GREAT Scholarships are generally tuition-fee awards, not fully funded scholarships, and eligibility, subjects, award values and deadlines can differ by university. Know this first before you continue. Nigerian graduates planning to study for a master’s degree in the United Kingdom can access subject-specific tuition support through the GREAT Scholarships programme, with participating UK universities offering scholarships for eligible one-year taught postgraduate courses.
The GREAT Scholarships 2026/27 are supported through the British Council’s Study UK campaign and participating UK higher education institutions. For the current academic year, students from Nigeria have access to scholarship opportunities at 14 participating UK universities.
The standard GREAT Scholarship campaign offers awards of at least £10,000 towards tuition fees. However, applicants should carefully check the individual university offer because the actual award can be higher. For example, the current GREAT Scholarship listed for Nigerian students at Brunel University of London is worth £12,000, while other participating universities may offer £10,000 under their individual arrangements.
Importantly, GREAT Scholarships should not automatically be described as fully funded scholarships. The funding is primarily a contribution towards tuition fees, meaning students may still need to finance the remaining tuition balance and living costs unless they receive additional funding.
The official British Council information states that, for the 2026/27 academic year, more than 140 GREAT Scholarships are available through more than 60 UK universities across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, covering students from 18 eligible countries, including Nigeria.
GREAT Scholarships 2026/27 Quick Facts
| Scholarship Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | GREAT Scholarships |
| Academic Year | 2026/27 |
| Host Country | United Kingdom |
| Study Level | Postgraduate taught master’s |
| Course Duration | Mainly one-year taught postgraduate courses |
| Target Applicants | Students from selected GREAT Scholarship countries |
| Nigeria Eligible | Yes |
| Standard Funding | At least £10,000 towards tuition fees |
| Actual Award | May vary by participating university |
| Fully Funded? | No, not generally |
| Funding Coverage | Tuition-fee contribution |
| Participating Nigerian Universities | 14 listed for 2026/27 |
| Application Method | Apply according to the individual university’s instructions |
| Deadline | Varies by university |
| Award Notification | Individual participating universities |
| Main Information Platform | British Council Study UK / GREAT Scholarships |
The British Council’s official Nigeria page confirms that GREAT Scholarships for the 2026/27 academic year are available to Nigerian students for a range of one-year taught postgraduate courses at participating universities.
What the GREAT Scholarships Programme Offers
The GREAT Scholarships programme provides postgraduate applicants with a significant reduction in the cost of studying in the UK.
For the 2026/27 cycle, the standard programme structure provides £10,000 towards tuition fees for eligible one-year taught postgraduate courses. Across the wider international programme, the British Council says more than 140 scholarships are being offered by more than 60 universities.
However, applicants should not assume that every scholarship has identical conditions.
The amount, eligible courses, number of awards and application deadlines can be determined by the participating university. For instance, Brunel University of London lists a £12,000 GREAT Scholarship for eligible Nigerian applicants in selected master’s programmes, while University College London lists a £10,000 award for Nigerian students and makes its scholarship available across full-time postgraduate taught master’s programmes.
Universities Offering GREAT Scholarships to Nigerian Students
For the 2026/27 academic year, the British Council lists the following universities as offering GREAT Scholarships to students from Nigeria:
- Brunel University of London
- Cranfield University
- Edge Hill University
- Edinburgh Napier University
- Imperial College London
- Keele University
- Nottingham Trent University
- Royal Holloway, University of London
- University College London
- University of Bath
- University of Kent
- University of Reading
- University of Southampton
- University of Warwick
These universities do not necessarily offer the scholarship for the same subjects. Applicants must check the individual university page to identify the specific master’s courses covered for Nigerian applicants.
Why Course Selection Is Important
One of the most important features of the GREAT Scholarships is that course eligibility can be university-specific.
This means an applicant may be eligible for a GREAT Scholarship at one university but not another, even when applying for similar academic fields.
At some universities, the scholarship applies to a limited list of programmes. Brunel University of London, for example, currently lists selected courses including programmes in renewable energy engineering, electronic and electrical engineering, professional practice, public health, artificial intelligence and law, and business intelligence and digital marketing for eligible Nigerian GREAT Scholarship applicants. (study-uk.britishcouncil.org)
By comparison, University College London currently lists its £10,000 GREAT Scholarship for Nigerian applicants across full-time postgraduate taught master’s programmes, subject to the university’s applicable scholarship rules and exclusions.
Applicants should therefore follow this sequence:
Choose a university → Check the GREAT Scholarship availability → Confirm eligible subjects → Check admission requirements → Review the scholarship procedure → Apply before the university deadline.
Who Can Apply for GREAT Scholarships?
For Nigerian applicants, the British Council lists several major eligibility requirements.
Applicants must generally:
- Be a passport holder and permanent resident of Nigeria;
- Have an undergraduate degree that qualifies them for postgraduate study;
- Be academically motivated and able to benefit from the proposed course;
- Have a genuine interest in the proposed academic subject;
- Meet the English-language requirements of the chosen UK university;
- Demonstrate willingness to engage with the UK through academic and personal development;
- Be willing to participate in a networking event involving UK-based GREAT Scholars;
- Be willing to maintain contact with the British Council and their university;
- Be prepared to act as an ambassador for the GREAT Scholarships;
- Be willing, as an alumnus, to occasionally share their study experience with future applicants.
The individual university may also impose additional academic, admission or scholarship requirements.
Academic Requirements and Undergraduate Degree
There is no single universal CGPA figure published by the British Council that automatically guarantees a GREAT Scholarship. Instead, applicants must first meet the academic requirements for admission to the relevant postgraduate course and then satisfy the scholarship requirements set by the participating university. A strong academic record can be important, but GREAT Scholarships are not based only on CGPA.
The British Council’s GREAT Scholar profile also emphasises motivation, academic ability, relevant work experience or demonstrated interest in the proposed field, and the ability to engage with the scholarship’s wider academic and professional community.
GREAT Scholarship Funding: What Does the £10,000 Cover?
The central financial benefit is a contribution towards tuition fees. For the wider GREAT Scholarships programme, the standard award is £10,000, although individual university awards can be higher. Brunel University of London, for example, currently lists a £12,000 award for eligible applicants from Nigeria.
Students should understand the difference between the scholarship value and their total cost of studying in the UK.
Example
If a master’s programme costs: £20,000 in tuition and the student receives: £10,000 GREAT Scholarship, the scholarship may reduce the tuition balance to: £10,000 remaining tuition.
The student may also still need money for:
- Accommodation;
- Food and groceries;
- Transport;
- Student visa costs;
- Immigration Health Surcharge, where applicable;
- Books and study materials;
- Personal expenses;
- Other costs connected with studying in the UK.
Therefore, the GREAT Scholarship is a major financial award but should normally be described as partial tuition funding rather than full funding.
Best Strategy Method to Win This Scholarship
GREAT Scholarships are awarded through individual participating universities, so the strongest strategy is to approach the application as both an admission application and a scholarship competition.
Choose a Course With a Strong Academic Connection
Applicants should select a master’s programme that clearly connects with:
- Their bachelor’s degree;
- Previous academic work;
- Professional experience;
- Career goals;
- Demonstrated interests.
A weak or unexplained change of field may make it more difficult to present a convincing academic and professional profile.
Check the Subject-Specific Scholarship Before Applying
Do not assume that a university’s participation means every master’s programme is covered.
Confirm that:
- Nigeria is listed as an eligible country;
- Your chosen course qualifies;
- The programme is taught at the required level;
- You meet the university’s academic conditions;
- You meet the English-language requirement;
- You understand the scholarship deadline.
Build a Strong Personal Narrative
Your scholarship application should clearly explain:
- Why this course?
- Why this university?
- What will you do with the knowledge after graduation?
- Why the United Kingdom (UK) for study?
Applicants should demonstrate genuine interest in their proposed subject and show how the degree fits their academic and professional development.
Apply Early
Deadlines vary between institutions, and some universities may close their GREAT Scholarship applications months before the start of the academic year.
For example, UCL’s 2026/27 GREAT Scholarship deadline was listed as 7 May 2026, while other participating institutions used different deadlines
Students should therefore avoid waiting for a single national GREAT Scholarship deadline.
Do Not Apply to Only One University
Where financially and practically possible, applicants may consider applying to multiple universities where:
- Their academic background is competitive;
- Their intended course is eligible;
- Nigerian students are included;
- The scholarship is available.
Each application should still be carefully tailored to the individual university.
Pros and Cons of GREAT Scholarships
Major Advantages
Significant Tuition Reduction
A £10,000 or higher award can substantially reduce the cost of a UK master’s degree.
Access to Multiple Universities
Nigerian students have access to 14 participating institutions for the 2026/27 cycle, providing opportunities across different UK regions and academic fields.
Subject Diversity
The programme covers a wide range of postgraduate taught subjects across participating institutions, although course availability varies.
Opportunity for Professional Networking
GREAT Scholars are expected to participate in networking activities and maintain engagement with the British Council, universities and the scholarship community.
Strong International Academic Experience
Successful applicants gain the opportunity to study for a UK postgraduate qualification while becoming part of the wider GREAT Scholars network.
Main Limitations
It Is Not Usually Fully Funded
The scholarship generally contributes towards tuition rather than covering all study and living costs.
Remaining Tuition May Still Be High
A £10,000 scholarship may not cover the full cost of some expensive master’s programmes.
Living Costs Remain the Student’s Responsibility
Students may need to show that they have adequate funds for accommodation and other living expenses.
Courses Can Be Restricted
Some participating universities offer GREAT Scholarships only for selected programmes.
Deadlines Differ
There is no single deadline that applies to every GREAT Scholarship university.
Visa Requirements and How to Get a UK Student Visa
Receiving a GREAT Scholarship does not automatically give a student permission to enter or study in the UK.
After meeting the admission and scholarship requirements, an international student will generally need to follow the UK’s Student visa process.
The exact UK visa requirements can change, so applicants should always check the official UK government guidance before submitting a visa application.
In general, students should expect to need the relevant university documentation, including a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) after meeting the institution’s conditions.
Applicants may also need to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds under the applicable immigration rules.
This is particularly important for GREAT Scholarship recipients because the scholarship may cover only part of tuition fees. Students must therefore understand the remaining financial requirement before beginning the visa process.
A scholarship letter or university funding confirmation may be used as evidence of the scholarship amount where accepted under the applicable visa rules, but applicants should rely on the current official UK immigration guidance and their university’s international student office when preparing their documents.
How to Apply for GREAT Scholarships
The application is not completed through one central GREAT Scholarship form for all universities.
The British Council instructs students to apply according to the procedures set by the individual participating university.
Step 1: Visit the Official British Council GREAT Scholarships Page
Start by checking the official Nigeria page and identify participating universities.
The official British Council Nigeria information is available through GREAT Scholarships 2026/27 for Nigeria.
Step 2: Select a Participating University
Review the list of universities available to Nigerian applicants.
Step 3: Check the University’s GREAT Scholarship Page
Confirm:
- Eligible programmes;
- Scholarship amount;
- Academic requirements;
- English-language requirements;
- Number of awards, where stated;
- Application deadline;
- Whether a separate scholarship application is required.
Step 4: Apply for the Eligible Master’s Programme
Complete the university’s postgraduate admission process according to its instructions.
Step 5: Submit the Scholarship Application
Follow the specific scholarship procedure established by that university. Some institutions may require a separate form or additional scholarship statement.
Step 6: Wait for the University’s Decision
The British Council states that successful GREAT Scholars are informed by the individual universities.
Step 7: Complete Registration and Funding Procedures
Scholarship funding is issued to successful scholars by the individual participating universities after registration, subject to the programme’s terms and conditions.
GREAT Scholarships 2026/27 Application Deadline
There is no single GREAT Scholarship deadline for all Nigerian applicants.
Each participating university determines its own application timeline.
The British Council specifically advises applicants to check individual university pages for the relevant deadline. Under the 2026/27 programme terms, participating higher education institutions were required to make their GREAT Scholarship awards by 30 June 2026, while application deadlines varied by institution.
Students preparing for a future GREAT Scholarship cycle should therefore begin monitoring the British Council and participating universities well before their intended academic year.
GREAT Scholarships Compared With Fully Funded UK Scholarships
| Feature | GREAT Scholarships | Typical Fully Funded Scholarship |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition support | Yes | Usually full |
| Standard GREAT value | £10,000 contribution | Varies |
| Living allowance | Not generally included | Often included |
| Accommodation | Not generally included | Sometimes included |
| Travel support | Not generally included | Sometimes included |
| Study level | Postgraduate taught | Varies |
| University choice | Participating institutions only | Depends on programme |
| Fully funded? | Generally no | Yes, depending on award |
This distinction is particularly important for international applicants planning their UK finances.
Similar Scholarship Awards worth Trying
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship Full details
- Chevening Scholarships full details – Pick your choice
- Commonwealth Scholarship Commission – Master’s Scholarships
- DAAD Scholarships Full details – Choose from the list
- Australia Awards Scholarships Full details
- Study in Japan – MEXT Scholarship Information
- Study in Korea – Global Korea Scholarship Full details
- Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Full details
- Türkiye Scholarships Full details in Turkey
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship – University of Toronto
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GREAT Scholarship fully funded?
Generally, no. GREAT Scholarships provide a major tuition-fee contribution, commonly at least £10,000, but they do not generally cover all tuition and living costs. Individual award values may vary.
How much is the GREAT Scholarship?
The standard programme offers £10,000 towards tuition fees, although some universities may provide a higher amount. Brunel University of London, for example, currently lists a £12,000 GREAT Scholarship for eligible Nigerian students in selected programmes.
Can Nigerian students apply?
Yes. Nigeria is among the countries participating in the GREAT Scholarships programme, with 14 universities listed for Nigerian applicants in the 2026/27 academic year.
Is the scholarship for bachelor’s students?
The current GREAT Scholarships programme is focused on one-year taught postgraduate courses, primarily master’s-level study.
Do all courses qualify?
No. Course eligibility varies by university. Some institutions limit the scholarship to specific subjects, while others make it available across a broader range of eligible full-time postgraduate taught master’s programmes.
Is there one application deadline?
No. GREAT Scholarship deadlines vary by university. Applicants must check the deadline set by each participating institution.
Who selects successful applicants?
Successful scholars are selected and informed by the individual participating universities.
Can I use the scholarship for living expenses?
The GREAT Scholarship is intended as a contribution towards tuition fees. It should not normally be budgeted as a general living-cost allowance.
Final Remarks
The GREAT Scholarships 2026/27 provide Nigerian graduates with an important opportunity to reduce the cost of studying for a postgraduate degree in the United Kingdom.
With 14 UK universities listed for Nigerian applicants, the programme offers access to different institutions and academic fields. The main benefit is substantial tuition support—normally at least £10,000, with some universities offering more under their individual arrangements.
However, applicants should make accurate financial plans. GREAT Scholarships are not generally full scholarships, and students may still need to pay a remaining tuition balance and cover living and immigration-related expenses.
The most important step is to check the scholarship at the university level. Country eligibility, eligible subjects, scholarship value, deadlines and application procedures can differ from one participating institution to another.
For Nigerian applicants, the starting point is the official British Council GREAT Scholarships page: British Council Nigeria GREAT Scholarships page.
The wider Study UK programme information is also available through British Council Study UK GREAT Scholarships.
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