Think Big Scholarship 2027 | Study in United Kingdom — University of Bristol
A single application to Bristol can quietly open the door to several different scholarship tiers at once, which is a rare bit of efficiency in a process that usually asks for one form per award.
About the Scholarship
The Think Big Scholarship Programme is the University of Bristol’s main merit-based funding route for international students, covering both undergraduate and postgraduate study. Rather than applicants choosing a specific award amount, one completed application form is automatically assessed against every Think Big tier for which the applicant qualifies. Undergraduate awards are set at six thousand five hundred pounds or thirteen thousand pounds spread across up to four years of study, while postgraduate awards run at six thousand five hundred pounds, thirteen thousand pounds or twenty six thousand pounds for the funded year. All awards apply strictly to tuition fees rather than living costs.
Scholarship Benefits
- Tuition fee reductions ranging from six thousand five hundred to twenty six thousand pounds
- Undergraduate awards renewed for up to four years of study
- A single application considered automatically for every eligible tier
- Coverage across nearly all subject areas at Bristol
- No separate interview required for most applicants
Eligibility Criteria
- Hold an offer to start an eligible course at the University of Bristol in the relevant September intake
- Be classified as an overseas student for tuition fee purposes
- Be applying for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, excluding Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science
- Submit the Think Big application after receiving your course offer
- Demonstrate strong academic merit relative to your course and background
- Not already hold funding that fully covers your tuition fees
Fields of Study Covered
Eligible courses span almost every subject taught at Bristol at undergraduate and postgraduate level, with the specific exclusion of Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science, which fall outside the scheme’s scope.
Required Documents
- A confirmed offer letter for an eligible Bristol course
- Academic transcripts and qualifications already submitted with your course application
- A completed Think Big Scholarship application form
- Proof of overseas fee status
- Any supporting evidence of extracurricular or professional achievement requested by the form
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Apply for and receive an offer on an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate course at Bristol
- Complete the single Think Big Scholarship application form once your offer is confirmed
- Submit the form well before the course start date to allow time for assessment
- Wait for the university to confirm which, if any, award tier you have been granted
- Accept your course place and scholarship offer according to the instructions provided
- Keep an eye on separate communication about the Think Big Development Programme for scholars
Selection Process
Bristol’s scholarships team reviews each completed application against its full set of Think Big criteria at once, assessing academic achievement and overall strength of profile, then automatically places successful applicants into whichever award tier they qualify for rather than running separate competitions for each amount.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Apply for your course as early as possible so the scholarship application itself is not left until the last minute
- Keep your application accurate and complete, since a single form is checked against every tier automatically
- Highlight genuine achievements and experience relevant to your field in any supporting sections
- Check whether your specific course is excluded before investing time in the scholarship form
- Compare this with the Imperial College London President’s Scholarship if you are weighing multiple English universities
- Look at Great Scholarships Ghana or Great Scholarships India if your country also qualifies for those schemes
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to apply separately for each Think Big award amount?
No, a single application is automatically assessed against every tier you are eligible for.
Does the scholarship cover living costs?
No, Think Big awards are tuition fee reductions only and do not cover accommodation or daily expenses.
Can Medicine students apply?
No, Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science courses are excluded from this scheme.
How long does an undergraduate award last?
Undergraduate Think Big awards can be renewed for up to four years of study, matching the typical course length.
Is a separate interview required?
Most applicants are assessed on their written application alone, without a separate interview stage.
When should I apply?
After receiving a confirmed offer for an eligible course, and as early as possible to allow time for assessment before the course begins.