If you are an international student looking to study at one of the UK’s leading research universities, the Think Big Scholarship represents one of the most significant funding opportunities available. The University of Bristol invests substantially in this flagship programme, offering awards that can meaningfully reduce the financial burden of studying in the United Kingdom.
I have been helping Nigerian students navigate UK scholarship applications for years, and Think Big consistently ranks among the most sought-after opportunities. The combination of generous award values, access to development programmes, and Bristol’s academic reputation makes this scholarship highly competitive. Understanding exactly what the university looks for can significantly improve your chances.
According to the official University of Bristol scholarships page, Think Big is the University’s flagship scholarship scheme for international students, providing funding towards tuition fees for eligible undergraduate and postgraduate programmes starting in September 2026.
Key facts at a glance:
- Awards range from £6,500 to £26,000 depending on programme level
- Additional £3,000 living cost bursary may be available for first-year students
- Application deadline: 10 April 2026 at 10:00 AM UK time
- Must receive study offer by 24 April 2026
- Single application considers you for all eligible Think Big awards
- Cannot be deferred to a later year
What Are the Think Big Scholarships at the University of Bristol?
Think Big is the University of Bristol’s premier scholarship programme designed specifically for international students. Unlike many scholarships that focus purely on academic merit, Think Big evaluates applicants across multiple dimensions including achievements, ambassadorial potential, and alignment with Bristol’s values.
According to the Think Big terms and conditions, the scholarship provides tuition fee funding for both undergraduate programmes (renewable for up to four years) and postgraduate taught master’s programmes (one year).
What Think Big provides:
- Tuition fee reduction (applied directly as discount at enrollment)
- Possible £3,000 living cost bursary (first year only)
- Access to the Think Big Development Programme (in partnership with Ashinaga Foundation UK)
- Networking and leadership development opportunities
- Status as a University of Bristol ambassador
Undergraduate vs. Postgraduate Comparison
| Feature | Undergraduate | Postgraduate |
|---|---|---|
| Award duration | Up to 4 years (renewable) | 1 year |
| Award range | £6,500 – £13,000 per year | £6,600 – £26,000 |
| Living cost bursary | Up to £3,000 (first year only) | Up to £3,000 (first year only) |
| Excluded programmes | Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science | None specified |
| Renewal condition | Maintain average score above 50% | Not applicable |
According to official terms, scholarship recipients are expected to be ambassadors of the University, upholding its values and reputation. This includes participation in the Think Big Development Programme and potential involvement in promotional activities (limited to maximum 10 hours per semester).
How Much Is the Think Big Scholarship Worth?
Understanding the exact award values and the number of scholarships available helps you plan your finances and assess your chances realistically.
Number of Awards Available (September 2026)
| Level | Award Value | Number Available |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | £13,000 per year | 3 scholarships |
| Undergraduate | £6,500 per year | 9 scholarships |
| Postgraduate | £26,000 | 5 scholarships |
| Postgraduate | £13,000 | 10 scholarships |
| Postgraduate | £6,600 | 20 scholarships |
Total undergraduate awards: 12 scholarships Total postgraduate awards: 35 scholarships
Undergraduate Scholarship Awards
| Award Level | Value Per Year | Potential Total (4 years) |
|---|---|---|
| Higher Tier | £13,000 | Up to £52,000 |
| Standard Tier | £6,500 | Up to £26,000 |
Undergraduate awards are renewable for up to four years based on satisfactory academic progress. According to official terms, students must maintain an average score above 50% every academic year to continue receiving the scholarship.
Postgraduate Scholarship Awards
| Award Level | Value | Number Available |
|---|---|---|
| Top Tier | £26,000 | 5 scholarships |
| Middle Tier | £13,000 | 10 scholarships |
| Standard Tier | £6,600 | 20 scholarships |
Postgraduate awards are for one year only and apply to full-time, in-person master’s programmes.
Living Cost Bursary
According to official information, applicants may also be eligible to receive a £3,000 living cost bursary during their first year of study.
Important conditions for the bursary:
- Available for first year of study only (not renewable in subsequent years)
- You must open a UK bank account to receive the payment
- Not available if receiving external stipend equal to or more than the UKRI minimum
- Must notify the International Scholarships and Sponsors Team of any external funding
Is Think Big Scholarship Fully Funded?
Short answer: No, Think Big is a partially funded scholarship.
This is one of the most common questions I receive, and it is important to set realistic expectations.
What Think Big covers:
- Significant tuition fee reduction (up to £26,000 for postgraduates, up to £13,000/year for undergraduates)
- Possible £3,000 living cost bursary (first year only)
- Access to Think Big Development Programme
- Networking and career development opportunities
What Think Big does NOT cover:
- Full tuition fees in most cases
- Accommodation costs beyond the possible bursary
- Travel and visa expenses
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Books, materials, and personal expenses
Financial context: University of Bristol international tuition fees typically range from approximately £24,700 to £29,300 per year for most programmes. The top postgraduate award of £26,000 covers most of one year’s tuition, while lower awards provide partial support.
For strategies on securing additional funding to cover remaining costs, our guide on how to apply for scholarships provides comprehensive strategies for stacking multiple funding sources.
University of Bristol Think Big Scholarship Requirements
According to the Think Big terms and conditions, eligibility requirements differ slightly between undergraduate and postgraduate applicants.
Undergraduate Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Course application | Applied for full-time, in-person undergraduate programme at University of Bristol |
| Fee status | Classified as overseas student for fee-paying purposes |
| Offer deadline | Must receive offer to study before Friday 24 April 2026 |
| Academic conditions | Meet or exceed entry requirements stated in UCAS offer before 31 August 2026 |
| UCAS confirmation | Must confirm University of Bristol as Firm choice in UCAS |
| Excluded courses | Bristol Dental School, Bristol Medical School, and Veterinary Science programmes not eligible |
Postgraduate Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Course application | Applied to any full-time, in-person master’s programme at University of Bristol |
| Fee status | Classified as overseas student for fee-paying purposes |
| Offer deadline | Must receive offer to study before Friday 24 April 2026 |
| Academic conditions | Meet or exceed entry requirements stated by the University |
Critical Additional Requirements
According to official terms and conditions:
No offer needed to apply: According to the official scholarships page, “You do not need to have received an offer to study before submitting an international scholarship application.” You only need your application ID.
Multiple offers: If you have more than one study offer from Bristol, you must choose one programme for your scholarship application. According to official terms, “If you do not choose by the deadline, it may make your application ineligible.”
Cannot defer: According to official terms, “Scholarship awards are valid for entry in September 2026 only. You cannot defer them to a later year. If you choose to defer your place at the University, we cannot transfer your scholarship.”
External funding: You may receive external tuition fee funding alongside Think Big, but the total amount including your Think Big award must not exceed your tuition fees. If your external award covers full tuition fees, you are not eligible for a Think Big award.
How to Apply for Think Big Scholarship: Step-by-Step Process
According to the Think Big application guidance, you must complete several steps before accessing the scholarship application.
Step 1: Apply to Study at University of Bristol
Before you can apply for Think Big, you must submit an application to study at the University.
For undergraduate applicants:
- Apply through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service)
- Select University of Bristol and your chosen programme
- Your UCAS ID becomes your application ID for the scholarship
For postgraduate applicants:
- Apply through the University of Bristol online application system
- Complete all required sections of the study application
- Your Student ID or Kaplan ID (for pathway students) becomes your application ID
Step 2: Obtain Your Application ID
According to official guidance, you cannot proceed with the scholarship application without a valid application ID.
Types of application IDs:
- UCAS ID (for undergraduate applicants)
- Student ID (for postgraduate applicants)
- Kaplan ID (for pathway programme students)
Your application ID is typically generated within 24 hours of submitting your study application. Wait until you have received this ID before attempting to access the scholarship form.
Step 3: Access the International Scholarships Application Form
According to official guidance:
- Go to the University of Bristol international scholarships page
- Access the online scholarship application form
- Use the same personal details that you used on your application to study (this helps the system match your scholarship application with your study application)
Step 4: Complete the Three Essay Questions
According to the application guidance, the application form is divided into three sections, with the essay questions being the most critical.
| Question | Focus Area | Points | Character Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Question 1 | Achievements beyond academics, special skills, ambition, making a difference | 10 | 1,000 characters (including spaces) |
| Question 2 | Ambassadorial potential, community benefit, building relationships and networks | 10 | 1,000 characters (including spaces) |
| Question 3 | Why Bristol, your programme choice, career goals, future plans | 10 | 1,000 characters (including spaces) |
Total possible score: 30 points
According to official guidance, the questions are different for undergraduate and postgraduate applicants, so ensure you complete the correct application form.
Step 5: Select Your Award Preference
The application asks whether you wish to be considered for all award amounts or only the top-tier awards (£26,000 for postgraduate).
According to official guidance, if your financial situation means you can only afford to come to Bristol with a top-tier scholarship, select that you only wish to be considered for those awards. If you select all award amounts, you will be considered for all scholarship values.
Step 6: Review and Submit
Before submitting:
- Verify all personal details match your study application
- Check spelling and grammar in your essays
- Ensure all answers are within character limits
- Confirm you have answered all required questions
Important: You cannot make changes after submission. Review thoroughly before clicking submit.
Think Big Scholarship Application Deadlines
| Event | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Applications open | 21 October 2025 | 10:00 AM UK time |
| Scholarship application deadline | 10 April 2026 | 10:00 AM UK time |
| Study offer required by | 24 April 2026 | — |
| Undergraduate conditions met by | 31 August 2026 | — |
| Programme start | September 2026 | — |
Recommendation: Do not wait until the final deadline. Apply as early as possible once you have your application ID and have prepared strong essay responses.
How to Write Winning Think Big Scholarship Essays
The three essay questions determine your scholarship outcome. According to official guidance, each question is worth 10 points for a total of 30 points. Here is how to approach each one.
Question 1: Achievements (10 Points)
According to official guidance: “We want to hear about any special skills and achievements, beyond your academic studies, that highlight your ambition and how you made a difference.”
What assessors look for:
- Specific achievements with measurable outcomes
- Skills developed outside the classroom
- Evidence of initiative, leadership, and ambition
- Impact on others or your community
How to structure your answer:
- Focus on 2-3 significant achievements (quality over quantity)
- Use specific numbers and outcomes where possible
- Show what you did, not just what you participated in
- Connect your achievements to personal growth and future goals
Example framework:
[Specific achievement] + [Your specific role and actions] + [Measurable outcome or impact] + [What this demonstrates about your character]
Question 2: Ambassadorial Potential (10 Points)
According to official guidance: “Focus on what you might do to benefit your community or how you have built relationships and networks.”
What assessors look for:
- Leadership experience and potential
- Community engagement and service
- Ability to build relationships across different groups
- Plans to contribute during and after your studies
How to strengthen this answer:
- Highlight extracurricular roles, volunteering, or social projects
- Demonstrate collaboration and communication skills
- Show awareness of issues beyond your immediate environment
- Be specific about how you will contribute as a Bristol ambassador
Question 3: Bristol and Future Plans (10 Points)
According to official guidance: “Explain what has attracted you to study at the University of Bristol, as well as outlining your ultimate career goals.”
What assessors look for:
- Specific, researched reasons for choosing Bristol
- Knowledge of Bristol’s strengths in your field
- Clear, realistic career goals
- Logical connection between Bristol, your programme, and your objectives
How to avoid common mistakes:
- Do not use generic statements applicable to any university
- Research Bristol’s specific programmes, faculty, research centres, and facilities
- Mention specific resources or opportunities that attracted you
- Show a clear career trajectory and how Bristol fits into it
For detailed essay writing strategies applicable to Think Big and other competitive scholarships, see our comprehensive guide on how to write a scholarship essay that actually wins.
Think Big Scholarship Acceptance Rate
The University of Bristol does not officially publish Think Big acceptance rates. However, based on available information, we can estimate the competitiveness.
Available awards:
- Undergraduate: 12 scholarships (3 at £13,000 + 9 at £6,500)
- Postgraduate: 35 scholarships (5 at £26,000 + 10 at £13,000 + 20 at £6,600)
- Total: 47 awards
Competitiveness factors:
- University of Bristol receives thousands of international applications annually
- Think Big is the flagship scholarship with the highest visibility
- Limited awards versus large applicant pool
- Top-tier awards (£26,000) are particularly scarce with only 5 available
Estimated competitiveness: Based on typical application volumes for flagship UK scholarships, Think Big is likely highly competitive with acceptance rates potentially below 5% for top-tier awards.
How to improve your chances:
- Apply early (do not wait until the deadline)
- Score highly across all three evaluation criteria
- Provide specific, evidence-based answers with measurable outcomes
- Demonstrate genuine fit with Bristol (research the university thoroughly)
- Meet or exceed all academic entry requirements
Think Big Development Programme: Beyond the Funding
Think Big provides more than financial support. According to official information, scholarship recipients gain access to the Think Big Development Programme, offered in partnership with the Ashinaga Foundation UK.
Programme benefits:
- Leadership development training
- Personal growth and self-awareness workshops
- Professional skills development
- Networking with other international scholars
- Mentorship opportunities
- Career development support
Ambassador expectations:
According to official terms: “We expect scholarship recipients to be ambassadors of the University. They must uphold our values and reputation.”
This includes:
- Full engagement with the Think Big Development Programme
- Potential participation in events or promotional activities
- Activities limited to maximum 10 hours per semester
- May include writing testimonials or joining focus groups
Common Mistakes That Get Think Big Applications Rejected
Based on scholarship application best practices and official guidance:
1. Exceeding or significantly falling short of character limits
The limit is 1,000 characters including spaces per question. Going over results in truncated answers. Going significantly under suggests you have not fully engaged with the question.
2. Generic, non-specific answers
Statements like “Bristol is a world-class university” or “I want to make a difference in the world” do not score points. Assessors want specific evidence and concrete plans.
3. Listing achievements without context or impact
Simply claiming you “led a team” or “volunteered at an organization” is insufficient. Explain what you specifically did, the challenges you faced, and the measurable outcomes you achieved.
4. Neglecting ambassadorial or community focus
Think Big explicitly rewards students who will make a difference beyond academics. If your application focuses only on personal achievements without community impact, you are missing a key evaluation criterion.
5. Applying without a valid application ID
Your scholarship application cannot be processed without matching it to a valid study application. Ensure you have received your UCAS ID, Student ID, or Kaplan ID before attempting to apply.
6. Missing the offer deadline
According to official terms: “If you have not [received an offer by 24 April 2026], we will withdraw your scholarship application.” Ensure your study application is submitted early enough to receive an offer by this date.
7. Not choosing between multiple offers
If you have applied to multiple programmes at Bristol, you must choose one for your scholarship application. Failing to choose by the deadline may make your application ineligible.
8. Assuming you can defer
According to official terms, Think Big awards are valid for September 2026 entry only and cannot be deferred. If you are not certain you can attend in September 2026, reconsider your application timing.
How Can I Get a 100% Scholarship to Study in the UK?
This is one of the most common questions I receive from Nigerian students exploring UK opportunities.
Reality check: Fully funded scholarships covering 100% of tuition and all living expenses are rare and extremely competitive.
UK Scholarships Comparison
| Scholarship | Coverage | Competitiveness |
|---|---|---|
| Chevening | Full tuition, living allowance, flights | Very high |
| Commonwealth | Full funding for eligible countries | Very high |
| Gates Cambridge | Full funding (Cambridge only) | Extremely high |
| Rhodes | Full funding (Oxford only) | Extremely high |
| Think Big (top tier) | Partial (up to £26,000 + £3,000 bursary) | High |
Strategy for maximizing funding:
- Apply to multiple scholarships simultaneously where rules allow
- Combine partial scholarships with other funding sources where permitted
- Consider universities with lower tuition fees in addition to prestigious options
- Explore country-specific opportunities (Commonwealth Scholarships, government sponsorships)
- Look for department or faculty-specific awards at your chosen universities
For comprehensive strategies, see our guides on how to apply for scholarships and documents needed for studying abroad.
How Can I Improve My Scholarship Chances?
These principles apply to Think Big and other competitive scholarships:
1. Research thoroughly
Understand the scholarship’s values, mission, and evaluation criteria. For Think Big, this means achievements, ambassadorial potential, and Bristol-specific fit. Generic applications score poorly.
2. Tailor every application
Never submit the same essay to different scholarships. Each provider has unique questions and priorities. Address exactly what they ask for.
3. Start early
Last-minute applications tend to be weaker. Give yourself time to research, draft, revise, and get feedback before the deadline.
4. Be specific and evidence-based
Vague claims like “I am passionate about helping others” mean nothing without concrete examples. Use specific numbers, dates, and outcomes.
5. Get feedback before submitting
Have someone knowledgeable review your application. Fresh eyes catch errors and weak arguments that you might miss.
6. Meet all eligibility requirements
If you do not meet key criteria, you will not be considered regardless of how strong your essays are. Verify eligibility before investing time in the application.
7. Prepare strong supporting documents
Ensure your English proficiency scores, transcripts, and other documents are ready. For help choosing between English tests, see our comparison of IELTS vs TOEFL.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Think Big scholarships at the University of Bristol?
Think Big is the University of Bristol’s flagship scholarship scheme for international students. It provides tuition fee funding ranging from £6,500 to £26,000 for eligible undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Recipients also access the Think Big Development Programme and may receive a £3,000 living cost bursary in their first year. A total of 47 scholarships are available (12 undergraduate, 35 postgraduate).
Who is eligible for the Think Big scholarship?
You are eligible if you have applied for a full-time, in-person undergraduate or master’s programme at Bristol, are classified as an overseas fee-paying student, and receive an offer by 24 April 2026. Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Science undergraduate programmes are not eligible.
Is Think Big scholarship fully funded?
No, Think Big is partially funded. It provides substantial tuition fee support (up to £26,000 for postgraduates, up to £13,000/year for undergraduates) but typically does not cover full fees, accommodation, or living expenses beyond the possible £3,000 first-year bursary.
How much is the Think Big scholarship worth?
Undergraduate awards are worth £6,500 to £13,000 per year for up to 4 years (total value up to £52,000). Postgraduate awards are worth £6,600 to £26,000 for one year. Additional £3,000 living cost bursaries may be available for first-year students.
Can I defer my Think Big scholarship?
No. According to official terms, scholarship awards are valid for September 2026 entry only and cannot be deferred to a later year.
What is the Think Big scholarship acceptance rate?
The University does not publish official acceptance rates. With 47 total awards (12 undergraduate, 35 postgraduate) and thousands of international applicants, the scholarship is highly competitive, with estimated acceptance rates potentially below 5% for top-tier awards.
Can I get a full ride scholarship with a 3.8 GPA?
GPA alone does not determine Think Big awards. Applications are scored on achievements (10 points), ambassadorial potential (10 points), and Bristol alignment (10 points). Strong academics help but extracurricular achievements and clear goals matter equally.
Do I need an offer before applying for Think Big?
No. According to official guidance, you do not need to have received an offer to study before submitting your scholarship application. You only need your application ID (UCAS ID, Student ID, or Kaplan ID). However, you must receive an offer by 24 April 2026 or your scholarship application will be withdrawn.
When is the Think Big scholarship deadline?
The application deadline is 10 April 2026 at 10:00 AM UK time. Applications opened on 21 October 2025.
Next Steps After Applying
Once you have submitted your Think Big application:
- Track your study application status and ensure you receive an offer by 24 April 2026
- Meet your academic conditions (undergraduate applicants must meet UCAS offer requirements by 31 August 2026)
- Confirm Bristol as your Firm choice in UCAS (undergraduate applicants)
- Prepare for UK visa application if successful (see our UK student visa application guide)
- Open a UK bank account upon arrival (required to receive bursary payments)
Key Takeaways
- Think Big is University of Bristol’s flagship international scholarship
- Total awards: 47 scholarships (12 undergraduate, 35 postgraduate)
- Undergraduate awards: £6,500-£13,000/year for up to 4 years
- Postgraduate awards: £6,600-£26,000 for one year
- Bursary: Up to £3,000 living cost support (first year only)
- Deadline: 10 April 2026 at 10:00 AM UK time
- Offer required by: 24 April 2026
- Partially funded: Covers tuition fees, not full cost of study
- Excluded programmes: Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Science (undergraduate)
- Three essay questions: 1,000 characters each, scored out of 30 points total
- Cannot be deferred: Valid for September 2026 entry only
- Highly competitive: Apply early and prepare thoroughly
- Be specific: Generic answers score poorly across all criteria
Disclaimer: Scholarship requirements, deadlines, and award values may change. Always verify current information on the official University of Bristol scholarships page before applying. This guide is for informational purposes based on publicly available information as of January 2026.
