Developing Solutions Masters Scholarship 2027 | Study in United Kingdom — University of Nottingham
Choosing where to study for a master’s degree often comes down to a single number: how much of the tuition bill a student can realistically cover on their own.
About the Scholarship
Developing Solutions is the University of Nottingham’s long running flagship scholarship for international students, first launched in 2001 and still running every year since. It targets applicants from eligible African, South Asian and other selected Commonwealth countries who have secured a place on a full-time master’s course but need financial support to take it up. Awards are split between 50 percent and 100 percent tuition fee reductions, with the exact split decided by a university panel based on each applicant’s academic record and personal circumstances. The scholarship sits across four faculties, giving it a wider subject reach than many single-department awards.
Scholarship Benefits
- A 50 percent or 100 percent reduction in tuition fees for one academic year
- Access to Nottingham’s wider international student support services
- Recognition as a Developing Solutions Scholar within the university community
- No separate repayment obligation after the award
- Eligibility maintained across a broad range of departments within four faculties
Eligibility Criteria
- Be a national of an eligible African, South Asian or other selected Commonwealth country
- Be classified as an international (overseas) fee-paying student
- Hold an offer for a full-time master’s degree, including MRes, at Nottingham for the relevant academic year
- Not have previously completed an undergraduate or master’s degree outside your home country
- Not already be a current student or graduate of the University of Nottingham
- Not be studying in the United Kingdom at the time of application
Fields of Study Covered
Eligible courses sit within the Faculty of Engineering, the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Social Sciences, giving applicants a genuinely wide spread of subjects from clinical and laboratory sciences through to engineering disciplines and social policy fields.
Required Documents
- A confirmed offer letter for an eligible full-time master’s course at Nottingham
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- A completed Developing Solutions scholarship application form
- A personal statement outlining financial need and academic motivation
- Proof of nationality for an eligible country
- Evidence of English language proficiency where required by the course
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Apply for and secure an offer on an eligible master’s course at the University of Nottingham first
- Confirm your nationality appears on the current list of eligible countries for the scheme
- Complete the separate Developing Solutions scholarship application alongside your course offer
- Submit transcripts and a clear personal statement explaining your financial circumstances
- Meet the scholarship deadline, which typically falls several months after general admissions open
- Wait for the university panel’s decision, which is communicated directly to shortlisted applicants
Selection Process
A university panel reviews each completed scholarship application against academic merit, the strength of the personal statement and the applicant’s documented financial need, then allocates either a 50 percent or 100 percent tuition award to successful candidates depending on available funding that year.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Secure your course offer well before the scholarship deadline so you have time to prepare a strong separate application
- Be specific in your personal statement about how the degree connects to your career and your home country’s needs
- Double check that your country currently appears on Nottingham’s eligible list, since it is reviewed periodically
- Apply to only one faculty’s eligible course at a time to keep your application focused and well prepared
- Compare this scholarship with the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship if your country qualifies for both, since the funding structures differ
- Look at Great Scholarships Nigeria or Great Scholarships Bangladesh as additional options if your country is listed there too
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Developing Solutions Masters Scholarship?
Nationals of eligible African, South Asian and other selected Commonwealth countries who hold an offer for a full-time master’s at the University of Nottingham.
Does it cover full tuition fees?
It covers either 50 percent or 100 percent of tuition fees, decided by the selection panel based on each application.
Can current Nottingham students apply?
No, current students and graduates of the University of Nottingham are not eligible for this particular scholarship.
Is a living allowance included?
No, the scholarship reduces tuition fees only and does not include a separate maintenance stipend.
Can I apply before receiving my course offer?
No, you must hold a confirmed offer for an eligible master’s course before submitting the scholarship application.
Does the scholarship cover PhD study?
No, Developing Solutions is designed specifically for full-time master’s study, including research master’s degrees.