Scholarship Overview
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Overview
The Global Talent Fund BIG Scholarship is a prestigious fully funded award for exceptional young mathematicians and scientists. Hosted by the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, UK, it targets students who have demonstrated extraordinary talent through medals in international Olympiad competitions.
The scholarship is part of the BIG (‘Backing Invisible Geniuses’) Program, an initiative spearheaded by the Global Talent Fund with founding support from XTX Markets and collaboration with the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
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What the Scholarship Covers
The BIG Program provides comprehensive support that extends beyond basic tuition:
- Full tuition costs for your undergraduate degree
- Living cost assistance to support accommodation and daily expenses
- Academic stipend for pursuits outside the classroom
- Internship and research placement opportunities
- Social events and networking with other talented scholars
The award amount is not specified in public materials, but the scholarship is described as “fully funded.”
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Eligible Degree Programs
Scholarships are awarded for full-time admission to undergraduate mathematics degrees in the School of Mathematics:
- BSc Applied Mathematics
- BSc Mathematics
- BSc Mathematics and Statistics
- MMath Applied Mathematics (direct entry to second year only)
- MMath Mathematics (direct entry to second year only)
Note that the MMath programs require direct entry to second year, which typically means you need advanced qualifications such as A-levels, IB, or equivalent.
Eligibility Requirements
Olympiad Medal Requirement
You must have earned a gold, silver, or bronze medal in one of these major international science Olympiads:
- International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO)
- International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI)
- International Physics Olympiad (IPhO)
- Romanian Master of Mathematics (RMM)
- European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad (EGMO) — gold or silver medal only
Other Requirements
- Acceptance for full-time admission to an eligible undergraduate program at the University of Edinburgh
- Open to students from any country, including all African nations
- No English language proficiency test explicitly required for the scholarship itself (standard university admission requirements apply)
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply:
- Apply for admission to the University of Edinburgh through the standard undergraduate application process (typically UCAS for UK universities)
- Access the scholarship application through EUCLID, the university’s student system, via MyEd (the web-based information portal)
- Complete the online scholarship form with required details
- Submit by the deadline: 23:59 UK time on 31 March 2027
There is no separate essay requirement for this scholarship.
Important Dates
| Application opens | Currently accepting applications |
| Application deadline | 31 March 2027 at 23:59 UK time |
| Winners announced | Results to be published (date not specified) |
Tips for African Applicants
For students from Zimbabwe, South Africa, and other SADC countries:
- Olympiad participation: If your country participates in the Pan African Mathematics Olympiad (PAMO), this can be a pathway to qualifying for the IMO and other international competitions
- Direct entry consideration: Zimbabwean A-level students with strong Mathematics and Further Mathematics results may be eligible for direct second-year entry to MMath programs
- Early preparation: Olympiad training typically requires years of preparation; contact your national mathematics olympiad committee
- UCAS application: Apply through UCAS by the January deadline for equal consideration, even though the scholarship deadline is later
Why This Scholarship Matters
The BIG Program addresses a critical gap: many talented students from developing countries, including across Africa, lack resources to attend top-tier universities despite exceptional abilities. By targeting Olympiad medallists—who have already proven their capabilities against international competition—the program identifies talent that might otherwise be overlooked.
The inclusion of the European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad (EGMO) with a gold/silver requirement specifically supports talented young women in mathematics, addressing gender gaps in STEM fields.
Official scholarship page: https://scholarsregion.com/scholarship/university-of-edinburgh-n81zuq
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships
