The British Council GREAT Scholarship is a prominent funding scheme for international students from 18 selected countries pursuing a one-year taught Master’s degree in the United Kingdom. Over 140 scholarships are available across 60+ participating UK universities for the 2026-27 academic year. Each award provides a minimum of £10,000 to £15,000 towards the tuition fees. The scholarship is jointly funded by the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign and the British Council. Eligibility requires applicants to be citizens of an eligible country, possess an undergraduate degree, meet the host university’s English language requirements, and be willing to serve as a GREAT Scholarships ambassador.
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British Council GREAT Scholarship 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | Over 60 UK Universities |
| Study Abroad | Study in UK (England, Wales, Scotland, N. Ireland) |
| Category | Postgraduate (Masters) Scholarship |
| Eligible Countries | 18 Specific Countries (e.g., China, India, Nigeria, Mexico) |
| Reward | £10,000 – £15,000 Towards Tuition Fees |
| Key Criteria | Undergraduate Degree, Citizenship of Eligible Country, Ambassadorial Commitment |
| Application Deadline | Varies by University |
The British Council GREAT Scholarship program offers a substantial financial contribution to students from 18 countries who wish to pursue a one-year taught postgraduate course in the United Kingdom. With over 140 awards distributed among 60+ universities across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, this scheme is a significant initiative co-funded by the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign and the British Council.
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The scholarship provides financial relief and, more importantly, invites successful scholars into a community of ambassadors tasked with sharing their UK study experience with the world.
Tier 1: Core Financial Award (£10,000 – £15,000 Contribution)
This tier outlines the maximum direct monetary value provided by the scholarship towards the cost of study.
- Significant Tuition Fee Contribution: Scholars receive an award ranging from £10,000 to £15,000 specifically directed towards their one-year taught postgraduate course tuition fees.
- Widespread University Access: The funding is distributed across over 60 participating UK universities, providing students with vast choices across all four nations of the UK.
- Joint Government/Council Funding: The financial backing is secured through a joint funding partnership between the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign and the British Council, highlighting its national importance.
Tier 2: Exclusive Networking and Community Engagement
This tier highlights the non-monetary, professional, and cultural benefits afforded to GREAT Scholars.
- Exclusive Welcome Event: Scholars are invited to an exclusive welcome event during the first semester, designed to initiate early networking opportunities with the entire UK-based GREAT scholar community.
- Professional Networking Event: A dedicated networking event is held in the second semester, allowing students to discuss their academic and personal experiences in the UK and build professional relationships.
- Academic and Personal Fulfillment: The scholarship encourages scholars to focus on establishing an engagement with the UK through personal and academic fulfillment.
Tier 3: Ambassadorial and Alumni Roles
This tier focuses on the responsibilities and long-term engagement required of all successful candidates.
- Ambassadorial Role: Scholars must be willing to act as an ambassador for the Scholarships programme, representing the British Council and their host university.
- Alumni Contact: As alumni of the programme, scholars are expected to maintain contact with the British Council and their HEI, and occasionally speak to potential candidates about their experience.
- Attendance Commitment: Scholars must be willing to attend the compulsory networking and welcome events specified by the British Council.
Eligibility Requirements for British Council GREAT Scholarship 2026
To be considered for the British GREAT Scholarship, applicants must satisfy the following core criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a citizen of one of the 18 eligible countries (e.g., China, India, Nigeria, Kenya, Mexico, etc.).
- Academic Degree: Must possess an undergraduate degree and demonstrate motivation and a clear interest in the proposed subject area.
- Study Status: Must be applying for a one-year taught postgraduate course at a participating UK Higher Education Institution (HEI).
- English Language: Must meet the English language requirement set by the specific UK HEI to which they are applying.
- Ambassadorial Commitment: Must agree to attend networking events, maintain contact with the British Council, and serve as a program ambassador.
How To Apply for British GREAT Scholarship (Step-by-Step)
The application process is decentralized, requiring candidates to engage directly with the university of their choice.
- Identify an Eligible University and Course: Visit the official British Council Scholarships webpage to find your country and see the list of participating universities and the specific courses they are offering the Scholarship for.
- Apply for Program Admission: Submit your application for your desired one-year taught Master’s course at the chosen university according to their standard admission procedures.
- Apply for the Scholarship: Apply for the individual Scholarship following the specific instructions provided on the university’s dedicated scholarship webpages. Do not apply directly to the Council.
- Await Notification: Successful scholars will be informed directly by the individual universities of the result of their application, usually after an evaluation period.
Application Deadline: Varies by University
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They are available to students from the following countries:
- Bangladesh
- China
- Egypt
- France
- Ghana
- Greece
- India
- Indonesia
- Italy
- Kenya
- Malaysia
- Mexico
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Spain
- Thailand
- Turkey
- Vietnam
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How much is the GREAT Scholarship worth?
Answer: The scholarship offers an award of £10,000 to £15,000, which is applied directly as a reduction towards the tuition fees for a one-year taught Master’s course.
2. Is this a fully funded scholarship that covers living costs?
Answer: No, the GREAT Scholarship is a partial scholarship that provides a significant reduction to the tuition fees (£10,000 – £15,000). Students are responsible for covering their remaining tuition, living expenses, and travel costs.
3. How many countries are eligible for the GREAT Scholarship?
Answer: The GREAT Scholarship is available to students who are citizens of 18 specific countries. You must check the official list to confirm your eligibility.
4. How many individual scholarships are available in total?
Answer: For the 2026-27 academic year, there are over 140 scholarships offered across the participating UK higher education institutions.
5. Can I apply directly to the British Council for this scholarship?
Answer: No, you cannot apply directly to the British Council. You must apply for the scholarship through the individual university’s website after receiving an offer for a qualifying Master’s program.
6. What degree level does this scholarship support?
Answer: The GREAT Scholarship is designed to support students applying for one-year taught postgraduate Master’s courses (MSc, MA, LLM, etc.).
7. Does the application deadline differ among universities?
Answer: Yes, the deadline for the GREAT Scholarship varies significantly according to each participating institution. It is mandatory to check the specific deadline on the university’s scholarship webpage.
8. What is the role of the UK government in this funding?
Answer: The scholarship is jointly funded by the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign and the British Council as part of a national effort to attract international talent.
9. What is the required undergraduate CGPA or classification?
Answer: The scholarship criteria primarily requires having an undergraduate degree. The specific minimum classification (e.g., 2:1 or 2:2) is set by the individual university’s admission requirements for the Master’s program.
10. Am I required to participate in any events as a scholar?
Answer: Yes, successful scholars are expected to attend a welcome event and a networking event in the UK, and commit to acting as an ambassador for the program.
