GREAT Scholarships 2026‑27 for Indian Students: Fully Funded Postgraduate Study in the UK

If you are a motivated Indian graduate seeking to pursue a one-year UK taught postgraduate course with substantial tuition support, the GREAT Scholarships 2026‑27 present a compelling opportunity. This programme, run by the British Council in partnership with the UK’s GREAT Britain campaign, offers Indian students funding towards their tuition for selected UK universities. Below is a complete guide — from overview to eligible institutions to how to apply.

🎓 Scholarship Summary

• Location: UK (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

• Host Bodies: UK universities (List Below)

• Study Level: One-year taught postgraduate programmes (Master’s level)

• Target Group: Indian nationals holding the relevant undergraduate degree and meeting university / scholarship criteria

• Fields of Study: Various disciplines (depending on institution)

• Value & Coverage: £10,000 (minimum) towards tuition fees.

• Duration: One-year full-time postgraduate course

• Application Deadline: Varies by institution (check each university’s page)

  
  

📚 Scholarship Overview

The GREAT Scholarships programme is a strategic initiative by the Government of the United Kingdom, via the British Council, to strengthen educational links with target countries including India. For the 2026–27 academic year, Indian students may be eligible to apply for these scholarships at a number of UK universities. According to the British Council’s information, each scholarship is at least £10,000 towards tuition for one-year taught postgraduate programmes.

Like many scholarship programmes of this type:

• Selection is competitive and applicants must typically hold an offer (conditional or unconditional) for the UK postgraduate programme.

• The exact eligible courses, number of scholarships per institution and deadline vary by university.

• Recipients are expected to act as ambassadors of UK higher education and engage in networking events organised by the British Council for GREAT scholars.

🎁 Benefits

• A £10,000 reduction on tuition fees for one-year UK postgraduate study – this is a substantial contribution given UK tuition often ranges significantly higher.

• Access to high quality UK higher education, international exposure, networking and career-boosting opportunities.

• Recognition and prestige of being a “GREAT scholar”, which may support future professional/academic endeavours in India or globally.

• Opportunity to be part of an alumni network and participate in events with other GREAT scholars.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must satisfy the following general criteria:

• Be a passport holder and permanent resident of India.

• Have an undergraduate degree that enables entry to a postgraduate taught programme at the UK university concerned.

• Meet the English language and academic entry requirements of the chosen UK institution.

• Show motivation and interest in the subject-area of the proposed postgraduate study.

• Be willing to engage with the UK higher education experience and act as an ambassador for the GREAT Scholarships scheme (networking event attendance, cooperating with British Council, sharing experiences).

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📝 Application Procedure

1. Identify a participating UK university from the list below and review the university’s scholarship page for the GREAT Scholarship 2026-27 for Indian students.

2. Secure an offer (conditional or unconditional) for a full-time one-year taught postgraduate course commencing September 2026 (or as per university intake).

3. Complete the scholarship application form specified by the university (often after you have obtained your university reference number or offer).

4. Meet the deadline set by the university for the scholarship. Deadlines vary by institution so check carefully.

5. If selected, university will issue the award and apply the scholarship to your tuition fees after registration.

🗂️ Typical documents required

• Copy of passport (Indian)

• Offer letter / reference number from UK university

• Undergraduate degree certificate and transcripts

• English language test score (according to university requirement)

• Personal statement / motivation letter

• CV highlighting interest in subject area

• Evidence of engagement or ambition in chosen field (may vary)

• Possibly recommendation letters

• Any additional documents specified by the university

🏛️ Eligible Universities (For India – 2026-27 Intake)

Below are UK institutions listed by the British Council as participating in the GREAT Scholarships programme for Indian students for the 2026-27 academic year, click on each individual link to access exact information about the scholarship for each university:

• Anglia Ruskin University

• Norwich University of the Arts

• Queen’s University Belfast

• Royal College of Art

• Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

• Royal Northern College of Music

• University of Bristol

• Trinity Laban Conservatoire

• University of Dundee

• University of Kent

• University of Reading

• University of Surrey

• University of the West of England

Important: Each university may have its own specific list of eligible courses and deadlines — ensure to visit each university’s dedicated page for the GREAT Scholarship.

For example: At the University of Surrey one postgraduate scholarship of £10,000 is offered to applicants from India for one-year taught courses starting September 2026.

👌🏻 Tips for Applicants

• Start early: Apply for the UK university course, secure your offer, and then prepare the scholarship application in time for the university’s deadline.

• Target the right course: Ensure the course is eligible under the university’s GREAT Scholarship listing.

• Demonstrate motivation and ambition: Since you also act as a “GREAT scholar ambassador”, your application should highlight how you will engage with the UK experience and how you expect to contribute after your study.

• Meet all eligibility criteria: University academic requirements, English-language test, offer letter, Indian citizen and resident, etc.

• Attend networking events if required: Being willing to participate in GREAT scholars’ events strengthens your profile.

• Check deadlines for each university: Since each institution has a separate timeline, missing the university deadline may disqualify you from the scholarship.

• Budget your remaining costs: Although £10,000 goes towards tuition, living costs in the UK are substantial — plan accordingly.

🔗 Official Link

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