The University of St Andrews, in collaboration with the British Council’s GREAT Scholarships program, has officially opened applications for the 2026 entry. This competitive scholarship aims to empower talented individuals from specific countries with strong leadership potential and a desire to create meaningful global impact.
About the St Andrews GREAT Scholarship
The St Andrews – GREAT Scholarship 2026 offers a £10,000 tuition fee award for students commencing a full-time taught postgraduate Master’s degree (MSc, MRes, MLitt, or MPP) at the University of St Andrews. This initiative is part of the British Council’s ongoing commitment to fostering educational partnerships and leadership among international students.
A total of three scholarships will be awarded—one each to students from France, Greece, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, and Spain. Each award supports one academic year of study, enabling recipients to focus on their academic goals while engaging in cultural and leadership experiences at one of the UK’s most historic universities.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must:
- Be citizens and residents of France, Greece, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, or Spain.
- Have applied for an eligible taught postgraduate Master’s program (MLitt, MRes, MSc, or MPP).
- Be classified as an overseas student for tuition fee purposes.
- Meet the English language requirements of their chosen course or enroll in a 10-week pre-sessional English program by 30 June 2026.
- Demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a strong interest in contributing to the University of St Andrews’ community and outreach initiatives.
Please note that Graduate Diploma programs, online or distance learning courses, and programs delivered at Scottish university campuses overseas are not eligible.
Eligible Academic Schools and Disciplines
Applicants may apply across a broad range of disciplines including:
- Sciences – Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Astronomy, Computer Science, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics, Psychology and Neuroscience.
- Humanities and Social Sciences – Art History, English, Film Studies, History, International Relations, Modern Languages, Philosophy, Social Anthropology, Divinity, and the Business School.
- Interdisciplinary Institutes – Graduate School and the International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute.
Application Process
- Apply for a postgraduate program at the University of St Andrews that meets the scholarship eligibility criteria.
- Wait for up to two working days after submitting your course application to receive access credentials for the My Application portal.
- Log in to the portal and navigate to Scholarships and Funding → British Council GREAT Scholarship.
- Complete the scholarship form, providing detailed reasons for your application, how you will benefit from the award, and how you plan to contribute to university life.
- Upload one academic reference and university transcript(s) (interim or final).
Selection and Expectations
Candidates will be assessed on academic merit, motivation, and leadership qualities. Successful recipients must serve as Student Ambassadors, participating in outreach events and representing both the University of St Andrews and the British Council.
Application Deadlines
The application period for the St Andrews – GREAT Scholarship 2026 will open on Tuesday, 4 November 2025, and close on Sunday, 24 May 2026.