The GREAT Scholarships programme is a joint effort by the UK government and the British Council, working alongside 71 universities across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Each award puts £10,000 towards the tuition fees of a one-year taught postgraduate Master’s programme, helping cut the cost of studying in the UK.
For African applicants from Egypt, Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria, this is a practical, accessible route into a respected UK Master’s. The award is tied to specific universities and eligible courses, so where you apply matters as much as whether you qualify. More than 200 scholarships were on offer for the 2025/26 academic year, with courses starting in September 2026.
Because each participating university runs its own GREAT Scholarship competition, you apply directly through the institution rather than through one central portal. That means doing a little homework to find which universities offer the award to students from your country, and which of their courses are eligible.
Scholarship benefits
- £10,000 towards tuition fees for one year of study.
- Applies to eligible one-year taught postgraduate Master’s programmes.
- Offered across 71 universities in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
- Over 200 scholarships were made available for the 2025/26 academic year.
Eligibility checklist
- ✔ You come from a participating country — the list includes Egypt, Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria (among others such as Bangladesh, China, India, Pakistan and Vietnam).
- ✔ You hold an undergraduate degree.
- ✔ You are motivated and have a genuine interest in your chosen subject area.
- ✔ You meet the English language requirement set by the UK higher education institution.
- ✔ You meet any additional country-specific criteria, which are listed on each country page of the official website.
- ✔ You are applying for an eligible one-year taught Master’s programme at a participating university.
Application tips for African students
- Confirm your country and course are eligible first. Each university decides which countries and which specific courses its GREAT Scholarship covers, so check the university page before investing time in an application.
- Plan your English test early. If you need IELTS or TOEFL to meet the institution’s language requirement, book it weeks ahead so your scores are ready before the scholarship deadline.
- Get your transcripts and degree certificate ready. Have certified copies prepared, and arrange certified translations if your documents are not in English.
- Write a focused statement. Show clear motivation and real interest in the subject — these are stated eligibility points, so let them come through in your application.
- Line up strong recommenders early. Approach lecturers or employers in good time so they can write detailed, supportive references before the cut-off.
- Apply well before the deadline. Deadlines vary by institution and fall around April–June 2026, so treat the earliest relevant date as yours.
- Prepare for visa and proof-of-funds steps. The £10,000 covers part of tuition, so budget for the remaining fees and living costs you’ll need to evidence for a UK student visa.
How to apply
There is no single application form. Visit the page of a participating university to learn more, then follow the link to that university’s own scholarship webpage and apply according to its instructions. Each institution sets its own deadline, typically between April and June 2026. For the full list of universities, country pages and detailed guidance, start at the official website: study-uk.britishcouncil.org/scholarships-funding/great-scholarships.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for a GREAT Scholarship?
Students from a list of participating countries that includes Egypt, Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria, plus countries such as Bangladesh, China, France, Greece, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Spain, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam. You also need an undergraduate degree and must meet the English language requirement.
How much is the award worth?
Each scholarship provides £10,000 towards tuition fees for one year of study. It does not cover the full cost, so you’ll need to fund the remaining tuition and your living expenses.
What level of study does it cover?
It supports eligible one-year taught postgraduate Master’s programmes at participating UK universities, with courses starting in September 2026.
What is the deadline?
Deadlines vary by university but fall around April to June 2026. Check the specific institution’s scholarship page for the exact date.
Do I apply through the British Council?
No. You apply directly to each participating university through its own scholarship webpage, following the instructions provided there. The British Council website lists the participating universities and country-specific criteria.