£10,000 Leicester GREAT Scholarship for Pakistan: Application Guide and Key Dates

The selection process is currently underway for the University of Leicester GREAT Scholarships 2026. The application window for this prestigious £10,000 scholarship for Pakistani students officially closed on May 31, 2026 . Shortlisting and final selection are taking place from June 1 to June 19, with successful candidates being notified by June 26, 2026 .

This scholarship is offered in partnership with the British Council and the GREAT Britain Campaign. It provides one Pakistani student with a £10,000 tuition fee waiver for a one-year postgraduate course at the University of Leicester starting in September 2026 .

Although applications have closed, this guide provides a complete breakdown of the eligibility criteria, application process, and key dates. This information is useful for students awaiting results and essential preparation for the next scholarship cycle.

What is the University of Leicester GREAT Scholarship?

The University of Leicester GREAT Scholarship 2026 is part of the larger GREAT Scholarships programme launched by the British Council. The programme supports international postgraduate students from several countries, including Pakistan, to access UK higher education .

This specific award is funded jointly by the UK government's GREAT Britain Campaign, the British Council, and the University of Leicester . For the 2026-27 academic year, there are 12 postgraduate scholarships available from various UK universities for students from Pakistan, each worth a minimum of £10,000 . The Leicester scholarship is one of these prestigious opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria

To have been eligible for the University of Leicester GREAT Scholarship 2026, applicants must have met all the following conditions :

• Nationality and Residency: Be a permanent resident and passport holder of Pakistan.

• Student Status: Be classified as an international student for fee purposes.

• Course: Be starting a full-time, campus-based Master's course commencing in September 2026. Postgraduate Certificates in Education (PGCEs) were excluded.

• Sponsorship: Students in receipt of a fully funded Commonwealth Masters or Chevening Scholarship were not eligible for this fee discount.

• Academic Priority: Preference was given to applicants who achieved the equivalent of a high First-Class Honours degree at undergraduate level .

The Application Process

The application for the GREAT Scholarship was separate from the university course application. Students needed to apply directly through the University of Leicester's website by completing an application form . The form required applicants to demonstrate their suitability as an ambassador for the university.

Required Application Components

The application form consisted of the following :

1. Written Statement (200 words): Applicants had to describe how they would embody the University of Leicester’s values as a "Citizen of Change" during their time at Leicester. They needed to provide a specific example of their commitment to making a positive impact.

2. Video Submission (60 seconds): Students were required to create a short video explaining how studying their chosen programme at Leicester would help them achieve their career goals and shape their plans after graduation.

3. Academic Excellence: A strong academic record was a key priority, with preference given to those with a high First-Class Honours degree equivalent.

Application Timeline

The key dates for the 2026 cycle are as follows :

Myth vs Fact

Myth: You can combine this scholarship with other University of Leicester discounts.
Fact: The terms state clearly that "the fee as stated in your offer letter is the final fee and no other discount will apply" .

Myth: The GREAT Scholarship covers the full cost of a Master's degree.
Fact: The scholarship is a £10,000 tuition fee waiver. It does not cover the full cost of tuition, accommodation, or living expenses.

Myth: The scholarship is only for specific subjects.
Fact: The scholarship is available for a wide range of postgraduate taught Master's programmes .

E-E-A-T Reinforcement

All information in this article is sourced directly from the official University of Leicester website  and the British Council's Study UK campaign . These are the definitive sources for the GREAT Scholarships programme. Students should always rely on official university communications for the most up-to-date information.

FAQ Section

What is the value of the University of Leicester GREAT Scholarship?
The scholarship is worth £10,000, which is deducted from your tuition fees .

Who is eligible for this scholarship?
It is exclusively for permanent residents and passport holders of Pakistan who are starting a full-time Master's course in September 2026 .

Can I combine this scholarship with other discounts?
No. You cannot combine this scholarship with any other fee discount from the university .

I missed the May 31 deadline. Can I still apply?
No, the application window for this scholarship has officially closed . You may consider applying for the 2027 cycle when it opens.

Is this scholarship available for undergraduate students?
No, this specific scholarship is for postgraduate taught Master's programmes only.

What happens if I am also receiving a Chevening Scholarship?
You would not be eligible for this GREAT Scholarship, as it cannot be combined with fully funded scholarships like Chevening .

Conclusion

The University of Leicester GREAT Scholarship 2026 is a significant opportunity for Pakistani students looking to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK. While the 2026 application window has closed and selection is now in progress, the information provided here is a strong foundation for students planning to apply in future cycles.

What you should do next:

1. If you have applied: Check your email and the university portal. Winners will be notified by June 26, 2026 .

2. If you are planning for the future: Use the criteria and application questions as a guide to build a strong profile. Focus on maintaining a high academic record and think about how you can demonstrate your role as a future "Citizen of Change."

3. Explore other options: Remember that the University of Leicester is just one of 60+ UK universities participating in the GREAT Scholarships programme for Pakistan . Research other institutions for the next application cycle.

Stay connected with ilmiworld.com for more updates on international scholarships, UK study opportunities, and guidance for Pakistani students.