Alternatives to GREAT Scholarships: Better-Value Options
Some university scholarships are more generous than GREAT. And sometimes studying in Germany or France is simply better value. Here are your options.
ScholarshipUnion Editorial
2 min read
Updated Oct 6, 2026
Alternatives: What You Need to Know
University-specific scholarships are often more generous than GREAT. Specialist funders such as the Hornby Trust and the Charles Wallace trusts support particular groups of students. And sometimes studying in Germany, France or the Netherlands is simply better value.
University Scholarships That Beat GREAT
Individual UK universities often offer their own awards that are bigger than GREAT — and easier to get. Examples (confirm current terms with each university):
| University | Scholarship |
|---|---|
| Bristol | Think Big Scholarships — up to £20,000 |
| Nottingham | Developing Solutions — full tuition |
| Edinburgh | Various — up to £10,000+ |
| Sheffield | International Merit — 50% tuition |
Fully Funded UK Alternatives
Fully funded one-year master's for future leaders with 2,800 hours of work experience.
Fully funded Master's and PhD awards for 43 eligible Commonwealth countries.
The British Council's fully funded STEM master's for women.
Fully funded postgraduate study at Oxford.
Fully funded postgraduate study at Cambridge.
When Europe Is Better Value
Compare fees →Germany's public universities charge no tuition for most students, France caps master's fees at €3,941 for non-EU students in 2026/27, and the Netherlands has a statutory fee of €2,694 for EU students. Compare these with a UK master's and the case for Europe is often strong.
Before You Decide
The British Council provides guidance and information about UK study, but each university and programme has its own specific requirements. Always verify details directly with your chosen institution, and cross-reference with our Chevening, Commonwealth and Study in UK guides.
Common mistakes to avoid
Don't assume all information is current — UK immigration and scholarship rules change frequently. Don't rely on a single source. Don't leave things to the last minute. And definitely don't confuse the British Council (an information hub) with the actual scholarship providers.
Practical tips
Start early. Apply to multiple opportunities at once. Get your IELTS done well before deadlines. Build genuine connections with your target universities. Have a clear "why UK" story. And always have a financial backup plan — even fully funded scholarships sometimes have unexpected gaps.
Useful Links
Related Guides
The £10,000 partial funding reality
Side-by-side scholarship comparison
Step-by-step application process