If you’re an international student looking for funding to study in the UK, the Think Big Scholarship at the University of Bristol could be a game-changer. This scholarship provides tuition fee waivers of up to £26,000 per year for master’s students and £13,000 per year for undergraduates, along with a £3,000 stipend.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about eligibility, application deadlines, how to apply, and tips for crafting a strong application.
What is the Think Big Scholarship?
The Think Big Scholarship is a funding program designed for international students who want to study at the University of Bristol. The university has committed £6 million to help outstanding students pursue their education in 2025.
This scholarship covers tuition fees but does not provide a direct cash award. Instead, the amount is deducted from your university tuition, reducing the financial burden.
Scholarship Breakdown:
| Study Level | Tuition Fee Waiver | Stipend |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | Up to £13,000 per year | £3,000 one-time grant |
| Postgraduate (Master’s) | Up to £26,000 per year | £3,000 one-time grant |
Important Note: The scholarship does not cover years spent on industry placements or study abroad programs.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
To be eligible for the Think Big Scholarship, you must meet these requirements:
General Requirements (Both Undergraduate & Postgraduate):
- You must be an international student (overseas fee status).
- You must apply for an eligible course at the University of Bristol.
- You must not already be receiving funding that covers full tuition.
Undergraduate Eligibility
To apply for an undergraduate Think Big Scholarship, you must:
- Apply for a full-time undergraduate course at the University of Bristol.
- Start your course in September 2025.
- Exclusions: Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Science programs are not eligible.
- Have a UCAS ID or Kaplan ID.
- Meet the academic entry requirements of your chosen course.
Postgraduate Eligibility
To apply for a master’s Think Big Scholarship, you must:
- Apply for a full-time taught master’s program (MA, MSc, LLM, etc.).
- Start your course in September 2025.
- Be classified as an overseas student for fee purposes.
- Have a student ID from the University of Bristol.
- Meet the university’s entry requirements before August 31, 2025.
Application Deadlines
Mark these dates on your calendar!
| Scholarship Type | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | February 24, 2025 |
| Postgraduate | April 23, 2025 |
Tip: You must apply to a course first before applying for the scholarship. Your scholarship application will not be considered if you haven’t submitted your program application.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
1. Apply for a Course First
You must apply for an undergraduate or postgraduate program before submitting your scholarship application.
For Undergraduate Applications
- You must apply via UCAS (University & Colleges Admissions Service).
- Check the entry requirements for your chosen program.
- Application fee: UCAS requires a small application fee.
For Postgraduate Applications
- Apply via the University of Bristol’s online application portal (Apply Here).
- No application fee is required.
2. Complete the Scholarship Application
Choose the Right Application Form
- Undergraduate Scholarship Form 📝
- Postgraduate Scholarship Form 📝
Important Notes:
- You cannot save your progress, so complete the form in one session.
- You can review your answers before submitting, but changes cannot be made after submission.
- If applying via a smartphone, switch to landscape mode for better visibility.
Think Big Scholarship Application Questions
Your scholarship application will require you to answer three short essay questions. Each question is scored out of 10 marks.
Undergraduate Questions:
- Describe your skills and accomplishments outside of academics (internships, extracurriculars, volunteer work).
- Explain how you will contribute to the student community at the University of Bristol.
- Describe your future career goals and how studying at Bristol will help you achieve them.
Postgraduate Questions:
- Explain why you are an ideal candidate for the Think Big Scholarship (highlight achievements).
- Give an example of when you demonstrated leadership or teamwork skills.
- Describe your future goals and how studying at Bristol will help you achieve them.
Pro Tip:
- Be specific and personal in your responses.
- Link your answers back to the question.
- Focus on ambition, leadership, and impact.
What Makes a Strong Application? (Winning Tips)
✔ Start Early: Give yourself enough time to write strong essays.
✔ Be Authentic: Share real experiences and personal stories.
✔ Show Impact: Demonstrate how you make a difference in your community.
✔ Highlight Leadership: Showcase leadership roles in school, work, or volunteering.
✔ Be Clear and Concise: Stick to the word limit and structure your answers well.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I apply if I haven’t received an offer yet?
Yes! You don’t need to have received an offer to apply for the scholarship, but you must have submitted a course application.
2. Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
Yes, but you must not be receiving other funding that covers your full tuition fees.
3. Is there an English language requirement?
If you studied in an English-speaking country, you may be exempt from submitting an English language test. Check the University’s Language Policy for details.
4. What happens after I submit my application?
- If shortlisted, you will receive an email about the next steps.
- Successful applicants will have their tuition fees adjusted upon enrollment.
Final Thoughts: Should You Apply?
If you’re an international student looking for a top-tier UK education without the financial stress, the Think Big Scholarship is an incredible opportunity.
By applying early, crafting strong essays, and showcasing your ambitions, you can increase your chances of winning.
Quick Recap:
Undergraduate students: Up to £13,000 per year + £3,000 stipend.
Postgraduate students: Up to £26,000 per year + £3,000 stipend.
Deadline for undergraduate scholarships: February 24, 2025.
Deadline for postgraduate scholarships: April 23, 2025.
Start your application today! Apply Now
Good luck! 🎓💡
