Introduction
The United Kingdom remains one of the most sought-after study destinations for Indian students seeking top-notch education, a rich cultural experience, and international job opportunities. Studying abroad is a life-changing opportunity, but it is not always possible to fund education in a foreign country. Thus, to make things easier, universities in the UK have implemented a number of scholarship programmes to assist talented students in achieving their dream of attending their desired university. The University of Bristol’s “Think Big” Scholarships are among the most generous, competitive, and effective programmes for overseas students among the many prestigious scholarships given in the UK. For Indian students seeking to get enrolled for the 2026 intake, this blog provides a comprehensive overview of the Think Big Scholarships, including eligibility requirements, funding structure, covered programmes, a step-by-step application process, deadlines, essay advice, and success strategies.
What is the Think Big Scholarship?
The Think Big Scholarship is the University of Bristol’s premier funding initiative designed to support outstanding international students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies. Introduced as part of the university’s commitment to global diversity and academic excellence, the scheme aims to empower talented students from around the world who demonstrate academic brilliance, leadership potential, and a strong vision for their future. For the 2026 academic intake, the University of Bristol has invested up to £5 million in Think Big scholarships, enabling more international learners, especially from countries like India, to access world-class education in the UK. Through collaboration with university faculties, alumni donors, and external partners, Think Big offers multiple scholarship types beyond the central undergraduate and postgraduate awards. To make the application process easier, students are required to submit only one scholarship application form, which is automatically assessed for all eligible opportunities.
Think Big Scholarship Award Amounts and Types
Undergraduate Scholarships
The Think Big Undergraduate Scholarships are valued at £6,500 or £13,000 per year, renewable for up to four years based on satisfactory academic progress (students must maintain an average score above 50% every academic year). However, courses offered by the Bristol Dental School and Bristol Medical School are not eligible for Think Big scholarships. Additional undergraduate scholarship options include:- Think Big about Business UG Scholarship – £6,500
- Think Big about Economics UG Scholarship – £6,500
- Think Big about Policy Studies UG Scholarship – £13,000
- Think Big about Science & Engineering UG Scholarship – £6,500 (Chemistry and Physics pathways)
- Think Big about Veterinary Science UG Scholarship – £6,500 (for BVSc, available only for 3 years)
Postgraduate Scholarships
The Think Big Postgraduate Scholarships awards are valued at £6,500, £13,000, or £26,000 per year, applicable towards tuition fees for master’s or MRes programmes. Furthermore, to avail this, students must submit a separate scholarship application. Key postgraduate options include:- Think Big about Business PG Scholarship – £6,500 & £13,000
- Think Big about Economics PG Scholarship – £6,500 & £13,000
- Think Big about Public Policy PG Scholarship – £6,500 & £13,000
- Think Big about Sociology PG Scholarship – £13,000
- Think Big about International Development & Relations PG Scholarship – £13,000
- Think Big about Law & Justice PG Scholarship – £6,500
- Think Big about Education PG Scholarship – £6,500
- Think Big about Science & Engineering PG Scholarship -£6,500
- Think Big about Comparative Literatures and Cultures PG Scholarship - £6,500 & £13,000
- Think Big about Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding PG Scholarship – £13,000
Alongside this, a Career Accelerator Programme is also offered at Bristol, which consists of career events, workshops, and networking opportunities. In addition to a place on the programme, the Career Accelerator also includes a £3,000 scholarship, applied to the cost of tuition fees for international students. It is available for students studying any eligible postgraduate master’s programme, including MRes programmes, in areas like Business School, Faculty of Science & Engineering, School of Modern Languages, School of Economics, and Centre for Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students
Indian students are eligible to apply if they have submitted an application for a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate programme beginning in September 2026 and are classified as overseas fee-paying students. However, applicants do not need to hold an admission offer at the time of scholarship submission, but must receive one before 24 April 2026, or their scholarship application will be withdrawn. Undergraduate applicants must confirm Bristol as their firm choice on UCAS and meet all academic entry conditions by 31 August 2026. Similarly, postgraduate applicants must meet their offer conditions before 24 April 2026; otherwise, their scholarship application will be withdrawn. In case a student has more than one offer letter, then only one must be chosen for the scholarship application, or else it could make your application ineligible. Furthermore, scholarships cannot be deferred if an applicant chooses to defer their place at the university.
Eligible Courses and Programs for Think Big Scholarships
The Think Big Scholarships programme supports a wide range of academic disciplines, which makes it suitable for students pursuing different career paths. It encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including finance, management, science, engineering, social sciences, humanities, law, technology, innovation, and more. Several undergraduate courses, such as Accounting, Economics, Business, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Marketing, Physics, Psychology, Geography, and Virology, along with numerous postgraduate courses including AI, Data Science, Finance, Law, Public Policy, International Development, Clinical Research, Archaeology, and Climate Change Science, are eligible for scholarships. However, certain programmes, such as dentistry, veterinary science and medicine, are not included under this scholarship.
Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
How to apply:
- Submit your application to study at the University of Bristol.
- Once you receive your application ID (Student ID / Kaplan ID / UCAS ID), access the scholarship application form online.
- Prepare your scholarship application answers.
Section 1 – Personal Details
Wherever possible, use the same personal details that you used on your application to study at the University of Bristol, which makes it easier for the university to match your Scholarship eligibility with your study application form.Section 2 – Application Questions
Answer the three questions, each with a maximum character count of 1000 words (including spaces). Every question is evaluated on a scale of 10 marks.- Question 1 asks you about your achievements: we want to hear about any special skills and achievements, beyond your academic studies, that highlight your ambition and how you made a difference.
- Question 2 assesses your Ambassadorial Potential: we want you to focus on what you might do to benefit your community or how you have built relationships and networks.
- Question 3 asks you about your studies at Bristol and your future plans: explain what has attracted you to study at the University of Bristol, as well as outlining your ultimate career goals.
Section 3 – Terms and conditions
Accept the terms and conditions, as well as the statement regarding academic integrity.Application tips
- Ensure you give yourself plenty of time before the deadline to apply to study and check for errors.
- Read through each question on the application form and draft your answers in a separate document in advance.
- You cannot make any changes to your application after submission, so check for errors before you submit.
- You will receive an email confirming receipt of your scholarship application. Thus, check your junk or spam folder if you do not receive it.
Application Deadlines and Important Dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 21 October 2025 | Think Big Scholarship Application Open at 10:00 AM (UK time) |
| 14 January 2026 | Career Accelerator Round 1 early consideration deadline (Postgraduate only) |
| February 2026 | Result outcome for Career Accelerator Round 1 (Postgraduate only) |
| 10 April 2026 | Scholarship Application Close at 10:00 AM (UK time) |
| Late May 2026 | Think Big Scholarship Results shared |
| Late May 2025 | Deadline to accept the Scholarship |
| July 2026 | Scholarship award letters shared with successful applicants |
Selection Criteria and What University Looks For
- You must be categorised as an international student for fee-paying purposes.
- Fulfil or surpass the prerequisites for your selected programme.
- Receive an offer to enrol by April 24, 2026, and designate Bristol as your primary selection (for undergraduates through UCAS).
- Applications are evaluated on a scale of 30, distributed over three criteria: achievements (10 points), ambassadorial potential (10 points), and alignment with Bristol and professional objectives (10 points).
How to Write a Winning Think Big Scholarship Essay
Writing a scholarship essay requires more than strong academics; it demands a powerful personal narrative that reflects ambition, leadership, and potential for global impact
- A strong Think Big Scholarship essay should clearly reflect your academic goals, career vision, and how studying at the University of Bristol will help you create real-world impact. Start with a compelling introduction that highlights your motivation and personal journey.
- Focus on key themes such as leadership, community involvement, innovation, overcoming challenges, and long-term contribution to society. Explain what makes you unique and why you deserve the scholarship.
- Structure your essay with a clear flow—introduction, academic and personal achievements, future goals, and conclusion summarising your commitment and passion.
- Demonstrate your ambition with specific examples, rather than generic statements. Use measurable achievements and real experiences.
- Common mistakes to avoid include vague claims, repetition, irrelevant information, lack of clarity, poor grammar, and writing without understanding Bristol’s values.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Success
- Build a strong academic profile with consistently good grades and evidence of academic excellence or improvements.
- Write a compelling personal statement that reflects your purpose, authenticity, passion, and future vision.
- Apply early to demonstrate seriousness and ensure enough time for reviewing documents and refining essays.
- Highlight unique achievements or leadership experiences that differentiate you from other applicants.
- Showcase your competitive edge by connecting your goals with global impact, community contribution, and alignment with the University of Bristol’s values and academic environment.
Other Scholarships at University of Bristol for Indian Students
Indian students can also apply for Chevening Scholarships, British Council GREAT Scholarships, Commonwealth Shared Scholarships, Global Economics Scholarship, Department-based funding & research scholarships at the University of Bristol.
Think Big vs Other UK University Scholarships
| University | Scholarship Name | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Newcastle University | UG/PG VC International Scholarship | £7,000-£8,000 |
| University of Exeter | UG/PG India Scholarships | £3,000-£5,000 |
| University of Birmingham | 125th Anniversary Scholarship | £5,000 |
| Queen’s University Belfast | UG/PG Scholarships | £3,500-£6,000 |
| Cardiff University | VC International Scholarship | £3,500 |
| University of Liverpool | Excellence Scholarship | up to £7,000 |
What Happens After Winning the Scholarship
Upon securing the scholarship, selected students are issued formal award letters and are required to accept their offers before the specified deadline. Undergraduate students are required to maintain the score eligibility criteria of the chosen programme, whereas postgraduate scholarships generally last for one year.
Alternative Funding if Not Selected for Think Big
Students can explore alternative funding options such as education loans, external scholarships, part-time work opportunities, departmental bursaries, and private sponsorship options. Many students also combine multiple funding sources to finance their education abroad.
University of Bristol: Why It's Worth Applying
The University of Bristol is a Red Brick, Russell Group university, ranked 51st globally (QS 2026) and among the UK’s top 10 institutions. The university has an excellent research environment, world-class labs (first worldwide to achieve 100% LEAF sustainability certification), which makes it the first university in the world to obtain ‘Institutional Green Lab Certification.
Bristol boasts 13 Nobel Laureates, cutting-edge facilities like The Richmond Building (the largest student union complex in the UK), and leading subject rankings in areas such as aerospace, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, law, marketing, sustainability, and psychology. Additionally, impressive job prospects, a scholarly community of more than 30,000 learners, and a lively multicultural environment that provides both safety and affordability contribute to its status as an exceptional place for academic pursuits.
Frequently Made Mistakes in Think Big Applications
- Submitting a Generic Personal Statement– Many students reuse the same statement across multiple scholarships without tailoring it to the Think Big criteria. Avoid this by explaining why you chose the University of Bristol, how the scholarship aligns with your goals, and how you will contribute to the university community.
- Focusing Only on Financial Need– The Think Big Scholarship prioritises impact, leadership, academic excellence, and future vision, not just need. Instead: highlight your achievements, leadership roles, initiatives, community work, and long-term plans.
- Not Demonstrating How You Are ‘Think Big’ Material– Applicants often fail to show real examples of resilience, innovation, or contributions. Tip: Use real outcomes and measurable results.
- Ignoring the Word Count or Application Format– Going above or below the word limit or providing incomplete answers weakens credibility. Make sure your submission is concise, structured, and proofread.
- Submitting Applications at the Last Minute– Rushed applications may include errors, unclear ideas, and missing documents. Plan early, review thoroughly, and ask someone to proofread before submitting.
- No Evidence of Leadership or Community Engagement– Think Big rewards students who will make a difference beyond academics. For that, highlight extracurricular roles, volunteering, research initiatives, social projects, entrepreneurship, or problem-solving examples.
Conclusion
The Think Big Scholarship presents a remarkable chance for Indian students who wish to pursue their studies at a distinguished university in the UK, all while alleviating financial pressures. This initiative offers substantial financial support, a diverse range of programmes, and international acclaim, enabling students to forge prosperous academic and career paths. Individuals who strategise in advance, design a compelling application, and articulate their intentions effectively are likely to enhance their prospects of obtaining financial support through the Think-Big.
FAQs
UG: £6,500 & £13,000 per year (up to 4 years)
PG: £6,500, £13,000 & £26,000 per year
International students applying for full-time UG or PG programmes for September 2026 who are classified as overseas fee-payers.
The application deadline for the Think Big Scholarship is April 10, 2026, at 10 AM (UK time).
Yes, you can apply for the Think Big Scholarship for postgraduate courses in various domains, including research-based master's, except for medicine, veterinary and dentistry courses.
The acceptance rate for the Think Big Scholarship is quite competitive; however, precise statistics are not disclosed. Thus, you must emphasise unique experiences to stand out.