Bristol University Big Scholarships Award in 2026: Study in UK

Studying at the University of Bristol offers far more than just academic excellence. Since its founding, the institution has built a reputation for prestige and high standards, producing graduates who embody academic brilliance, leadership potential, community-driven values, and diverse talents. Bristol not only focuses on delivering world-class education but also ensures that students learn in an enriching environment equipped with modern facilities and strong support systems.

With expert lecturers who challenge students to achieve their best, the university also places great emphasis on student well-being, providing guidance and support to balance academic rigor with mental health. The University of Bristol also offers a range of academic scholarships designed to support students from across the globe. These scholarships have been a vital source of help for students, particularly those from developing countries or less financially privileged backgrounds. 

Bristol recognizes that a student’s potential should not be limited by their financial circumstances, which is why it provides multiple funding opportunities to help make education accessible and achievable. If you’re interested in applying for one of these scholarships, we’ll guide you through the application process step by step.

Why Choose Bristol University?

There are several benefits that comes with studying at Bristol, Here’s a short summary of why you should choose the University of Bristol:

• Prestige & Rankings: In 2025, Bristol university ranks among the top 10 in the UK and 51st worldwide (QS 2026).  Making the university amidst the top universities you should apply for.
• Research Excellence: Member of the Russell Group, leading in subjects like Chemistry, Geography, and Law. Reflecting how effective their teachings and education is.
• Employability: Graduates from this university are known for their strong academic performance and are often considered well-suited for leadership roles. In 2025, research revealed that the university ranked among the top five UK institutions most targeted by employers, thanks to its robust career services.
• Student Life: At Bristol, students' academics, social life, and overall well-being are given top priority. The university hosts a wide range of engaging social activities, ensuring that students are not only being shaped into top scholars but also into well-rounded individuals who understand the value of social connection.
• Location: The school is located in a bright, safe, and lively environment, prioritizing students' safety while also providing exposure to a vibrant cultural and social life.
• Innovation & Sustainability: Ranked 12th globally for sustainability, home to the UK’s most powerful AI supercomputer.
• Support & Teaching: Not only does the institution offer top-notch education in an exceptional environment, but it also genuinely cares for its students—providing support financially, mentally, and academically.

Bristol University Scholarships

The University of Bristol offers a wide range of scholarships designed to support, complement, and motivate students throughout their academic journey. Let’s walk you through the various options available:

• Need-Based Scholarships: Need-based scholarships are designed to support students who may not have the financial means to cover tuition and other education-related expenses. At the University of Bristol, every student is valued equally and deserves access to quality education. The institution has a strong track record of supporting students from less privileged financial backgrounds—providing funding not only for tuition but also for accommodation, books, and other essential costs. These scholarships have offered significant financial relief, benefiting both UK-based students and international students from around the world.
• Merit-Based Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance, strong leadership qualities, or exceptional talents. To complement and recognize students who demonstrate outstanding academic effort, the University of Bristol awards merit-based scholarships. These scholarships provide recipients with financial support toward tuition and other essential expenses.
• Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at Bristol offer departmental scholarships to support students enrolled in specific programs. These awards are typically based on a combination of academic performance, financial need, and dedication to the field of study.
• Diversity and Talent-Based Scholarships: Bristol is committed to promoting diversity and recognizing unique talents. These scholarships support students from underrepresented groups in higher education, as well as those with exceptional abilities in the arts, music, or athletics. Applicants may be required to submit an additional essay, portfolio, or audition to demonstrate their skills.

Bristol Think Big International Scholarships (Undergraduate & Postgraduate)

Bristol runs a range of scholarship schemes to support international students who are enrolled or planning to enroll at the university. These funds, amounting to several million pounds over the years, have proven to be of significant benefit to students from around the world.

Major Scholarships at the University of Bristol

1. Think Big International Scholarships: The University offers undergraduate awards of £6,500 or £13,000 per year, postgraduate awards of £6,500, £13,000, or £26,000 per year, plus an additional Think Big Career Accelerator worth £3,000 and employability support, with applications reopening in October 2025 for 2026 entry.
2. R. Senathi Rajah Memorial Scholarship: Aimed to support students who are from For Sri Lankan and are interested in pursuing a master’s degree at Bristol. The eligibility criteria requires applicants to have an outstanding educational background and also potential to contribute to the development of their nationality. The R. Senathi Rajah Memorial Scholarship covers £26,000 tuition fees, and also supports recipient living costs with a sum of £3,000.
3. Black Futures Scholarship: This scholarship is applicable only to Black UK undergraduate students enrolled at the University of Bristol, and to qualify, applicants must provide proof that their household income is below £50,000. The scholarship offers an amount that is Worth up to £7,000 total (£2,000 per year for three years + £1,000 career grant).
4. Futures Scholarship (UK only): This scholarship Provides £2,000 per year for three years + £1,000 employability grant. It is Applicable For UK undergraduates that demonstrate they are from low-income households.
5. Postgraduate Research Scholarships: This scholarship covers full tuition and provides an annual stipend of up to £20,780 for eligible PhD and research students, and applicants must be engaged in research or present an idea that demonstrates how their work can contribute to humanity.
6. Access Postgraduate Fee Waiver: Qualified applicants receive Ten awards of £5,000 each.
7. Bristol Master’s Scholarship: For UK students postgraduates interested in studying a master degree at Bristol. Applicants must have  a 2:1 degree and must be from underrepresented backgrounds. Successfully qualifying for this scholarship grants you an amount of £1,000 support.
8. Doctoral Scholarships for Black Heritage Students: Offers an award that Full tuition fees covers recipient full tuition and also gives a stipend of around £18,622 per year.
9. Zutshi-Smith Scholarship:For Indian PhD applicants.Covers full tuition fees, living stipend £18,622, and a return flight.
10. Global Transfer Bursary: For students transferring through Bristol’s Global Transfer Programme. Offers a £3,000 living cost bursary.

How To Apply For The Think Big International Scholarships At The University Of Bristol

Here is a step by step guide on how To apply for the Bristol big scholarship:

1. Apply for a Course at Bristol: First, you must apply for an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate program at the University of Bristol. To do this, undergraduate students are required to submit their UCAS application number, while postgraduates students are required to submit a  University of Bristol applicant ID.
2. Access the Scholarship Application Form: Once you have applied for admission, navigate to the Bristol Scholarship Application Portal/site.
3. Fill in the Application Form: Provide your personal and academic details. Also you will be required to submit a write up about your career goals, academic achievements and the reason why you are enrolling at your institution.
4. Submit Before the Deadline: Take note of the deadline, as failure to submit your application on time will result in disqualification. For 2025 entry, deadlines were:

• Undergraduate: 24 February 2025
• Postgraduate: 23 April 2025

5. Wait for Results: After submitting all the required documents, your application will be reviewed by the panel to determine whether you are eligible or not.

Who Can Apply

Applying without being eligible for the scholarship will result in a wasted effort, so be sure to check the scholarships eligibility criteria before applying. Here are the eligibility criteria for the Think Big International Scholarships at the University of Bristol:

1. Applicants must have received an offer of be enrolled into Bristol
2. International Students Only: Some of the scholarships are only applicable for international students who are not a citizen of the UK
3. Eligible Courses: To be eligible, applicants must be enrolled at courses under Undergraduate programs, Postgraduate taught programs (full-time or part-time. Courses like Medicine, Chemistry, and Veterinary Science are however not eligible
4. All applicants must have applied for admission to the University of Bristol for the relevant year of entry.
5. Applicants must not be sponsored by another scholarship

Conclusion

University of Bristol offers a variety of academic scholarships to support students worldwide, especially those from developing countries or financially disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring that financial circumstances do not limit a student’s potential and making education more accessible and achievable. 

The institution also offers a variety of scholarship schemes to support international students who are enrolled or planning to enroll at the university, with funding worth several million pounds over the years that has greatly benefited students from around the world.