The British Council GREAT Scholarships 2027–2028 provide international students with an opportunity to study a one-year taught master’s degree at leading universities across the United Kingdom. The programme is jointly funded by the British Council and participating UK universities, helping talented students reduce their tuition costs while gaining an internationally recognized postgraduate qualification.

For the 2027–2028 academic year, participating universities are expected to offer around 153 scholarships across 143+ academic disciplines at more than 60 UK universities. Since every university manages its own scholarship competition, applicants must review the admission requirements, eligible courses, scholarship criteria, and application deadlines on the official website of their selected institution.

Unlike fully funded scholarships, the GREAT Scholarship contributes a minimum of £10,000 towards tuition fees. Students are responsible for covering remaining expenses such as accommodation, travel, visa costs, and daily living expenses.

Scholarship Overview

What Makes the GREAT Scholarship Different?

Unlike many scholarship programmes that are managed through one centralized application portal, the GREAT Scholarship operates through individual UK universities. This means there is no single application deadline or application form.

Every participating university decides:

• Which master’s programmes are eligible
• The number of scholarships available
• Selection criteria
• Required documents
• Application deadlines
• Scholarship interview requirements (if applicable)

Because of these differences, students should carefully review the scholarship page of each university before applying.

Eligible Degree Programmes

The scholarship primarily supports:

• One-year taught Master’s degrees
• Full-time postgraduate programmes

It generally does not cover:

• Undergraduate degrees
• Standard PhD programmes
• Research Master’s degrees (unless specified)
• Distance learning programmes
• Part-time courses

Individual universities may introduce additional eligibility conditions depending on the programme.

Available Study Areas

Students can apply for scholarships across a wide range of academic disciplines. Although available courses differ by university, common subject areas include:

• Engineering
• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Cyber Security
• Information Technology
• Business Administration
• Finance
• Economics
• Accounting
• Law
• Public Policy
• Education
• International Relations
• Environmental Science
• Climate Studies
• Public Health
• Health Sciences
• Media and Communication
• Architecture
• Social Sciences
• Arts and Humanities
• Sustainable Development

Many universities also include specialized postgraduate programmes that reflect their academic strengths.

Scholarship Benefits

Successful applicants receive several valuable benefits beyond financial assistance.

Tuition Fee Support

Recipients receive at least £10,000 that is applied directly toward tuition fees.

Study at Leading UK Universities

Students gain access to internationally recognized universities known for academic excellence, research, and graduate employability.

British Council Networking

Many scholarship recipients are invited to networking activities, cultural events, and professional engagement sessions organized by the British Council and participating universities.

Global Career Opportunities

Graduating with a UK master’s degree can improve employment prospects in international organizations, multinational companies, government institutions, and research sectors.

Expenses Not Covered

Applicants should prepare sufficient funds for costs that are normally not included in the scholarship, including:

• Accommodation
• Living expenses
• Meals
• Airfare
• Student visa fees
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
• University deposits
• Personal expenses
• Family expenses

Creating a realistic financial plan before accepting an admission offer is strongly recommended.

Eligible Countries

Eligibility depends on partnerships between the British Council and participating universities. Previous scholarship rounds have included students from countries such as:

• Pakistan
• India
• Bangladesh
• China
• Indonesia
• Malaysia
• Vietnam
• Thailand
• Nigeria
• Ghana
• Kenya
• Egypt
• Mexico
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Greece
• Türkiye

The list of eligible countries may change for the 2027–2028 intake, so applicants should verify eligibility with their chosen university.

Eligibility Requirements

Although every university sets its own selection criteria, applicants are generally expected to:

Academic Qualification

Hold a bachelor’s degree that satisfies the admission requirements of the selected UK university.

Nationality

Be a citizen of an eligible country participating in the GREAT Scholarships programme.

University Admission

Apply for an eligible one-year taught master’s programme and obtain a conditional or unconditional admission offer if required.

English Language Requirements

Meet the university’s English language proficiency requirements through accepted qualifications or exemptions.

Academic Merit

Demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership potential, career goals, and motivation to study in the United Kingdom.

Applicants should remember that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection, as scholarships are highly competitive.

Documents Required

Most participating universities request the following documents during the scholarship application process:

• Completed university admission application
• GREAT Scholarship application form
• Bachelor’s degree certificate
• Academic transcripts
• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Personal statement or scholarship essay
• English language test results (if applicable)
• Valid passport
• Academic or professional reference letters
• Additional documents requested by the university

Always check the document checklist provided by your chosen university.

How to Apply for the British Council GREAT Scholarships 2027–2028

Step 1

Choose a participating UK university that offers the GREAT Scholarship.

Step 2

Select an eligible one-year taught master’s programme.

Step 3

Submit your university admission application before the programme deadline.

Step 4

Receive a conditional or unconditional offer if required by the university.

Step 5

Complete the university’s GREAT Scholarship application.

Step 6

Upload all required supporting documents before the scholarship deadline.

Step 7

Wait for the university’s evaluation and scholarship selection results.

Because application procedures differ, applicants should always follow the official instructions published by their selected university.

Participating Universities

More than 60 UK universities are expected to participate in the GREAT Scholarships 2027–2028 programme.

Since participating institutions and eligible courses may change each year, students should regularly check the official scholarship pages of their preferred universities for the latest updates regarding available programmes, deadlines, and application requirements.

Tips to Improve Your Selection Chances

Competition for GREAT Scholarships is strong, so applicants should strengthen every part of their application.

Apply Early

Many universities review scholarship applications soon after receiving complete admission files.

Write a Strong Personal Statement

Explain your academic achievements, career objectives, leadership experience, and how studying in the UK aligns with your long-term goals.

Choose Relevant References

Academic or professional referees should provide detailed recommendations that highlight your abilities and potential.

Meet Every Requirement

Missing documents or incomplete applications can lead to automatic rejection, even if you meet the academic criteria.

Research Your University

Tailor your scholarship application to demonstrate why you have chosen that specific university and programme instead of submitting a generic application.

Why You Should Apply

The British Council GREAT Scholarships remain one of the most attractive postgraduate funding opportunities for international students planning to study in the United Kingdom. Although the scholarship does not cover all study expenses, the minimum £10,000 tuition contribution can significantly reduce the overall cost of earning a UK master’s degree.

Combined with access to world-class universities, professional networking opportunities, and internationally respected qualifications, the programme offers excellent value for students seeking to advance their education and future careers.