University of Bath International Excellence Scholarships in UK 2026: Full Guide for Undergraduate Applicants
The University of Bath has announced its International Excellence Scholarships for the 2026/2027 academic session, offering substantial financial support to high-achieving students from around the world who have secured offers to study undergraduate programmes at the institution. The initiative forms part of the University’s wider commitment to attracting exceptional global talent and supporting international student success across various academic disciplines.
The scholarship programme offers up to 300 awards and is open exclusively to overseas fee-paying applicants for undergraduate entry in September 2026. The award is designed to recognise academic excellence, leadership potential, and the ability of scholars to positively contribute to the Bath community.
Ejes Gist News gathered that the University of Bath will continue its tradition of offering highly competitive merit-based awards that align with the institution’s strategic focus on academic distinction, research excellence, and global engagement. The latest scholarship cycle includes enhanced funding opportunities and structured application timelines to ensure that qualified candidates worldwide can participate without disadvantage.
The funding framework for the 2026 intake includes significant tuition-fee discounts, a structured assessment process, and dedicated financial advisory support to guide international applicants as they prepare for their studies in the United Kingdom.
Overview of the Bath International Excellence Scholarships
The University will award up to 300 scholarships, each valued at £8,000 per academic year, with a maximum value of £24,000 across three years of study. These awards apply strictly to full-time undergraduate programmes and are available for a wide range of degrees across the University’s faculties, including Engineering, Science, Humanities & Social Sciences, and Management.
Key Features of the Scholarship
- Available to new first-year undergraduate students
- Exclusively for overseas fee-paying applicants
- Awarded based on academic merit and personal achievements
- Maximum of £24,000 over three academic years
- Available for BSc Architecture but not for the March Architecture degree
- Applied directly as a tuition-fee discount
The scholarship is not convertible to a cash allowance and cannot replace other fee-related discounts. All awards are administered according to the University’s annual funding policies.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Bath International Excellence Scholarship, applicants must meet the following core requirements:
- Hold an offer of admission for any full-time undergraduate programme starting in September 2026 at the University of Bath
- Be assessed as an overseas fee-paying student
- Be entering their first year of undergraduate study
- Not be applying for the MArch Architecture programme (the scholarship remains open to applicants for BSc Architecture)
The University uses standard UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) guidelines to determine fee status. Candidates whose fee classification is still under review will not be able to submit a scholarship application until the University confirms their status as overseas fee-paying.
How to Apply
The application process involves two main stages: securing an academic offer and submitting a scholarship application.
1. Secure an Academic Offer
Applicants must first apply to the University of Bath via UCAS. Once an academic offer—conditional or unconditional—is issued, the applicant can continue to the scholarship stage.
2. Submit the Scholarship Form
Once the offer appears in the applicant’s Bath Application Tracker, they will gain access to the scholarship application form. The form opens Thursday 8 January 2026 and closes Thursday 25 June 2026.
3. Key Application Deadlines and Decision Dates
The University will assess applications on a rolling basis. Applicants will receive outcomes by the following dates:
- Apply by 1 April 2026 → Decision by 30 April 2026
- Apply by 14 May 2026 → Decision by 28 May 2026
- Apply by 25 June 2026 → Decision by 9 July 2026
Applicants are not disadvantaged for applying later in the cycle, provided they submit applications before the final deadline.
Scholarship Award Criteria
The University evaluates applicants based on their academic achievements and the quality of their scholarship submission. The application form requires candidates to answer three mandatory questions, each with a 750-character limit.
Questions Applicants Must Answer
- How will the scholarship benefit you and help you to achieve your future ambitions?
- How do your accomplishments and skills make you a good candidate for this scholarship?
- How will you contribute to the Bath community and act as a future ambassador for the University?
Applications are assessed holistically. Reviewers consider:
- Academic transcript and predicted grades
- UCAS personal statement
- Strength and clarity of the candidate’s responses
- Evidence of leadership, community involvement, and personal development
Candidates demonstrating strong academic ability, exceptional motivation, and a clear vision for their future are more likely to be selected.
Details of the Scholarship Award
The award serves as a tuition-fee discount and applies differently depending on the length and structure of the course.
1. Standard Three-Year Degrees
- £8,000 discount per year
- Maximum of £24,000
2. Four-Year Degrees with Industrial Placement or Study Abroad
- Discount applies only in academic years with full tuition fees
- No discount during placement year
- Typical pattern for a four-year programme with placement in Year 3:
- Year 1: £8,000
- Year 2: £8,000
- Year 3: No discount
- Year 4: £8,000
3. Courses with Half-Year Placements
For BSc Architecture and BSc Business:
- Year 1: £8,000
- Year 2: £4,000
- Year 3: £4,000
- Year 4: £8,000
- Maximum: £24,000
4. Preparatory and Top-Up Years
- Eligible for the preparatory year of MPharm Pharmacy with Preparatory Year
- Eligible for the BSc top-up year of FdSc Sport (Sports Performance), provided total scholarship benefits do not exceed £16,000 during the FdSc programme
General Conditions
- The scholarship stops if the student becomes eligible for Home fees
- The award cannot be transferred to another student or converted to cash
- The tuition-fee discount applies only while the student remains registered full-time
Deferred Entry Rules
The University provides clear guidelines for applicants deferring their start date.
Eligible Deferred Candidates
- Applicants holding an offer for September 2026 entry after applying in a previous cycle may apply for this scholarship
- If selected, their new scholarship replaces any previous award
Not Eligible
- Applicants holding offers for September 2027 or later must apply in the corresponding year
If a Recipient Defers After Award
- The scholarship is cancelled
- Applicants may reapply for a scholarship in the year they enter
These deferred entry rules ensure fairness and consistency in the administration of the awards.
Additional Funding Support at the University of Bath
The University provides extensive financial support resources for international students.
1. Student Money Advice Service
This team provides guidance on:
- Budgeting as an international student
- Managing living expenses
- Understanding UK banking requirements
- Identifying additional scholarship opportunities
2. External Funding Opportunities
International students may also access:
- Government scholarships from their home country
- Funding from international foundations
- Private sector or NGO sponsorships
- Educational loans offered by recognised institutions
The University regularly updates its funding guide to reflect available international opportunities.
3. Independent Scholarship Databases
Platforms such as Save the Student provide updated resources for:
- UK-based university scholarships
- International funding schemes
- Accommodation support
- Academic resources
Why the Bath International Excellence Scholarship Matters
This scholarship serves multiple purposes:
- Encourages global academic diversity
- Attracts top-performing international students
- Supports students facing high international tuition fees
- Enhances the University’s global reputation in undergraduate education
- Enables selected scholars to participate in academic, cultural, and leadership activities
The award positions scholars not only as high-achieving students but as future ambassadors of the University across international communities.
Key Benefits for Successful Applicants
- Substantial financial relief over three academic years
- Recognition of academic distinction
- Access to the University’s global student support network
- Enhanced CV and competitive career profile
- Opportunities to participate in student leadership, mentoring, and community initiatives
How Applicants Can Strengthen Their Scholarship Submission
Prospective candidates are advised to:
- Maintain strong academic performance
- Provide clear, concise answers to the three scholarship questions
- Highlight notable achievements such as leadership roles, volunteer work, awards, or community engagement
- Demonstrate ambition and a strong understanding of their chosen programme
- Illustrate how they will contribute to the Bath community
Application Link
Prospective applicants can apply for the scholarship and find additional details through the official University of Bath guide:
https://www.bath.ac.uk/guides/scholarships-for-international-undergraduate-students/
Also Read:
