University of Dundee Scholarship 2026: Full Guide for International Students

Let’s explore every option available to you.

1. What is the University of Dundee?

The University of Dundee (abbreviated as “Dund.” for post-nominals) is a public research university located in the city and Royal Burgh of Dundee on the east coast of the central Lowlands of Scotland, United Kingdom. Established in 1881 as a college of the University of St Andrews, it achieved full independent university status in 1967 and is officially recognised by the Privy Council.

Dundee is home to world-leading research in life sciences, medicine, law, art and design, engineering, and computing. Its School of Life Sciences is a globally renowned centre for cancer biology and drug discovery. Its School of Medicine is a training ground for some of Scotland’s finest medical practitioners. Its School of Art and Design (formerly Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design) is one of the UK’s most respected creative programmes.

The university’s campus sits alongside the beautiful River Tay in a compact, walkable city that offers a high quality of life at significantly lower cost than London or Edinburgh. The campus includes modern lecture theatres, research institutes, a sports centre, student accommodation, restaurants and cafés, and the internationally celebrated V&A Museum of Design Dundee  the only V&A museum outside London  which is located right next to the campus.

2. University of Dundee Scholarship — Overview

The University of Dundee runs a broad portfolio of scholarships and bursaries for both international and domestic students. The scholarships are administered by the University’s Admissions Team and the Student Funding Unit, and cover undergraduate, postgraduate taught, and in some cases postgraduate research study.

“All University of Dundee scholarships are awarded as partial fee reductions to support students with tuition costs — making a world-class Scottish education more accessible to talented applicants from every background.”

A key feature that sets Dundee scholarships apart from many other UK institutions is that most awards require no separate application. For the majority of University of Dundee scholarships — including the flagship Vice Chancellor’s Regional Scholarships and the Global Excellence Scholarship — the Admissions Team automatically assesses your eligibility based on information you provide during your course application. This means less admin burden for you and a fairer, merit-based selection process.

All awards are applied as tuition fee waivers — no direct cash payment is made to students for internal university scholarships. The only exceptions are certain external bursaries and the Humanitarian Scholarship, which includes a monthly living stipend.

3. Global Excellence Scholarship

The Global Excellence Scholarship is the University of Dundee’s flagship merit-based award for exceptional international students. It is available for both undergraduate and postgraduate taught applicants and rewards outstanding academic achievement, extracurricular excellence, and voluntary contributions.

Award Value

• Undergraduate: Up to £5,000 per year — equating to £15,000 over a 3-year degree, £20,000 over 4 years, or £25,000 over 5 years
• Postgraduate Taught (standard): Up to £5,000 for a 12-month programme
• Postgraduate Taught (first-class): Up to £8,000 for applicants who hold a UK First Class Honours degree or international equivalent

Eligibility Criteria

• Must have an academic offer of entry for a full-time, on-campus programme beginning in September 2025 or January 2026 (with intakes also available for later 2026 and 2027 cycles)
• Must hold International Fee Status as determined by the University of Dundee — confirmed in your Offer Letter
• For undergraduate applicants: must have achieved the equivalent of BBB at A-Level (or international equivalent)
• For postgraduate applicants: must hold a UK First Class Honours degree or equivalent international credential at the university’s discretion
• The programme must be a full-time, 180-credit, 12-month programme (postgraduate) or a standard full-time undergraduate degree
• Programmes in Medicine and Dentistry are excluded from this award
• Must not already hold another University of Dundee scholarship

4. Vice Chancellor’s Regional Scholarships

The Vice Chancellor’s Regional Scholarship is the University’s primary financial aid programme for international students based on geographic region. Rather than a single global award, Dundee operates separate Vice Chancellor’s scholarships for students from different parts of the world, making it one of the most geographically targeted scholarship ecosystems in UK higher education.

How Much Is the Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship Worth?

The scholarship is worth £4,000 per year of study, up to a maximum of:

• £20,000 for undergraduate students (over up to 5 years of progressing study)
• £4,000 – £8,000 for postgraduate taught students (1–2 year programmes)

Regional Scholarship Categories

5. GREAT Scholarship (British Council Partnership)

The GREAT Scholarship is a prestigious partnership award between the University of Dundee, the British Council, and the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign — one of the largest international promotion campaigns in the world. It is designed to attract outstanding postgraduate students to the UK from specific eligible countries.

• Value: £10,000 per award (one of the highest single-year scholarship values at Dundee)
• Level: Postgraduate Taught Master’s programmes only
• Programmes: All full-time postgraduate taught Master’s programmes at Dundee
• Eligible Countries: Students from 18 designated countries (as specified by the GREAT Britain Campaign — typically includes Ghana, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Thailand, Vietnam, and others)
• Deadline (2026-27): 15 May 2026
• Application: Requires a separate application — visit the British Council Study UK portal and the University of Dundee’s GREAT Scholarship page for details

6. Humanitarian Scholarship / Afghan Women’s Scholarship

One of the most distinctive awards in Dundee’s portfolio is the Humanitarian Scholarship, which was originally established as the Afghan Women’s Scholarship in response to the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. This scholarship is the closest Dundee comes to a fully funded award for postgraduate students in genuine humanitarian need.

• Coverage: Full tuition fees + accommodation + monthly living stipend — making it functionally a fully funded scholarship
• Level: Postgraduate (typically Master’s level)
• Target: Applicants facing humanitarian crises or displacement who cannot access education in their home country
• Deadline: Varies by cycle — typically July of the preceding academic year
• Application: Requires a separate, dedicated application form

7. RUK Academic Excellence Bursary (UK Domestic Students)

For students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland (collectively referred to as RUK  Rest of United Kingdom students) studying at Dundee, the university offers a generous suite of bursaries that are automatically assessed at enrolment.

What’s Available for RUK Students?

8. Africa Community & South Asia Community Scholarships

In addition to the Vice Chancellor’s scholarships, Dundee offers dedicated Community Scholarships that target specific disciplines for students from Africa and South Asia. These are particularly relevant for students in the Life Sciences and selected management programmes.

Africa Community Scholarship

• Value: Partial tuition fee waiver (typically £2,500–£5,000 depending on cycle)
• Target: International undergraduate students from African countries enrolling in eligible courses within the School of Life Sciences
• Condition: Must not already hold a Vice Chancellor’s Africa Scholarship or other Dundee award
• Application: Most cycles require no separate application — automatically assessed

South Asia Community Scholarship

• Value: £2,500 per year
• Target: International students from South Asian countries enrolling in eligible undergraduate or postgraduate programmes
• Condition: Must hold International Fee Status and not already hold a Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship from Dundee

9. International College Dundee (ICD) Scholarships

The International College Dundee (ICD) is the University of Dundee’s official international pathway college. Students who are not yet ready for direct entry into a Dundee degree programme can study at ICD first and then progress to their chosen degree. ICD students are eligible for a distinct set of scholarships that apply when they progress to the main university.

Key ICD Scholarship Options

10. Al-Maktoum College Living Support Bursary

In partnership with the Al-Maktoum College of Higher Education in Dundee, the University offers a living support bursary specifically for postgraduate students enrolled in the MSc Islamic Finance programme (or Islamic Finance pathway).

• Value: £3,000 paid in 10 monthly instalments of £300
• Level: Postgraduate (MSc Islamic Finance or pathway)
• Payment Structure: Monthly cash stipend — paid directly to the student, not as a fee waiver
• Important: You can still be considered for this bursary even if you are already receiving the Al-Maktoum Living Support Bursary, provided you meet all eligibility criteria
• Additional Hamdan Bin Rashid Award: Students enrolled in this programme may also be considered for the Hamdan Bin Rashid Award, which offers additional financial support — note that you cannot hold both the Hamdan Bin Rashid Award and the Al-Maktoum Bursary simultaneously

11. Side-by-Side: All University of Dundee Scholarships Compared

Here is a consolidated overview of all major University of Dundee scholarships and bursaries available for 2025/2026, so you can quickly identify which ones are relevant to your profile.

£5,000–£8,000 Per year Global Excellence Scholarship: For high-achieving international UG and PG applicants. No separate application. Auto-assessed by Admissions.

£4,000 Per year up to £20,000 Vice Chancellor’s Regional Scholarships: Africa, South Asia, South-East Asia, China, Americas, Middle East. Auto-assessed. UG and PG.

£10,000 One-year PG award GREAT Scholarship: British Council partnership. 18 eligible countries. Postgraduate taught only. Separate application required.

Fully Funded Tuition + accommodation + stipend Humanitarian Scholarship: For students in humanitarian crises. Includes full tuition, accommodation, and monthly living allowance.

£3,000 Per year RUK Academic Excellence Bursary: England, Wales, NI, ROI students. Requires AAB at A-Level. Auto-assessed at enrolment.

£2,500 Per year Community Scholarships: Africa Community (Life Sciences) and South Asia Community scholarships for specific disciplines.

12. General Eligibility Requirements

While each University of Dundee scholarship has its own specific criteria, the following general conditions apply across most awards. Always check the specific scholarship page on dundee.ac.uk/scholarships for the full terms of each award.

Common Requirements Across All Scholarships

• Must have submitted an application to study at the University of Dundee and received an offer of entry (conditional or unconditional)
• Must be enrolled in or planning to start a full-time, on-campus programme — most scholarships do not apply to online or part-time study
• Your fee status (International, RUK, or Home/Scottish) must be as specified for each award — fee status is confirmed in your Offer Letter
• Must be commencing studies at the correct entry point specified in the scholarship cycle (typically September or January)
• Must not already hold another University of Dundee scholarship (unless the scholarship specifically allows stacking)
• Scholarship eligibility is based on your current domicile (permanent residence) — not your citizenship or nationality in all cases

Who is NOT Eligible

• Students enrolled in PhD or Master’s by Research programmes (most scholarships are for taught programmes only)
• Students in Medicine or Dentistry programmes (excluded from the Global Excellence Scholarship and some other awards)
• Students already holding another University of Dundee scholarship of equal or higher value
• Students classified as Home (Scottish) fee-paying students for awards specifically designated for International fee-status students
• Part-time or distance learning students (unless the specific scholarship states otherwise)

13. How to Apply for a University of Dundee Scholarship — Step-by-Step

The application process for most Dundee scholarships is refreshingly straightforward. Here is a universal step-by-step guide that covers the entire journey from enquiry to award.

1. Research Which Scholarship You Are Eligible ForVisit dundee.ac.uk/scholarships and review all available scholarships. Filter by your region, level of study, and programme. Identify which award(s) align with your profile before you apply to the university.

2. Apply for Your Chosen Programme at the University of DundeeSubmit your course application directly through the University of Dundee’s online admissions portal at dundee.ac.uk/admissions or via UCAS for undergraduate UK applicants. Provide accurate personal information including your current domicile (permanent residence address), as this is used to determine regional scholarship eligibility.

3. Receive Your Offer of EntryOnce the University processes your application, you will receive an offer letter confirming your place on the programme. The offer letter will also confirm your fee status (International, RUK, or Home). Keep this letter safe — it is the basis for all scholarship assessments.

4. Await Automatic Scholarship Assessment (for most awards)For the Global Excellence Scholarship, Vice Chancellor’s Regional Scholarships, and RUK bursaries, you do not need to do anything further. The Admissions Team automatically assesses your eligibility once your academic transcripts are submitted and will notify you by email if you are eligible. No separate form is required.

5. Submit a Separate Application (for awards that require it)For the GREAT Scholarship, Humanitarian Scholarship, Global Citizenship Scholarship, and Al-Maktoum Bursary, you must submit a separate application. Find the relevant form and instructions on the specific scholarship page at dundee.ac.uk/scholarships. Deadlines for these awards vary — check each page carefully.

6. Accept Your Scholarship OfferIf awarded a scholarship, you will receive written confirmation. Accept your offer and confirm your enrolment. The scholarship will be automatically applied to your tuition fee bill — no further action is needed for fee waiver awards.

7. Enrol and Maintain EligibilityArrive at Dundee, complete your enrolment, and ensure you remain registered on the same full-time programme. Most Dundee scholarships are renewable each year automatically, provided you progress satisfactorily and your circumstances have not changed materially.

    Ready to Apply to the University of Dundee?

14. Tips to Win a University of Dundee Scholarship

Apply to the University Early in the Cycle

Most Dundee scholarships are assessed at the point you receive your offer — not on a rolling competitive basis. However, applying early ensures you receive your offer (and therefore your scholarship assessment) well before the academic year begins, giving you more time to plan finances, accommodation, and travel.

Submit Accurate Domicile Information

The Vice Chancellor’s Regional Scholarships are based on your current domicile — your permanent place of residence, not your country of birth or citizenship. Ensure your application clearly states your current country of residence, backed by supporting documentation. Incorrect or vague domicile information can result in you missing out on a scholarship you are genuinely entitled to.

Aim for the Highest Academic Entry Threshold You Can

The Global Excellence Scholarship is tiered by academic achievement. For postgraduate applicants, holding a First Class Honours degree (or international equivalent) unlocks the higher £8,000 award rather than the standard £5,000. If you are choosing between applying now or waiting until you improve your degree classification, the financial difference is significant.

Check Whether Your Programme Is Eligible

Medicine and Dentistry programmes are excluded from several Dundee scholarships. Similarly, the GREAT Scholarship is only for postgraduate taught Master’s students. Before investing time in an application, verify that your specific degree programme is eligible for the award you are targeting at dundee.ac.uk/scholarships.

For the GREAT Scholarship — Apply Months in Advance

The GREAT Scholarship deadline is typically in May, which means you need to have already applied to the university, received an offer, and submitted a scholarship application well ahead of the September intake. Start the GREAT Scholarship application process no later than February or March of the year you intend to study.

Use a Personal Statement That Reflects Dundee’s Core Values

For awards like the Global Citizenship Scholarship that assess alignment with Dundee’s values — valuing people, working together, integrity, making a difference, and excellence — your personal statement and application essay should explicitly connect your experiences, ambitions, and community contributions to these five values. Generic personal statements will not stand out.

RUK Students: Check for Multiple Eligible Bursaries

If you are from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, or the Republic of Ireland, you may be eligible for more than one bursary simultaneously. For example, a student from England with AAB at A-Levels and a household income below £25,000 could receive the £3,000 Academic Excellence Bursary plus the £2,000 Household Income Bursary — totalling £5,000 per year. The Student Funding Team will assess all eligible awards automatically.

15.

16. Conclusion

The University of Dundee scholarship programme stands out in the UK higher education landscape for its breadth, transparency, and genuine commitment to making a world-class Scottish education accessible to students from every corner of the globe. Whether you are a high-achieving international student from Africa or South Asia seeking the Vice Chancellor’s regional award, a top postgraduate applicant from one of 18 countries targeting the GREAT Scholarship’s £10,000 award, a UK domestic student qualifying for the RUK Academic Excellence Bursary, or a student in genuine humanitarian need who could benefit from Dundee’s fully funded Humanitarian Scholarship — this university has a pathway for you.

What makes Dundee particularly student-friendly is its no-separate-application model for most awards. You apply for your programme, you receive your offer, and the Admissions Team does the rest. It removes one of the most common barriers to scholarship access — the complexity of the application itself — and lets your academic record speak for you.

Dundee is ranked in the UK’s top 25 universities, recognised globally for research in life sciences, medicine, law, and design, and home to one of Scotland’s most vibrant and affordable student cities. If you are planning to study in the UK and want both academic quality and meaningful financial support, the University of Dundee deserves a very serious look.

Start your application at dundee.ac.uk/scholarships today  and take the first step toward studying in Scotland with a scholarship that makes it genuinely possible.