If you are planning to do your Master’s in the UK and Chevening feels too competitive, let me tell you about another amazing opportunity that many students actually miss. It is called the GREAT Scholarships.
I have seen so many talented students think that studying in the UK is too expensive for them. But the truth is, with a GREAT Scholarship, you can get a straight £10,000 discount on your tuition fee for a one-year postgraduate course. And it is much simpler to apply for than you think.
In this guide on HireUK, I will explain to you in simple, friendly language what GREAT Scholarship is, who can apply, and how you can actually get it.
What is the GREAT Scholarship?
GREAT Scholarships is a program launched by the British Council and the UK Government’s GREAT Britain Campaign, together with participating UK universities. Every year, they offer scholarships worth £10,000 to international students to pursue a one-year taught Master’s degree in the UK.
Unlike Chevening which is managed centrally, GREAT is managed by individual universities. That means each university has its own deadline, its own application form, and its own way of selecting students.
For the 2025–2026 academic year, there were over 200 scholarships available across more than 40 UK universities. For 2026–2027, the numbers are expected to be even higher.
And the best part? This £10,000 is given as a tuition fee discount. So if your course fee is £20,000, you only have to pay £10,000.https://hireuk.site/commonwealth-scholarship-uk-guide/
How Much Money Will You Actually Get?
It is very straightforward. It is a minimum of £10,000 towards your tuition fee for a one-year postgraduate taught course.
Some universities are even more generous. I have seen universities like University of Manchester and University of Hull offering £12,000 or even more under the GREAT scheme for specific courses. But you should count on £10,000 as the standard amount.
Please remember, this is only for tuition fees. It does not cover your living expenses, flights, or visa fees like Chevening does. But still, £10,000 is a huge relief.
Who is Eligible for GREAT Scholarships?
This is the most important part. The good news is that the eligibility is very simple and open for almost all international students.
1. Nationality Requirement
This scholarship is specially designed for international students who want to study in the UK. The British Council announces a list of focus countries every year, which includes popular countries like India, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Egypt, Mexico, Indonesia, Malaysia, and many others.
Even if your country is not in the main focus list, don’t worry. Most of the participating UK universities offer the same £10,000 GREAT-style international scholarships for all international students under different names. So students from any country can apply for this tuition fee discount.
2. Academic and Language Requirements
You must have an undergraduate degree that allows you to get admission into a postgraduate program in the UK. Each university has its own academic requirement, but usually a 2:1 or equivalent is expected.
You must meet the English language requirement of your chosen UK university. That means you will need IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. Most universities ask for an overall IELTS of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0.
3. Course and Motivation Requirements
You must be motivated and academically able to study in the UK. You should have an interest in your subject and you should be ready to become an ambassador for the GREAT Scholarships.
You must be applying for a one-year taught Master’s program starting in September or October. Research programs like MPhil or PhD are not eligible for GREAT.
(Note: If you already have British citizenship, you cannot apply.)
Which Universities and Courses Are Eligible?
This changes every year. For example, last year universities like University of Edinburgh, University of Warwick, University of York, University of Nottingham, and University of Manchester all participated.
Each university offers GREAT scholarships for specific courses. For instance, one university might offer it for all their postgraduate courses, while another might offer it only for courses in Law, Business, or Computer Science.
My honest advice is, go to the British Council website and check the official list of universities. You will find a university for almost every popular course.
How to Apply for GREAT Scholarship: Step-by-Step Process
This is much simpler than Chevening. Let me break it down for you into simple steps:
Step 1: Find a University and Course
First, visit the British Council GREAT Scholarships page. It will show you a list of universities that are offering scholarships. Pick a university and a course that matches your career goals.
Step 2: Apply for Admission to the University
This is very important. You cannot get the scholarship without getting admission first. You have to apply directly to the university for your chosen Master’s course through their official website. You will need:
- Transcripts and degree certificates
- Personal statement
- Reference letters
- IELTS/English test score
Apply as early as possible, ideally between October and January, because scholarship deadlines are usually early.
Step 3: Apply for the GREAT Scholarship
Once you have applied for admission, or after you have received a conditional or unconditional offer, you can apply for the GREAT Scholarship. Each university has a separate scholarship application form. Some universities have an online form where you have to write a short essay of around 500 words. Some universities automatically consider you for GREAT when you apply for admission—you don’t need a separate application. So always check the university’s scholarship page.
Step 4: Write a Powerful Personal Statement
Even though it is only 500 words, this is what will get you selected. Don’t just write “I want to study in the UK because it is a great country.”
Tell them why you chose this specific course at this specific university. Mention a particular professor or a module that you like. Tell them what your career goals are and how this £10,000 scholarship will help you achieve them. And most importantly, tell them how you will become a GREAT ambassador and share your UK experience with others when you go back home. Be personal, real, and write in your own words.
Step 5: Wait for the Result
Universities usually announce GREAT scholarship results between April and June. If you are selected, they will send you an official email and your offer letter will be updated with the £10,000 discount. After that, you can proceed with your deposit and visa process.
Tips to Win a GREAT Scholarship
I have seen many applications get rejected for small mistakes. So let me share some real tips:
- Apply to multiple universities: Do not apply to only one university. Apply to at least 3 to 4 universities that offer GREAT scholarships to increase your chances.
- Customize your personal statement: Do not copy-paste the same essay for all universities. The selection panel knows it. Customize it for each university.
- Show your future impact: Tell them how you will use your UK degree to solve a problem in your home country. They love students who have a clear plan.
- Apply early: GREAT scholarships are limited. Each university only has 1 or 2 scholarships for international students, so the early bird really gets the worm here.
Final Words From HireUK
Look, if your dream is to study in the UK but you are worried about the high tuition fees, GREAT Scholarships is a fantastic option. It is not as competitive as Chevening, the process is simpler, and £10,000 is a significant amount that can make your UK dream possible.
It will not cover everything, but it will reduce your financial burden a lot. And once you are in the UK, you can also look for part-time work opportunities to manage your living costs.
So start shortlisting your universities today. Your UK journey can start with this £10,000 discount.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is GREAT Scholarship fully funded like Chevening?
No, it is not fully funded, and this is where many students get confused. Let me be clear: GREAT gives you a £10,000 discount on your tuition fee only. It does not give you living allowance, flights, or visa fees. Your total Master’s fee might be £20,000, so after GREAT you still have to pay £10,000 plus your living costs. But honestly, getting £10,000 off is still a huge help.
Q2: Can I apply for both Chevening and GREAT at the same time?
Yes, absolutely. You can and you should. I always tell my students to apply for both. Chevening is more competitive and it covers everything, while GREAT is easier and gives you £10,000. If you get Chevening, you can leave GREAT. If you don’t get Chevening, you still have GREAT as a backup. There is no rule that stops you from applying to both.
Q3: Do I need to have an admission offer to apply for GREAT?
It depends on the university. Some universities ask you to have an offer before you can apply for the scholarship, while others allow you to apply for the scholarship at the same time as your course application. My honest advice is to apply for the university admission first. Once you get a conditional offer, immediately apply for the GREAT scholarship. Don’t wait for the last date.
Q4: What is the IELTS requirement for GREAT Scholarships?
GREAT itself does not have an IELTS requirement, but your university does. Every UK university has its own IELTS criteria. Most good universities ask for an overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0. Some top universities like Edinburgh or Warwick might ask for 7.0. So check the course page of your chosen university before you apply.
Q5: Can students from any country apply for GREAT Scholarship?
Yes, this is for all international students. The British Council has a focus list of countries, but almost every UK university offers the same £10,000 scholarship for international students from any country, sometimes under the name of International Excellence Scholarship or GREAT Scholarship. So no matter which country you are from, you should definitely check the university’s scholarship page and apply.
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