Dreaming of studying in the heart of the picturesque UK countryside, but concerned about the financial investment? Your ambition to earn a prestigious British degree is about to get a significant boost. The University of Gloucestershire Merit Scholarship 2025 is now open for applications, offering a fantastic opportunity for talented international students to reduce their tuition fees and focus on what truly matters: their education and future.
This guide is designed to be your trusted companion, walking you through every step of the process. We’ll break down the eligibility requirements, explore the benefits, and provide you with actionable advice to help you craft a compelling application. In my experience advising students, the path to securing a scholarship can seem daunting, but with the right information and a clear strategy, it is an achievable goal.
University of Gloucestershire Merit Scholarship 2025
| Key Feature | Details |
| Scholarship Value | Up to £7,500 for Undergraduates & £5,000 for Postgraduates |
| Eligibility | New, self-funded international students with an offer of admission |
| Basis of Award | Academic excellence, a strong creative portfolio, or relevant work experience |
| Application Intake | January 2026 intake for Postgraduate Taught Merit Scholarship is open |
The University of Gloucestershire Merit Scholarship 2025 is more than just a financial award; it’s an investment in your potential. It’s a recognition of your hard work and a stepping stone to achieving your academic and career goals in the UK.
Thinking of studying in the UK? The University of Gloucestershire Merit Scholarship 2025 is now open! This comprehensive guide provides you with all the details on how to secure up to £7,500 towards your tuition fees. Learn about eligibility, the application process, and get expert tips to make your application stand out.
Why the University of Gloucestershire?
Nestled in the stunning Cotswolds, the University of Gloucestershire offers a unique blend of vibrant city life and breathtaking natural beauty. With campuses in the historic cathedral city of Gloucester and the festival town of Cheltenham, students enjoy a rich cultural experience alongside their academic pursuits. The university is known for its strong focus on employability, with 95% of graduates finding a job or embarking on further study within 15 months of graduating.
Choosing to study here means joining a supportive and diverse community. As one international student, Ajayi Adegbemi, shared on the university’s website, “The great thing I like about University of Gloucestershire is that you can send an email, and within 48 working hours you get a reply… I was so glad to see how it is all planned.” This level of support is invaluable when you are miles away from home.
Unpacking the Merit Scholarship: What’s on Offer?
The University of Gloucestershire offers a merit-based scholarship to both undergraduate and postgraduate international students. This is a tuition fee waiver, meaning the scholarship amount is deducted directly from your course fees.
- For Undergraduate Students: The scholarship is valued at £7,500, which is split over the three years of your degree. This provides a consistent reduction in your financial outlay throughout your studies.
- For Postgraduate Students: A substantial £5,000 is waived from the tuition fee for your first year of study. This is a significant helping hand as you embark on your master’s degree.
Are You Eligible for the University of Gloucestershire Merit Scholarship 2025?
This scholarship is designed to attract high-calibre students from around the world. Here’s a checklist to see if you fit the bill:
- Be a new, full-time international student: The scholarship is for those new to the university and not open to current students.
- Be self-funded: You must be paying for your tuition fees yourself, without funding from a government or another sponsoring body.
- Hold an offer of admission: This is a crucial first step. You must have applied to the university and received either a conditional or unconditional offer for a full-time, on-campus course.
- Demonstrate merit: The university defines merit in three key ways:
- Academic Excellence: Strong grades in your previous qualifications.
- Strong Creative Portfolio: For students applying to creative courses, a high-quality portfolio of your work is essential.
- Relevant Work Experience: For some postgraduate courses, significant and relevant professional experience can be considered.
It’s important to note that students in receipt of any other scholarship from the university are not eligible for the Merit Scholarship.
Your Step-by-Step Application Guide
Navigating the application process can be straightforward if you take it one step at a time. Here’s a breakdown of how to apply for the University of Gloucestershire Merit Scholarship 2025.
Step 1: Secure Your Place at the University
Before you can even think about the scholarship, you need to apply for your chosen undergraduate or postgraduate course. You can do this directly through the university’s website or via UCAS for undergraduate courses. You will need to submit:
- Certified copies of your academic transcripts.
- Proof of your English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS scores).
- A compelling personal statement.
- At least one academic reference.
Step 2: Receive Your Offer
Once the university has assessed your application, they will send you either a conditional or unconditional offer of admission. This offer is your golden ticket to applying for the Merit Scholarship.
Step 3: Complete the Scholarship Application Form
The official International Scholarships page on the university’s website will have the application form. Fill it out accurately and ensure you highlight your achievements that align with the “merit” criteria.
Step 4: Craft a Winning Scholarship Statement
This is your chance to shine. Your scholarship application will likely require a supporting statement. I’ve seen many successful applicants focus on a few key areas:
- Acknowledge the prompt: Directly address why you believe you are a strong candidate for a merit-based award.
- Connect your past to your future: Explain how your past academic achievements, creative projects, or work experience have prepared you for your chosen course at Gloucestershire.
- Be specific and provide evidence: Instead of saying “I have good grades,” mention your specific GPA or any academic awards you have won. If you have a portfolio, describe a project you are particularly proud of and what you learned from it.
- Show your passion: Convey your enthusiasm for your subject and for studying at the University of Gloucestershire.
Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline
Pay close attention to the deadlines. For the Postgraduate Taught Merit Scholarship for the January 2026 intake, the deadline is 14 October 2025. While the September 2025 intake for the merit scholarship has passed, prospective undergraduate students should regularly check the university’s website for the September 2026 application cycle, which typically opens later in the year.
Life in Gloucestershire: More Than Just a Degree
Your time at university is as much about personal growth as it is about academic learning. Gloucestershire offers a fantastic student experience.
With a plethora of clubs and societies, from sports teams to cultural groups, there’s something for everyone. The university is also committed to student wellbeing, with dedicated support services for international students to help with everything from accommodation to opening a bank account.
The cost of living in Cheltenham and Gloucester is also generally more affordable than in larger UK cities like London, making your student budget stretch further.
FAQs
Q1:Can I apply for the scholarship before I get an offer of admission?
No, you must have received a conditional or unconditional offer from the university before you can apply for the Merit Scholarship.
Q2:Is the scholarship available for all courses?
The Merit Scholarship is available for most full-time, on-campus taught undergraduate and postgraduate courses. However, it is not available for PhD or other research degrees.
Q3:Do I need to repay the scholarship?
No, the scholarship is a non-repayable tuition fee waiver.
