How to Apply for Cranfield GREAT Scholarship
The Cranfield GREAT Scholarship is one of the most valuable opportunities for international students who want to pursue postgraduate education in the United Kingdom.
The scholarship is jointly funded by Cranfield University and the British Council’s GREAT Britain Campaign, which aims to support international academic mobility and strengthen global educational partnerships.
The award provides £10,000 toward tuition fees for eligible postgraduate master’s students.
Official sources:
Why Apply for Cranfield GREAT Scholarship?
Studying at Cranfield University gives you access to specialized postgraduate training in:
Engineering
Environmental science
Aviation and aerospace research
Management and business leadership
Cranfield is unique because it is a postgraduate-only university, meaning research and teaching are highly specialized.
Students benefit from industry partnerships, research facilities, and global networking opportunities.
More information about Cranfield’s academic environment
Eligibility Requirements (Very Important)
You must meet all requirements before applying.
Basic Requirements
Be a citizen of an eligible country
Have applied for a full-time postgraduate taught master’s program
Start study in September or October intake
Eligible countries usually include:
Nigeria
Bangladesh
Kenya
Other selected countries participating in the GREAT Scholarships scheme.
Academic Requirements
You must demonstrate:
Strong undergraduate academic performance
Evidence of career ambition
Leadership or community contribution
The selection committee prefers students who can demonstrate future impact in their home countries.
Step 1: Select Your Course Carefully
Choosing the right course is very important because your scholarship application must align with your academic and career goals.
Popular Cranfield courses include:
Aerospace Engineering
Environmental Technology
Finance and Management
Water and Sustainability Engineering
Tips when choosing a course:
Pick programs related to your career path
Avoid choosing programs you cannot justify in your scholarship statement
Show how the program helps solve real-world problems
Step 2: Apply for Admission to Cranfield University
You cannot apply for the scholarship without admission.
Admission steps:
Create an account on Cranfield’s application portal
Fill in course application details
Upload documents including:
Transcripts
Certificates
CV
Personal statement
Submit application and wait for response
Once admitted, you will receive a student ID number, which is required for scholarship application.
Step 3: Prepare Your Scholarship Application Documents
Your scholarship application is mainly essay-based.
You will need to explain:
Motivation
Why study in the UK?
Why choose Cranfield?
Career Goals
What do you want to achieve after graduation?
Leadership Experience
Examples include:
School leadership roles
Work experience
Volunteer activities
Country Impact Plan
Explain how your education will benefit your community or country.
Step 4: Submit Application Before Deadline
Deadlines are strict.
Typical deadline:
Mid-May each year (Example: 18 May 2026)
Late applications are automatically rejected.
Start preparation early because you must complete:
Course admission
Scholarship application essays
Document verification
Step 5: Selection Process
Applications are reviewed based on:
| Criteria | Importance |
|---|---|
| Academic performance | High |
| Personal statement quality | Very high |
| Leadership potential | High |
| Career impact potential | High |
| Communication clarity | Medium |
Successful candidates usually show clear purpose and strong career vision.
Step 6: Notification of Results
If successful:
You will receive email notification
Scholarship is applied directly to tuition fees
Funding cannot usually be converted to cash
Results are often released between June and July.
How to Write a Winning Scholarship Statement
Use this simple structure:
Introduction
Introduce yourself
State your academic and career goals
Academic Background
Mention achievements
Highlight relevant experience
Career Vision
Explain long-term goals
Why Cranfield
Mention:
Research facilities
Course reputation
Industry connections
Closing
Show gratitude and confidence in your ability to contribute.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Waiting Until Deadline
Start early.
Writing Generic Essays
Be specific about your personal story.
Ignoring Career Impact Section
Selection panels care about impact.
Applying Without Admission Offer
This is a common disqualification mistake.
Benefits of Cranfield GREAT Scholarship
£10,000 tuition support
Access to global academic networks
Exposure to UK industry partnerships
Career advancement opportunities
Remember: This is not full funding but significantly reduces study cost.
Cranfield GREAT vs Other UK Scholarships
| Feature | Cranfield GREAT |
|---|---|
| Funding Type | Tuition fee reduction |
| Value | £10,000 |
| Study Level | Master’s |
| Competition | High |
| Sponsor | UK Government + British Council |
Extra Tips to Improve Your Chances
Apply early in the cycle
Proofread all documents
Show leadership potential
Demonstrate academic consistency
Students who show community impact often perform better in selection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can apply for Cranfield GREAT Scholarship?
International students from selected countries who have applied for a full-time master’s program.
Is the scholarship fully funded?
No. It provides £10,000 toward tuition fees.
Do I need work experience?
Not mandatory but highly recommended.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
Yes, but check Cranfield’s funding policies because some awards cannot be combined.
When should I start applying?
Start at least 3–6 months before deadline.
Where do I apply?
Apply through Cranfield funding page
Winning the Cranfield GREAT Scholarship is about preparation, clarity, and purpose.
Focus on:
Strong academic background
Clear career goals
Leadership and community impact
Good storytelling in your application essays
If you prepare early and follow the steps carefully, you can significantly increase your chances of success.
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