The Birkbeck International Excellence Scholarship provides financial support for international students beginning their studies at Birkbeck, University of London. Scholarships ranging from £1,000 to £5,000 are available for those starting undergraduate or postgraduate courses in autumn 2026, helping to make education more accessible to talented individuals from around the world.
Birkbeck, University of London has been transforming lives through higher education for nearly 200 years, offering evening study that enables students to work while they learn. The university fosters innovative, interdisciplinary research through various academic networks and maintains a strong commitment to supporting students from diverse backgrounds.
Birkbeck International Excellence Scholarship Benefits
- £5000 (tuition fee-only, first year only)
- £2000 (tuition fee-only, first year only)
- £1500 (tuition fee-only, first year only)
- £1000 (tuition fee only, first year only)
Birkbeck International Excellence Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- You are an international overseas tuition fee-paying student holding an unconditional offer on a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate taught program offered by Birkbeck, starting in autumn 2025
- You must have been assessed as an international fee payer to qualify
- You are an ordinary resident of a country in the relevant region
- You are self-funded
- You are classified as an ‘International’ tuition fee payer
- Only one scholarship award can be offered per student, and the scholarship cannot normally be held in conjunction with any other scholarship
How to Apply for Birkbeck International Excellence Scholarship
- Check the general entry requirements and apply to the university here
- Once you have received an unconditional offer from Birkbeck, you can apply using the online application form for the region where you ordinarily reside
- Successful scholars will be selected based on a statement of no more than 2,000 words in support of the application
- If you are successfully awarded this scholarship, you will be notified by e-mail
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Birkbeck International Excellence Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility criteria, benefits, application deadlines, and the step-by-step application process to help international students secure this financial support.
What is the Birkbeck International Excellence Scholarship?
The Birkbeck International Excellence Scholarship offers financial awards ranging from £1,000 to £5,000 for international students starting undergraduate or postgraduate courses at Birkbeck, University of London in autumn 2026. These scholarships are tuition fee-only awards applicable for the first year of study.
Who is eligible for this scholarship?
Eligible applicants must be international overseas tuition fee-paying students holding an unconditional offer for a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate taught program starting in autumn 2025. They must be assessed as international fee payers, self-funded, and ordinary residents of eligible regions including Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, and MENA countries.
What study levels does this scholarship support?
The Birkbeck International Excellence Scholarship supports both undergraduate (Bachelor’s) and postgraduate (Master’s) study levels. Applicants must be enrolled in full-time taught programs offered by Birkbeck, University of London.
What are the scholarship benefits?
The scholarship provides tuition fee-only awards in four amounts: £5,000, £2,000, £1,500, or £1,000. These awards apply only to the first year of study and cannot be combined with other full scholarships. Recipients must pay a £2,000 non-refundable deposit within two weeks of selection.
What is the application deadline?
For courses starting in autumn 2026, there are multiple deadline rounds: Round 1 closes on 17 May 2026, Round 2 on 21 June 2026, Round 3 on 19 July 2026, and a final round on 16 August 2026. All deadlines are at 11:59 pm GMT.
How do I apply for this scholarship?
First, apply to Birkbeck and receive an unconditional offer. Then complete the online application form specific to your region of residence. The application requires a supporting statement of up to 2,000 words explaining why you’re the ideal candidate and demonstrating provisions to fund remaining tuition fees.
Which countries are eligible for this scholarship?
Eligible regions include Africa (Sub-Saharan), Asia (Central, South, Southeast, and East Asia), the Caribbean, Latin America, and the MENA region. Specific country lists are provided in the application forms, with some exceptions like India which has separate Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarships.
Can I hold this scholarship with other awards?
No, only one scholarship award can be offered per student, and the Birkbeck International Excellence Scholarship cannot normally be held in conjunction with any other scholarship. This includes full scholarships like Chevening awards.
What happens after I’m awarded the scholarship?
Successful applicants receive notification by email and must complete payment of a £2,000 non-refundable deposit within the timeframe specified in the award letter (typically five to seven working days). This deposit secures the scholarship award.
Are there different application forms for different regions?
Yes, separate online application forms exist for South/Central Asia, East/Southeast Asia, Turkey/North Africa, the Americas (except Brazil), Sub-Saharan Africa, and international students based in the UK. Each form serves specific country groups with tailored eligibility requirements.
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