GREAT Scholarship at University of Essex 2026

The GREAT Scholarships programme is a joint initiative by the British Council and the UK Government, designed to attract some of the brightest postgraduates from around the world to study at UK universities.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineMay 31, 2026
• Value£10,000
• Study LevelMasters
• SponsorUniversity of Essex
• City to studyColchester
• School to studyUniversity of Essex
• Eligible CountryEgypt , Kenya

Benefits

£10,000

Requirements

You must hold a passport from either Kenya or Egypt

• Be classed as an overseas fee payer and entirely self-funded*.
• *Students receiving a repayable loan to fund their studies will be considered as self-funded.
• Hold an offer (conditional) to start a one-year full time taught masters degree (MA or MSc) starting in October 2026.
• Have a background of extracurricular activities relating to your subject area.
• Only one scholarship award can be made per student and the award cannot normally be held in conjunction with other University of Essex awards.

Students who are not eligible

The following students are NOT eligible for this scholarship regardless of meeting the above criteria:

• Students who are fully or partly sponsored.
• Students awarded the scholarship who defer entry to following academic years will not be eligible to receive the award.
• Students who are not assessed as paying home fees.

Please read the full terms and conditions before applying for or accepting a scholarship or bursary. They contain important information about eligibility, if you need to complete an application form and how you'll receive your funding.

GREAT Scholarship terms and conditions for 2026-2027 entry (.pdf)

Application Deadline

How To Apply

Please complete the application form (.docx) and submit to [email protected]  by 31 May 2026. Successful applicants will be notified on or before 30 June 2026.

There are three questions which you will need to complete. The maximum word count for each question is 250 words. The questions are:

1. University of Essex are looking to support the brightest and best individuals who will actively contribute to the development of their home nation in the future. Please describe any special attributes or accomplishments that you think make you deserving of a University of Essex-GREAT Scholarship 2026-27? This could be any academic or extra-curricular achievements, as well as your reasons for applying to the scholarship programme.
2. University of Essex are looking for scholars who will be great ambassadors for the University of Essex. Please give an example of when you have recently contributed to your community? This could be your School or University, where you live, or any other community you feel a part of.
3. University of Essex would like to support students who have clear goals for their future. Please explain how studying your chosen programme at the University of Essex will help you to shape your plans after graduation?

Explain what has attracted you to study at the University of Essex, as well as outlining your ultimate career goals.

For more details, visit University of Essex Scholarship webpage