University of Nottingham Developing Solutions Masters Scholarships 2025–2026

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The University of Nottingham, a prestigious public research institution founded in 1881 in Nottingham, UK, ranks among the top 10 UK universities and top 1% globally.

With over 47,000 students, including 8,000+ international students from 150+ countries, it offers a vibrant academic community across multiple campuses.

The Developing Solutions Masters Scholarship for 2025–2026, established in 2001, provides 50% to 100% tuition fee coverage for international students from Africa, South Asia, and select Commonwealth countries, including Nigeria.

This one-year scholarship supports innovative students pursuing full-time Master’s degrees (including MRes) who propose impactful solutions for their home countries’ economic, environmental, social, or political challenges.

This guide details eligibility, benefits, application processes, and tips for success for applicants aiming to study at this world-class university.

Why Choose the Developing Solutions Scholarship?

The scholarship empowers students to address global challenges while studying at a top UK university. Key benefits include:

• Tuition Coverage: 50% or 100% tuition fee waivers for one-year Master’s programs, with tuition fees ranging from GBP 21,500 to GBP 28,700.
• World-Class Education: Access 300+ Master’s programs across four faculties, supported by leading faculty and GBP 200 million in annual research funding.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals and academics in fields like engineering, medicine, and social sciences, fostering career growth.
• Global Impact: Develop solutions for home country challenges, with mentorship to refine ideas and practical applications.
• Supportive Environment: Benefit from the International Office’s visa guidance, cultural integration programs, and vibrant campus life in Nottingham.

Program Overview

The Developing Solutions Masters Scholarship, Nottingham’s flagship award since 2001, targets international students from developing nations who aim to drive change in their home countries. Offering 150 scholarships annually, it covers 50% or 100% of tuition fees for one-year, full-time Master’s programs (including MRes).

The scholarship prioritizes applicants who demonstrate a clear vision for addressing economic, environmental, structural, social, or political issues, evaluated through academic merit and alignment with course outcomes.

Awards are non-deferrable, non-transferable, and valid only for the 2025–2026 academic year, starting September 2025.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility focuses on nationality, academic merit, and commitment to development solutions. Requirements include:

• Nationality: Must be domiciled in Africa (all nations, including Nigeria), India, or select Commonwealth countries (e.g., Bangladesh, Barbados, Fiji, Jamaica, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka).
• Fee Status: Classified as an overseas (international) student for tuition purposes.
• Academic Qualifications: Hold a bachelor’s degree equivalent to a UK 2:1 (upper second-class honors) or higher, typically a 3.5+ GPA or equivalent.
• English Proficiency: Meet program-specific requirements, e.g., IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0), TOEFL iBT 87–100 (varies by program), or PTE 62–71. Nigerians may need scores unless their degree was taught in English.
• Admission Status: Hold an offer for a full-time Master’s (including MRes) starting September 2025 in the Faculty of Engineering, Medicine and Health Sciences, Science, or Social Sciences.
• Study History: Must not have previously studied at Nottingham or hold a UK degree, nor be currently studying in the UK.
• Development Vision: Demonstrate a tangible plan for innovative solutions to home country challenges, linked to the chosen course.

Nigerians with strong academic records and clear development proposals are highly competitive but must secure a program offer first.

Benefits of the Scholarship

The scholarship provides:

• Tuition Fee Coverage: 50% or 100% of tuition fees (GBP 21,500–28,700) for one-year Master’s programs, deducted directly from fees.
• Academic Support: Access to top faculty, research facilities, and practical training in fields like engineering and public health.
• Networking: Opportunities to collaborate with global experts and peers, enhancing career prospects.
• Part-Time Work: Permission to work up to 20 hours/week to support living costs (approximately GBP 9,250/year for accommodation and expenses).
• Non-Financial Benefits: Strengthened skills in problem-solving, leadership, and innovation for home country impact.

For two-year Master’s programs, the scholarship applies only to the first year, requiring alternative funding for the second year.

Awards cannot be combined with other Nottingham regional or sports scholarships but may be paired with external funding (e.g., government grants) not exceeding 100% of tuition.

Fields of Study Covered

The scholarship supports full-time Master’s programs (including MRes) in:

• Faculty of Engineering: Chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical engineering, sustainable energy.
• Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences: Public health, clinical psychology, physiotherapy, global health.
• Faculty of Science: Biosciences, chemistry, computer science, environmental science.
• Faculty of Social Sciences: Economics, education, law, international relations, business (Nottingham University Business School).

Applicants must align their course choice with their proposed development solutions for maximum impact.

Application Process

The scholarship requires a prior offer of admission. Steps include:

1. 1. Apply for Admission: Select a full-time Master’s program and apply via the University of Nottingham’s online portal by early 2025 (program deadlines vary, typically January–March 2025).
   2. Prepare Documents:
      • Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcripts (translated if not in English).
      • English proficiency scores (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE, if required).
      • Two reference letters (academic or professional).
      • Personal statement outlining study plans and reasons for choosing Nottingham.
      • Valid passport.
      • Pay GBP 50 application fee for postgraduate taught courses.
   3. Receive Offer: Secure an offer for a full-time Master’s program starting September 2025.
   4. Apply for Scholarship: Submit the scholarship application via NottinghamHub’s scholarships section by April 16, 2025. For MRes applicants, email scholarship-assistant@nottingham.ac.uk for instructions.
   5. Complete Scholarship Form: Provide original responses detailing your vision for development solutions, academic achievements, and reasons for studying at Nottingham. Adhere strictly to word count limits (specified per question).
   6. Submit Documents: Upload required documents via NottinghamHub or email for MRes applicants.
   7. Await Results: Scholarship decisions are announced by the end of May 2025. Awards are confirmed only upon accepting the study offer.

Responses exceeding word limits may not be reviewed. Applicants can apply before accepting their offer, but awards are granted only to those who accept.

Tips for a Successful Application

To stand out among 150 awards, consider these strategies:

1. 1. • Apply Early: Submit your program application by January 2025 to secure an offer before the scholarship deadline (April 16, 2025).
      • Align Vision with Course: Clearly link your proposed development solution to your Master’s program’s learning outcomes in the scholarship application.
      • Be Specific: Outline a tangible, practical plan for addressing a specific challenge in your home country (e.g., renewable energy solutions for Nigeria).
      • Highlight Achievements: Emphasize academic excellence, leadership, and relevant experiences in your personal statement and scholarship responses.
      • Adhere to Word Limits: Strictly follow word count guidelines to ensure your application is reviewed.

Deadlines and Key Dates for 2025–2026

Key dates include:

1. 1. • October 2025: Master’s program applications open.
      • January–March 2026: Program application deadlines (varies by course).
      • April 16, 2026: Scholarship application deadline.
      • End of May 2026: Scholarship notifications.
      • September 2026: Program and scholarship tenure begin.

Life as a Developing Solutions Scholar

Scholars at Nottingham enjoy a dynamic campus life in a vibrant, multicultural city, with access to 300+ student societies, modern research facilities, and the International Office’s support for visas and integration.

The university’s ranking in the UK top 10 ensures a prestigious degree, enhancing career prospects in academia, industry, or policy-making.

Alternative Opportunities

If ineligible, consider:

1. 1. • Chevening Scholarships: Fully funded UK Master’s scholarships for international students.
      • Commonwealth Shared Scholarships: Full funding for Master’s students from developing Commonwealth countries.
      • University of Edinburgh Global Masters Scholarships: Partial funding for international Master’s students.

Conclusion

The University of Nottingham Developing Solutions Masters Scholarships for 2025–2026 offer international students from Africa, South Asia, and select Commonwealth countries, including Nigeria, a chance to study at a top UK university with 50% to 100% tuition coverage.

Targeting innovative students with a vision for development solutions, the scholarship supports one-year Master’s programs starting September 2025.

Apply by August 16, 2025, after securing a program offer, with a strong proposal to join Nottingham’s global community. Visit HereHere for more details.

 

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