International Merit Undergraduate Scholarship – Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

🌟 About the Scholarship

Opens
Closes14 Jan, 2026

The University of Southampton offers an International Merit Undergraduate Scholarship to reward high-achieving international students. The scholarships consist of tuition fee discounts applied to the first year of study. The award value depends on the student’s academic performance and program.

🎓 Scholarship Snapshot

Here’s everything you need at a glance: the documents to prepare, what the award covers, and key dates so you don’t miss a beat. From transcripts and essays to tuition and living support, this gives you a clear picture of the International Merit Undergraduate Scholarship before you apply.

Eligible Countries

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, North Korea, North Macedonia, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Seirra Leone, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Korea, South Sudan, South-Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tokelau, Trinidad-Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Wales, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Study Fields

Astronomy, Biological Science, Business, Chemical Science, Chemistry, Economic Sciences, Education, Engineering, Environmental and Earth Sciences, Geography, Health Sciences, Law, Ocean and Earth Science, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Social Science

GPA / Grade

A*, Garde A

Languages

C1 Advanced 176, C2 Proficiency 185, DuoLingo English Test 125, IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 92

Tests

Study Levels

Bachelor's, Undergraduate

Total Scholarships

Transcripts

Yes

Degrees

Yes

Essay

Passport ID

Recommendation Letters

Result Date

Program Start

September 2026

Tuition Fee

Covered

Living Allowance

Travel Allowance

Research Grant

Health Insurance

Visa Assistance

📞 Contact Information

Call if you want a quick answer, send an email for detailed questions, or follow the university’s social channels to keep an eye on updates and reminders. Use whatever fits your style and timezone.

Scholarship Summary

Award AmountUp to £4,500
Deadline14 Jan, 2026
LevelBachelor's, Undergraduate
InstitutionUniversity of Southampton
CountryUnited Kingdom
ModeOnline
TypePartially funded

Apply Now

The University of Southampton offers an International Merit Undergraduate Scholarship to reward high-achieving international students. These awards support students entering Year 1 of eligible Bachelor’s programs on the UK campus. The scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence that exceeds the standard entry requirements.

Background and Purpose

Southampton established these scholarships to encourage exceptional international students to join its academic community. The program promotes excellence by providing financial recognition to students who outperform the minimum entry criteria. It helps attract talented students from around the world while easing their first-year tuition costs.

International Merit Undergraduate Scholarship Benefits

The scholarships consist of tuition fee discounts applied to the first year of study. The award value depends on the student’s academic performance and program. For example, Business School courses may provide £1,500 for each A* above the offer condition, up to £4,500. Other faculties may offer £1,000 per A or A* grade, up to £3,000. The scholarship only applies to the first year.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be international students entering Year 1 of an eligible Bachelor’s program. Eligibility is based on recognized qualifications such as A Levels or the International Baccalaureate. Students must exceed the grades specified in their offer to qualify. The scholarships cover a wide range of schools, including Biological Sciences, Law, Physics and Astronomy, Geography and Environmental Science, Psychology, and Health Sciences.

International Merit Undergraduate Scholarship Application Process

Students do not need to submit a separate scholarship application. Southampton automatically considers eligible applicants who meet the academic criteria. The university notifies successful students by email. The scholarship excludes foundation programs, distance learning, CPD courses, programs at partner institutions, and courses at the Malaysia campus.

Opportunities for Scholars

Recipients receive financial support for their first year, reducing tuition costs and allowing them to focus on studies. Scholars gain early recognition of their academic excellence. They join a diverse, international learning community and can leverage Southampton’s resources and support networks to further their academic and career ambitions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is eligible?

To be eligible you must be classified as an international (overseas) student, hold a conditional or unconditional offer to start a Year 1 undergraduate course at Southampton in September 2026, and meet or exceed your program’s academic conditions with strong grades.

How are the awards calculated?

In Business, Law, Mathematics or Physics and Astronomy, you receive £1,500 per A grade* above your offer conditions up to £4,500 total. In other subjects, the discount is typically £1,000 per excellent grade above offer standards (e.g., A or A*) up to a maximum (often £3,000).

Do I need to apply separately?

No, you do not need to apply separately for these merit awards. If you meet the eligibility criteria and exceed the required results, you are automatically considered and notified by email.

Is it only for the first year?

Yes, these merit scholarships normally apply as a discount on your first‑year tuition fee invoice only.

Are there any conditions or exclusions?

These merit scholarships are not available to students on foundation, part‑time, distance learning, or courses at partner institutions or the Malaysia campus. Specific grade requirements vary by school.