The British Council announced the GREAT Scholarships 2026–27 . These scholarships target Indian students seeking to pursue postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom. The initiative operates in partnership with the UK government’s GREAT Britain campaign.
For the upcoming 2026–27 academic year , 12 postgraduate scholarships are available. These awards support Indian students across a wide range of academic disciplines. Each scholarship provides significant financial assistance.
Scholarship Value and Coverage
Each GREAT Scholarship offers a minimum award of £10,000 sterling . This amount is equivalent to approximately Rs 12 lakh . The scholarship fund directly contributes towards tuition fees for eligible students.
Recipients must enroll in a one-year taught postgraduate programme. The funding specifically targets this programme type. It aids in covering a substantial portion of educational costs.
Participating UK Universities
Leading higher education institutions across the United Kingdom will offer these scholarships. The list of participating universities includes:
| University Name |
|---|
| Anglia Ruskin University |
| Norwich University of the Arts |
| Queen’s University Belfast |
| Royal College of Art |
| Royal Conservatoire of Scotland |
| Royal Northern College of Music |
| University of Bristol |
| Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance |
| University of Dundee |
| University of Reading |
| University of Surrey |
| UWE Bristol |
Available Fields of Study
The GREAT Scholarships programme covers a diverse range of academic subjects and fields of study. These include key areas such as:
- Finance
- Marketing
- Business
- Psychology
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
- Design
- Humanities
- Arts programmes
- Music programmes
- Dance programmes
Furthermore, four participating universities within this programme offer scholarships specifically dedicated to creative and performing arts disciplines. These targeted awards support specialized artistic education.
Joint Funding Collaboration
The funding for the GREAT Scholarships is a collaborative effort. Three entities jointly finance the programme. These contributors are the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign, the British Council, and the individual participating UK higher education institutions.
This joint funding model ensures sustained support for international student mobility. It also strengthens educational ties between the UK and India.
British Council Official Statements
Rittika Chanda Parruck MBE, director education India at the British Council, issued a statement regarding the scholarships. She noted the awards underscore the depth of the UK–India education partnership. She also emphasized that studying in the UK provides exposure to a global academic environment.
The British Council further stated that the GREAT Scholarships programme continues to broaden access for Indian students. This access is for specialized postgraduate study within the United Kingdom.
Application Process and Key Deadlines
Prospective Indian students must follow specific procedures to apply for the GREAT Scholarships 2026–27. Eligibility requirements vary by university and chosen programme.
Applicants should first visit the official British Council website for general information about the GREAT Scholarships. For comprehensive details regarding application forms, submission deadlines, and specific course requirements, students must consult the websites of the individual UK universities listed above. Each university manages its own application process and timeline. Adherence to institutional deadlines is crucial for consideration.