MastersMinimum of £10,000 towards a one-year postgraduate study. 43 days left

GREAT Scholarships 2026

The GREAT Scholarships 2026 programme, in partnership with the British Council and the GREAT Britain Campaign, offers 3 scholarships at the University of Edinburgh to students from Thailand, Mexico and Ghana for one-year postgraduate courses, providing financial support of a minimum of £10,000. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their applications by the end of June/start of July 2026. The deadline to apply for these scholarships has now passed. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit; candidates must have, or expect to obtain, the overseas equivalent of a UK first-class honours degree. Eligibility: Successful nationals and residents of Thailand, Mexico and Ghana, accepted for admission on a full-time basis for an eligible one-year, on campus postgraduate Masters programme of study. The scholarships offer financial support for students pursuing one-year postgraduate study in the UK. For more information, visit Study UK or contact Chris Crame at chris.crame@ed.ac.uk. Scholarship title: GREAT Scholarships 2026. Provider: University of Edinburgh. Country: United Kingdom. Level: Masters. Funding: Fully Funded. Deadline: null. Official URL: https://registryservices.ed.ac.uk/scholarships-and-student-funding/prospective-postgraduates/funding-for-international-students/great. This article was published on 2025-10-28. The University reserves the right to amend or withdraw any of the advertised scholarships, without notice.

Provider: University of Edinburgh
Host country: United Kingdom
Deadline: The deadline for applications has passed. Notification of outcome by end of June/start of July 2026.

Official source

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

GREAT Scholarships 2026 is open to African students applying to study in United Kingdom at the Masters level, with minimum of £10,000 towards a one-year postgraduate study. funding. Below is a quick summary of who can apply, what's covered, and the key dates — full details are further down the page.

Who can apply: Masters · applicants for United Kingdom
Funding: Minimum of £10,000 towards a one-year postgraduate study.
Study level: Masters
Deadline: The deadline for applications has passed. Notification of outcome by end of June/start of July 2026.

Key eligibility criteria

Nationals and residents of Thailand, Mexico and Ghana. Must be accepted for admission on a full-time basis for an eligible one-year, on-campus postgraduate Masters programme of study. Must have, or expect to obtain, the overseas equivalent of a UK first-class honours degree.

About the GREAT Scholarships 2026 (2026)

# GREAT Scholarships 2026 at the University of Edinburgh ## Overview The GREAT Scholarships 2026 program, a collaborative effort between the British Council and the GREAT Britain Campaign, offers an excellent opportunity for postgraduate students from specific countries to pursue higher education in the UK. The University of Edinburgh is participating in this initiative by providing three scholarships to students from Thailand, Mexico, and Ghana. These scholarships are designed to support students applying for eligible one-year postgraduate courses. The broader GREAT Scholarships 2026 program encompasses over 60 UK universities and aims to facilitate access to world-class UK higher education for students from 14 countries, including Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam. The University of Edinburgh's specific scholarships focus on nationals and residents of Thailand, Mexico, and Ghana. ## Benefits The GREAT Scholarships program provides substantial financial support to assist postgraduate students. For successful applicants, the scholarship offers a minimum of £10,000 towards their one-year postgraduate study in the UK. This financial aid is intended to help cover the costs associated with tuition fees and living expenses, making a world-class UK education more accessible. Beyond the monetary award, recipients will also benefit from the prestige of a GREAT Scholarship, which can enhance their academic and professional profiles. Awardees will be expected to engage with the British Council for pre-departure briefings and contribute to the promotion of the GREAT Scholarships program. ## Eligibility To be eligible for the GREAT Scholarships 2026 at the University of Edinburgh, applicants must meet specific criteria. The scholarships are open to nationals and residents of Thailand, Mexico, and Ghana. Prospective students must have received an offer of admission for a full-time, eligible one-year, on-campus postgraduate Masters program of study at the University of Edinburgh. Furthermore, candidates are expected to demonstrate strong academic merit, possessing or expecting to obtain the overseas equivalent of a UK first-class honours degree. Specific eligible programs for each country are listed and linked on the official scholarship page. ## Required Documents The detailed list of required documents for the GREAT Scholarships 2026 application is not explicitly provided in the truncated text. However, it is standard for postgraduate scholarship applications to require several key documents. Generally, applicants should prepare academic transcripts, degree certificates, a personal statement or statement of purpose, and potentially a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume. Proof of nationality and residency will also likely be necessary. Given the academic merit-based nature of the scholarship, it is crucial to ensure all academic records are meticulously prepared and submitted. Applicants should refer to the University of Edinburgh's postgraduate application guidelines and any specific instructions provided during the scholarship application process for a comprehensive list of required documents. While not explicitly mentioned as "required documents," successful candidates must provide written consent to be contacted by the British Council for various engagements related to the scholarship program. ## How to Apply The application process for the GREAT Scholarships 2026 at the University of Edinburgh involves several steps, although the deadline for 2026 applications has already passed. In a typical application cycle, prospective students would first need to apply for and secure admission to an eligible one-year, on-campus postgraduate Masters program at the University of Edinburgh. Once admitted, they would then proceed with the scholarship application. The scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic merit. Although the current application window is closed, historical information suggests that applicants would submit their scholarship application through the University’s system. It is important to note that the University reserves the right to amend or withdraw scholarships without prior notice. For future application cycles, applicants should closely monitor the official scholarship page for updated instructions and deadlines. The official page also provides links to eligible programs for Mexico, Thailand, and Ghana. For general inquiries, an email contact is provided. ## Key Dates The application deadline for the GREAT Scholarships 2026 has passed. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their applications by the end of June or the start of July 2026. This timeline is crucial for planning and making necessary arrangements for study in the UK. Prospective applicants for future cycles should actively monitor the official University of Edinburgh scholarship page for updated application deadlines and notification dates. Early application for eligible Master's programs is often recommended to ensure ample time for both program admission and subsequent scholarship consideration. ## Selection Criteria The primary selection criterion for the GREAT Scholarships 2026 at the University of Edinburgh is academic merit. Candidates must demonstrate exceptional academic performance, holding or expecting to receive the overseas equivalent of a UK first-class honours degree. Beyond academic excellence, eligibility is strictly limited to nationals and residents of Thailand, Mexico, and Ghana who have been accepted into an eligible one-year, on-campus postgraduate Master's program. While not explicitly stated as selection criteria, it is also highly probable that the applicant's commitment to their chosen field of study and their potential to contribute to their respective communities or fields upon returning to their home country may be implicitly considered. The "how to apply" section emphasizes the past deadline, indicating a competitive process for these limited scholarships. ## Tips For future applicants interested in the GREAT Scholarships 2026 or similar opportunities, consider the following tips: Öncelikle, thoroughly research the eligible one-year, on-campus postgraduate Masters programs at the University of Edinburgh to ensure your academic interests align with the scholarship's scope. Second, focus on achieving and documenting outstanding academic performance, as academic merit is the sole stated selection criterion. Aim for the overseas equivalent of a UK first-class honours degree. Third, prepare all necessary application documents well in advance of any stated deadlines. Pay close attention to detail and ensure all submissions are complete and accurate. Fourth, familiarize yourself with the general postgraduate application process at the University of Edinburgh. Lastly, remember to keep an eye on the official scholarship page for future updates, deadlines, and any changes to the eligibility or application process. Be prepared to apply for both your chosen Master's program and the scholarship as soon as applications open. For specific queries, utilize the provided contact information for the International Recruitment Manager. ## Official Source For the most current and comprehensive information regarding the GREAT Scholarships 2026 at the University of Edinburgh, please refer to the official university website: [https://registryservices.ed.ac.uk/scholarships-and-student-funding/prospective-postgraduates/funding-for-international-students/great](https://registryservices.ed.ac.uk/scholarships-and-student-funding/prospective-postgraduates/funding-for-international-students/great). Additionally, general information about the GREAT Scholarships 2026 program, encompassing participating universities and broader details, can be found on the Study UK website: [https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/scholarships-funding/great-scholarships](https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/scholarships-funding/great-scholarships). Applicants are strongly advised to regularly check these official sources for any updates, amendments, or further details that may arise.

GREAT Scholarships 2026 eligibility for United Kingdom applicants

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

Nationals and residents of Thailand, Mexico and Ghana. Must be accepted for admission on a full-time basis for an eligible one-year, on-campus postgraduate Masters programme of study. Must have, or expect to obtain, the overseas equivalent of a UK first-class honours degree.

Documents required for the GREAT Scholarships 2026 application

A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.

Valid international passport (bio page scan)
Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
Research proposal or statement of purpose (500–2,000 words for PhD)
Published or unpublished writing sample (PhD and research-led Masters)
Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders

How to apply for the GREAT Scholarships 2026 2026

A practical, sponsor-agnostic sequence used by >95% of international scholarship applicants. Adapt to the sponsor's specific portal — the order rarely changes.

1
Confirm eligibility on the official site
Open https://registryservices.ed.ac.uk/scholarships-and-student-funding/prospective-postgraduates/funding-for-international-students/great and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "Nationals and residents of Thailand, Mexico and Ghana. Must be accepted for admission on a full-time basis for an eligible one-year, on-campus postgraduate Masters programme of study. Must have, or expect to obtain, the …". Sponsor rules change between intakes, so always confirm against the live call.
2
Secure a study place or admission offer
Apply to the host UK university first via UCAS (undergraduate) or the postgraduate portal. Most UK scholarship sponsors will not assess your funding application without a conditional offer letter — aim to hold this by 3 Nov 2025.
3
Sit required tests and gather documents
Book IELTS Academic for UKVI (target 6.5+ for UG/taught Master's, 7.0+ for research), ideally sat by 2 Jan 2026. Request sealed PDF transcripts, brief 2–3 referees in writing, and prepare your passport bio page at high resolution.
4
Draft your essays and statements
Write a 500–1,000-word personal statement and any additional essays the sponsor specifies. Anchor each essay in concrete examples and tie your goals back to the sponsor's mission.
5
Complete the online application
Create an account on https://registryservices.ed.ac.uk/scholarships-and-student-funding/prospective-postgraduates/funding-for-international-students/great, fill in every field, and upload the required documents in the formats specified (PDF, max file size, single-file vs multi-file). Aim to have the full draft complete by 2 May 2026. Save progress frequently — most portals time out after 30–60 minutes.
6
Submit by The deadline for applications has passed. Notification of outcome by end of June/start of July 2026. (aim 7 days early)
Sponsor portals routinely slow or fail in the final 24 hours before the 1 Jul 2026 deadline. Submit early, download the confirmation receipt, and screenshot the submission timestamp. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
7
Prepare for shortlist interviews
If shortlisted, University of Edinburgh will contact you within 4–12 weeks. Re-read your essays, rehearse 3–5 likely questions out loud, and confirm your time zone for any video interview.
8
Plan your UK Student visa and arrival
Once funded, accept your university place to trigger your CAS, book a UKVI-approved TB test (£80–£200), then apply for the Student visa (£524 + £776/year IHS). Budget 3–6 weeks of processing and collect your BRP within 10 days of arrival.

GREAT Scholarships 2026 deadline & application timeline

Working backwards from the sponsor's stated deadline (The deadline for applications has passed. Notification of outcome by end of June/start of July 2026.). Dates assume a smooth, single-attempt timeline — start earlier where you can.

12 months out
6 Jul 2025
Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.
6 months out
2 Jan 2026
Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.
3 months out
2 Apr 2026
Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.
1 month out
1 Jun 2026
Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.
Application deadline
1 Jul 2026
Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

Visit official site

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the GREAT Scholarships 2026?+

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the Masters level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by University of Edinburgh, and be able to relocate to United Kingdom for the duration of the programme.

Is the GREAT Scholarships 2026 fully funded?+

Funding model: Minimum of £10,000 towards a one-year postgraduate study.. Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.

When is the application deadline?+

The application deadline is The deadline for applications has passed. Notification of outcome by end of June/start of July 2026.. Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

What documents do I need to apply?+

At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.

How can I improve my chance of winning?+

Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.

What UK visa do I need for the GREAT Scholarships 2026?+

Most scholarship holders enter the UK on a Student visa (formerly Tier 4). You apply after receiving a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your university, and must show proof of funds, your scholarship award letter, and a valid TB test certificate (required for most African nationals). Apply at least 3 months before your course start date.

Sources

UK Student visa

What English-language score do UK universities require?+

UK universities typically require IELTS Academic 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) for undergraduate and taught Masters, and 7.0 overall (no band below 6.5) for research degrees and competitive programmes. For the Student visa itself, you need a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as IELTS for UKVI unless your degree was taught entirely in English in a majority-English-speaking country.

Can I stay and work in the UK after my scholarship ends?+

Yes — the Graduate Route lets you stay for 2 years after completing an undergraduate or Masters degree (3 years for a PhD) to work or look for work at any skill level, with no sponsorship required. You must apply before your Student visa expires and have completed your course at a UK Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance.

Sources

Graduate visa

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