Study Overseas | Best of | Scholarships

Introduction

The Global Education and Research Exchange (GREAT) Scholarships Programme is a noteworthy effort that offers academic opportunities as well as financial support to overseas students who are interested in pursuing their education in the United Kingdom. This scholarship programme, which is supported by the government of the United Kingdom as well as a variety of partner universities, aims to enhance higher education opportunities in the United Kingdom as well as global educational collaboration. In the following article, we will discuss the most important components of the GREAT Scholarships Programme, including its purpose, its benefits, the qualifying requirements, and the application procedure.

Overview

The GREAT Scholarships Programme is a fantastic effort that is backed by the government of the United Kingdom and participating universities in the United Kingdom. The program's major objective is to make access to higher education available to students from other countries. This activity is being carried out as a part of the "GREAT Britain" campaign, which is designed to promote the United Kingdom as a location of interest for study in UK, business, and tourism.

The programme will award more than two hundred scholarships for the academic year 2023-2024, making it a comprehensive effort that makes opportunities available to students all across the world. Students who are enrolled in taught postgraduate programmes in the United Kingdom are eligible to apply for this scholarship, which is intended to provide financial assistance to those students.

Benefits of the GREAT Scholarships Program

Recipients of the GREAT Scholarships are granted access to a host of benefits, which may vary depending on the scholarship offered by the participating university. Here are some key benefits:

• Financial Assistance: The scholarship program typically covers a portion of the tuition fees, helping students substantially reduce the overall cost of their education.
• University-Specific Scholarships: Individual universities may offer additional benefits, such as accommodation grants, book allowances, travel expenses, or research funding, enhancing the overall support for students.
• Academic Excellence: By being awarded a GREAT Scholarship, students gain the opportunity to study at prestigious UK universities, furthering their academic and career aspirations.

Highlights of the GREAT Scholarships Program

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Eligible Countries

Students from certain countries, such as India, China, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Turkey, are eligible to apply for the GREAT Scholarships. In order to be eligible, students must have the intention of beginning their selected postgraduate programme during the month of September, which corresponds to the academic calendar in the UK.

Financial Support and Scholarship Coverage

• The GREAT Scholarships offer a minimum grant of 10,000 British Pounds to each of their successful applicants. This financial support is quite helpful in lowering the financial burden that comes along with receiving an education overseas.
• Students have access to this help, which can be used to pay a variety of costs directly related to their education, making the cost of receiving an education in the UK more manageable.
• Students will receive significant support as a result of the scholarship coverage, which extends to the payment of tuition expenses.
• Depending on the length of the programme, the scholarship may pay for all of the tuition costs associated with postgraduate programmes that last only one year, or it may pay for only the tuition costs associated with the first year of master's degree programmes that last for two years.

Students are able to concentrate on their academic interests without being distracted by the burden of having to pay for their education thanks to this financial protection.

Eligibility Criteria of the GREAT Scholarship Program

Students must demonstrate that they meet certain requirements in UK in order to be considered for the GREAT Scholarships Programme. These criteria ensure that the scholarships are offered to individuals who are deserving of them, who are committed to their academic pursuits, and who are eager to participate in the higher education experience that the United Kingdom has to offer.

The eligibility criteria to study in UK include the following:

• Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens and current residents of India, China, Indonesia, Turkey, Malaysia, or Thailand.
• Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have completed their undergraduate (UG) degree in their home country. For instance, GREAT Scholarship-India applicants must hold a UG degree from an Indian college.
• Academic Excellence: Applicants should demonstrate dedication and academic excellence to pursue a master's or postgraduate (taught) program in the UK.
• Work Experience or Interest: Relevant work experience or a proven interest in the chosen field of study is a valuable asset. This reflects the program's focus on students who are not only academically strong but also genuinely interested in their field.
• English Language Proficiency: Applicants must meet the English language requirements of the chosen UK university through standardised tests like IELTS or equivalent.
• Program Start Date: Chosen postgraduate programs must begin in September to align with the UK's academic calendar.
• Enthusiasm for UK Education: Applicants should be excited about exploring the UK higher education experience and should be willing to actively engage in extracurricular activities. This reflects the program's emphasis on students who are not just academically focused but also eager to embrace the UK's rich educational and cultural landscape for living.

Participating UK Universities

There is a wide variety of prestigious universities that are participating in the GREAT Scholarship programme and accepting applications from students for the academic year 2023-2024. These universities include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Cranfield University
2. Bishop Grosseteste University
3. Edinburgh Napier University
4. Falmouth University
5. University of Manchester
6. Goldsmiths, University of London
7. Keele University
8. Queen’s University Belfast
9. Royal Agricultural University
10. Trinity Laban Conservatoire Music and Dance
11. University of East Anglia
12. University of Kent
13. University of Edinburgh
14. University of Plymouth
15. University of St. Andrews
16. University of Southampton

Application Process for the GREAT Scholarships Program

Students are required to have acceptance into the University of their Choice that is located in the UK before they can submit an application for the scholarship. This admittance is a necessary precondition that must be met before scholarship applications can be considered. They are able to complete the application for the GREAT Scholarship through the university's website once they have received confirmation that they have been accepted into the university.

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How to Apply for GREAT Scholarship?

The application process involves several important steps:

1. Check your Eligibility: Before starting the application process, make sure to check your eligibility. Ensure that you meet the following criteria:

• You are an Indian resident.
• You plan to pursue a full-time postgraduate program in the UK.
• The program is commencing in September.

2. Complete the Online Application Form: Begin the application process by completing the online application form. Provide accurate and truthful information to ensure that your application is considered.

3. Submit the Required Supporting Documents: Along with the application form, you'll need to submit supporting documents. These documents typically include:

• A valid passport and UK student visa.
• Graduation mark sheet and certificate.
• English Language Proficiency (ELP) certificate, which may include test scores from exams like IELTS, TOEFL, or CAE.

4. Any additional requirements specified by the selected university.

5. Ensure that you carefully review the requirements of the university and the scholarship program to provide all necessary documentation.

Selection Process for the GREAT Scholarships Program

The selection procedure for the GREAT Scholarships Programme is one that is rigorous and features a high level of competition.

• The panel of the British Council carefully considers each application based on the standards that have been established
• Candidates who have been shortlisted may be given the opportunity to participate in an interview as a part of the final selection process.
• The selection committee at the British Council is ultimately responsible for making the ultimate determination about the distribution of the scholarships.
• The selection panel's decision is final, and selected candidates will receive notification from the university.
• Once selected, students are responsible for making their financial arrangements for living, travel, and study in the UK.

FAQs

1. What is the coverage of the GREAT Scholarships?

A: The scholarship pays for some of the student's tuition, the exact amount of which varies from university to university. Some scholarships in the UK may include additional perks in addition to the monetary award, such as grants for housing, allowances for travel, or book stipends.

2. How do I find the participating universities and available scholarships?

A: The GREAT Scholarships Programme is hosted by a large number of universities in the UK, each of which offers a unique set of financial aid opportunities. Applicants can get in-depth information about available scholarships by visiting the official GREAT Scholarships website or the websites of specific universities.

3. Can I apply for multiple scholarships within the GREAT Scholarships Program?

A: In most cases, the answer is yes; students have the opportunity to apply for several scholarships that are made available by a variety of educational institutions. This enhances the likelihood that they will receive financial support in order to complete their education.

4. What is the eligibility for GREAT Scholarships?

A: The eligibility criteria for GREAT Scholarships typically include being a citizen and current resident of an eligible country, holding an undergraduate degree from your home country, demonstrating academic excellence and a strong commitment to pursuing a postgraduate program, fulfilling English language proficiency requirements through exams like IELTS in the UK, and showing an interest in the chosen field of study.

5. Is there an age limit for applying to the GREAT Scholarships Program?

A: The GREAT Scholarships Programme does not, as a general rule, impose a rigid age limit on candidates. However, it is vital to check the precise qualifying criteria and restrictions offered by the institutions that are participating in the programme. These universities may have age-related guidelines or preferences for certain programmes, so it is important to pay attention to this information. No matter the participant's age, as long as they fulfil the program's academic and nationality standards, they are eligible to participate in the programme.

Conclusion

To summarise, the GREAT Scholarships Programme is an innovative and game-changing initiative that broadens international students' access to higher education in the United Kingdom. The programme offers monetary assistance, opening doors to academic brilliance as well as the opportunity to experience a diverse cultural background. If students are interested in applying for these prestigious scholarships, it is imperative that they fully comprehend and satisfy the eligibility requirements, that they stick to the application deadlines, and that they create appealing applications that demonstrate their academic potential and passion for education in the UK.