Partial Scholarships
Scholarships that pay part of the cost — a tuition discount or a fixed grant — and how to combine them with your own budget.
A partially funded scholarship pays part of the cost of studying abroad — a fixed amount off tuition, a percentage of the fees, or a one-off grant. The rest comes from your own savings, family support or an education loan. Partial awards are easier to win than fully funded ones, and they can make an expensive degree affordable when they are combined with a low-tuition destination.
The best-known example for Bangladeshi students is the British Council’s GREAT Scholarships: 153 awards for 2027 entry, each worth at least £10,000 towards tuition for a one-year taught master’s in the UK. Bangladesh has 8 awards and India has 10. You apply through the university, not the British Council, and each university sets its own deadline — universities are asked to complete selection by 30 June 2027. A GREAT award covers tuition only, not living costs, so the rest of the budget still needs to be planned.
Partial awards are also offered directly by universities — usually as a tuition discount for strong grades or for early applicants. The exact amount is always stated on the university’s own page, so check there before you count on it.
All Partial Scholarships
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a partial scholarship?
An award that pays part of the cost — for example a fixed amount off tuition, a percentage of the fees, or a one-off grant. The rest is paid from savings, family support or a loan.
How much will I still need to pay?
It depends on the award and the university. A £10,000 GREAT award, for example, covers part of one year of UK tuition — the rest of the tuition plus living costs still needs funding. Always work out the full total before accepting.
Can I combine a partial scholarship with a loan?
Yes — that is the usual way partial awards are used. Compare loan terms carefully and confirm the total cost first.
Where do I apply — the British Council or the university?
For GREAT Scholarships you apply through the university, not the British Council. Each university sets its own deadline, so check the university page for the award you want.
