The GREAT Scholarship for Indian Students: A Complete Guide for 2026-27

Every year, tens of thousands of Indian students choose the UK as their higher education destination, with over 110,000 study visas granted in 2024, India remains the largest source of international students in the UK. But for many, the biggest hurdle isn’t admission, it’s affordability. Master’s tuition fees typically range from £20,000 to £30,000 (₹20–30 lakh), putting world-class education out of reach for deserving candidates.

That’s where the GREAT Scholarship UK 2026–2027 comes in. Offering a £10,000 (₹11.7 lakh) tuition discount for eligible students, this scholarship directly reduces the financial barrier. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know, including eligibility, participating universities, deadlines, living costs, and strategies to strengthen your application, so you can plan confidently and make your UK study dream a reality.

What Exactly is the Great Scholarship UK?

The GREAT scholarship is funded jointly by UK Government’s GREAT Britain Campaign and the British Council. It offers a minimum of £10,000 tuition fee discount eligible to international students and a significant number of Indian students who are enrolling in full-time, one-year taught postgraduate programs at some selected UK universities. This award strictly waives the tuition fees only. It does not cover the living expenses, rental accommodation amount, travel expenses, or any other costs associated with international students studying in the UK. Applicants need to confirm their eligibility for this scholarship by cross-checking if their chosen course and university are participating in this programme. 

Why Take the GREAT Scholarship?

The GREAT Scholarship UK 2026-27 offers a fixed tuition fee waiver of £10,000, making UK master’s degree in UK more affordable for Indian students. It applies to full-time, one-year taught master’s programs at selected universities across popular subjects such as business, engineering, law, and sciences. 

In 2026, a total of 26 scholarships are available for Indian students, divided into:

• 21 scholarships across all subjects
• 2 scholarships specifically in Justice and Law, and
• 3 scholarships in Science and Technology 

Key benefits:

• Fixed £10,000 (₹11.7 lakh) tuition fee reduction on one-year master’s programs.
• Wide availability across 70+ universities in the UK.
• Some universities like University College London (UCL), the University of Edinburgh, and the University of Manchester offer additional career workshops and networking opportunities for the recipients of the scholarship.
• The GREAT Scholarship offers a direct £10,000 reduction on tuition fees, which is one of the most important costs a student has to incur while living abroad.

GREAT Scholarship UK Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the GREAT Scholarship, an Indian student must:

• Citizenship: Be an Indian citizen or permanent resident.
• Academic Qualification: Hold a recognised bachelor’s degree, usually with a minimum of 60%–70% (depending on the university’s requirement).
• Offer Letter: Have a conditional or unconditional offer for a full-time, one-year taught master’s degree at a participating UK university.
• English Language Proficiency: Meet the English requirement (typically IELTS overall 6.5 or equivalent, though some universities may ask for higher).
• Program Eligibility: Apply only for courses listed as eligible for the GREAT Scholarship at your chosen university.
• Financial Readiness: Be prepared to cover living expenses, travel, and other costs not included in the scholarship.
• Engagement Commitment: Be willing to attend at least one networking event for all GREAT scholars in the UK, where you’ll share experiences and perspectives on studying in the UK.
• University-Specific Requirements: Check the individual eligibility rules of each participating university, as some may set additional academic, work experience, or subject-specific conditions. 

Participating Universities and Eligible Courses

The scholarship covers over 70 UK universities, each with different eligible courses. The table below shows some popular universities and courses commonly included in 2026–2027.

Application Process and Deadlines (2026-2027)

We have already discussed the eligibility criteria for the GREAT UK Scholarship. Here are some non-negotiable factors and a step-by-step process to apply for the scholarship:

1. To apply for the GREAT Scholarship UK, the very first thing you need to do is to have a conditional or unconditional offer letter for your chosen programme from the university you have applied to. Make sure the university you have applied to is a participating university and a participating course. Once you have an offer of admission in hand, you can easily apply for the UK GREAT Scholarship.
2. Some universities consider students automatically eligible for the scholarship basis their nationality and course of choice, while others demand a separate application. 
3. To apply, visit the university website where their scholarships are mentioned specifically. 
4. Complete the application by filling in the online form, which might include providing:
   1. Academic transcripts and certificates
   2. English Language Test Scores like IELTS & TOEFL
   3. Personal statement highlighting personal and professional achievements, future aspirations
   4. Letter of recommendation from professors or colleagues/ employers
5. Submit the application form.
6. Await the outcomes, the universities take some time reviewing the applications and inform the students who have been successfully selected for their scholarship award.

Key Points to Remember

• Deadlines are variable: Deadlines entirely depend on the university intake and admission timings. Students will need to check the specific deadlines on the university’s official website.
• Involvement of the British Council: The British Council is only responsible for the funding part; the nomination and selection process is entirely overseen by the university.
• GREAT Scholarship UK Ambassador: The selected students are expected to engage actively in networking events to interact with future candidates.

Living Costs and Budgeting

While the scholarship helps with tuition fees, living costs in the UK remain substantial. Indian students should budget approximately £12,000 to £15,000 (₹12–15 lakh) annually for rent, food, transport, and other expenses. Part-time work (up to 20 hours/week during term) can supplement income but is unlikely to cover all living costs.

Tips to Strengthen Your GREAT Scholarship UK Application

1. Aim For Higher Academic Outputs

Students should strive to score at least 70% or a First-Class equivalent based on the UK grading system. GREAT Scholarship is highly competitive, given the benefits. Highlight progress and emphasise recent grades and class ranks. Demonstrate a consistently upward trend.

2. A Well-Curated Personal Statement 

Always ensure that your personal statement is equipped with a purpose, but also ensure that the word limit is under the specified count. Sound enthusiastic and express willingness to engage with the UK culture and share your GREAT Scholarship experience as an ambassador.

3.  Ensure You Add Selective Recommendations

Make sure you select professors and employers who can speak directly and clearly about your academic abilities, skills, and other relevant achievements. A letter from someone who knows you well is far more credible than one from a senior figure who knows you only by name.

4. Meet English Language Requirements

Being prepared is the key to success. Make sure you don’t take your English Language test too last minute. Make sure you have your IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE score handy when you are applying for the GREAT Scholarship UK. 

5. Apply As Early As You Can

Make sure you apply earlier than the rest of the crowd and don’t wait till the last minute. Keep a track of your desired university’s application deadlines for the UK GREAT Scholarship. Keep all your documents ready and apply as soon as the applications open.  

Conclusion

The Great Scholarship UK is an excellent option for Indian students looking to reduce the high tuition costs of a UK master’s degree. It offers a fixed fee reduction and covers many courses across top UK universities. Although it doesn’t cover living expenses, the scholarship helps students plan their budgets better and access quality education more affordably. Early preparation, careful checking of eligibility, and timely application submission are key to maximising your chances of receiving this scholarship.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)