In partnership with the British Council and the GREAT Britain Campaign, the University of Kent announces a prestigious funding opportunity for the 2026/27 academic year. This endeavour is designed to support high-achieving international students by making available financial assistance to pursue world-class education at one of the UK’s leading research institutions.
Detailed Scholarship Breakdown
The GREAT Scholarship is a significant financial award of £10,000, which is applied directly toward the cost of tuition for a one-year taught Master’s degree. Beyond the monetary value, the programme is a gateway for students to assimilate the British culture and academic excellence.
The university will award a total of seven scholarships to exceptional candidates from the following eligible countries:
Asia: China, Malaysia, Thailand
Africa: Kenya, Nigeria
Europe: France, Turkey
Application Cut-off: April 25, 2026, at 17:00 BST.
Successful candidates will be officially informed of their award status by June 27, 2026.
Eligibility and Candidate Profile
To be selected for this competitive award, applicants must meet a specific set of criteria that reflects both academic merit and a commitment to global leadership.
- You must be a citizen and permanent resident of one of the seven eligible countries listed above and be classified as an “overseas” fee payer.
- Candidates must hold a conditional or unconditional offer for a full-time, one-year taught postgraduate program at a University of Kent UK campus starting in September.
- Professionalism: You should demonstrate a proven track record of engagement in your chosen field, whether through professional work experience or documented extracurricular interest.
- Applicants must show willingness to act as a representative for the “GREAT” brand. This involves participating in networking events, attending extracurricular activities, and promoting the benefits of UK higher education to a global audience.
The Selection and Application Process
The University of Kent uses a holistic approach to select scholars. While your initial university application provides the foundation, the scholarship-specific essay is the most critical component of the selection process.
How to Apply
- Secure an Admission Offer: You cannot apply for the scholarship until you have submitted a course application and received an offer of study from the University of Kent.
- Access the Portal: Once your study offer is confirmed, log in to your student applicant portal to find the GREAT Scholarship application form.
- The Essay Requirement: You must submit a reflective essay of no more than 500 words. This essay should focus on a specific academic topic you have previously studied that ignited your passion or inspired you to pursue your current Master’s degree.
- Formatting: Ensure your essay is uploaded as a Word or PDF document. Please note that other file types (like JPG or Pages) will lead to an automatic rejection.
- Special Note for Pharmacy Students: If you are applying for a programme through the Medway School of Pharmacy, the standard portal process may differ. You are advised to contact the school directly via email to coordinate your scholarship submission.
Selection Criteria
The scholarship committee will evaluate applications based on the clarity of thought and depth of motivation displayed in the essay. They are looking for students who not only excel academically but also demonstrate the potential to contribute meaningfully to the university community and the wider global alumni network.
