How to Apply for Scholarships For International Students At University Of Bristol

If you’re an international student looking to study at the University of Bristol (UoB) and hoping to secure financial support, you’re in the right place. This article will walk you through the key scholarship options, eligibility rules, the application process, timelines, tips for a strong application, and what happens after you apply. Whether you’re applying for undergraduate or postgraduate study, you’ll get clear guidance to maximise your chances of success.

Why Scholarships Matter at UoB

Studying abroad can be expensive—tuition fees, accommodation, travel, and living costs all add up. Scholarships help alleviate these burdens and make studying at a top UK university like UoB much more accessible. UoB has committed significant funding to international scholarships, including its flagship “Think Big” scheme. Securing a scholarship can also enhance your CV, signal your academic and personal merit, and open doors to further opportunities.

Key Scholarship Schemes for International Students

The Think Big Scholarships

One of UoB’s primary scholarship schemes for overseas-fee students is the “Think Big” programme. For both undergraduate and postgraduate study, eligible students can apply to receive sizeable tuition-fee reductions and, in some cases, additional bursaries. For undergraduates, awards typically range around £6,500 or £13,000 per eligible year of study. For taught master’s programmes, awards can go up to £26,000. Some awards also include a separate bursary of up to £3,000. You must have applied to UoB and be classed as an overseas fee-payer to apply. (See UoB’s official page for more: International Scholarships).

Subject-Specific and External Scholarships

In addition to the core Think Big scheme, UoB offers scholarships tailored to particular subject areas (e.g., Economics, Science & Engineering, Law) and regions (for students from specific countries). Also, UoB participates in external scholarship partnerships such as the GREAT Scholarships scheme for India, Mexico and Thailand where eligible students can receive £13,000 towards postgraduate tuition fees.

Bursaries & Special Programmes

Beyond tuition-fee scholarships, UoB also offers bursaries (e.g., for living costs) and programmes designed to enhance employability. For example, some scholarships include access to UoB’s “Career Accelerator” or leadership programmes. For students transferring via UoB’s Global Transfer Programme, there are bursaries specific to that route.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility varies by scholarship, but here are the common conditions you’ll need to meet:

You must be classed as an overseas fee-payer (international student) under UoB’s policy.
You must apply to study at UoB on an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate course. For many scholarships, you do not need to have a final offer before applying, but you must have applied.
For undergraduate scholarships: apply to a UoB course (excluding certain programmes like Dentistry/Medicine/Veterinary in some cases) and start in the relevant intake (e.g., September 2026).
For postgraduate scholarships: apply to a one-year full-time master’s (or some two-year programmes if eligible) and meet the university’s entry requirements.
You must not be in receipt of other funding which, in total, would exceed the full cost of your fees when combined with the scholarship.
You must meet any additional subject- or region-specific criteria (for example, being from a specific country for certain awards).
For some scholarships, you’ll need to maintain satisfactory academic progress each year (especially undergraduates) if the award spans multiple years.

Always check the full terms & conditions for the year you apply, since eligibility and amounts may change year-to-year.

When and How to Apply

Timeline to Know

Applications for many UoB international scholarships open well ahead of the intake: e.g., for 2026 entry, scholarships may open on 21 October 2025 at 10 :00 am UK time and close on 10 April 2026 at 10 :00am UK time (for Think Big). Outcomes are typically shared in late May and scholarship offer-holders are given deadlines to accept by late May or early June.

Application Steps

Apply to UoB first. You must have completed or submitted your study application (undergraduate via UCAS or postgraduate via UoB’s application system) and obtained an application ID before submitting the scholarship form.
Complete the online scholarship application form. This will often be a one-form process: by completing it you’ll automatically be considered for all scholarships for which you meet criteria under the international scheme.
Submit required supporting documents. This may include personal statement, CV, evidence of any achievements or leadership, proof of academic qualifications, etc.
Meet the deadline, pay any deposit required by the university for your offer, and keep an eye on your email for outcome notifications.
If successful, accept the scholarship offer by the given deadline.
Upon enrolment, your fees will be adjusted according to the scholarship. Note: many awards are applied as tuition-fee waivers, not as cash payments.

Key Application Tips

Ensure your degree/course is eligible. Some programmes may be excluded from certain scholarships.
Be classed as overseas fee-payer. Ensure you understand your fee status and that the scholarship you apply for recognises it.
Submit your study application in good time. Some scholarship applications require your course application to be submitted first.
Prepare a strong personal statement. Many selections consider leadership potential, engagement, contributions to community, or future impact—beyond just grades.
Maintain the conditions after acceptance. For multi-year awards, academic progress and adherence to terms may be required.

What Happens After You Submit

Once you submit your scholarship application, here’s what happens:

Your application will be assessed by the International Scholarships team at UoB.
They will check eligibility, compare applications, and decide awardees.
If you are shortlisted, you may not need to do anything extra—but you should check your email for any requests for further information.
Outcome notifications are sent out (often in late May).
If you receive an award, you will be required to accept within the deadline.
When you enrol at UoB, your tuition fees will be adjusted to reflect the scholarship amount. For example, if you were awarded £13,000, that amount will be deducted from your overseas tuition fee for that year.
Some awards may include a bursary for living costs (paid into your UK bank account) or access to additional programmes (career acceleration, leadership, etc.).
Scholarships are often non-deferrable. If you defer your entry to another year without agreement, you may lose the award.

What Makes a Strong Application

While each scholarship is competitive, successful applicants often share certain characteristics:

Academic competence: meeting or exceeding course entry requirements.
Demonstrated ambition and potential impact: showing how you will contribute to your field, community or global society.
Leadership and extracurricular engagement: evidence of involvement beyond studies (volunteering, initiatives, clubs, etc.).
Clear motivation for choosing UoB: explaining why you want to study that subject at Bristol, how it fits your career goals.
Quality personal statement and supporting documents: well-written, tailored to the scholarship criteria, error-free.
Timely application submission and complete documentation.

It’s worth noting that while high grades help, they alone may not guarantee success—many selection panels look for a broader profile of achievements and potential.

Special Considerations for International Students

As an international student applying for a scholarship at UoB, keep in mind:

Fee status matters: Only students classed as “overseas fee-payer” are eligible for these international scholarships (not UK/EU fee status).
Budget realistically: Even with a scholarship, you’ll still need to cover living costs, travel, visa fees, and other expenses.
Eligibility may vary by country or region: Some scholarships may target specific nationalities or regions (e.g., India, Mexico, Thailand under the GREAT scheme).
Visa implications: Getting a scholarship doesn’t substitute for obtaining a valid student visa and meeting visa requirements (funds, English language, etc.).
Study application and scholarship application are separate but linked: Be sure your course application to UoB is correct and you’ve submitted it before or alongside your scholarship application.
Plan for arrival and enrolment: Scholarship offers often come with conditions (enrolment date, study start date). Be ready to travel and register on time.

After You Receive a Scholarship: What to Do

Once you are awarded a scholarship:

Accept the award by the deadline communicated in the offer letter.
Confirm your place at UoB by accepting the admission offer, paying any deposit if required, and completing any pre-arrival tasks (visa application, accommodation, enrolment).
Open a UK bank account (if required for bursary payments).
Monitor your email and student portal for enrolment instructions and scholarship fund release details.
On arrival in Bristol, attend enrolment, induction and make any arrangements for your programme (course registration, accommodation, student support).
If your scholarship has conditions (for example, maintain a certain GPA or participate in a leadership programme), ensure you understand and meet them.
Use the opportunities the scholarship may provide beyond just money—networking events, mentorship, career development workshops, community engagement.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Here are some common mistakes applicants make—and how to avoid them:

Missing the deadline: Set reminders early. Scholarship deadlines are fixed and often not extended.
Incomplete application: Make sure you fill in all sections of the form, provide all supporting documents and meet word/format requirements.
Choosing an ineligible course: Confirm your course is listed as eligible for the scholarship you’re applying to.
Applying without a study application: Many scholarships require you to have applied to UoB. Don’t wait to do both.
Poor personal statement (generic, unfocused): Tailor your statement, highlight your uniqueness, avoid clichés.
Overlooking terms & conditions: Know what the scholarship covers (tuition only? living costs?) and what commitments you’ll need to fulfil.
Assuming you will get a full award: Even generous scholarships often don’t cover all costs—budget for the rest yourself.
Failing to maintain requirements post-award: If there are academic or engagement criteria to maintain, don’t ignore them.

Final Thoughts

Securing a scholarship at the University of Bristol can transform your international study experience—making it more affordable and opening doors to personal and professional development. Key takeaways: apply early, ensure you meet eligibility, craft a strong and focused application, and follow through with any conditions if awarded. Visit UoB’s dedicated International Scholarships page for the latest updates, guidance documents, and deadlines. With preparation and effort, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for one of these valuable awards. Good luck on your journey to studying at UoB!