The University of York GREAT Scholarship 2026 offers financial support to high‑achieving international students from selected countries who want to pursue a one‑year postgraduate taught degree. These scholarships help reduce tuition fees and make world‑class UK education more affordable, allowing scholars to concentrate fully on their studies, career goals, and academic development.
About the University of York GREAT Scholarship
The GREAT Scholarships programme is a partnership between the British Council, the GREAT Britain Campaign, and the University of York that aims to attract international talent to study in the UK. It is part of a wider initiative across UK universities that provides funding opportunities specifically for students from select countries.
At the University of York, these scholarships are offered to international applicants from China, Indonesia, Kenya, and Malaysia who have applied to a one‑year postgraduate taught course starting in 2026/27. Each scholarship provides a fixed amount of financial support that contributes towards the cost of tuition fees. Applicants are assessed competitively based on academic merit and the strength of their written application.
Successful candidates will also act as ambassadors for the GREAT Scholarships scheme, promoting the value of UK higher education and representing the University and the British Council.
Why Choose The University of York GREAT Scholarship?
This scholarship makes postgraduate study in the UK more accessible for talented students from China, Indonesia, Kenya, and Malaysia. The University of York is a research‑intensive institution with a global reputation for excellence in a wide range of subjects, and it provides an excellent academic environment for students who want to expand their knowledge and career prospects.
Scholarship recipients benefit from financial support that helps offset international tuition fees, which are typically high for overseas students, and allows students to focus on academic study, networking, and gaining valuable UK experience. The scholarship also enhances students’ CVs and helps them build international connections through university and British Council activities.
University of York GREAT Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Host University: University of York
- Scholarship Name: GREAT Scholarships 2026–27
- Study Level: Postgraduate taught (one‑year master’s level)
- Coverage Includes: A £10,000 award applied as a tuition fee reduction for one year of postgraduate study
- Programme Duration: One academic year (2026–27)
- Application Deadline: 11 May 2026, 11.59 pm BST
- Eligible Countries: China, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia
- Number of Scholarships: One award available per eligible country
- Eligible Applicants: Students who are permanent residents and passport holders of China, Indonesia, Kenya, or Malaysia, hold a conditional or unconditional offer to study a full‑time postgraduate taught course at York, and are assessed on academic merit and application responses
Scholarship Benefits
The GREAT Scholarships provide the following key benefits:
- A £10,000 contribution towards tuition fees, applied as a tuition fee reduction
- Recognition as a GREAT Scholar, which can strengthen graduate CVs and future career opportunities
- Opportunities to network with fellow scholars, academics, and industry professionals while studying at a research‑intensive UK university
- Support in accessing world‑class teaching, research facilities, and professional development opportunities at the University of York
These benefits help international students reduce the financial burden of postgraduate study and focus on academic success and future career goals.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the GREAT Scholarships at the University of York, applicants must:
- Be permanent residents and passport holders of one of the eligible countries: China, Indonesia, Kenya, or Malaysia
- Have completed the fee assessment and be paying tuition at the overseas (international) rate by the scholarship deadline
- Hold a conditional or unconditional offer to study a full‑time one‑year postgraduate taught course at York by 11 May 2026
- Have met any language conditions attached to their offer by 11 May 2026
- Not already hold a 100% tuition fee scholarship or be fully sponsored for their study
- Be a new student beginning the academic year 2026/27 (current York students who started earlier are not eligible)
Required Documents
When applying for the GREAT Scholarships, students should prepare:
- A completed scholarship application form submitted online before the deadline
- Evidence of a passport and residency status showing eligibility by country
- A copy of your offer letter (conditional or unconditional) for a postgraduate taught course
- Responses to written questions about your course choices and future goals
- Any additional documentation requested by the University to verify eligibility or academic merit
University admissions may also request supporting evidence to confirm your nationality during the application review.
Application Process & Timeline
Follow these steps to apply for the scholarship:
- Apply for admission to a one‑year postgraduate taught course at the University of York with a relevant programme choice.
- Prepare your scholarship application, including written responses about your academic interests and future goals.
- Ensure you hold an offer for your course (conditional or unconditional) before the scholarship deadline.
- Submit your scholarship application online by 11 May 2026 (11.59 pm BST).
- The selection panel reviews all eligible applications and awards scholarships based on academic merit and application quality.
- Scholarship decisions are communicated to selected candidates, who must then formally accept their course offer and scholarship.
- Prepare for study in the UK in autumn 2026, including visa arrangements, accommodation, and travel planning.
