Discover the University of Bristol’s Think Big Scholarships for international undergraduate and postgraduate students. Learn about funding amounts, eligibility, timelines, and how to apply for the 2026 intake.
Think Big Scholarships 2026: Transforming Opportunities for International Students
The University of Bristol continues its commitment to global education through the renowned Think Big Scholarship programme—one of the UK’s most impactful funding schemes for international learners. As the 2026 intake approaches, the University reaffirms its mission to empower students from around the world with financial support, leadership training, and career-boosting opportunities.
A World-Class Opportunity for Global Talent
The Think Big Scholarship is recognised as the University of Bristol’s flagship funding initiative. Created to attract bright, ambitious learners from diverse countries, the scheme helps ease the financial barriers associated with studying in the United Kingdom.
For the 2026 academic year, the University has allocated up to £5 million to support talented international students. These scholarships are available to applicants who hold overseas fee status and have applied to an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate programme.
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Awards
The Think Big Scholarship portfolio is both broad and flexible, offering various funding amounts depending on level of study.
Undergraduate Scholarships
Undergraduate applicants may receive awards valued at:
- £6,500
- £13,000
The scholarship can be applied for up to four years, depending on the length of the undergraduate programme. Faculties across Business, Economics, Policy Studies, Science & Engineering, and Veterinary Science also offer additional awards through the Think Big scheme.
Postgraduate Scholarships
Postgraduate applicants may be awarded:
- £6,500
- £13,000
- £26,000 (for the first year of study)
In addition to financial support, postgraduate students gain access to an exclusive development opportunity—the Think Big Career Accelerator, a year-long employability programme that includes an additional £3,000 scholarship.
More Than Tuition Support: A Pathway to Growth
Think Big scholars receive more than financial assistance. Recipients join a vibrant global community and gain access to structured development programmes:
Think Big Leadership Programme
For undergraduate awardees, this programme provides workshops, mentorship, and leadership training designed to build confidence and sharpen professional skills.
Think Big Career Accelerator
Postgraduate recipients benefit from a career-focused training programme aimed at preparing them for employment or entrepreneurship beyond graduation. Through networking sessions, skill-building workshops, and personalised guidance, scholars develop the tools needed to excel in global workplaces.
One Application, Multiple Opportunities
A standout feature of the Think Big initiative is its streamlined process.
Applicants only need to submit one scholarship application form, which is then assessed against all eligible awards, including:
- Central Think Big scholarships
- Faculty-specific awards
- Alumni-supported scholarships
- External partner opportunities
This efficient approach ensures students are considered for every possible scholarship without the burden of multiple submissions.
Scholarship Timeline for 2026 Entry
To ensure applicants are well-prepared, the University of Bristol has published a detailed timeline for the 2026 cycle. Students must first apply for their academic programme and obtain an application ID before beginning their scholarship submission.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 21 October 2025 | Scholarship applications open (10:00am UK time) |
| 14 January 2026 | Early consideration deadline for Career Accelerator (Postgraduate only) |
| February 2026 | Career Accelerator Round 1 outcomes released |
| 10 April 2026 | Think Big Scholarship applications close (10:00am UK time) |
| Late May 2026 | Think Big scholarship outcomes shared |
| Late May 2026 | Deadline for successful applicants to accept their scholarship |
| July 2026 | Award letters issued |
Applicants are encouraged to prepare early to ensure they do not miss critical deadlines.
A Broad Range of Scholarship Categories
The Think Big programme spans numerous fields of study, reflecting the University’s dedication to academic diversity and global impact.
Undergraduate Scholarships Include:
- Think Big Undergraduate Scholarships
- Think Big about Business
- Think Big about Economics
- Think Big about Policy Studies
- Think Big about Science and Engineering
- Think Big about Veterinary Science
Postgraduate Scholarships Include:
- Think Big Postgraduate Scholarships
- Think Big about Business
- Think Big about Comparative Literatures and Cultures
- Think Big about Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding
- Think Big about Economics
- Think Big about Education
- Think Big about International Development and Relations
- Think Big about Law and Justice
- Think Big about Nutrition & Public Health
- Think Big about Public Policy
- Think Big about Research
- Think Big about Sociology
- Think Big about Science and Engineering
- Think Big about Translation and Interpreting
Beyond the core Think Big categories, students may also be considered for specialist awards such as the Michael Wong Pakshong Bursary, R. Senathi Rajah Memorial Scholarship, and GREAT Scholarships.
Empowering Scholars Beyond the Classroom
The Think Big Development Programme ensures that recipients are not only supported financially but also empowered personally and professionally. These programmes foster:
- Leadership capacity
- Global citizenship
- Critical thinking
- Networking skills
- Career readiness
They are designed to help scholars maximise their personal strengths, engage meaningfully with their academic communities, and prepare for impactful careers after graduation.
A Gateway to a World-Class Education
The University of Bristol is consistently ranked among the top universities globally. Its Think Big Scholarship programme aligns with the institution’s vision of building a diverse academic community enriched by international perspectives.
For students dreaming of studying in the UK, this scholarship offers a life-changing opportunity—supporting tuition costs, enhancing employability, and connecting scholars to global networks of professionals, alumni, and fellow students.
Ready to apply?
Begin your academic journey today.
👉 [Apply Now for Think Big Scholarships]
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