GREAT Scholarships 2025/26:Guide to Apply for Fully Funded Master’s Degrees in the UK
What Are the GREAT Scholarships?
GREAT Scholarships are institution-run awards co-branded with the British Council’s Study UK campaign. Each participating UK university offers a small number of £10,000 tuition contributions to students from specific countries. Because the programme is decentralised, each university sets its own page, subject eligibility, application form, statement prompt, and deadline. You apply to the university for the award — not to a single central portal.
Key idea: you need two green lights to win a GREAT award:
- An offer (conditional/unconditional) for an eligible master’s course at a participating university
- A successful GREAT application on that university’s scholarship page
Plain-English takeaway: secure the course offer early, then use the university’s GREAT page to apply for the £10,000 contribution.
What the Award Covers (and What It Doesn’t)
- Amount: typically £10,000 toward tuition fees for a one-year taught master’s
- Duration: one academic year (the usual length of a UK taught master’s)
- Disbursement: applied to your tuition invoice by the university (you won’t usually receive cash in hand)
Not “fully funded”: GREAT is a contribution, not full coverage. You still need a plan for the remaining tuition (if any) and living costs.
Many students combine GREAT with departmental discounts, external awards, or personal funding.
Eligibility (Varies by Country & University)
Although the brand is the same, each university’s GREAT page will specify who can apply from which country, and for which subjects. Common themes include:
Typical requirements
- Citizenship of a participating country
- An offer for an eligible one-year taught master’s
- Academic merit (university will set its own bar)
- English language requirements met (or on track)
Useful evidence
- Strong marks or class rank in relevant subjects
- Personal statement aligned to the course’s outcomes
- Clear plan to cover remaining costs
- Impact-oriented goals linking back to your home country
How to Find Participating Universities (and Courses)
- Go to the official Study UK page for GREAT Scholarships.
- Select your country to see an annual list of universities and the subjects they offer under GREAT.
- Click each university link to read its GREAT scholarship page (this is where the real rules and deadlines live).
- Cross-check the award with your target course page and admissions deadlines.
Save time: build a simple spreadsheet with columns for University, Course, GREAT link, Deadline, Statement prompt, and Notes.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Apply for your course. Submit the master’s application early. Some universities require an offer before you can submit for GREAT.
- Read the GREAT page carefully. Confirm your country eligibility, subject list, and the statement question.
- Prepare your statement. See the template in the next section. Keep it impact-oriented and specific.
- Submit the GREAT form. Upload any requested documents (offer letter, transcript, ID) and meet the deadline.
- Wait for results. Universities notify winners directly. If successful, the discount appears on your tuition account.
File naming tip: use clean names like Lastname_GREAT_Statement_UniName_2025.pdf and Lastname_Offer_UniName.pdf.
Documents Checklist (Copy & Adapt)
Likely required
- Offer letter (conditional or unconditional)
- Passport/ID (valid through your study period)
- Academic transcript(s)
- English language proof (or evidence you will meet it)
Sometimes requested
- Short CV (1–2 pages)
- Scholarship statement (word/character limit)
- Funding plan for remaining costs
- References (rare for GREAT itself; common for the course)
Statement Tips (Use This Micro-Template)
Great GREAT statements are specific, impact-minded, and realistic. You are not writing a life story; you’re explaining why this course at this university is the right tool to achieve concrete outcomes that matter in your context.
Template you can adapt
“I am applying for the GREAT Scholarship to study [Course] at [University] so I can address [specific problem] in [home country/region]. During my degree I will focus on [two skills or methods] using [lab/centre/dataset/clinic/studio]. I have already delivered [one or two outcomes with metrics]. After graduation, I will implement [pilot/project/role] with [partner/employer/community], measuring success by [two clear indicators]. The GREAT award bridges my tuition gap so I can focus on achieving these outcomes and sharing them openly.”
- Be course-specific: name modules, labs, or facilities you will actually use
- Show proof of action: one mini-result beats five general claims
- Tie back to home impact: how your skills will create public value after graduation
- Keep to the limit: if the page says 400 words, submit 380–395 words, not 401
Timeline & Deadlines (Work Backwards)
- Now: shortlist 3–5 universities with GREAT awards for your country; note each deadline
- +1 week: submit at least one master’s application; request transcripts or test reports
- +2–3 weeks: draft your GREAT statement; get a review from a mentor
- Before the earliest GREAT deadline: submit your GREAT application with complete documents
- After submission: watch email for decisions; prepare visa funding evidence and housing plan
Common Mistakes (Avoid These Traps)
- Calling it “fully funded”. It’s £10,000 toward tuition — plan the rest realistically.
- Generic statements. If your essay works for any course or any university, it’s too vague.
- Missing the university-specific page. Rules live there, not on general summaries.
- Late course application. Many GREAT pages ask for an offer in hand — apply early.
- Weak file hygiene. Messy filenames and missing pages slow down checks.
Quick win: read your statement out loud. Wherever you say “impact” or “change,” add a number, a place, and a partner.
FAQs (Short & Straight)
Is the GREAT Scholarship renewable?
It is designed for one-year taught master’s degrees. Renewal is not typical; check your university’s page.
Can I apply to multiple universities’ GREAT awards?
Yes, if you hold offers and the universities participate for your country. Follow each page’s rules.
Can I hold GREAT with another scholarship?
Sometimes. Universities may allow stacking up to tuition; read the funding rules on the award page.
Does GREAT cover living costs?
No. It’s a tuition contribution. You must budget for living costs and any remaining tuition.
Final word: GREAT is a focused, achievable route to reduce tuition by £10,000 — if you secure an offer early and submit a tight, impact-oriented statement on the university’s page. Be specific, be realistic, and show how your master’s will deliver public value back home.
Explore more UK scholarships on riflum.shop →• Educational guidance; always confirm details on the current Study UK and university pages.