British Council GREAT Scholarship 2026-27 for Bangladeshi Students
- Omran Aburayya
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 hours ago
If you are a Bangladeshi student aspiring to pursue a Master’s degree in the United Kingdom, the GREAT Scholarships (2026-27 cycle) offered by the British Council in partnership with the UK government and participating UK institutions is now open for application. This programme offers a prestigious and competitive opportunity to deepen your expertise, gain global exposure, and build networks while benefitting from tuition support. Below is a full overview about this exciting opportunity.
🎓 Scholarship Summary
Location: United Kingdom
Host institution: Various UK Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) - see list below
Study level: One-year taught postgraduate (Master’s) programme.
Target group: Citizens and permanent residents of Bangladesh who hold an undergraduate degree and wish to pursue postgraduate study in the UK.
Fields of Study: Wide range of taught postgraduate courses at participating UK universities. All subjects offered by partner institutions may be eligible (subject to each university’s list).
Value & coverage: Minimum of £10,000 towards tuition fees.
Duration: One academic year (full-time) at the host UK institution.
Application deadline: Varies by each participating university – applicants must verify each institution’s deadline.
Start date: The taught postgraduate course generally begins in September of the UK academic year. (Typical for UK Master’s programmes)
📚 Scholarship Overview
The GREAT Scholarships programme is designed to encourage international postgraduate students from partner countries (including Bangladesh) to study in the UK, by providing a financial contribution to tuition fees and promoting cultural and academic exchange.
For Bangladeshi students, the British Council Bangladesh page outlines that for the 2025-26 academic year, 10 postgraduate scholarships were available, each worth a minimum of £10,000.
As part of your role as a GREAT scholar, you may be expected to act as an ambassador for UK higher education, maintain links with the British Council and your university, attend networking events, and contribute to future outreach and promotion of the scheme.
🎁 Benefits
Significant subsidy for tuition: the award of £10,000 helps reduce the financial burden of studying in the UK.
Access to a wide range of high-quality UK institutions and Master’s programmes across many disciplines.
Networking opportunities with other GREAT scholars, professionals and peers from across the world.
Enhanced global credentials from a UK postgraduate degree and exposure to international academic environment.
Opportunity to build a long-term link to the UK higher education community via the ambassadorial role and alumni network.
Recognition of being a “GREAT Scholar” adds prestige and may strengthen career/professional opportunities post-graduation.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the GREAT Scholarship (for Bangladesh), you typically must:
Be a citizen and permanent resident of Bangladesh.
Hold an undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s) that qualifies you for entry onto a postgraduate taught programme at the UK HEI.
Be academically motivated and have a demonstrated interest in the chosen subject area.
Meet the English language requirements of the UK university you apply to (e.g., IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent).
Be willing to engage with the UK higher education experience (attend classes/lectures and extracurriculars) and act as an ambassador for the scholarship.
After completing the Master’s, possibly contribute to outreach, networking or ambassadorial activities (e.g., sharing your experience) for future applicants.
Note: The scholarship covers tuition fee support only—not necessarily living costs or travel. Applicants should ensure they can meet other expenses themselves.
📝 Application Procedure
Select a UK university that participates in the GREAT Scholarships scheme for Bangladeshi applicants and with a Master's programme in your subject of interest (Listed Below)
Apply for admission to the relevant one-year taught Master’s programme at that university and obtain (or anticipate obtaining) an offer (conditional or unconditional).
Check the university’s scholarship page for the GREAT Scholarship application instructions and deadline specific to Bangladesh.
Submit the scholarship application as directed by the university (often via the university’s online form once you have the offer).
Await selection: Successful scholars will be informed by the university. The scholarship amount is usually applied after registration/enrolment.
🗂️ Documents Required (may vary by university, but typically):
Completed scholarship application form (as directed by the university).
Curriculum Vitae (CV)/resume detailing academic background and relevant experience.
First degree certificate and transcripts (bachelor’s).
Proof of residence/citizenship of Bangladesh (passport, national identity).
Proof of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL).
Offer letter (or proof of application status) for the Master’s programme at the UK university.
Personal statement / motivation letter describing your interest in the subject area, your career goals, and how you intend to use the scholarship/qualification for academic or socio-economic development.
References / recommendation letters (as required by the university or scholarship page).
Any additional documents as requested by the specific university (e.g., proof of work experience, portfolio, etc.).
Eligible Universities
For the 2026-27 academic year, postgraduate scholarships are available to students from Bangladesh at the following institutions. Visit the university pages below to find out which courses scholarships are available for and information on how to apply.
🚀 Tips for Applicants
Apply to the Master’s programme well in advance and secure your offer before or parallel to applying for the scholarship.
Ensure you meet all academic and English language entry requirements for the university.
Carefully check the scholarship page of each participating university for their specific deadline and application instructions (deadlines vary).
In your motivation statement, emphasise not only your academic merit but also your engagement with your subject, leadership potential, ambition to use your degree for impact in Bangladesh, and your commitment to act as ambassador for the UK higher education and the scholarship.
Keep track of different deadlines and ensure all supporting documents are submitted on time.
Be aware of the cost of living in the UK and plan for accommodation, travel and other expenses beyond tuition.
After selection, engage actively in networking events and maintain good standing with your university and the British Council as a GREAT Scholar ambassador.
