International Excellence Award 2027 | Study in United Kingdom — University of Surrey
An award open regardless of nationality is a genuinely rare thing among UK university scholarships, most of which quietly narrow eligibility down by country somewhere in the fine print.
About the Scholarship
The International Excellence Award at the University of Surrey recognizes academic excellence among self-funded international fee-paying students at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, with no restriction by nationality or country of domicile. The undergraduate version is worth five thousand pounds and applies to the first year of a bachelor’s degree, requiring Surrey to be listed as the applicant’s firm choice through UCAS. A parallel postgraduate version offers the same recognition for students starting a master’s degree. Surrey also runs several country-specific scholarships, including one aimed at new master’s students from India, Thailand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Turkey, Vietnam and Ghana, which may suit some applicants better.
Scholarship Benefits
- A five thousand pound reduction in tuition fees
- Open regardless of nationality or country of domicile
- Available at both undergraduate and postgraduate level
- Applied directly to the cost of the funded year of study
- Compatible with checking Surrey’s additional country-specific scholarships
Eligibility Criteria
- Be a self-funded international fee-paying student
- Hold an offer for a full-time bachelor’s degree at FHEQ Level 4 for undergraduate eligibility, or a full-time master’s degree for postgraduate eligibility
- List Surrey as your firm choice through UCAS if applying at undergraduate level
- Apply before the published deadline for your intended September 2027 intake
- Not already hold funding that fully covers the equivalent tuition cost
- Meet all standard academic and English language conditions of your course offer
Fields of Study Covered
The award is available across Surrey’s undergraduate and postgraduate course portfolio, spanning engineering, business, computer science, health sciences and the social sciences, with the exact list of eligible programmes confirmed on Surrey’s fees and funding pages.
Required Documents
- A confirmed offer letter for an eligible Surrey undergraduate or postgraduate course
- Proof of self-funded international fee status
- A completed International Excellence Award application for your level of study
- Confirmation of Surrey as your firm UCAS choice, for undergraduate applicants
- Academic transcripts already submitted with your course application
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Apply for and secure an offer on an eligible Surrey undergraduate or postgraduate course
- Confirm Surrey as your firm choice through UCAS if applying at undergraduate level
- Complete the relevant International Excellence Award application before the published deadline
- Check whether a country-specific Surrey scholarship might also apply to your situation
- Wait for Surrey’s scholarship decision, generally confirmed after the application window closes
- Accept your course place and scholarship award according to the instructions provided
Selection Process
Surrey’s scholarships team reviews applications from self-funded international students at both levels, assessing overall academic strength, before confirming the five thousand pound award for successful applicants ahead of the relevant intake deadline.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Confirm Surrey as your firm UCAS choice early if you are applying as an undergraduate
- Apply well before the late August deadline rather than leaving it to the final weeks
- Check Surrey’s separate country-specific master’s scholarship if your nationality is among its seven listed countries
- Keep your application accurate and complete across both the course and scholarship components
- Compare this with the Great Scholarships Nigeria or Great Scholarships Pakistan programmes if your country appears on Surrey’s specific list too
- Look at the Royal Holloway International Undergraduate Scholarship as a further comparison for undergraduate applicants
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this scholarship restricted by nationality?
No, it is open to self-funded international fee-paying students regardless of nationality or country of domicile.
How much is the award worth?
Five thousand pounds, applied to the funded year of either an undergraduate or postgraduate course.
Do I need to list Surrey as my firm choice?
Yes, for undergraduate applicants, Surrey must be your firm choice through UCAS to be considered.
When is the deadline for September 2027 entry?
The undergraduate deadline falls on 24 August 2027, while the postgraduate deadline falls slightly earlier, around 20 August 2027.
Is there a country-specific alternative?
Yes, Surrey runs a separate scholarship for new master’s students from India, Thailand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Turkey, Vietnam and Ghana.
Does the award cover more than one year?
No, it applies to the first year of an undergraduate degree, or the single funded year of a master’s degree.