York University GREAT Scholarship 2026 in the UK (officially: University of York GREAT Scholarship 2026/27) is a British Council + GREAT Britain Campaign scholarship that provides a £10,000 tuition-fee reduction for eligible international students joining a one-year full-time postgraduate taught master’s program. Applications for the University of York’s GREAT Scholarship 2026/27 are open until Monday, 11 May 2026 (11:59 pm BST).
Basic scholarship information
- Offered by the University of York in partnership with the British Council and GREAT Britain Campaign
- Part of the GREAT Scholarships 2026 programme
- 4 scholarships available (one per country)
- For one-year postgraduate taught courses in the UK
- Scholarship value: Minimum £10,000
- Scholarship name: University of York GREAT Scholarship (GREAT Scholarships 2026 programme).
- Host country: United Kingdom (UK).
- Host institution: University of York.
- Degree level: One-year postgraduate taught (Master’s).
- Funding type: Tuition fee deduction (discount).
- Eligible nationalities (York-specific): China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Kenya (permanent residents and passport holders).
- Application deadline (official): Monday 11 May 2026, 11.59 pm BST.
University/institution details
- The University of York offers the GREAT Scholarship in partnership with the British Council and the GREAT Britain Campaign.
- The scholarship supports access to UK higher education for postgraduate students and aligns with the wider GREAT Scholarships 2026 programme across many UK universities.
- The University of York states it offers these scholarships to students from select countries applying to a variety of one-year postgraduate courses.
Study areas (available program names)
- Eligible study level: One-year postgraduate taught courses at the University of York.
- Coverage scope: The University of York notes that the scholarship is open to applicants from the majority of postgraduate taught courses (with a list of exclusions).
- Scholarships are available for full-time postgraduate taught master’s programmes at York.
- Important program/pathway exclusions explicitly listed by the University of York:
- Hull York Medical School (HYMS).
- International Pathway College.
- Distance/online learning courses.
- Part-time courses.
- Kaplan International College London.
- MA Public Policy (Mundus MAPP).
- CASPPER.
- Master’s courses lasting longer than one year.
- Partnership/exchange/visiting students.
York University GREAT Scholarship benefits
- £10,000 tuition-fee deduction for successful scholars (York confirms awards are paid as a tuition fee deduction).
- Acceptable for postgraduate taught programs lasting one year
- Attend a prestigious research university in the UK.
- Part of a prominent scholarship program supported by the UK government
- Opportunity to join a globally recognized UK scholarship scheme supported by the British Council and the GREAT Britain Campaign.
- Combining Scholarships
- Can be combined with:
- University of York departmental scholarships
- External funding (as long as tuition is not fully covered)
- Can be combined with:
Benefits not included
- Not a full scholarship: York frames it as a tuition fee deduction and does not describe it as covering full tuition or full living costs.
- Not designed for students already fully funded: York states applicants are not eligible if they hold a 100% tuition fee scholarship or are fully sponsored.
- Not for part-time, distance/online, or programs longer than one year (so extended study formats are not supported).
Eligibility criteria for York University GREAT Scholarship
Eligible Countries
- 🇨🇳 China
- 🇮🇩 Indonesia
- 🇲🇾 Malaysia
- 🇰🇪 Kenya
- Be a permanent resident and passport holder of China, Indonesia, Malaysia, or Kenya
- Be charged the overseas tuition fee rate
- Have a conditional or unconditional offer for a one-year postgraduate taught course at the University of York
- Meet all English language requirements by 11 May 2026
- Complete fee assessment by 11 May 2026
Who Is NOT Eligible
You are not eligible if:
- You already have a 100% tuition fee scholarship
- You are fully sponsored
- You are a current University of York student
- Your course is:
- Hull York Medical School
- International Pathway College
- Distance/online learning
- Part-time
- Kaplan International College London
- MA Public Policy (Mundus MAPP)
- CASPPER
- Longer than one year
- Partnership or exchange programme
Selection Criteria
- Based on:
- Written application
- Academic merit
- Strong preference for students with:
- Excellent academic results (e.g., UK First Class degree or equivalent)
- Only one student per country will be selected
Required documents (for the application)
- Online scholarship application responses (York says the online form requires answers about course of study and future goals).
- Proof of nationality may be requested (York says they may request a document confirming nationality).
- Supporting admissions materials to secure/hold an offer (commonly required by universities), because York requires having a conditional or unconditional offer by the deadline.
- Proof that language conditions are met by the deadline (because York requires language conditions met by 11 May 2026).
York University GREAT Scholarship application process (step-by-step)
- Step 1: Choose an eligible one-year postgraduate taught master’s at the University of York (avoid excluded pathways like HYMS, part-time, distance learning, and longer-than-one-year courses).
- Step 2: Apply for admission to the University of York and work toward receiving a conditional/unconditional offer.
- Answer questions about:
- Your course
- Your future goals
- You may be asked to submit proof of nationality
- Answer questions about:
- Step 3: Ensure overseas fee assessment is completed by 11 May 2026 (as required).
- Step 4: Meet any language condition of the offer by 11 May 2026 (as required).
- Step 5: Submit the GREAT Scholarship application online before Monday, 11 May 2026, 11:59 pm BST.
- Step 6: Prepare for possible follow-up: York may request a nationality confirmation document.
- Step 7: If selected, follow York’s terms: formally accept the offer and make York the firm choice by the deadline stated in the offer email, or the scholarship may be offered to a reserve candidate.
- Step 8: Plan to act as an ambassador for the University of York and the British Council as part of the GREAT scheme (required of successful candidates).
Tips for a successful application
- Prioritize academic excellence: York states a strong preference for applicants with the strongest academic record (example given: UK first-class degree or equivalent).
- Treat the written application like a mini personal statement: York evaluates based on a written application plus prior academic merit.
- Align goals with impact: York asks applicants to answer questions about course of study and future goals, so connect your master’s to clear career outcomes.
- Avoid eligibility mistakes:
- Don’t apply if your course is part-time, distance/online, longer than one year, or otherwise excluded.
- Don’t apply if fully sponsored/100% tuition funded.
- Manage deadlines strategically:
- Aim to secure your York offer well before 11 May 2026.
- Finish the fee assessment and language conditions early to avoid last-minute delays.
Monthly living expenses in York (USD)
- Housing (shared room/student accommodation): $550–$950 per month (varies by location and room type).
- Food and groceries: $220–$350 per month.
- Local transport: $60–$120 per month.
- Utilities (if not included in rent): $80–$150 per month.
- Phone + internet: $25–$60 per month.
- Study materials: $25–$60 per month.
- Personal/miscellaneous: $120–$250 per month.
- Estimated total (typical range): $1,080–$1,940 per month (lifestyle dependent).
Why choose this scholarship? (at least 5 reasons)
- Strong tuition support: York’s GREAT Scholarship provides a £10,000 tuition fee deduction, which can significantly reduce the cost of a UK master’s.
- Recognized partnership: It is offered with the British Council and the GREAT Britain Campaign, adding credibility and visibility to the award.
- Broad course access: York states it applies to the majority of eligible one-year postgraduate taught courses (with clear exclusions).
- Competitive merit focus: Selection is based on written application and academic merit, making it a high-value option for strong students.
- Flexibility to combine funding: York allows combining the GREAT Scholarship with departmental scholarships and some external funding (as long as tuition isn’t fully covered).
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
- Is this “York University” in the UK or Canada?
This scholarship is for the University of York in the UK and is part of the GREAT Scholarships scheme. - What is the deadline for the University of York GREAT Scholarship 2026/27?
The official deadline is Monday, 11 May 2026, 11:59 pm BST. - How much is the scholarship worth?
The University of York GREAT Scholarship is worth £10,000 as a tuition fee deduction. - Which countries are eligible for York’s GREAT Scholarship 2026/27?
York lists eligibility for permanent residents and passport holders of China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Kenya. - Can part-time or online students apply?
No, York excludes part-time and distance/online learning courses from eligibility. - Do you need an admission offer before applying?
Yes, York requires having a conditional or unconditional offer for an eligible one-year postgraduate taught course by the deadline (you don’t need to have accepted it yet). - Can the scholarship be combined with other scholarships?
York states it may be combined with departmental scholarships and with external funding if the combined support does not cover 100% of tuition fees.
