The UK has long been renowned for its advanced educational system and for being home to some of the world's most prestigious and top-ranked universities, including the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford. However, the UK is also popular for its pricey tuition fees and expensive cost of living. If studying in the United Kingdom has always been part of your academic dream and the only thing stopping you is the financial burdens, this guide is for you.
Through this article, we will investigate the British Council’s GREAT Scholarships, which may be your opportunity to make that dream a reality. It's time to put aside your fears and explore new opportunities, such as this renowned and generous scholarship. Every year, hundreds of postgraduate international students begin their academic journey in the UK with this scholarship at some of the world's top universities.
Follow this guide to understand the process of getting the GREAT Scholarships and how it offers both financial support and academic excellence with its grant. They are the symbol of valuing education and opening doors to innovations and bright ideas from international students.
These grants are designed to include creative and thriving minds in the UK's expensive system and make sure no one is left behind. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know about these scholarships, including eligibility, value, participating universities, and tips to help you submit a successful application.
Read more: PhD opportunities in the United Kingdom
What do the GREAT Scholarships Offer?
First, let's see what the GREAT Scholarships are and how they work. In general, this scholarship is a collaborative initiative between the British Council and the UK Government’s GREAT Britain Campaign, primarily supported by UK higher education institutions, aimed at attracting talented and potential international students with limited financial resources. Their primary mission and purpose are simple yet profound. They aim to enable exceptional international students to study at the UK's top universities, achieve their academic goals, and build a promising career in the future, preferably in the UK. This outstanding scholarship has developed and fostered long-term educational and cultural bonds and associations between the UK and other countries.
Each scholarship offers a minimum of £10,000 towards tuition fees for a one-year taught postgraduate degree at a participating UK university. Moreover, most universities also provide outstanding additional benefits, including accommodation discounts and living stipends, to further alleviate the financial pressure of studying abroad.
Although the GREAT Scholarship by the British Council is amply known for its economic aid and advantages, the prestige and value of the GREAT Scholarship go far beyond its monetary contribution. All students and recipients of this grant will become part of a respected network of scholars and brilliant minds in their field of interest.
This means they are involved in a creative process where representing excellence, diversity, and international collaboration are primary goals and values, not just receiving a degree or completing a repetitive and regular doctoral dissertation. They are invited to networking events, conferences, and receptions that connect them with professionals, academics, and government representatives across the UK.
Read more: Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
Who Can Apply? Eligibility and Participating Countries
You may be wondering whether you are eligible for this scholarship. Let's delve deeper to find out which groups are eligible for the GREAT Scholarships by the British Council. The structure varies by country, but the overall framework remains consistent.
The essential thing you need to know is that the scholarship is designed for international students from partner nations who demonstrate strong academic ability and leadership potential. Additionally, candidates must be committed to contributing to the development of their home country. If you exhibit these characteristics, it's time to gather more data and initiate the action phase.
The British Council and UK universities closely collaborate to determine the eligible countries, from various countries in different continents, for a wide range of fields and subjects. For the 2025-26 cycle, countries commonly included in the scheme have been Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam, among others.
The general requirements for ideal candidates are:
Hold citizenship and permanent residency in one of the eligible countries.
Have completed an undergraduate degree that allows entry into a postgraduate programme in the UK.
Demonstrate a strong academic background, a clear vision for their future, and motivation to use their education to benefit their home country.
Meet the English language and admission requirements for their chosen UK university.
Bear in mind that you need to have an admission first before applying for this scholarship. If you need to know about the details and various fully and semi-funded positions in the UK, check ApplyKite’s updated resources on the solution selection. Within a few minutes, all you need to know is about this grant, programs in your field, and many other critical information are offered on a fast and student-friendly platform.
Before taking any further steps and checking whether you are eligible for this significant scholarship, ensure that you have an offer of admission from a participating university before applying for the scholarship. This ensures that applicants are academically prepared and have already been accepted by a UK institution that supports the GREAT initiative.
Read more: Free SOP Generator
Top 10 UK Universities Offering GREAT Scholarships
Looking for fully funded?
Discover PhD, Master’s, and Postdoc positions tailored to your goals with ApplyKite’s smart AI tools.
Value and Coverage of the Scholarship
Each GREAT Scholarship provides at least £10,000 towards tuition fees for a one-year taught master’s programme, which is a big help, considering the general duration of an MA and its expenses. This grant helps alleviate a significant portion of your financial concerns.
The funds are allocated directly to the university, not to the student, to cover part or all of the tuition costs. Although the number we mentioned is not fixed, it may change depending on specific institutions and programs. So don't be surprised to see that in some universities the value is higher and additional support is offered, such as on-campus accommodation discounts or travel reimbursements.
However, you should be aware that most of these scholarships do not cover living expenses in full. Still, they provide substantial financial relief by covering a considerable amount of tuition fees. When combined with personal savings, part-time work, or other small grants, studying in the UK becomes financially viable for students who might otherwise be unable to afford it.
You can check more details on the official resources. Plus, if you need a quick response, you can also check it with ApplyKite’s AI tools. Just submit your resume and check on the details of the British Council scholarship to get a super-fast and specific response from an exclusive search engine.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Application Process
The process and steps for applying for the grant are straightforward and clear, although acceptance is competitive. Let's see what needs to be done.
The general process includes the following steps:
Select your university and programme: Make a list of participating universities and choose the one offering a master’s course aligned with your academic background, future goals, and field of interest.
Apply for admission: Now, you need to submit your application directly to the university and ensure that all required documents, such as your language score, are ready.
Receive your offer letter: When you get accepted, you can start the scholarship application process. The good news is that some universities in the UK automatically consider the accepted applicants for the GREAT Scholarship upon admission. You need a separate application form if the university does not provide one.
Submit before the deadline: Deadlines vary by university but generally fall between February and April 2025.
Await the results: Successful candidates are notified by email, typically between May and June.
Remember that competition is intense and complex. Each year, thousands of applications are sent to universities to assess their eligibility. Starting early and preparing your materials carefully is crucial.
The GREAT Scholarships are offered in partnership with over 70 UK universities, covering a diverse range of institutions, from traditional and established schools to more modern ones. Check each university's ranking and position, as well as its popularity and excellence in your field, before starting the process.
You can rely on ApplyKite for finding positions, programs, and supervisors for a Master's degree in the UK. Recent data are available on our platform, and you can filter them by city, degree, supervisor, subject, and more.
What the Selection Committee Looks For?
Great minds conduct the GREAT Scholarship to make a bright future for top students, not just those with good scores, but also those who are also creative and ready to bring bright ideas to the table and contribute a great deal of commitment to academic excellence.
So this scholarship is not only about advanced education; it is about potential, vision, and contribution. The selection panel seeks applicants who can serve as ambassadors for their home country and for UK higher education.
Committees evaluate candidates based on:
Academic merit: You need a strong undergraduate record and relevant experience in your field.
Leadership potential: You must demonstrate your leadership through extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or professional achievements.
Motivation: Having a clearly written motivational letter and expressing purpose for studying in the UK, and how the chosen programme aligns with future goals.
Impact: Evidence of how the applicant’s knowledge will contribute to their home country’s development after graduation.
A well-written personal statement plays a decisive role. Rather than simply listing accomplishments, it should tell a story, showing who you are, what drives you, and how your studies in the UK fit into your broader journey.
Tips for Writing a Strong Application
Before writing and preparing a strong and impactful GREAT Scholarship application, you need to fully understand the program’s mission, which is promoting and supporting academic excellence and international collaboration. Clearly show how your goals align with that purpose and how you can make a valuable contribution to the university's progress.
Using specific examples is significantly helpful. You can draw their attention to your previous projects, internships, or community work to demonstrate your skills and commitment. Finish with a concise plan for how you’ll contribute after your studies. Finally, edit carefully. Even minor errors can weaken your application, so consider asking an academic mentor or colleague to review your statement before submitting it.
The GREAT Scholarship is more than financial support; it’s an open door to a world of ideas, innovation, and international collaboration. Suppose you are an ambitious student looking to expand your academic and professional horizons. In that case, this programme offers the chance to study in a globally respected education system while becoming part of a network that connects minds across continents. As you consider your options for 2025, start by researching participating universities, preparing your admission applications early, and reflecting on your personal and professional goals. Craft a story that clearly expresses who you are, why your work matters, and how your studies in the UK will create a meaningful impact. Rely on ApplyKite in the process. A quick visit to our platform can make everything more straightforward and increase your chances of success.Conclusion
