Think Big Scholarships 2026 at University of Bristol
The UK draws students with its top schools and rich culture. The University of Bristol ranks in the global top 100 and invests up to £5 million in Think Big Scholarships for 2026. These awards help international students with tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Think Big targets bright students who want to make positive changes. Amounts reach £26,000 for tuition. Postgraduate winners can join the Career Accelerator program with extra £3,000.
From my experience with UK awards, strong applications show how studies link to real impact. One student from India won full cover by detailing a community project. Another missed out with vague plans. Tools like Numbeo show Bristol costs £1,000-1,500 per month. Awards help fees; budget living.
What Is this Scholarship?
Think Big is Bristol’s main scheme for international tuition support. One form covers all eligible awards.
Key facts:
- Undergraduate: £6,500 or £13,000 per year (up to 4 years).
- Postgraduate: £6,500, £13,000, or £26,000 (one year).
- Tuition only.
- Postgraduate: Possible £3,000 Career Accelerator extra.
- Starts September 2026.
Bristol vibrant, historic, greener than many cities. Strong global links.
Also apply for Nottingham Developing Solutions Masters Scholarship.
Eligibility Criteria
You qualify if:
- Overseas fee status (not UK domiciled).
- Applied for eligible full-time course starting 2026.
- Not current/past Bristol student.
- Not already in UK study.
- No other full tuition funding.
Undergraduate excludes medicine, dentistry, veterinary. Postgraduate most one-year taught Master’s.
Opinion: Open to all internationals. Impact vision key for stand out.
Scholarship Benefits
Tuition waivers.
- Undergraduate: £6,500-£13,000/year.
- Postgraduate: £6,500-£26,000.
Extras:
- Postgraduate Career Accelerator (£3,000 + program).
- Development/leadership access.
Table: Award Levels
| Level | Undergraduate/Year | Postgraduate |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | £6,500 | £6,500/£13,000 |
| Higher | £13,000 | £26,000 |
Fees often £20,000-£30,000 overseas. Recent stable amounts.
Programs You Can Pick
Most except medicine/dentistry/veterinary.
Faculties include:
- Arts
- Engineering
- Health Sciences
- Science
- Social Sciences/Law
Full list on bristol.ac.uk/pgstudy/courses.
Required Documents
Via form:
- Student/application ID.
- Answers to questions (impact, motivation).
- Personal details.
No extras needed.
How to Apply For Think Big Scholarships?
- Apply for course (get ID/offer not required yet).
- Use international scholarships form.
- Answer questions fully (no save; one sitting).
- Submit by deadline.
Deadline: 10 April 2026, 10 am UK time.
Tip: Draft answers offline. Focus on unique impact plan.
Why Study at University of Bristol?
Russell Group, research strong. Diverse, innovative.
Bristol lively, creative, affordable vs London. Culture, hills, sea near.
Contrarian: Competitive awards. But open access, no offer needed early. Better for bold thinkers.
More Opportunities
Useful Links
- bristol.ac.uk/international/fees-finance/scholarships – Official hub.
- bristol.ac.uk/international/fees-finance/scholarships/application-guidance – Apply tips.
- bristol.ac.uk/pgstudy/courses – Programs search.
- numbeo.com Bristol – Costs real (£1,200 single average).
- study-uk.britishcouncil.org – Visa/living.
- goingmerry.com – Clean.
Application Checklist
- Course application submitted.
- ID ready.
- Impact answers drafted.
- Motivation for Bristol.
- Check questions.
- Submit on time.
- No other full funding.
- Budget plan.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Vague impact answers. Miss deadline time zone. No course link. Think living covered (tuition focus). Generic text.
PAA: Countries? All overseas. Amounts exact? Levels above. Deadline 10 April.
Living Costs in Bristol
Single £1,000-1,500/month (Numbeo Jan 2026). Rent £600-900 shared. Food £300. Awards help fees; part-time work possible.
Numbeo honest: Mid UK range.
Strong opinion: Think Big rewards visionaries. Tie studies to change for best chance. Great entry to UK top uni.

