Scholarships for international students
International students can apply for a range of funding, including Think Big scholarships.
Apply now for a Think Big Scholarship!
Think Big Scholarship applications close on 10 April 2026 at 10 am UK time.
Think Big is the University of Bristol’s flagship scholarship scheme. You can also search for other scholarships for international students.
Think Big international scholarships
Our Think Big international scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students could help you fund your UK study at the University of Bristol. We've invested up to £5 million in Think Big scholarships to help international students come to Bristol in 2026.
These scholarships are for applicants with overseas fee status who have applied for an eligible undergraduate or master's course.
Scholarships available
Think Big undergraduate scholarships are valued at £6,500 and £13,000 for up to four years of study.
Think Big postgraduate scholarships are valued at £6,500, £13,000 and £26,000 for your first year of study.
Postgraduate applicants will also be eligible for the Think Big Career Accelerator. This employability-focussed year-long programme is designed to boost your confidence in advancing your career after graduation, and comes with a £3,000 scholarship.
Multiple scholarships, one application
Our Think Big Scholarship scheme has partnered with faculties, alumni and external partners to offer a wide range of scholarships in addition to the central Think Big undergraduate and postgraduate awards.
To make the application process easier, you only need to submit one scholarship application. Your application will be matched with your University study application and then you will be considered for every scholarship where you meet the necessary eligibility requirements.
An updated list will be published when 2026 applications open.
Application timeline
Before starting your scholarship application, you must have applied to study at the University of Bristol and received an application ID.
| Date | Event |
| 21 October 2025 | Scholarship applications open at 10:00am UK time |
| 14 January 2026 | Career Accelerator Round 1 early consideration deadline (Postgraduate only) |
| February 2026 | Career Accelerator Round 1 outcomes shared (Postgraduate only) |
| 10 April 2026 | Think Big Scholarship applications close at 10:00am UK time |
| Late May 2026 | Think Big outcomes shared |
| Late May 2026 | Think Big Offer Holder deadline to accept Scholarship |
| July 2026 | Scholarship award letters shared with successful applicants |
Available for Undergraduates
The awards of £6,500 and £13,000 are available for up to four years of study for any eligible undergraduate programmes. Courses in the Bristol Dental School and the Bristol Medical School are not eligible for Think Big undergraduate scholarships.
The awards of £6,500 are available for international students studying any eligible undergraduate programme in the Business School.
The awards of £6,500 are available for international students studying any eligible undergraduate programme in the School of Economics.
The award of £13,000 is available for an international student studying any eligible undergraduate programme in the School for Policy Studies.
The awards of £6,500 are available for international students studying Chemistry (BSc) and Physics (BSc) within the Faculty of Science and Engineering.
New for 2026: The award of £6,500 is available for an international student studying Veterinary Science (BVSc) and Veterinary Science: Accelerated Graduate Entry Programme (BVSc). Funding is available for only 3 years of full-time study.
Available for Postgraduates
The awards of £6,500, £13,000 and £26,000 are available for one year of any eligible postgraduate master’s programme, including MRes programmes.
The awards of £6,500 and £13,000 are available for international students studying any eligible postgraduate programme in the Business School.
The Career Accelerator is a programme which consists of career events, workshops and networking opportunities.
In addition to a place on the programme, the Career Accelerator also includes a £3,000 scholarship for international students studying any eligible postgraduate master’s programme, including MRes programmes. This will be applied to the cost of tuition fees.
Additional places on the Career Accelerator are available for postgraduate international students studying eligible courses in the following subject areas: Business School, Faculty of Science & Engineering, School of Modern Languages, School of Economics, Centre for Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
New for 2026: The awards of £6,500 and £13,000 are available for international students studying Comparative Literatures and Cultures (MA).
The awards of £6,500 and £13,000 are available for international students studying any eligible postgraduate programme in the School of Economics.
The awards of £6,500 are available for international students studying any eligible postgraduate programme in the School of Education.
The awards of £6,500 are available for international students studying any MA or LLM programme.
The award of £13,000 is available for an international student studying Nutrition, Physical Activity and Public Health (MSc).
The awards of £6,500 and £13,000 are available for international students studying Public Policy (MSc).
New for 2026: The awards of £6,500 and £13,000 are available for one year of any eligible master's by research programme.
New for 2026: The awards of £6,500 and £13,000 are available for international students studying Interpreting (MSc), Translation and Intercultural Studies (Literary Translation) (MA), Translation and Intercultural Studies (Media and Accessibility) (MA), Translation and Intercultural Studies (Technology and Society) (MA).
The awards of £6,500 are available for one year of any eligible taught master's programme in the Faculty of Science and Engineering.
A living cost bursary for an international student studying a postgraduate taught programme from selected schools in the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences.
The award of £26,000 is available for a national of Sri Lanka studying any eligible postgraduate programme.
In addition to this, a living cost bursary of £3,000 will also be awarded to the successful awardee.
Funding towards tuition fees for students in India, Mexico and Thailand applying for one-year postgraduate courses in any subject, in partnership with the British Council and the GREAT Britain Campaign.
There is one scholarship of £13,000 available for a postgraduate international student from each country. This will be applied to the cost of tuition fees.
Think Big Development Programme
If you're awarded a scholarship, you not only receive financial support, you'll gain access to the Think Big Leadership Programme or Think Big Career Accelerator Programme, depending on your scholarship.
These programmes offer guidance, support, inspiration, and a solid framework for you to unlock your potential beyond your academic studies.