The University of Bristol Think Big Scholarships are prestigious merit-based awards designed for talented international students who want to study in the United Kingdom.
For the September 2026 intake, these scholarships offer tuition-fee funding for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Depending on the degree level and academic achievements, students may receive £6,500, £13,000, or up to £26,000 in funding.
Many students searching for study abroad opportunities in the UK consider this scholarship because it supports international students with strong academic potential and leadership ambitions.
In this guide, you’ll learn about:
- Scholarship benefits and funding
- Eligibility requirements
- Application process
- Deadline and important rules
- Tips to increase your chances of selection
What Is the University of Bristol Think Big Scholarships?
The Think Big Scholarship is a funding initiative created by the University of Bristol to attract high-achieving international students.
The scholarship is specifically intended for overseas students paying international tuition fees and enrolling in eligible programmes at the university.
Unlike many fully funded scholarships, Think Big primarily provides tuition-fee support, although some postgraduate students may receive additional career-related bursaries.
Students often apply for this scholarship when planning to study in the UK because Bristol is consistently ranked among the top universities in the United Kingdom for research, innovation, and graduate employability.
Think Big Scholarship Benefits
Undergraduate Scholarship Funding
International students admitted to undergraduate programmes may receive one of the following awards:
- £6,500 per year
- £13,000 per year
The funding is applied as a tuition-fee reduction and can be renewed for up to four years, provided students maintain satisfactory academic progress during their studies.
Typically, students must maintain an average grade above 50% each year to continue receiving the award.
Postgraduate Scholarship Funding
Students enrolling in postgraduate taught or research programmes may receive one of these awards:
- £6,500 tuition fee discount
- £13,000 tuition fee discount
- Up to £26,000 funding for selected programmes
These awards are generally applied during the first year of study as a reduction in tuition fees.
Additional Career Accelerator Bursary
Some postgraduate students may also receive an additional £3,000 Career Accelerator bursary.
This funding is connected to employability initiatives and career support programmes provided by the University of Bristol, helping international students improve their professional prospects after graduation.
Eligibility Requirements for Think Big Scholarships
To apply for the scholarship, students must meet the following conditions.
1. Apply to an Eligible Course
Applicants must have submitted an application for a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate programme at the University of Bristol starting in September 2026.
2. International Fee Status
Students must be classified as overseas (international) fee-paying students.
3. Eligible Academic Programmes
Most undergraduate and postgraduate programmes are eligible, but there are exceptions.
Courses offered by:
- Bristol Medical School
- Bristol Dental School
are generally not eligible for this scholarship.
How to Apply for the Think Big Scholarship
The application process is straightforward, but many students miss important steps.
Based on what successful applicants often do, the following process is recommended.
Step 1: Apply for Your Academic Programme
First, submit your course application through the university admissions system.
You must receive a student ID or application confirmation before applying for the scholarship.
Step 2: Access the Scholarship Portal
Once your programme application is submitted, log in to the official University of Bristol scholarship portal.
Step 3: Complete the Think Big Scholarship Application
The scholarship application typically includes short essay questions designed to evaluate:
- Academic motivation
- Leadership potential
- Career ambitions
- Impact goals
Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline
Applications must be submitted before the official closing date.
Late applications are not considered.
Think Big Scholarship Deadline 2026
The application deadline for the 2026 intake is:
10 April 2026 at 10:00 AM (UK time)
Students are strongly encouraged to apply several weeks earlier, because scholarship portals often experience high traffic close to the deadline.
Important Rules Students Should Know
Before applying, keep these important conditions in mind.
Scholarship Cannot Be Deferred
If you defer your admission to another year, the Think Big Scholarship cannot be transferred to the new intake.
Award Is Non-Transferable
The scholarship is tied specifically to your course and academic year.
Tuition Coverage Only
In most cases, the scholarship covers tuition fees only. Living expenses, accommodation, and travel costs usually need separate funding.
Personal Insight for Students Applying
From observing many scholarship applications and admission outcomes, one common factor among successful Think Big applicants is a clear academic vision.
Students who demonstrate:
- leadership potential
- future career goals
- commitment to creating impact
often perform better in scholarship evaluations.
When writing your scholarship essay, avoid generic answers. Instead, explain how studying at the University of Bristol fits your long-term goals.
Admissions panels often look for students who will actively contribute to the university community and represent the institution globally after graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Think Big Scholarship fully funded?
No. The scholarship mainly provides tuition-fee support, though some postgraduate students may receive additional bursaries.
Can undergraduate students receive the scholarship for all years?
Yes. Undergraduate awards can be renewed for up to four years, depending on academic performance.
Do I need an admission offer before applying?
You must at least apply for a programme at the University of Bristol before submitting your scholarship application.
Final Thoughts
The Think Big Scholarships 2026 offer an excellent opportunity for international students who want to study in the UK at one of the country’s top research universities.
Although it is not a fully funded scholarship, the tuition-fee support can significantly reduce the cost of studying abroad.
Students who prepare a strong application, submit early, and clearly explain their goals have the best chance of receiving this competitive award.
