GREAT Scholarships 2026 at the University of Bristol | British Council Funded Postgraduate Scholarship for International Students

The GREAT Scholarships 2026 at the University of Bristol offer financial support toward tuition fees for international students from selected countries who wish to pursue a one-year postgraduate degree in the United Kingdom. The GREAT Scholarships are part of a globally recognised initiative delivered in partnership with the British Council and the GREAT Britain Campaign, aimed at promoting international education and strengthening global academic connections.

The GREAT Scholarships 2026 provide a significant tuition fee contribution for eligible postgraduate students from India, Mexico, and Thailand, making postgraduate study at a leading UK institution more accessible. Applications for the GREAT Scholarships 2026 will open on 21 October 2025, and eligible students are encouraged to prepare early.

Introduction and Background to the GREAT Scholarships 2026

The GREAT Scholarships programme is a UK-wide scholarship initiative designed to support international students pursuing postgraduate studies at participating UK universities. For the 2026 academic year, the University of Bristol is offering the GREAT Scholarships 2026 to outstanding applicants who meet the eligibility requirements and have secured admission for postgraduate study.

Under the GREAT Scholarships 2026, successful applicants will receive £13,000 toward their postgraduate tuition fees. The scholarship applies to one-year, full-time postgraduate programmes starting in September 2026, across any subject area offered by the University of Bristol.

The GREAT Scholarships 2026 are offered in partnership with the British Council and the GREAT Britain Campaign, highlighting the UK’s commitment to international education and cultural exchange. Since the 2018/2019 academic year, the University of Bristol has hosted GREAT scholars from several countries, demonstrating the programme’s established track record and international reach.

Eligibility Criteria for GREAT Scholarships 2026

Applicants must meet all eligibility criteria outlined below to be considered for the GREAT Scholarships 2026. These criteria are strictly applied.

Eligible Countries and Nationality

Applicants must:

Have permanent residency in India, Mexico, or Thailand
Hold a valid passport from India, Mexico, or Thailand

Only applicants from these three countries are eligible for the GREAT Scholarships 2026 at the University of Bristol.

Fee Status Requirement

Applicants must:

Be classified as an overseas student for fee purposes

Applicants who are not assessed as overseas students are not eligible for this scholarship.

Academic Level and Programme Requirements

To qualify for the GREAT Scholarships 2026, applicants must:

Hold an offer of admission (conditional or unconditional) from the University of Bristol
The offer must be for a one-year, full-time postgraduate degree
The programme must commence in September 2026
The postgraduate course may be in any subject area, as no subject restrictions are specified

Applicants who do not yet have an offer of admission are not eligible to apply for the scholarship.

Programme Details: GREAT Scholarships 2026

Scholarship Value and Coverage

Each GREAT Scholarship provides £13,000 toward postgraduate tuition fees
The funding applies only to tuition fees
One scholarship is available per country, meaning one award each for India, Mexico, and Thailand

Duration and Study Mode

The scholarship supports a one-year, full-time postgraduate degree
Study begins in September 2026

Location

The programme is hosted at the University of Bristol, United Kingdom

Partnership and Administration

The GREAT Scholarships 2026 are delivered through a partnership between:

The University of Bristol
The British Council
The GREAT Britain Campaign

How to Apply for GREAT Scholarships 2026

Applicants must apply through the international scholarships application form provided by the University of Bristol.

When completing the application:

Applicants may be considered for multiple international scholarships
Submitting one application allows the University of Bristol to assess eligibility for other international scholarships where applicable

Applicants are advised to:

Review the guidance on how to apply for international scholarships
Carefully read the terms and conditions governing all international scholarships

All applications must be completed and submitted before the stated deadline.

Important Dates and Deadline

Applications open: 21 October 2025
Application deadline: 10:00 am (UK time), Friday 10 April 2026

Late applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

Assessment Process

Applications for the GREAT Scholarships 2026 are assessed by the University of Bristol. Applicants are encouraged to consult the application timeline to understand when decisions and notifications are expected. Specific decision dates are not stated, and applicants should rely on the official timeline for updates.

Further Information

The University of Bristol has participated in the GREAT Scholarships programme since the 2018/19 academic year, hosting scholars from countries such as Ghana, India, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Vietnam. This reflects the institution’s long-standing involvement in international scholarship initiatives.

The GREAT Scholarships 2026 continue this tradition, offering financial support to eligible students while strengthening academic collaboration between the UK and partner countries.