- The GREAT Scholarship 2026-27 offers Indian students a minimum of £10,000 (approx. ₹12 lakhs) towards UK postgraduate tuition fees.
- Eligible courses span a wide range including STEM, Business, Design, Arts, Music, Dance, Humanities, and Psychology — far wider than most students realise.
- To apply for the GREAT Scholarship, students must first secure an offer (conditional or unconditional) from a participating UK university.
GREAT Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship the British Council offers for students who wish to pursue their master’s in the UK. The scholarship covers the tuition expenses specified by the university. It is provided for multiple courses like law and justice, science and technology, accounting, and business management.
What is the GREAT Scholarship in the UK?​
The GREAT scholarship is a merit-based scholarship offered by UK universities across various subjects for students from 15 countries. These scholarships are offered for postgraduate degrees in the UK. Each scholarship is worth GBP 10,000 (INR 10 lakhs) for a 1 year course.
For the academic year 2026-27, there are 12 postgraduate scholarships available from UK universities for students from India. This scholarship is offered to pursue courses in law & justice, accounting, business intelligence, science, and technology.
Countries covered in the GREAT Scholarship
The following countries are covered under the GREAT Scholarship:
- India
- Pakistan
- Bangladesh
- China
- Egypt
- Ghana
- Indonesia
- Kenya
- Malaysia
- Mexico
- Nigeria
- Thailand
- Turkey
- Vietnam
- Sri Lanka.
Courses Offered under GREAT Scholarship
Some of the subjects or courses offered under the GREAT Scholarship are:Â
- MSc in Accounting & Business Intelligence
- MSc in Flood & Coastal Engineering
- MSc in Advanced Professional Practice
- Law & Justice
Participating Universities for GREAT Scholarship in the UK
Over 60 participating universities in the UK offer GREAT scholarships to international students. Some of the highly ranked universities are mentioned below:Â
| Participating Universities (India – 2026-27) | Notable Ranking / Recognition |
|---|---|
| University of Bristol | QS World Rankings 2026: Top 55 globally |
| Queen's University Belfast | Russell Group university; Top 150 globally for Law (QS 2025) |
| University of Surrey | QS World Rankings 2026: Top 435 globally |
| University of Reading | Times & Sunday Times: University of the Year for Scholarships 2026 |
| University of Dundee | Top-ranked for design and life sciences in UK |
| Anglia Ruskin University | Top 25% in UK; 5-star QS overall rating |
| Royal College of Art | #1 globally for Art & Design for 11 consecutive years (QS by Subject 2025) |
| Royal Conservatoire of Scotland | Top 10 globally for Performing Arts (QS by Subject) |
| Royal Northern College of Music | One of the world's most forward-thinking conservatoires |
| Norwich University of the Arts | Only specialist creative arts university with Triple Gold in TEF |
| Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance | Recognised as 'world-leading' by Office for Students |
| University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) | Top 40 in UK (Guardian University Guide 2026) |
Eligibility Criteria for GREAT Scholarships India
The eligibility criteria for the GREAT Scholarship in the UK are as follows:
- A candidate must be a citizen of India.
- Have an undergraduate degree and have an interest in the proposed subject area.Â
- Meet the English language requirements of the UK university.
- Be willing to attend a networking event for all UK-based GREAT scholars to discuss their experience and capture perceptions of studying in the UK.Â
- Be willing to maintain contact with the British Council and their HEI and act as an ambassador for the GREAT scholarships.Â
- Establish an engagement with the UK as a scholar through personal and academic fulfillment.Â
- As an alumnus of the GREAT scholarships, be willing occasionally to speak to potential candidates about their own experience of studying in the UK.Â
Timeline for GREAT Scholarships 2025-26
The deadline for GREAT Scholarships varies from university to university. The table below shows details of the deadlines of various universities
| University | Application Deadline for 2026-27 |
|---|---|
| University of Bristol | 10 April 2026 (10 AM UK time) |
| Queen's University Belfast | 31 May 2026 |
| University of Surrey | 29 May 2026 |
| University of Reading | Applications not yet open; deadline to be announced |
| University of Dundee | To be announced on official scholarship page |
| Anglia Ruskin University | 30 April 2026 |
| Royal College of Art | 24 April 2026 |
| Royal Conservatoire of Scotland | 31 May 2026 |
| Royal Northern College of Music | 1 August 2026 |
| Norwich University of the Arts | To be announced — follow NUA's official scholarship page |
| Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance | Automatic consideration post-audition — no separate deadline |
| University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) | 1 May 2026 (23:59 GMT) |
How to Apply for the GREAT Scholarship?
Here are a few steps that students can follow to apply for GREAT scholarships:Â
- For more information, visit the university’s page above and then follow the link to its website.Â
- Apply for individual scholarships following the instructions given on each university’s scholarship webpage.Â
- The deadline to apply for a GREAT scholarship varies according to each institution. Students can visit the institution’s page for more information about the deadlines.Â
- Successful applicants will be notified of the result of their application.Â
- Scholarship funding will be issued to successful applicants by individual universities after registration.Â
Documents Required for GREAT Scholarship India
The documents required for GREAT Scholarship India are listed below:Â
- Passport
- Acceptance letter from the enlisted university
- UK student visa
- Graduation certificate and mark sheet
- LOR
- Test scores of IELTS/TOEFL/PTE
Terms and Conditions for GREAT Scholarship
Here are some tips that students can take into consideration before applying for GREAT Scholarships:Â
- Scholarships will be open only to target country passport holders and residents.Â
- The scholarship can only be used towards tuition fees.Â
- UK HEIs should award scholarships by 30 June 2026. Application deadlines may vary from individual institutions.Â
- The Study UK team must be informed of any other scholarship awarded to a GREAT scholar in the same academic year.
Tips for Indian Students Before Applying for the GREAT Scholarship
Here are some tips that students can consider to get a 100% scholarship:Â
- Research well about your desired university. Check whether it is covered under the GREAT Scholarship.Â
- Prove your worth and convince them you are the best scholar for their university.Â
- Try to get good scores on language proficiency tests.Â
- Write a well-framed essay highlighting your need for the scholarship and how it will help you achieve your potential.Â
Key Takeaways
The GREAT Scholarship 2026-27 is a merit-based scholarship jointly funded by the British Council and the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign — offering Indian students a minimum of £10,000 (approx. ₹12 lakhs) directly towards their postgraduate tuition fees. For 2026-27, 12 scholarships are available to Indian students across participating universities including University of Bristol, Royal College of Art, and Queen’s University Belfast — spanning fields from STEM and Business to Arts, Music, and Design.
The scholarship covers only tuition fees, not living expenses, so planning finances early is essential. Application deadlines begin as early as 10 April 2026, varying by university.
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FAQs
How much financial support does the GREAT scholarship provide?
The GREAT Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship that waives the tuition fees (fully) specified by the institute. A financial support of GBP 10,000 is provided to international students pursuing postgraduate studies.Â
How many UK universities participate in the GREAT Scholarship program?
60 universities are participating in the GREAT scholarship program in the UK.
What is the deadline for applying for the GREAT Scholarship in the UK?
The deadlines vary from university to university. Students can visit the university’s official website to learn more about the deadlines and application process.Â
What are some popular scholarships for studying in the UK?
Some other scholarships to study in the UK are the Commonwealth Scholarship, the Marshall Scholarship, and the Chevening Scholarship.Â
Is the GREAT Scholarship fully funded?
No, the GREAT scholarship is not fully funded. It only covers the tuition fees of GBP 10,000 (INR 10 lakhs).
How many GREAT Scholarships are available for India in 2026-27?
For the 2026-27 academic year, 12 postgraduate GREAT Scholarships are available exclusively for students from India.
Can the GREAT Scholarship be combined with other scholarships?
No — at most participating universities, the GREAT Scholarship cannot be combined with other institutional scholarships or early-payment discounts.
Does the GREAT Scholarship cover living expenses?
No — the GREAT Scholarship covers tuition fees only; students must arrange their own funding for accommodation, food, travel, and other living costs.
Do I need to secure university admission before applying for the GREAT Scholarship?
Yes — applicants must hold a conditional or unconditional offer from a participating UK university before submitting a GREAT Scholarship application.
Are GREAT Scholarship recipients required to return to India after completing their degree?
No — there is no mandatory return clause; GREAT scholars may apply for the UK Graduate Route Visa to stay and work in the UK for up to 2 years after graduation.
