The scholarship for a GREAT start to your future

The cost of pursuing a postgraduate degree can be a heavy burden. This issue becomes particularly notable when intending to study overseas where the high cost of tuition and accommodation, paired with unfavourable exchange rates put such dreams out of reach. 

Many people who decide to postpone their postgraduate dreams to achieve financial security also eventually give up on these aspirations later in life due to family or other commitments. As such, it sometimes seems impossible for one to chase after a postgraduate degree. 

The GREAT Scholarships are your ticket to advance in your academic and professional goals, by realising your dream of being a postgraduate student from September this year. 

Run by the British Council in collaboration with the UK government’s Great Britain campaign, these scholarships cover a one-year postgraduate programme in the UK during the 2024-2025 academic year, with each scholarship worth at least £10,000 (RM54,660).

This programme does not just provide access to top-notch education and training, but a life changing opportunity. 

Was a career change something you have been contemplating but never found the right motivation? Is the knowledge gap between your current position and your aspiration looking far too great to make a switch? Your postgraduate qualification can potentially be the confidence boost you have been waiting for. 

By enrolling in the UK’s top universities, you can be rest assured knowing you will gain the theoretical insight and practical knowledge required to excel in your field of interest. Besides this, you are bound to come across opportunities to sharpen the soft skills you already possess and utilise them for a new endeavour. Earning a postgraduate's degree will serve as a head start for your new career.

Among the highlights of being a GREAT Scholarships recipient is attending networking events with fellow UK-based GREAT scholars. Countless recipients have gushed on how such events are exceptionally beneficial, as they were able to discuss experiences and capture perceptions of studying in the UK. Being able to build on current knowledge and gain new international perspectives with like-minded peers are instances that not many people get to experience. Networking events and conferences lead to insightful discussions, making way for potential partnerships. 

Your experience as a GREAT alumnus will also be greatly beneficial as you will be invited to speak to future scholarship candidates.

Numerous universities in the UK have pledged their commitment to offer the GREAT Scholarships to Malaysian students. You should thus be able to find a participating university that offers a course you are interested in. 

Participating universities in England include King’s Business School, Lancaster University, Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, University of Bath and many more. There are also universities within the top 120 of the QS World University Rankings such as Imperial College London and University College London. 

The renowned University of St Andrews is among Scottish representatives offering the GREAT Scholarships.

With the latest GREAT Scholarships, you can be among the 12,000 Malaysian students who choose to study in the UK every year.

Candidates must first meet all the entry requirements from a participating university and receive an offer of admission to be eligible for the GREAT Scholarships applications. Criteria to be considered for the scholarship are:

• Of Malaysian citizenship
• Previously obtained an undergraduate degree
• Meets the English language requirement of the participating UK Institution
• Establishing an engagement with the UK as a scholar through personal and academic fulfilment
• Willing to attend a networking event of all UK-based GREAT scholars to discuss experiences and perceptions of studying in the UK
• Willing to speak to future potential scholarship candidates
• Willing to maintain contact with the British Council and the chosen UK institution, and act as an ambassador for the GREAT Scholarships

For more information on the GREAT Scholarships and how to apply, click here.