The British Council, in collaboration with the UK government's GREAT Britain campaign, has officially unveiled the GREAT Scholarships for the 2026–27 academic cycle. This prestigious initiative is specifically crafted to empower outstanding Indian students with ambitions to undertake postgraduate education in the United Kingdom.
Scholarship Details and Participating Universities
A total of 12 postgraduate scholarships will be on offer for the upcoming academic year. These awards will be hosted by a consortium of leading UK institutions, ensuring access to top-tier education. The confirmed list of participating universities includes the University of Bristol, Queen’s University Belfast, the Royal College of Art, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and the University of Dundee, among others.
Each selected scholar will receive a financial grant of a minimum of £10,000. This sum is directed towards covering tuition fees for a one-year taught master’s programme. The scholarship portfolio is notably diverse, spanning critical fields such as Finance, Business, Psychology, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Design, Humanities, Arts, Music, and Dance.
Focus on Creative and Performing Arts
A significant highlight of the 2026-27 programme is its reinforced commitment to the creative sector. Four of the partner universities will dedicate awards specifically to creative and performing arts disciplines. This strategic focus underscores the United Kingdom's enduring global reputation and leadership in arts education, providing Indian talent with a direct pathway to world-class training in these fields.
Strengthening UK-India Educational Bonds
The GREAT Scholarships programme is a tripartite funding effort, jointly supported by the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign, the British Council, and the participating universities themselves. The core mission extends beyond individual student support; it aims to deepen and strengthen the educational partnership between the UK and India. By doing so, it seeks to broaden access for Indian students to high-quality academic and creative learning opportunities in the UK.
Commenting on the launch, Rittika Chanda Parruck MBE, Director Education India at the British Council, emphasised the transformative potential of the scheme. She stated that the scholarships mirror the robust nature of the UK-India education partnership and a mutual dedication to creating opportunities for talented students nationwide.
"Studying in the UK offers far more than academic excellence," Parruck noted. "It provides access to industry-aligned learning and a genuinely global environment where diverse perspectives converge to inspire innovation. With pathways opening across a wide range of disciplines, these scholarships will help Indian students take that transformative step."
She further explained that the experience enables scholars to build international networks, fortify their professional trajectories, and contribute meaningfully to a fast-evolving global economy. The British Council, she affirmed, is proud to support the aspirations of students who are poised to shape the future across various sectors and communities.
Eligibility and Application Pathway
While the announcement confirms the number, value, and partner institutions for the 2026-27 cycle, prospective applicants are encouraged to monitor the official British Council and respective university websites for detailed eligibility criteria and application deadlines. The scholarships represent a substantial financial boost, making a UK postgraduate degree a more accessible and viable goal for high-achieving Indian students.
