Who This Is For
Is a GREAT Scholarship suitable for you?
This guide may suit Pakistani graduates with an undergraduate degree who want a one-year taught masters in the UK and can fund the remaining tuition and living costs, because GREAT covers part of the tuition only.
What GREAT covers, and what it does not
GREAT Scholarships are jointly funded by the UK Government's GREAT Britain Campaign, the British Council and participating UK universities. Each scholarship is worth a minimum of 10,000 pounds towards tuition fees for a one-year taught postgraduate course. For 2026-27, the University of Manchester offered 15,000 pounds. GREAT is a tuition discount, not full funding, so budget separately for the remaining tuition, living costs, flights and visa fees.
Who can apply
GREAT scholars must meet all of these rules, as published by the British Council.
Pakistani passport and residence
You must be a passport holder and permanent resident of Pakistan. British citizens are not eligible.
Undergraduate degree
You must hold an undergraduate degree, be motivated, and have an interest in the proposed subject area.
English requirement
You must meet the English language requirement of the UK university you apply to.
Ambassador role
You must be willing to attend a networking event of all UK based GREAT scholars, maintain contact with the British Council and your university, act as an ambassador, and as an alumnus occasionally speak to potential candidates about your experience.
The 2027 round
The GREAT Scholarships 2027 programme offers 153 scholarships to students from 19 countries, including Pakistan, who enrol in autumn 2027. Pakistan has 10 scholarships in the 2027 programme. The programme runs from November 2026 to April 2027, and universities must select their scholars by 30 June 2027. Scholarships are offered at postgraduate taught level, one-year masters only.
Previous round list, 2026-27, not the 2027 list
For the 2026-27 academic year, the British Council Pakistan page lists 13 institutions for Pakistani students: Cardiff University, City St George's University of London, Keele University, Northumbria University, Robert Gordon University, SOAS University of London, the University of Manchester, University College Birmingham, University College London, the University of Bath, the University of Glasgow, the University of Leicester, and the University of Portsmouth. This is the previous round's list. The 2027 list has not been published on the British Council Pakistan page yet, so the 2027 list may differ. Check each university's own page before applying, and do not assume a university on this list offers GREAT in 2027.
Confirmed 2027 offer: University College Birmingham
University College Birmingham has confirmed its GREAT Scholarships 2027 offer on its own page: 10,000 pounds for students from Nigeria and Pakistan, for the September 2027 intake, with applications open and a deadline of 31 May 2027. You must have received and accepted an offer to study on a full-time postgraduate programme starting in September 2027, hold overseas fee status, be a permanent resident of Pakistan, and pay at least 1,000 pounds towards your deposit within 14 days of receiving your scholarship offer. This is one university's 2027 offer. Other universities set their own deadlines.
How to apply
- Visit the university page to find out more, then follow the link through to the university's own website.
- Apply for the scholarship following the instructions on each university's scholarship webpage. There is no central application, and Califsol cannot submit it for you.
- The deadline varies by university. Check each institution's page for its own deadline.
- Successful scholars are informed by individual universities, and funding is issued by the university after registration.
- Most universities require an offer for your course before the scholarship deadline, so apply for admission first.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a GREAT Scholarship for Pakistan?
A minimum of 10,000 pounds towards tuition fees for a one-year taught postgraduate course. It is a tuition discount, not full funding, so living costs, flights and visa fees must be budgeted separately.
Which UK universities offer GREAT Scholarships to Pakistan in 2027?
The British Council Pakistan page still shows the 2026-27 list, and the 2027 list has not been published there yet. The 2027 programme gives 10 scholarships for Pakistan, and each university runs its own award with its own deadline. University College Birmingham has confirmed its 2027 offer: 10,000 pounds for September 2027 entry, deadline 31 May 2027. Check each university's own page before applying.
Can Califsol guarantee a GREAT Scholarship?
No. Each university selects its own GREAT scholar, and no agent can guarantee it. Califsol can review the profile, explain the eligibility rules, and prepare the application around the verified requirements.