Overall, the GREAT Scholarships aim to empower Indian students to build global perspectives, strengthen professional capabilities, and contribute meaningfully to their future careers and communities
The British Council, in collaboration with the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign, has announced the GREAT Scholarships for the 2026–27 academic year, opening new opportunities for Indian students aspiring to pursue postgraduate education in the United Kingdom. Designed to support academically high-achieving and motivated learners, the programme reinforces the UK’s commitment to strengthening educational and cultural ties with India.
For the upcoming academic cycle, a total of 12 postgraduate scholarships will be offered by a group of well-regarded UK universities across a broad spectrum of disciplines. Participating institutions include Anglia Ruskin University, Norwich University of the Arts, Queen’s University Belfast, the Royal College of Art, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, the Royal Northern College of Music, the University of Bristol, Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, the University of Dundee, the University of Reading, the University of Surrey, and UWE Bristol. Together, these institutions represent a diverse mix of academic, creative, and research-focused excellence.
Each GREAT Scholarship provides a minimum financial contribution of £10,000 towards tuition fees for a one-year taught postgraduate programme
This support is aimed at reducing financial barriers and enabling talented Indian students to access globally recognised education and expertise in the UK. The scholarships cover a wide range of subject areas, including business, finance, marketing, psychology, STEM fields, design, humanities, and social sciences. In addition, creative aspirants will find strong representation, with four universities offering scholarships specifically for arts, music, dance, and other performing arts disciplines.
The GREAT Scholarships are jointly funded by the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign, the British Council, and the participating universities. This collaborative approach reflects a shared goal of widening access to high-quality UK education while promoting long-term academic and cultural exchange between the two countries.
According to the British Council, the UK’s higher education system is internationally recognised for its academic rigour, innovative teaching methods, and extensive subject choices. Scholarship recipients benefit not only from classroom learning but also from opportunities to develop practical, analytical, and critical thinking skills. Many programmes emphasise real-world application, preparing students to address global challenges in their chosen fields.
Additionally, post-study work options in the UK allow graduates to gain valuable professional experience after completing their degrees, further enhancing their career prospects. Overall, the GREAT Scholarships aim to empower Indian students to build global perspectives, strengthen professional capabilities, and contribute meaningfully to their future careers and communities.
