Scholarship Overview
What Is the International Postgraduate Excellence Award?
The International Postgraduate Excellence Award is a merit-based scholarship designed to support international students who have demonstrated academic excellence and show genuine passion for their chosen field of study. The award provides financial support towards tuition fees for students beginning their postgraduate studies in January 2027.
For applicants from Zimbabwe and the SADC region, this scholarship represents a valuable opportunity to reduce the financial burden of UK postgraduate education while studying alongside other high-achieving international scholars.
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Scholarship Value and Funding Details
The award amount varies depending on your programme structure:
- £3,000 for one-year full-time Masters courses
- £5,000 for the two-year Masters with Integrated Professional Year Experience programme
Important limitation: This scholarship amount cannot be used towards the £5,500 deposit required to secure your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) for your student visa. You must arrange this deposit separately.
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The scholarship is applied as a tuition fee reduction only. It does not cover living expenses, accommodation, travel costs, or other study-related expenses.
Who Can Apply: Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for this scholarship, you must meet all of the following criteria:
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- Be classified as overseas fee status (international student)
- Hold an offer for a full-time Masters course starting in January 2027
- Have a minimum UK equivalent Good 2:1 Honours Degree
Who Is NOT Eligible
You cannot apply if any of the following apply to you:
- Applying for a Professional course such as RIBA Part III
- Applying for a Doctoral programme (PhD/MPhil)
- Applying for an Online or Distance Learning course
- Applying for a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma course
- Already eligible for another fee discount (alumni discount, partner student discount, etc.)
Students seeking funding for research degrees (MPhil/PhD) should consult the research funding section of the university website instead.
Academic Requirements for African Applicants
Applicants are selected principally on the basis of academic excellence. For Zimbabwean and SADC region applicants, you will need to demonstrate that your qualifications meet the UK equivalent of a Good 2:1 Honours Degree.
The university provides an Overseas Academic Qualifications Equivalency Chart (PDF) to help you determine if your qualifications meet this threshold. Check your country’s specific equivalency requirements before applying.
Application Process
The application process is straightforward:
- Secure your offer: First, apply for and receive an offer for an eligible full-time Masters course starting January 2027
- Check your equivalency: Verify that your degree meets the UK Good 2:1 standard using the overseas equivalency chart
- Submit scholarship application: Apply for the International Postgraduate Excellence Award through the university’s scholarship portal
- Await decision: Applications are assessed based on academic merit
Number of awards available: Variable (not fixed)
Key Dates and Deadlines
Application deadline: 30 November 2026
Course start date: January 2027
Ensure you allow sufficient time to secure your course offer before the scholarship deadline, as you cannot apply for the scholarship without holding a valid offer.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Apply early for your Masters course to ensure you receive an offer before the scholarship deadline
- Emphasise academic achievements, awards, and distinctions in your scholarship application
- Demonstrate clear passion and commitment to your chosen field of study
- Ensure your academic transcripts and certificates clearly show your classification or percentage score
- If your degree classification system differs from the UK model, include explanatory notes or equivalency statements
Important Considerations for Zimbabwe/SADC Applicants
When planning your finances, remember that the £3,000-£5,000 award does not cover the £5,500 CAS deposit. You will need to demonstrate access to these funds separately for visa purposes.
The scholarship is competitive and awarded based on academic merit. Zimbabwean applicants with First Class or Upper Second Class honours equivalents from recognised universities (such as University of Zimbabwe, NUST, or other SADC institutions with strong academic reputations) should position themselves competitively.
Consider also exploring complementary funding sources, as this partial scholarship may not cover all tuition fees or living costs.
