Reading Excellence Scholarship 2027 | Study in United Kingdom — University of Reading
Converting an unfamiliar grading system into a recognizable UK classification is often the single biggest source of confusion for an international applicant trying to work out what a scholarship is actually worth to them.
About the Scholarship
The Reading Excellence Scholarship is an automatic, merit-based tuition fee reduction for international students starting an eligible full-time master’s degree at the University of Reading. The exact amount, ranging from two thousand to seven thousand pounds, is determined directly by the classification of the applicant’s undergraduate degree, with no separate scholarship application required. Students on flexible learning or part-time modular courses are not eligible, since the scholarship is designed specifically around full-time, campus-based master’s study.
Scholarship Benefits
- A tuition fee reduction of between two thousand and seven thousand pounds
- Determined automatically from undergraduate degree classification
- No separate scholarship application required
- Applied directly to the cost of a full-time master’s degree
- Available across a wide range of taught master’s programmes
Eligibility Criteria
- Be an international fee-paying student
- Hold, or expect to hold, at least a UK Lower Second Class, 2:2, undergraduate degree or recognized equivalent
- Start an eligible full-time master’s course at Reading for the relevant academic year
- Not be enrolling on a flexible learning or part-time modular course
- Allow Reading to automatically assess your undergraduate classification against the scholarship’s scale
- Not already hold funding that fully covers the equivalent tuition cost
Fields of Study Covered
The scholarship applies across a wide range of full-time taught master’s programmes at Reading, spanning business, agriculture, the sciences, humanities and social sciences, excluding flexible learning and part-time modular study routes.
Required Documents
- A confirmed offer letter for an eligible full-time Reading master’s course
- Academic transcripts and degree certificate confirming your undergraduate classification
- Proof of international fee-paying status
- No separate scholarship application, since the award is assessed automatically
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Apply for and secure an offer on an eligible full-time master’s course at Reading
- Submit your full undergraduate transcripts and degree certificate as part of your application
- Allow Reading’s admissions team to automatically assess your classification against the scholarship scale
- Receive confirmation of your scholarship amount alongside or shortly after your course offer
- Accept your place and allow the award to apply directly to your tuition account
- Contact the funding office directly if your result does not appear as expected
Selection Process
There is no competitive panel for this scholarship, since Reading automatically checks each international master’s offer holder’s undergraduate classification against the published two to seven thousand pound scale to confirm the appropriate award.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Submit clear, complete transcripts early so your classification can be assessed without delay
- Confirm how your specific grading system converts to the UK classification scale used by Reading
- Choose a full-time, campus-based course rather than a flexible or part-time modular route to remain eligible
- Apply as soon as your course offer is confirmed to avoid any delay in scholarship assessment
- Compare this with the Felix Scholarships as a fully funded alternative if your subject and nationality also fit that scheme
- Look at the University of Sussex Chancellor’s International Scholarship as a further comparison for postgraduate study in the south of England
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to apply separately for this scholarship?
No, Reading automatically assesses your undergraduate classification and applies the appropriate award.
What classification do I need?
At least a UK Lower Second Class, 2:2, undergraduate degree or a recognized equivalent qualification.
How much is the scholarship worth?
Between two thousand and seven thousand pounds, depending on your exact undergraduate classification.
Are part-time students eligible?
No, students on flexible learning or part-time modular courses are not eligible for this scholarship.
Does Reading offer separate undergraduate scholarships?
Yes, Reading runs a distinct Global Sustainability Leaders Scholarship and other funding routes for undergraduate applicants.
Does the scholarship cover PhD study?
No, this particular scheme is for full-time taught master’s students only.
Can I query my classification if I disagree with the automatic assessment?
Yes, applicants who believe their undergraduate classification has been assessed incorrectly can contact Reading’s funding office directly for a review.
Is the scholarship paid in a single installment?
It is applied as a reduction across the relevant fee invoice for the funded year rather than paid out as a separate cash installment.