British Council GREAT Scholarship
A unique chance to live in the UK and study at some of its best universities, the scholarships not just offer financial support to students from India but also open doors to a unique, multi-cultural as well as modern environment. Students get to learn from the best of faculty, study amongst peers from diverse educational, cultural and professional backgrounds. This rich environment not just polishes their soft and professional skills but also helps them become industry-ready professionals with a global experience to their backing.
GREAT Scholarships offered by the British Council
One of the most prominent scholarships students from India can apply for is the GREAT Scholarships offered by the British Council. Each scholarship is worth a minimum of £10,000 towards tuition fees for a one-year postgraduate course.
The scheme offers opportunities to study at some of the UK’s globally ranked universities. With their high-quality courses, these internationally recognised qualifications make for impressive stamps on one’s Curriculum Vitae.
The programmes at the many colleges are ideal for both recent graduates and working professionals wanting to enrol in postgraduate opportunities in the UK.
The upcoming academic year
For the 2025-26 academic year there are 26 postgraduate scholarships available from UK universities for students from India.
Each scholarship is jointly funded by the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign and the British Council with participating UK higher education institutions.
Available across various subjects, students can pick from 19 core subjects, two courses on justice and law, and three on science and technology.
British Council GREAT Scholarship
UK as a leading study destination
The UK offers world-class education, cutting-edge research opportunities, and exposure to a diverse, multicultural environment. The postgraduate degrees are thus not just a gateway to higher and professional education but also help transform students into future-ready professionals.
The industry-ready programmes enhance employability and career prospects in an increasingly globalised job market. The programmes are suited for undergraduate students exploring postgraduate opportunities abroad as well as working professionals considering higher education to advance their careers.
Post study work opportunities
The introduction of the Graduate Route in 2021 has opened doors for Indian students to explore career opportunities in the UK after completing their studies. This pathway not only extends post-study work permits but also accommodates students who pursued their education online due to the pandemic. The Graduate Route stands as a bridge between academia and professional careers, offering a valuable transition for graduates looking to kick-start their journeys in the international job market. In fact, according to findings from UUKI’s International Graduate Outcomes report, an overwhelming 83% of international graduates affirm that their UK degree significantly contributes to their job acquisition.
Alumni speaks
GREAT scholar Bhavana from India is pursuing a master’s at Arts University Bournemouth. She founded an architectural firm in Bengaluru and has returned to studying after many years of work to inform and add to her existing practice. “All the facilities here have really opened up a lot of possibilities for me,” she says in regards to her experience thus far studying in the UK.
“Fine art education will enrich my architecture work and expand my creative practice, she adds.
2021-22 Women in STEM scholar Shilpa finished her master’s in hydrology and water management at Newcastle University in September 2022. “It was important for me to go to a place which recognises the conservation side of things, especially when it’s hard to find courses focusing on niche domains such as hydrology and water management. There are very few universities with this specialism and Newcastle is one of the top universities when it comes to working towards sustainable development goals in research. In the future, I’d love to work in rural water security,” she shares.
British Council GREAT Scholarship
Six tips to draft an ideal application for the GREAT Scholarship
1. Make sure you’re eligible and stick to the word limit
First and foremost, meet the scholarship’s eligibility criteria. If you fit the bill, write an application that is not just impressive but is within the stipulated word limit! You clear this step, before you get to interact with a real person.
2. Don’t shy away from sharing your achievements to prove your mettle
Spell out each and everyone of your achievents – don’t cut back. If you don’t share your achievements with the people reading your application, they won’t know your worth. Don’t worry about ‘talking about yourself too much’ or ‘boasting’. They want and need to know your achievements to decide whether to grant you the scholarship.
Mention the score on your report card and share details about the extra activities you have engaged in over the last few years – drama club, sports group, choir – it could be anything.
3. Organise your scribbles
Scribble your application with your capabilities and your ambitions in the best way that you can. Howvere, give the essay a syructure structure so can describe details about yourself and your goals in the limited space you have.
4. Express the importance of the scholarship to you and your career
People reading your application will want to know what you hope to gain and ultimately give back (to the industry/ society) from receiving the scholarship. Jot down your aspirations and plans.
5. Talk about the impact that you can create in your country and community with a GREAT Scholarship
In your application, you should try to highlight how the knowledge, skills and experiences you will gain through your education won’t just help your own personal and professional growth but also the growth of your nation. You will be assessed on your ambitions, including in the longer term.
6. Just go for it and re-apply in case of rejection
Many a time studnets keep thinking about applying for a programme, with little to no action to follow. The idea of facing global competition can be intimidiating but self-belief and clear goals can go a long way. Just be sure as to why you want to apply for the scholarship, fill am impressive appliaction, and submit. It’s worth taking the chances. And if, at first, you don’t succeed or you don’t get exactly what you’re looking for, there is always another window just ‘round the corner.
Step-by-step guide to applying for the GREAT Scholasrhip
1. Visit the universities page above to find out more information and then follow the link through to the university’s website.
2. Apply for individual scholarships following the instructions given on each university’s scholarship webpages.
3. The deadline to apply for a GREAT Scholarship varies according to each institution. For details on individual institutions deadlines please see the institutions page.
4. Successful scholars will be informed by individual universities on the result of their applications.
5. Scholarship funding will be issued to successful scholars by individual universities after registration
For more information, visit:
• GREAT Scholarships India | British Council
• Why Study in the UK
Disclaimer: Content Produced by British Council a division of British High Commission
