informed about both admission outcomes and scholarship decisions throughout the process.
Here are the steps:
Step 1: Log in to the University Portal
Access the application portal using your registered credentials.
Step 2: Review Application Updates
Check the latest status of your admission and scholarship application.
Step 3: Monitor Email Notifications
Universities generally communicate scholarship decisions through email.
Step 4: Follow Further Instructions
If selected, complete any additional requirements communicated by the university.
Common Reasons for Rejection of GREAT Scholarship
The scholarship is competitive, and applicants must meet both university and scholarship-specific requirements. Even eligible candidates may face rejection if their application does not clearly demonstrate academic strength, motivation, and completeness.
Applications may be unsuccessful for several reasons, including:
Not Meeting Admission Requirements: Failure to meet the chosen university’s eligibility criteria leads to immediate application rejection.
Not Meeting English Language Criteria: Applicants without the required English test scores may be considered ineligible for the program.
Weak Academic Profile: Low academic performance compared to other applicants reduces chances of scholarship selection significantly.
Incomplete Application Submission: Missing details or unfinished sections can result in rejection during the initial screening stage.
Missing or Incorrect Documents: Incorrect or absent supporting documents weaken credibility and may lead to disqualification.
Weak Personal Statement: A poorly written essay fails to highlight achievements, goals, and suitability for the scholarship.
Lack of Clear Motivation: Not clearly explaining course choice or career goals reduces overall application impact.
Missing Application Deadline: Submitting applications after the deadline leads to automatic rejection regardless of applicant quality.
Conclusion
The GREAT Scholarship 2026 offers international students an excellent opportunity to pursue postgraduate education in the UK with financial support of at least GBP 10,000(approximately INR 12.43L) towards tuition fees offered across participating countries such as India, China, France and more.
Through a partnership between the UK Government's GREAT Britain Campaign, the British Council, and participating universities, the program helps talented students access world-class education while building meaningful academic and professional connections with the UK.
For eligible students, applying early and meeting all university-specific requirements can significantly improve the chances of receiving this prestigious scholarship.
The GREAT Scholarship 2026-27 is a UK government-backed scholarship program that provides a minimum of GBP 10,000(approximately INR 12.43L) towards tuition fees for eligible international students pursuing one-year postgraduate taught courses at participating UK universities.
Who is eligible for the GREAT Scholarship UK?
The scholarship is open to students from selected participating countries who have an undergraduate degree, meet the admission requirements of a participating UK university, and apply for an eligible postgraduate taught program.
Which countries are eligible for the GREAT Scholarship 2026?
The GREAT Scholarship is available to students from selected countries such as India, China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Egypt, Turkey, Mexico, and several others. The final list varies by university and scholarship cycle.
How much is the GREAT Scholarship worth?
The GREAT Scholarship provides a minimum award of GBP 10,000(approximately INR 12.43L) towards tuition fees. The funding is applied directly to tuition costs and is offered for eligible one-year postgraduate taught programs.
What is the last date to apply for the GREAT Scholarship 2026?
There is no single deadline for the GREAT Scholarship. Each participating university sets its own application timeline and closing date, so students should regularly check the scholarship page of their chosen institution.
Can I get a 100% scholarship to study in the UK?
Yes, some UK scholarships are fully funded and may cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel, and visa costs. Popular examples include Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, and selected university-specific funding programs.
Which scholarship is available in the UK for international students in 2026?
International students can apply for several scholarships, including GREAT Scholarships, Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, Rhodes Scholarships, and university-specific merit awards. Eligibility and funding amounts vary across different scholarship programs.
Which universities offer the GREAT Scholarship?
More than 60 UK universities participate in the GREAT Scholarship programme. These include institutions such as the University of Warwick, University of Nottingham, University of Manchester, Newcastle University, and University of Bristol, among many others.
What is the biggest scholarship you can get to study abroad?
Some of the largest study-abroad scholarships are fully funded awards covering tuition, living expenses, travel, insurance, and research costs. Examples include Chevening, Commonwealth, Rhodes, Fulbright, and Gates Cambridge Scholarships.
Is INR 20 lakh enough to study in the UK with a scholarship?
In many cases, yes. If you receive a scholarship such as the GREAT Scholarship that reduces tuition costs, INR 20 lakh may be sufficient for tuition and part of your living expenses, depending on the university and city.
What is the lowest grade needed to get a scholarship in the UK?
There is no universal minimum grade requirement. While competitive scholarships often prefer strong academic records, many universities also consider leadership experience, extracurricular achievements, personal statements, and overall application quality during selection.
upGrad Abroad Editorial Team |4627 articles published
We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education ...
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