The prestigious University of Bristol in the United Kingdom offers the competitive Think Big Scholarships for international students beginning their studies in 2024.
Valued at up to £26,000 per year, these scholarships aim to support the brightest and most ambitious students from around the world. With thousands of applicants every year, securing funding through the Think Big Scholarships is no easy feat. You’ll need to craft an outstanding application that makes you stand out from the crowd.
Overview of the Bristol University Think Big Scholarships
The University of Bristol invests over £3 million annually in the Think Big Scholarships. Awards are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate study in most subjects, with the exceptions of Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science at the undergraduate level.
The scholarships aim to cover tuition fees, providing successful undergraduate applicants with £6,500 to £13,000 per year of study. Postgraduate students can receive up to a remarkable £26,000 per year towards fees. Additionally, both undergraduates and postgraduates may be eligible for a £3,000 living cost bursary in their first year to assist with expenses.
In return, Think Big Scholars gain access to personal and professional development opportunities through the Think Big Development Programme. This provides guidance and support to help students achieve their full potential.
Am I Eligible to Apply?
To apply for the Think Big Scholarships 2024, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Classified as an overseas student for fee purposes
- Applied for an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate programme at the University of Bristol beginning in September 2024Undergraduate programmes exclude Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science
- Postgraduate programmes include 1-year taught programmes and 2-year programmes in Social Work and Law
- Outstanding academic ability and potential
The scholarships are open to students from any country and field of study, as long as you meet the above criteria. You can submit your scholarship application before receiving an offer to study from the University.
Key Dates and Deadlines
If you meet the eligibility requirements, take note of these important Think Big Scholarship deadlines for 2024 entry:
- Undergraduate scholarship deadline:Â 10am (UK time), Monday 26 February 2024
- Postgraduate scholarship deadline:Â 10am (UK time), Monday 29 April 2024
Mark these dates in your calendar and ensure your application is submitted well in advance. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted, so give yourself plenty of time.
How to Apply in 5 Simple Steps
Follow these five straightforward steps to submit a stellar application for the Bristol Think Big Scholarships:
Step 1)Â Check the eligibility criteria and application deadlines.
Step 2)Â Apply to study your chosen programme at the University of Bristol through UCAS (undergraduate) or directly to the University (postgraduate).
Step 3)Â Download and complete the Think Big Scholarship application form from the University website. Make sure to use the correct form for your study level.
Step 4) Email your completed scholarship application to [email protected] by the relevant deadline.
Step 5)Â Wait to hear back on the outcome! Successful applicants will be notified by late April (undergraduate) or mid-June (postgraduate).
It’s that simple. Just be sure to follow the guidance and provide all required information to give yourself the best shot.
Crafting an Outstanding Application: Key Tips
With such prestigious funding up for grabs, the Bristol Think Big Scholarships receive thousands of applications every year. So what can you do to make yours stand out from the crowd?
Follow these expert tips for creating an exceptional application:
1. Thoroughly address the selection criteria: Carefully read over the scholarship descriptions to understand what the selection panel will assess applications on. Then directly address each criterion in your application. Demonstrate not only your outstanding academic merit, but also the leadership experience, social impact and alignment with the University’s values that set you apart.
2. Showcase impressive achievements: Include details of relevant academic awards, prizes, publications and presentations that provide evidence of your past achievements. Describe extracurricular activities and work experience that demonstrate your skills. Use numbers and statistics to quantify your accomplishments wherever possible.
3. Articulate clear study goals and career ambitions:
Explain your motivation for pursuing your chosen programme at Bristol and how it connects to your career goals. Outline the unique contributions you hope to make in your field after graduating. This shows reviewers why investing the Think Big funding in you is worthwhile.
4. Obtain glowing references:
Secure recommendation letters from professors or employers who can vouch for your abilities and potential. Ask them to highlight specific examples of how you demonstrate leadership, overcome challenges and make positive impacts on your community.
5. Perfect your writing:
Write clearly and concisely, using precise vocabulary and avoiding spelling or grammar errors. Structure your responses logically and coherently. Proofread thoroughly before submitting, as reviewers expect writing quality reflective of a future University of Bristol student.
Follow this advice and you’ll craft an application sure to catch the attention of the Think Big selection panel.
Waiting to Hear Back on Results
After submitting your scholarship application, the waiting game begins. Here’s what to expect:
- Undergraduate applicants will receive notification of the outcome by Monday 8 April 2024.
- Postgraduate applicants can expect to hear back by mid-June 2024.
If successful, you’ll receive an official scholarship offer letter with details on the funding awarded and instructions to formally accept your place at the University. Don’t be disheartened if you receive an unsuccessful notification.
With such fierce competition, even the most exceptional candidates cannot be guaranteed funding. You may wish to explore alternative funding options to make studying at Bristol possible.
Accepting the Offer and Preparing for Bristol
Congratulations, your dedication and hard work have paid off – you’ve been selected as a Think Big Scholar! As one of just 29 undergraduate or 20 postgraduate awardees, be proud of this monumental achievement.
Accept the offer by the stated deadline to secure your funding. You’ll then need to prepare for the exciting transition to student life in Bristol! Here are some top tips:
- Join the University of Bristol Think Big Scholars Facebook group to connect with fellow awardees.
- Apply for accommodation through the University’s Student Housing Office.
- Check if you require a visa to study in the UK and allow plenty of time for processing.
- Read up on travelling to and settling in at Bristol on the University’s website.
- Brush up on English skills if needed, as lectures and assessments will be English-based.
The University also offers a Welcome Programme with orientation events in your first week to help new students adjust. So although the initial move can feel daunting, support is available.
With your flights booked and bags packed, you’ll soon embark on the remarkable journey ahead as an honoured Think Big Scholar!
Unlocking Your Potential as a Think Big Scholar
In addition to the financial support, being selected as a Think Big Scholar gives you exclusive access to the Think Big Development Programme. This enriches your time at Bristol by providing:
- Mentoring opportunities to receive one-on-one career advice and guidance from University academics.
- Employability workshops to build your skills in areas like networking, interviewing and CV writing.
- Guest speaker events to learn from global industry leaders across various sectors.
- Funding to attend academic conferences to present your research internationally.
- Networking events to meet and collaborate with fellow Think Big Scholars.
Participating in these professional development activities empowers you to expand your global perspective, unlock your leadership capabilities and equip yourself with the tools to become highly employable after graduating.
You’ll also join an inspiring community of change-makers and future leaders. As a Think Big Scholar, you have the potential to positively impact your field. So take advantage of this empowering programme to maximise your personal and professional growth during your time at Bristol.
Apply Now and Think Big!
The prestigious Bristol University Think Big Scholarships provide substantial financial support paired with access to personal development opportunities.
If you’re an outstanding international student who dreams big, don’t miss this chance to fund your studies at a world-top 60 university.
This guide covers everything you need to submit a competitive application, from eligibility criteria to expert tips for creating an exceptional application. So what are you waiting for? Review the key dates, prepare your documents, and apply now!
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