The International Research Excellence Scholarships at the University of Nottingham are merit-based awards for high-achieving international students pursuing research-focused master’s or PhD programs. These scholarships reduce tuition costs and are awarded based on academic strength, research potential, and fit with Nottingham’s research priorities. They are not automatically fully funded, but they can significantly lower the cost of studying at a Russell Group university in the UK.
| Program Name | Annual Deadline | Stipend Amount | Location | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Research Excellence Scholarships | Varies by faculty | Tuition reduction (partial) | Nottingham, UK | 1 year (Master’s) or up to 3–4 years (PhD) |
What are the International Research Excellence Scholarships at the University of Nottingham?
This scholarship exists for one reason: to attract strong researchers early. Nottingham uses it to support international students who show clear academic direction and the ability to contribute to ongoing research. It is not a general “study abroad” discount. It is tied to research intensity, academic consistency, and how well your interests align with a specific school or supervisor.
The award is competitive, selective, and faculty-driven. That means departments play a real role in who receives funding. If your proposal or research plan fits a department’s priorities, you are already ahead of most applicants.
Is this scholarship fully funded or only a tuition reduction?
Let’s be direct.
This scholarship is usually a partial tuition award, not a full ride.
It commonly covers a percentage of tuition fees. Living costs, accommodation, health insurance, and personal expenses are not included. For PhD students, this award may sometimes be combined with departmental or external funding, but on its own, it should not be treated as fully funded.
If you need full funding, you must plan for additional sources early.
Who is eligible for the Nottingham Research Excellence Scholarships?
Eligibility is narrow by design. Nottingham is not looking for everyone. They are looking for students who already look like researchers.
You are typically eligible if you:
- Are classified as an international student
- Hold a strong undergraduate or master’s degree
- Apply to a research-focused master’s or PhD program
- Demonstrate academic consistency and research direction
- Meet English language requirements
This is not limited to one nationality. What matters more is academic readiness and research clarity.
What GPA or academic profile does Nottingham expect for this scholarship?
There is no public GPA cutoff, but patterns are clear.
Successful applicants usually have:
- A high GPA relative to their local grading system
- Strong performance in relevant subject areas
- Evidence of research ability: thesis work, publications, lab experience, or serious proposals
A perfect GPA alone does not guarantee anything. Nottingham values trajectory. Improvement, focus, and depth often matter more than raw numbers.
How competitive is the University of Nottingham for research scholarships?
It is competitive, but not unreachable.
Nottingham receives a large volume of international applications, especially for STEM, social sciences, and interdisciplinary research. The scholarship pool is limited, and awards are selective. What separates successful applicants is not just grades but preparation.
If your application feels rushed or generic, it will not survive review.
Is the University of Nottingham a top research university in the UK?
Yes. Nottingham is:
- A Russell Group university
- Historically considered a red brick institution
- Strongly ranked in research output and impact
It consistently performs well in national research assessments and attracts global research funding. In many disciplines, its research reputation matters more than its overall ranking number.
How does this scholarship compare to Chevening and other UK research funding?
Chevening is government-funded, leadership-focused, and extremely competitive. Nottingham’s Research Excellence Scholarship is institutional and academic-driven.
Here’s the key difference:
- Chevening rewards leadership and global impact
- Nottingham rewards academic depth and research alignment
They serve different types of students. One is not easier or harder in absolute terms. They simply select for different qualities.
Can international students get a 100% scholarship at Nottingham?
Yes, but rarely through a single award.
Full funding usually comes from:
- Combined scholarships
- UKRI or externally funded PhD positions
- Department-specific doctoral studentships
If you are aiming for full funding, you must target PhD-level structured funding, not standalone excellence awards.
What documents are required for the Research Excellence Scholarship application?
Documentation quality matters more than volume.
Expect to prepare:
- Academic transcripts
- Research proposal or statement of intent
- Abstract of Master’s Thesis (if applicable)
- Two reference letters submitted via the portal
- English language test results
- CV with academic focus
Each document should reinforce the same story. If they don’t, reviewers notice.
When is the application deadline and how early should you apply?
Deadlines vary by faculty and intake. Some are fixed. Others align with program admissions.
What matters more than the date is readiness. Competitive applicants start planning months in advance. Early engagement with supervisors often improves scholarship outcomes.
Late, rushed applications almost never succeed.
Are one-year UK master’s degrees worth it for research-focused students?
They can be, but only if used correctly.
A one-year master’s is intense. It works best if:
- You already know your research direction
- You plan to continue into a PhD
- You use the dissertation strategically
If you need time to explore broadly, a one-year format may feel limiting.
What kind of student should realistically apply for this scholarship?
Apply if you:
- Enjoy research more than coursework
- Can explain your academic goals clearly
- Are comfortable with competition
- Understand that funding may be partial
Do not apply expecting guarantees. Apply if you are prepared to build a funding strategy around this award, not depend on it alone.
Is this scholarship right for you?
If you are chasing prestige alone, this is not the right path.
If you are building a serious research career and want access to strong supervision and global recognition, this scholarship can make Nottingham financially reachable.
Plan carefully. Be honest about funding gaps. Think long-term.
That’s how strong applications are built.
FAQ’s
What is the Excellence Scholarship at the University of Nottingham?
The Excellence Scholarship at the University of Nottingham is a merit-based award designed to support high-achieving international students. It focuses on academic strength and research potential rather than financial need. For research-focused programs, it usually comes as a partial tuition reduction, not a full funding package. The goal is to attract students who can contribute meaningfully to Nottingham’s research environment.
What is the University of Nottingham Research Excellence Framework?
The Research Excellence Framework, often shortened to REF, is a UK-wide system used to assess the quality and impact of university research. Nottingham consistently performs strongly in this framework, which is why it attracts research funding and competitive scholars. For students, a strong REF profile means better supervision, funded projects, and long-term research credibility.
What is the Nottingham 50% scholarship?
The Nottingham 50% scholarship refers to awards that cover half of the tuition fee for eligible students. These are highly competitive and usually linked to academic performance or departmental priorities. They reduce financial pressure but do not include living expenses, accommodation, or visas.
How can you get a 100% scholarship in the UK?
A 100% scholarship in the UK is rare and usually comes from government-funded or research council–backed programs. Examples include fully funded PhD studentships, Chevening, or UKRI-funded positions. Most university-based excellence scholarships, including Nottingham’s, are partial and must be combined with other funding to reach full coverage.
What is the easiest scholarship to get in the UK for international students?
There is no truly “easy” scholarship in the UK. However, partial merit-based awards offered directly by universities are generally more accessible than national programs. These awards often focus on academic consistency rather than leadership or policy impact, making them more realistic for strong students with clear academic goals.
What is the acceptance rate for the Chevening Scholarship?
Chevening is extremely competitive, with acceptance rates typically well below 5%. It prioritizes leadership potential, work experience, and future impact rather than pure academic research. This makes it very different from university-based research excellence scholarships like Nottingham’s.
Is the University of Nottingham a top 10 university?
Nottingham’s overall ranking fluctuates depending on the ranking system used. While it may not always sit in the UK top 10 overall, it is consistently regarded as a top-tier research university, particularly in specific disciplines such as engineering, life sciences, and social sciences.
What is the most prestigious scholarship in the UK?
Prestige depends on purpose. Chevening is the most prestigious for leadership and policy-focused master’s study. For research, fully funded PhD studentships and UK Research Council awards carry the most academic weight. University excellence scholarships are respected but are not considered the highest-tier funding on their own.
Is it hard to get into the University of Nottingham?
Admission difficulty depends on the program. Taught master’s programs are competitive but achievable for well-qualified students. Research programs are more selective because acceptance depends on supervisor availability, research fit, and funding. Preparation matters more than raw grades.
Which is the hardest Russell Group university to get into?
Universities like Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, and LSE are generally considered the hardest to enter due to extremely high competition. Nottingham, while selective, is more accessible by comparison, especially for students with strong academic alignment.
What is the most prestigious research institute in the world?
There is no single answer. Institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, MIT, Stanford, and the Max Planck Institutes are often cited as global leaders. Nottingham is not positioned as the world’s top research institute, but it is well respected internationally and deeply embedded in global research networks.
Is the University of Nottingham a red brick university?
Yes. Nottingham is historically classified as a red brick university, meaning it is one of the older civic universities established in the UK before World War II. This adds to its academic heritage and reputation.
What GPA is needed for a full-ride scholarship?
There is no universal GPA guarantee for a full ride. Fully funded scholarships usually require top academic performance, often equivalent to a first-class degree or very high distinction. However, GPA alone is never enough. Research quality, references, and fit are equally important.
Is the University of Nottingham a Russell Group university?
Yes. The University of Nottingham is a long-standing member of the Russell Group, which represents the UK’s leading research-intensive universities.
Are one-year master’s degrees in the UK worth it?
They can be, if you have a clear plan. One-year master’s programs are fast-paced and work best for students who already know their academic or career direction. For research-focused students, they can be a strong stepping stone to a PhD if used strategically.
Andrew Wiles, Higher education expert with 15+ years guiding students in PhD, postgraduate, and research scholarships. Andrew simplifies visas, interviews, and application planning.