Are you dreaming of studying abroad, making lifelong connections, and earning a prestigious degree? The University of Bristol Think Big Scholarships 2025 might be your golden ticket.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into:
What the Think Big Scholarships offer
Who’s eligible
How to apply step-by-step
The application timeline
Tips to strengthen your application
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Think Big Scholarships?
The University of Bristol’s Think Big Scholarships are designed to reward ambitious international students. These merit-based awards are available across various undergraduate and postgraduate programs—especially those in STEM, economics, and social sciences.
Think Big Scholarships stand out because they:
Offer substantial financial support for tuition fees
Encourage global scholars to study and shape the future
Enhance links between Bristol and talented individuals worldwide
The program is built on three pillars:
Merit & Potential: Recognizing top global talent
Impact: Scholars who make a difference at Bristol and beyond
Diversity: Promoting financial access across cultures
After reading this guide, you’ll know exactly what it takes to succeed.
Think Big Scholarship Benefits
The University of Bristol offers two main tiers:
Scholarship Tier
Undergraduate Award
Postgraduate Award
Think Big (£20,000)
£20,000 deduction off tuition fee
£20,000 reduction in tuition fee
Think Big (£10,000)
£10,000 deduction off tuition fee
£10,000 cut on tuition fee
Eligibility: These scholarships are open to international applicants (non-UK). No separate scholarship application is required—you’re considered automatically during admission.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify, you must:
Be an international student (non-UK fee status)
Apply for full-time study in a degree-awarding program
Receive an offer on or before the deadline
Demonstrate strong academic achievements
Show clear motivation and future contribution to your field and Bristol
Summary of Key Criteria:
Fee Status: International (non-UK)
Programs: Most undergraduate/postgraduate degrees across faculties
Academics: High grades (typically first-class or equivalent)
Offer Status: Conditional/Unconditional offer by deadline
Important Deadlines & Timeline
Take note of these critical dates to optimize your application strategy:
Early Applicant Deadline: 31 January 2025
International Office Deadline: 31 May 2025
Offer Holder Deadline: 31 July 2025
Here’s how the process unfolds:
Before January 31: Apply for admission early to maximize scholarship chances.
By May 31: Secure an offer from Bristol to be considered.
By July 31: Firm your acceptance and provide required documents.
August onwards: Scholarship decisions released; you’ll receive notification directly.
How to Prepare a Stand-Out Application
Since there’s no separate scholarship form, your admission application must reflect your excellence. Here’s how to shine:
1. Academic Excellence
Aim for top grades: UK A*, A, or equivalent
If available, include standardized test scores (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT)
Mention awards, research, publications, or major projects
2. Compelling Personal Statement
Your personal statement is vital. Make it count by covering:
Why Bristol? Connect specific courses, faculty, or projects to your goals
Ambition: Describe your plans post-degree—how will you make an impact?
Leadership & Initiatives: Illustrate with real examples—organisations, competitions, social work
Global Perspective: Show cultural awareness, international collaborations, or community work
3. Strong References
Ask academic referees who know your strengths well
Referees should highlight skills like analysis, innovation, and global orientation
Provide them with context: scholarship competitiveness, Bristol’s global rank, your achievements
4. Timeline & Pre-Planning
Systems: Bristol uses UCAS for undergraduate and its own portal for postgraduate.
Ideally, apply a few months before each deadline to allow time for revisions and test results
Build a portfolio or summary of top achievements for reference
After You Apply: Timeline & Notifications
Once you hit “submit,” here’s what happens:
Application review: Admission teams assess your fit based on academics and potential.
Scholarship consideration: Eligible applicants are reviewed for Think Big awards.
Offer stage: You’ll receive an offer including or excluding the scholarship. Offers may indicate shortlisting.
Final decision: After the July 31 deadline, award letters will specify the exact scholarship amount.
Award letter: Official communication with details on amounts and conditions.
Once you have your award, you can:
Accept your offer and deposit by the deadline
Apply for your CAS letter (visa support)
Plan enrollment and plan your travel to Bristol
Scholarships vs Other Funding Routes
Think Big is one of many funding opportunities. Here’s a comparison:
Funding Source
Coverage
Key Benefit
Example
Think Big Scholarships
£10,000–£20,000 off tuition
No separate application, based on merit
£20k for top global students
Bristol International Office Awards
£2,000–£8,000
Targeted support for certain regions or departments
£5k alumni discount
External Scholarships
Varies
Boosts totals, can be combined
Chevening, Commonwealth, etc.
Tip: Chain funding—combine scholarship + departmental award for maximal support.
Tips to Make Your Application Shine
Take these extra steps to stand out:
Connect with faculty: Email two potential supervisors—mention projects, express interest.
Attend webinars: Bristol often offers virtual open days—ask about Think Big during these events.
Polish your CV: Tailor it to show international, leadership, and research experience.
Charge your motivation: Avoid generic statements; show passion for Bristol’s values and mission.
Test & proofread: Check for spelling, grammar, and clarity with fresh eyes or through peer review.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
Is there an essay or interview?
No formal scholarship interview or essay. Use your personal statement and references to showcase suitability.
Can I apply after the deadline?
Not for Think Big. Late admission won’t be considered. You can apply for other Bristol funding if you miss the deadline.
Can I hold multiple awards?
Yes. Think Big can’t be combined with the same-named Bristol award, but you can stack with external funding.
What if I have conditional offer?
You’re still eligible if the conditions are on track to be met by enrolment.
What if I defer?
Deferral isn’t allowed if scholarship was awarded for a specific intake; check with admissions.
Next Steps: Roadmap
Now: List your ideal programs, check requirements.
Within 2–3 weeks: Write first draft of your statement and CV.
By Jan 31: Submit your undergraduate application via UCAS.
By May 31: Ensure postgraduate application and offer are in place.
By July 31: Accept offer, pay deposit, upload documents.
Aug–Sept: Get CAS, apply for visa, book flights, get ready to move.
Final Thoughts
The University of Bristol Think Big Scholarships 2025 are a powerful opportunity to study at a top-50 global university, connect with diverse talent, and launch a global career. Securing £10k–£20k in tuition support makes it financially realistic. But you’ll need to stand out—by weaving your ambitions, leadership, and global vision into every part of your application.
Remember: no separate scholarship form. Bristol picks the best from applicants—so give it your all through a compelling statement, polished CV, strong academics, and stellar references.
If you’re serious about shaping your future at Bristol, start now. Build momentum, plan details, and show them why you have what it takes to Think Big.