The British Council, in partnership with the UK government’s GREAT Britain campaign, announces GREAT Scholarships every year to offer international students an opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies at prestigious universities in the UK. So Some key things to know about these scholarships are:
- GREAT Scholarships are available for masters programs starting in the autumn (fall) intake of 2024
- A wide range of subjects are offered across 26 universities in the UK
- Each scholarship covers minimum tuition fees of £10,000 for a one-year masters course
- The deadline to apply is typically mid-March every year
So This guide provides comprehensive details about the GREAT Scholarships 2024 to help students make an informed decision about applying for fully-funded master’s opportunities in the UK.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for GREAT Scholarships, applicants must meet the following minimum criteria:
- Hold a first undergraduate degree (or equivalent) from a recognized university
- Secure an unconditional offer from a participating UK university for the intended master’s program
- Satisfy the English language requirements of the chosen university
- Not be a UK or Irish citizen or hold a UK visa already
- Be physically present in the country of nationality/residence at the time of application
Additionally, individual universities may have separate entry requirements for particular programs. Applicants must check course specifications on university websites. Most programs prefer work experience of 1-2 years as well.
List of Participating Universities
For the 2024 intake, 25 UK universities offer GREAT Scholarships across diverse subjects. Some prominent participating institutions include:
- University of Cambridge
- University College London
- King’s College London
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Manchester
- University of Bristol
- Durham University
- University of Exeter
- University of Southampton
- Queen Mary University of London
A full list of participating universities and programs on offer can be found on the British Council website. So that Students can search and filter options based on subject interests.
Benefits of GREAT Scholarship
Worth at least £10,000, the GREAT Scholarship covers full or partial tuition fees for a one-year full-time master’s program at a top UK university. Here are some additional benefits:
- World-class education from universities ranked among the best globally
- The immersive cultural experience of studying and living in the UK
- Potential work experience through post-study work visa for selected programs
- Opportunity to strengthen career prospects and widen global exposure
- Networking with an international peer group and faculty
- Chance to contribute to the UK’s dynamic multicultural academic environment
Students also get lifetime university alumni status with access to career services and networking events even after graduation.
Subjects on Offer
In Other words Scholarships are available across a wide range of popular masters subjects including:
- Business, Management and Finance
- Engineering and Physical Sciences
- Computer Science and IT
- Social Sciences and Humanities
- Law and Criminology
- Architecture, Design and Visual Arts
- Health and Life Sciences
- Education and Teacher Training
Some specialized scholarships also cater to domains like Justice, Law, and Science and Technology.
Application Process
The standard application process involves the following steps:
- Choose a suitable master’s program and university
- Apply to the university within their stated deadlines
- Secure an unconditional offer of admission from the university
- Complete the GREAT Scholarship application form online
- Submit required documents like CV, statement of purpose, etc.
- If shortlisted, attend a video interview round
- Notification of results by mid-May
Generally, scholarship application deadlines are in mid-March. University applications, however, may have rolling admissions with later deadlines too.
Support for Applications
However, GREAT Scholarship team provides support to applicants throughout the process:
- Guidance on eligibility, selection process and complete application requirements
- Tips for CV, statement of purpose and interview preparations
- Queries answered via email, live chats and webinars
- Verification of document submission status
- Reminders for application deadlines
The British Council in India also organizes pre-departure sessions for selected candidates covering visa assistance, finances, accommodation and more.
Selection Criteria
A merit-based selection process evaluates applicants on the following parameters:
Academic Excellence
- Past academic performance
- Standardized test scores (GRE, GMAT, IELTS, etc.)
Statement of Purpose
- Strong motivation for the intended program of study
- Well-defined academic and professional goals
Extracurricular Activities
- Demonstrated leadership qualities
- Relevant work or internship experience
Interview Performance
- Communication skills and confidence
- Cultural integration and awareness
References
- Positive recommendations from referees
Above all A good mix of these qualities along with a competitive application profile boosts the chance of selection.
Post-Study Plans
Therefore GREAT scholars are primed for gratifying careers in their chosen field thanks to a UK master’s degree from a prestigious university. So that some popular post-study options include:
- Qualifying for a 2-year post-study work visa in the UK (for selected programs)
- Pursuing doctoral studies at top global institutions
- Gaining global work experience in multinational companies
- Entrepreneurship and setting up your own company
- Returning to India for career opportunities at leading organisations
- Applying for work permits in selected countries via trade agreements
The extensive alumni network of UK universities also aids career development worldwide.
Tips for Strong Application
To maximise chances of selection, applicants must keep the following tips in mind:
- Research interests and select the most suitable program-university fit
- Apply for early admission deadlines where possible
-Seek recommendation letters from respected referees - Draft a compelling statement of purpose highlighting your qualifications
- Verify documents for accuracy and adhere to formatting guidelines
- Practice for video interviews to present the best version of yourself
- Check all application details multiple times before final submission
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, you have got complete clarity on GREAT scholarships for masters in UK universities. So If you desire to make the most out of it, you must take assistance from the experts in the business. If you are looking for one, then you can consider connecting with the pros at Cliftons Study Abroad and get all your needs covered hassle-free. Good luck!
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