Global Talent Fund BIG Scholarships 2026 in UK | Fully Funded

Global Talent Fund BIG Scholarships 2026 are now open for ambitious students worldwide who aspire to study at the University of Edinburgh in the UK. These prestigious scholarships cover full tuition, provide support for living expenses, and offer additional funding for research, internships, and academic projects outside the classroom. Designed to recognize extraordinary talent, the BIG (‘Backing Invisible Geniuses’) Program targets students who have excelled in international Olympiads and other high-level academic competitions.

Hosted annually by the University of Edinburgh, the Global Talent Fund BIG Scholarships 2026 aim to empower gifted individuals with world-class education opportunities. Supported by the Global Talent Fund in partnership with XTX Markets and the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, this initiative allows exceptional young scholars to advance their studies while gaining practical experience in research and innovation. In this guide, we’ll provide all the key details about eligibility, benefits, and the step-by-step application process for qualified applicants.

Benefits

• Covers tuition costs
• Provides assistance with living expenses
• Offers a stipend for academic pursuits outside the classroom
• Includes social events
• Facilitates networking opportunities
• Provides access to internships
• Supports research placements

Eligibility Criteria

The Global Talent Fund BIG Scholarships 2026 are open to students from any country who have earned a gold, silver or bronze medal in any of the following major international science Olympiads:

• International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO)
• International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI)
• International Physics Olympiad (IPhO)
• Romanian Master of Mathematics (RMM)
• European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad (EGMO) (gold or silver medal only)

Available programmes

The scholarships are awarded to applicants who are accepted for full-time admission to one of the following undergraduate degree programmes hosted in the School of Mathematics:

• BSc Applied Mathematics
• BSc Mathematics
• BSc Mathematics and Statistics
• MMath Applied Mathematics – (direct entry to second year only)
• MMath Mathematics – (direct entry to second year only)

How to Apply?

• First, make sure you have submitted your application for admission to the University of Edinburgh. Only applicants with a submitted admission application can access the scholarship system.
• After submitting your admission application, allow up to five working days for system checks to complete and access to the scholarship application to be granted.
• Once access is approved, log in to MyEd, the University’s web-based information portal, using your University User Name (UUN) and password.
• Complete the online scholarship application form located in EUCLID through MyEd. Ensure all required information is filled accurately.
• Submit your application well before the deadline to avoid technical issues, as late submissions may not be considered.
• The final deadline for submitting scholarship applications is 31st March 2026, 23:59 UK Time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Global Talent Fund BIG Scholarships 2026 provide merit-based funding for international undergraduates at the University of Edinburgh. Applicants must submit an admission application, complete the online scholarship form, meet academic criteria, and apply before 31 March 2026.