The Think Big Scholarships 2026 University of Bristol are partially funded merit-based awards available to international students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate programmes in the United Kingdom. Offering between £6,500 and £26,000 toward tuition fees, the awards target academically outstanding students from overseas who demonstrate the drive to contribute positively to their communities and countries. Applicants must hold an offer from the University of Bristol before submitting a scholarship application. The deadline to apply is 10 April 2026, and late submissions will not be considered.
Program Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opportunity Type | Partial Tuition Scholarship (UG & PG) |
| Organising Body | University of Bristol, United Kingdom |
| Mode | On-Campus (Offline) |
| Duration | Up to 4 years (UG) / Up to 1 year (PG) |
| Location | University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom |
| Last Date to Apply | 10 April 2026 |
About the Program
The University of Bristol introduced the Think Big Scholarships to widen access to its undergraduate and postgraduate programmes for talented international students, particularly those from lower and middle-income countries who might otherwise be constrained by the financial demands of studying abroad. The awards are specifically directed at students who show strong academic achievement and the ambition to make a measurable difference in their home countries and communities upon graduation.
The University of Bristol ranks 51st in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and places among the top 100 universities globally, offering a rigorous academic environment supported by world-class research infrastructure. Notably, the university’s mission centres on generating positive global impact through education, innovation, and inclusivity — values that the Think Big Scholarships directly embody by supporting outstanding international scholars across a wide range of disciplines.
Furthermore, the programme extends beyond tuition support at the postgraduate level through the Think Big Career Accelerator, an employment-focused initiative that pairs a £3,000 scholarship with structured professional development. Consequently, postgraduate recipients gain not only financial relief but also a structured pathway into the UK and international job markets.
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Qualification
- Applicants must be international students and must not hold UK citizenship.
- Undergraduate applicants must be applying to eligible Bristol courses, excluding medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science.
- Postgraduate applicants must be applying to courses designated as eligible under the Think Big award framework.
- Strong academic performance and notable achievements are required across both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Experience & Other Conditions
- Applicants must hold overseas fee-paying student status at the University of Bristol.
- Applicants must have already applied to and received consideration for a course at the University of Bristol before initiating the scholarship application.
- Applicants must not be in receipt of any other scholarship or external funding at the time of application.
- All applicants must meet the University of Bristol’s standard entry requirements for their chosen programme.
Stipend, Salary & Benefits
The Think Big Scholarships 2026 University of Bristol provide a tiered tuition award across undergraduate and postgraduate levels, with an additional professional development pathway available to postgraduate scholars.
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| UG Scholarship Value | £6,500 or £13,000 per year for up to 4 years |
| PG Scholarship Value | £6,500, £13,000, or £26,000 for the first year of study |
| Award Application | Applicable to tuition fees only |
| Think Big Career Accelerator (PG only) | Additional £3,000 scholarship alongside an employment programme |
Selection Process
- Verification of course application and student ID at the University of Bristol
- Assessment of academic record and overall achievements
- Review of mandatory application questions (differentiated for UG and PG applicants)
- Confirmation of overseas fee-paying status and eligibility conditions
- Merit-based selection by the University of Bristol scholarship committee
How to Apply
- Apply to your chosen undergraduate or postgraduate programme at the University of Bristol and obtain your UCAS ID (for UG) or Student ID (for PG).
- Access the Think Big Scholarship online application portal on the University of Bristol’s official website.
- Enter your Student ID or UCAS ID, nationality, programme applied for, recent educational institution, and any required English language proficiency information.
- Answer all mandatory application questions — note that questions differ between undergraduate and postgraduate applicants.
- Prepare to complete and submit the application in a single session, as the form cannot be saved midway.
- Submit the completed application before 10 April 2026; late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances.
Important Dates & Links
Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 10 April 2026 |
Official Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Contact
For scholarship-related enquiries, applicants should contact the University of Bristol’s fees and funding office directly through the official university website. Detailed helpdesk and admissions contact information is available on the official Think Big Scholarships page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for the Think Big Scholarships 2026 University of Bristol?
International students who do not hold UK citizenship, hold overseas fee-paying status, have applied to an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate programme at Bristol, and are not receiving any other scholarship or external funding are eligible. Undergraduate applicants in medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science are excluded from the award.
What is the financial value of the Think Big Scholarships 2026 University of Bristol?
Undergraduate awards range from £6,500 to £13,000 per year for up to four years of study. Postgraduate awards are valued at £6,500, £13,000, or £26,000 for the first year. All amounts are applied exclusively toward tuition fees. Postgraduate applicants may additionally apply for the Think Big Career Accelerator, which carries a separate £3,000 award alongside an employment programme.
Do I need to apply to the university before applying for the scholarship?
Yes. Applicants must have already submitted a course application to the University of Bristol and obtained their UCAS ID or Student ID before they can begin the Think Big scholarship application. The scholarship application cannot proceed without this prior step.
Can the application form be saved and completed across multiple sessions?
No. The Think Big Scholarships application form cannot be saved at any stage. Applicants must complete and submit the entire form in a single uninterrupted session. It is advisable to gather all required information — including Student ID, nationality, programme details, and English language proficiency evidence — before beginning the form.
When is the deadline to apply for the Think Big Scholarships 2026 University of Bristol?
The final deadline for all applications is 10 April 2026. The university explicitly states that late applications will not be considered under any circumstances, making it essential for prospective applicants to plan their submissions well in advance of this date.