Think Big Scholarships: A Complete Guide for Prospective Applicants

Is the Think Big Scholarship Open to Indian and UAE-Based Applicants?

Yes, to both, without restriction. Bristol's own official guidance states plainly that the scholarship is open to international students from all countries who meet the standard eligibility requirements and hold overseas fee status. There's also a specific bonus for Indian applicants worth knowing about separately, covered below.

What Is the Think Big Scholarship?

Think Big is structured as a single, unified scheme covering multiple individual awards, rather than one flat amount for every applicant. Submitting one application form automatically checks your eligibility against every Think Big scholarship you might qualify for, including general undergraduate and postgraduate awards, as well as school-specific ones (Business, Economics, Policy Studies, Science and Engineering, and Veterinary Science each have their own dedicated Think Big award at the undergraduate level). Beyond the funding itself, recipients also gain access to either the Think Big Leadership Programme or the Think Big Career Accelerator Programme, depending on their scholarship level.

Is There a Special Think Big Scholarship Specifically for India?

Yes. In partnership with the British Council and the GREAT Britain Campaign, Bristol offers one dedicated £13,000 postgraduate scholarship each year specifically reserved for a postgraduate student from India (with equivalent single scholarships also reserved for Mexico and Thailand). This is a separate, additional award within the broader Think Big scheme, worth being aware of if you're applying from India, since it's effectively a guaranteed India-specific allocation on top of the general pool everyone else is competing in.

Who Is Eligible for a Think Big Scholarship?

According to the University of Bristol's official guidance:

• Classed as an overseas (international) fee-paying student, not eligible for UK home fee status
• Applied for an eligible full-time undergraduate programme, or a one-year (or specific eligible two-year) full-time postgraduate programme at Bristol
• Not applying to Bristol Medical School or Bristol Dental School, courses at these two schools are not eligible for Think Big undergraduate scholarships
• If you hold multiple course offers, you must choose one for your scholarship application by the deadline. Not choosing can make your application ineligible entirely

You do not need to have already received an offer to study before applying for the scholarship itself, though you must receive an actual offer by a specific date in the cycle, or your scholarship application is automatically withdrawn

What Does the Think Big Scholarship Cover?

• Undergraduate scholarships: £6,500 or £13,000 a year, renewable for up to four years of study, contingent on maintaining an average mark above 50% each academic year. Veterinary Science (BVSc) awards specifically run for three years of funding only
• Postgraduate scholarships: £6,500, £13,000, or £26,000, but paid only in your first year of study, not renewed in later years, even for two-year Master's programmes
• Applied as a direct tuition fee discount, not paid as cash, and there's no cash alternative if your award exceeds your actual tuition cost, any surplus isn't paid out separately
• A few important terms and conditions worth knowing: awards are valid for entry in a specific academic year only, if you defer your university place, the scholarship does not transfer to the later year. You also cannot combine a Think Big scholarship with other University of Bristol funded tuition fee discounts, only the higher-value award applies, though you can combine Think Big with external scholarships, loans, or living stipends, as long as your total funding doesn't exceed your full tuition fees.

How Do I Apply for a Think Big Scholarship?

1. Apply for your course at the University of Bristol through the standard admissions route (UCAS for undergraduate applicants)
2. Complete the Think Big international scholarships online application form, a single unified form used for all Think Big variants, you'll automatically be considered for every award you're eligible for based on your answers, so there's no need to apply separately to each specific scheme
3. Answer the application's core questions carefully. These typically cover your achievements and ambition beyond academics, and your "ambassadorial potential", what you might do to benefit your community, or how you've built relationships and networks, since this genuinely factors into selection
4. Submit before the stated deadline. Recent cycles have closed around 10 April at 10:00am UK time for both undergraduate and postgraduate applicants, for entry that following September, check Bristol's official page for the current cycle's exact date
5. Ensure you receive an actual offer of admission by the specified deadline after applying, since a scholarship application without a confirmed offer by that date is automatically withdrawn

FAQs About the Think Big Scholarship

Are Indian and UAE citizens eligible for Think Big Scholarships?

Yes. The scholarship is explicitly open to students from all countries, with no restriction on nationality.

Is there a scholarship specifically reserved for Indian students?

Yes, a separate £13,000 postgraduate award exists specifically for one student from India each year, run in partnership with the British Council and the GREAT Britain Campaign, on top of the broader Think Big scheme everyone else competes in.

Does Think Big cover full tuition?

No. It's a partial tuition fee award, ranging from £6,500 up to £26,000 depending on the specific scholarship and level, not a full-ride scholarship.

Can I defer my Think Big scholarship to a later year?

No. Scholarships are valid for a specific entry year only. If you defer your place at the university, the scholarship does not transfer.

Does the postgraduate scholarship renew for a second year of a two-year Master's?

No. Postgraduate Think Big scholarships are paid in your first year of study only, with no renewal in subsequent years.

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Sources: Official University of Bristol international scholarships page (bristol.ac.uk), including its Think Big Scholarships and Think Big terms and conditions pages.