GREAT Scholarships and UK University Scholarships
A guide to GREAT Scholarships (run by the British Council with UK universities) and the wider world of university-run scholarships in the UK — what they cover, who is eligible, and where to apply.
Last updated
Key facts
- Programme
- GREAT Scholarships
- Run by
- British Council + GREAT Campaign + universities
- Study level
- One-year postgraduate at participating universities
- Delivered through
- Individual participating UK universities
- Find more
- Each university's official scholarships page
What GREAT Scholarships are
GREAT Scholarships are run by the British Council together with the UK government's GREAT Campaign and participating UK universities. They support students from a defined list of countries to study a one-year postgraduate course at one of the participating institutions.
Unlike a single central award, GREAT Scholarships are offered through individual universities — each participating university runs its own GREAT award, so the subjects, eligible courses, and application route depend on the university you choose.
Who is eligible
GREAT Scholarships are open to students from a specific set of eligible countries, studying a postgraduate course at a participating UK university. Because the programme is delivered through universities, exact eligibility — including which courses qualify — is set by each participating institution.
The list of eligible countries and participating universities is published on the British Council's official Study UK pages and changes each academic year, so confirm the current list there before applying.
How to apply for a GREAT Scholarship
Because each GREAT Scholarship is offered through a participating university, you typically apply via that university's own application process for the award, often after applying to or being offered a place on an eligible course.
Start on the British Council Study UK GREAT Scholarships page to see the participating universities and eligible countries, then follow the application instructions on the relevant university's official scholarships page.
University scholarships more broadly
GREAT is one example of a university-delivered award, but nearly every UK university runs additional scholarships and bursaries for international students. These can be merit-based, country-specific, subject-specific, or need-aware, and they range from partial fee reductions to full funding.
The authoritative place to find them is each university's own scholarships or funding page. Read the current eligibility and deadlines there, because they differ by institution and are updated every year.
Apply safely — no guarantees
Genuine GREAT and university scholarships are applied for through official British Council and university channels, and no service can guarantee you an award. Never pay a fee to a third party promising a "guaranteed" scholarship.
This guide explains how these awards are structured. It does not state amounts, eligible-country lists, or deadlines, because those change each cycle — verify all current details on the British Council and the relevant university's official site.
Frequently asked questions
Who runs GREAT Scholarships?
GREAT Scholarships are run by the British Council together with the UK government's GREAT Campaign and participating UK universities. Each participating university offers its own GREAT award.
What level of study do GREAT Scholarships cover?
They support one-year postgraduate study at participating UK universities. The exact eligible courses depend on each university — check the British Council Study UK pages and the university's own scholarship page.
How do I find UK university scholarships?
The most reliable place is each university's official scholarships or funding page. Many universities offer merit-based, country-specific, or subject-specific awards for international students; eligibility and deadlines vary by institution.
Are these scholarships free to apply for?
Yes — apply through the official British Council and university channels. No service can guarantee a scholarship, and you should never pay a third party for a "guaranteed" award.
Official sources
This guide explains the process and is for guidance only. Eligibility, dates, fees and rules change every year — always confirm the current details on the official site before you act.
Verified against: British Council — GREAT Scholarships; British Council Study UK — scholarships and funding.
Last verified: 14 June 2026.
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